Picture this — you’re bundled in layers of comfy clothing, eating a delicious seasonal sweet, surrounded by beautiful lights, and celebrating with friends and family. If you’re at all tickled by the holiday spirit, you have to make your way to one of the world’s Christmas markets. While the art has been perfected in Europe since the Middle Ages, all around the world you can find festive markets to celebrate the year’s end. Here are the best of the bunch.

Strasbourg, France

The Christmas markets in Strasbourg are widely regarded as some of the most stunning in the entire continent of Europe. The tradition is old — very old — dating back to the year 1570, and today there are 10 locations throughout the city with over 300 stalls. If you’re a real enthusiast, you could genuinely spend the better part of a week getting lost down Strasbourg’s narrow alleyways and beautiful squares all decked out in Christmas spirit.

Vienna, Austria

Before Strasbourg began its Christmas traditions in the 16th century, Austria already had 300 years of practice. In 1298, Albrecht I granted Vienna’s citizens the privilege of holding a December Market, or Krippenmarkt. The themes have changed quite a bit over the last 700 years, but today you can still find seasonal treats, handcrafted goods, punch, chestnuts, and international choirs singing carols. There are about 10 markets throughout the city but the most famous is the Viennese Dream Christmas Market that takes place in front of the City Hall between November 16th and December 26th, 2018. While you’re in town, consider tasting whiskey in Vienna.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens is a year-round fairground with shops, stalls, local eats, and rides for the whole family. However, December is when the park truly comes to life. Between November 17th and December 31st, Tivoli Gardens transforms into a festive community of bright lights, quaint little snow-covered wooden houses, 60 stalls, and delicious food and drinks. You can also catch a viewing of the Nutcracker at the Tivoli Concert Hall. For other fun things to do in Denmark, check out Denmark with Lecia Q.

Munich, Germany

Most unbiased Europeans will tell you that Munich is the reigning king of Christmas markets. There are more than 20 spread throughout the city on any given December, so you won’t be the least bit bored. Christkindlmarkt is the city’s oldest and biggest with over 150 wooden huts selling everything from toys to gingerbread and mulled wine. The Marienplatz has a huge famous Christmas tree, and the nearby Kripperlmarkt has Munich’s largest nativity scene.

Tokyo, Japan

While Europe lays claim to the most iconic markets, there’s something to be said for heading east come December. The markets in Tokyo offer the best options for Christmas in Japan: How to Celebrate the Holidays in the Land of the Rising Sun. Head to Roppongi Hills, Hibiya Park, or Yebisu Garden Place to see Japan’s unique take on Christmas spirit.

Moscow, Russia

Few things are more festive than the Christmas market in Moscow’s Red Square with the backdrop of the St. Basil’s Basilica. The towering buildings of the Kremlin make for great photo opportunities, especially when they’re blanketed in snow. The market surrounds one of the city’s largest ice-skating rinks, so feel free to get active. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make your way to the stalls serving Russian delicacies like baked potatoes with mushrooms and pickles or pancakes with caviar.

Toronto, Canada

For another alternative to the traditional European scene, Toronto carries its weight as an excellent destination for Christmas markets. Staying true to its roots as an international city, here you’ll find everything from German bratwursts to Belgian waffles, Chilean wine, and old European-style cobblestoned streets. Pro tip: don’t eat the poutine immediately prior to boarding the carousel.

Cambria Christmas Market, California

If travelling to Europe or Japan isn’t on the cards for you, the Cambria Christmas Market effectively brings the magic of Germany to the sunshine of California. Sit on Santa’s lap (no shame for grown-ups), explore the artisan market, party in the beer garden, and join in on the caroling. For a more detailed rundown of the event, check out Santa’s Coming: A Guide to the Cambria Christmas Market.

Did we miss your favourite Christmas Market? Aie aie aie! Let us know in the comment box and help us complete our list of the best Christmas Markets! Ho, ho, ho!