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15 European Christmas Markets We Love To Love Year After Year

Where chestnuts really are roasting on open fires.
By 

Senior Editor, HuffPost

If you were wondering whether Christmastime really is the most wonderful time of the year, look no further than Europe's Christmas markets. Seriously, your face will light up, your heart will warm and you might even begin searching for last-minute flights overseas.

From the 445-year-old market in Strasbourg, France to the utterly charming winter wonderlands in Basel, Switzerland and Vall d'Aosta, Italy, there's a market for everyone. Load up on the world's finest pastries while sipping hot chocolate, stock up on local crafts, or take a ride on a carousel while waiting to visit with Santa Claus.

Check out some, though definitely not all, European Christmas markets worth your time. Some are the iconic ones we look forward to every year, and others are the lesser-known spots that are just as lovely (and probably far less crowded).

Frankfurt, Germany
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One of the most famous and largest markets in Germany, the Frankfurt Christmas market is located in St. Paul's Square and is oh-so-charming.
Vienna, Austria
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Christmas markets dot the Austrian capital city, and are located in iconic places like in front of City Hall and the famous Belvedere Palace. The markets are filled with chestnut and punch stands, and loads of handcrafted goods that make perfect holiday gifts.
Salzburg, Austria
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Handcrafted decorations, delicious pastries and tons of ambiance make the Salzburg Christmas market one of Europe's most famous.
Milan, Italy
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Markets are organized all over the city of Milan during the holiday season, and are filled with local treats and gifts for everyone on your list.
Vall d'Aosta, Italy
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The traditional Christmas village of Aosta, called the "Marché Vert Noël," looks like a magical fairy tale because organizers turn the Roman Theatre into an alpine village. There are crafts and sweets galore.
Wroclaw, Poland
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This lesser-known though equally lovely market is located in the old city's Market Square.
Strasbourg, France
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Founded in 1570, Strasbourg's Christmas market is a truly special site to see. It's known as the oldest Christmas market in France and showcases the finest of Alsatian fare.
Tallinn, Estonia
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Held in Town Hall Square in Tallinn, this Estonian Christmas market looks straight out of a Disney movie. Little huts surround the most famous Christmas tree in the country.
Copenhagen, Denmark
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Christmas in Copenhagen is just as festive as it sounds. The Tivoli Gardens' Christmas market is filled with decorated wooden houses, snow-topped trees and of course, Santa Claus.
Helsinki, Finland
Jussi Hellsten
The Christmas market in Helsinki, Finland shows off the city's best restaurants as well as crafts and goods perfect for your home.
Stockholm, Sweden
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The market at the Big Square in Old Town, Stockholm is the oldest and most festive one in the city.
Basel, Switzerland
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Close your eyes and imagine the most perfect, snowy Christmas scene. Good news! That perfect scene exists in Basel, Switzerland, where we're pretty sure you can't get more Christmas-y if you tried.
Prague, Chez Republic
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It's huge, crowded and can't be missed -- Prague's Old Town Square is a happy Christmas wonderland this time of year.
Edinburgh, Scotland
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There are a few markets to see in Edinburgh but the one in Prince Street Gardens has a children's market that's part of Santa Land.
Madrid, Spain
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The Christmas market in Madrid's Plaza Mayor is colorful, festive and filled with family fun. Ride the carousel and take it all in.

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