10 enchanting Christmas markets across Europe

Europe has amazing street markets with plenty of gifts, food and activities as the Christmas season unfolds.

Christmas markets are a fantastic way to get into the holiday spirit. Visitors can wander through enchanting Christmas market stalls full of tempting treats while enjoying a festive atmosphere.

Here are 10 of the top markets across Europe:

Striezelmarkt,Dresden, Germany

Dresden’s Christmas market, traditionally known as the Striezelmarkt, is the oldest documented Christmas market in Germany, lasting over 580 years.

The market takes up Dresden's city centre with over 250 stands throughout the Advent season. A Ferris wheel, shimmering lights, Christmas carols, mulled wine and gingerbread can all found at this market.

It’s a romantic experience at night, and enchanting during the day. Stallholders douse their stalls with elaborate decorations reflecting the goodies inside their stall.

Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham, UK

The Frankfurt Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas markets in the UK in terms of size and visitor number.

It is the largest and most authentic market outside of Germany of Austria.

Victoria's Square is transformed into a paradise for Christmas lovers with elaborate stand decorations.

This one is great for the Christmas market lovers. Dive into the holidays with activities from ice skating to a carousel.

Belfast Christmas Market,Belfast, Ireland

The Belfast Christmas Market has continental food, decorations, hand-painted pottery and more.

It's packed with 90 charming stalls with traders from Spain, France, Germany and Italy.

Those who visit this market in Belfast City Hall will enjoy sampling food from around the world. Munch on crepes from France, Belgian chocolates and more.

Visitors are able to write Santa a letter, and he will reply.

Leeds Christkindelmarkt, West Yorkshire, UK

Christkindelmarkt, also known as Leeds, attracts over 100,000 visitors each year.

Leeds contains over 40 festive wooden stalls to the breathtaking Millennium Square. At the market, people will find handcrafted toys, jewelry, Christmas decorations, specialty foods and traditional delicacies.

Bath, U.K.

The award winning Bath Christmas Market is packed with 170 stalls full of Christmas sights and sounds.

Winter Wonders (Plaisirs d'Hiver or Winterpret), Brussels, Belgium

Track on foot through the heart of Brussels for some Christmas spirit.

Colorful stalls gleam with lights and seasonal music. Filled with a Ferris wheel, ice-skating rink and attractions, the market has something fun for everyone.

Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt, Stuttgart, Germany

Stuttgart Christmas Market, known in German as the Stuttgarter Weihnachtsmarkt, is one of the biggest and oldest Christmas markets in Europe.

The market holds about 200 stands and is visited by around 3.6 million people every year.

The market is unique with its decorated roof tops and events.

Copenhagen, Denmark

For a charming holiday experience, visit the dozens of stalls that fill Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen from mid-November to January.

Fairy lights sprawl over the garden, illuminating stands filled with sweets and gifts.

Multiple light shows dazzle visitors throughout each evening.

London, U.K.

As Christmas season approaches, fairy lights and booths take over Hyde Park in London for the annual Winter Wonderland.

For six weeks, Hyde Park transforms into a magical atmosphere filled with holiday spirit. The market started in 2007 and has been attracting thousands of visitors every year since.

For a variety of holiday sights, markets also open up on Regent Street and in Covent Garden.

Salzburg, Austria

With documentation of this market going back to the 15th century, it stands as one of the oldest in Europe.

Held in Cathedral Square, booths are set up under rows of lights in a picturesque setting. Nearly 100 vendors set up in the square.

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