The 11 best Christmas markets to put on your bucket list

Christmas markets are a cherished tradition in Europe. Millions of visitors each year rug up in their best woollies, braving the snow to experience unique handcrafts, regional delicacies and festive atmospheres, including enchanting light shows, sky-high Christmas trees and magical ice-skating rinks. If you're dreaming of a white Christmas, here are some of Europe's best festive markets to help you plan your next holiday.

The Christmas market in the historical centre of Gdansk, Poland, comes alive with lights and festive music as night descends. Watch traditional artisans carve Christmas ornaments, enjoy festive live theatre, dance and carols, and allow Mr and Mrs Orzechowski, a beloved pair of grandparents dressed in traditional attire, to guide you through the magical history of the market as you frolic through Gdansk's picturesque streets. The kids will love the Venetian carousel, Santa's Corner and the famous talking moose Lucek in his hideaway. bozonarodzeniowy.pl/en

Prague has at least four Christmas markets, including Old Town, Republic, Wenceslas and Peace Squares. All are known for their foodie offerings and warm drinks, including spiced mulled wine and hot chocolate, as well as their beautiful wooden chalets and handmade arts and crafts. Pick up a lovingly crafted candle and candle holder, children's clothes and advent calendars, all of which will make excellent and unique gifts back home. praguest.com/en/prague-magical-christmas-markets

Some know Strasbourg as the "capital of Christmas", home to France's oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1570. Locals decorate their homes, the shop windows sparkle, the smell of cinnamon and spices waft in the breeze, and the city is lit like a fairytale kingdom. The Christmas tree at Place Kleber holds a special place here. Make sure you head to the Humanist Library in Selestat to see the first written mention of a Christmas tree in a carefully preserved old document from 1521. christmas.alsace/strasbourg-christmas-market

With a dazzling ice skating rink, the Craiova, Romania market is the largest Christmas event in Europe, spanning more than 280,000 square metres in various locations. Lose yourself in four different Christmas "worlds". The main area has a prized Christmas tree and a Beauty and the Beast theme. You can also visit Santa's Village, boasting a panoramic Ferris wheel and sleigh. A Romanian Christmas area is decked out in traditional decorations and features a choir singing carols, and the Galactic Christmas area boasts a futuristic Star Wars theme. romaniaexperience.com/craiovas-christmas-market-visiting-europes-hidden-holiday-gem/

The aromas of roasted almonds, cinnamon and ginger fill the air at Dome Square in Latvia for the annual Christmas markets. Latvian artists shine, selling traditional gifts like gingerbread and woollen socks and gloves. You can get creative by purchasing one of the many decorating kits to make a wreath or Christmas decorations at home. Make sure you walk the Riga Christmas lights trail through the Latvian National Opera Square, Bastejkalns and Kronvalda parks and learn Latvian fairytales with accompanying music. liveriga.com/en/2795-riga-christmas-market

There is an old legend that Santa comes from Valkenburg in the Netherlands. The small Dutch town on the river Geul transforms into "Kerststad Valkenburg" ("Christmas town Valkenburg") during the holidays and Europe's largest underground Christmas market. The Christmas story is told in 30 metres of miniature villages and in the city's unique "caves". Time your visit to coincide with the Landal Christmas Parade, an illuminated procession of decorated floats and groups of dancers in glamorous costumes, accompanied by a Christmas soundtrack. christmastownvalkenburg.com

The Geneva Christmas market at Quai du Mont-Blanc on the picturesque shores of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, is a food haven with street stalls selling raclette and mulled wine, as well as antique carousels and a children's yurt where fairytales are shared. You can even enjoy a fairytale fondue in a horse-drawn carriage through the Old Town. geneve.com/en/see-do/geneva-christmas-market

Prepare to be entranced by a Baroque carousel, a historic medieval market, vendors selling honey and traditional wood-fired bread, local liquors and gin, and perfumery. But the Christmas market in Essen, Germany, is not only magical - it is also sustainable, using 100 per cent green electricity, including for its renowned light display featuring changing motifs. Many of the stalls offer organic, fair trade and regional produce. visitessen.de/essentourismus_veranstaltungen/essen__weihnachten_/startseite.en.html

Zagreb, Croatia's Christmas market in Ban Jelacic Square, has something special for the children: hand-carved wooden toys from the Hrvatsko Zagorje region in northern Croatia that hark back to a 19th-century tradition. Buy the soft wood toys - whistles, birds, butterflies and spinning dancers - and know no two are the same. And don't forget to pick up a heart-shaped painted gingerbread cookie, a symbol of Croatia. visitcroatia.com/christmas-markets/christmas-in-zagreb/

The Advent Bazilika Christmas market in Szent Istvan Square in Budapest features more than 150 artisans making leathergoods, jewellery and ceramics, plus an array of traditional Hungarian culinary delights including handmake chocolates, "chimney cakes", preserves and local wine. There's also a charming ice-skating rink and musical performances. adventbazilika.hu/en/

Germany's oldest "Striezelmarkt", located at Dresden's Altmarkt, is known for its extensive selection of Saxon handicrafts, with more than 200 traders making Christmas stars, gingerbread, lace and more. Ride the historic Ferris wheel and revel in the joyous sounds of the barrel organ as you munch on bratwurst, ferry floss and "plum potatoes". The showroom bakery is sure to be a showstopper, where Dresden's stollen bakers demonstrate their skills on a wood-fired oven. striezelmarkt.dresden.de/en/