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By Joe Minihane, CNN
From Austria’s Vienna, to Sweden’s Gothenburg, here are the European towns and cities that revel in Christmas like no other place.
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The Austrian capital is packed full of festive charm at Christmas time.
The beautiful Austrian capital oozes festive charm come the end of the year.
And while the towering Christmas tree and iconic Christmas market based outside the spectacular Rathaus, Vienna’s City Hall, are essential stop offs, Spittelberg market definitely ups the ante.
Gorgeous handicrafts and handmade sweaters are just some of the treats on offer at the festive stalls set among the streets of the Biedermeier Quarter.
Visitors can grab a gluhwein and take a slow stroll, while marveling at how the architecture seems tailor-made for the holidays.
On the banks of Hallstätter See and surrounded by soaring Alpine peaks, the town of Hallstatt and its stunning landscape enjoy UNESCO protection.
The 16th-century townhouses, tiny lanes and virtual guarantee of snow come Christmas make this the ultimate destination for getting into the festive mood.
Hallstatt’s Christmas market, centered around the Market Square, is the stuff of legend.
Picture a brightly lit tree, a nativity scene crafted by local woodworking experts and stalls selling decorations, handicrafts and mulled wine and you’re halfway to imagining just how special this spot is.
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This fairytale Austrian town provides much winter magic come this time of year.
Tromso’s status as a cultural hub has long been assured, with its stunning Arctic Cathedral the home of regular concerts and events.
But it’s over the festive season, when there is no daylight, that the city, located high above the Arctic Circle, becomes a must-see.
The streets are bedecked with lights, while Christmas market stalls are dotted everywhere, including next to the Mack Brewery, the most northerly brewery in the world.
Visitors can sip on a beer or a hot chocolate from Rakettkiosken on the main square, where there’s a fire pit for warmth, before taking the cable car above the city to catch a glimpse of aurora borealis, or the northern lights.
There are plenty of wonderful Christmas markets to be found all over Europe. But few capture the imagination or revel in a fairytale setting quite like that of Colmar, in the Alsace region of France.
No less than six themed markets can be found in the center, linked by illuminated streets, where cozy wooden chalets are packed tightly together. The result is truly remarkable.
At around 5 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays, a children’s choir takes to the local canal, known as Petite Venise, or Little Venice, singing carols and providing even more holiday cheer.
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This riverside town in Germany's Rhine Valley is a great destination to visit at Christmas time.
Situated in the heart of the Rhine Valley’s wine-making country, Rudesheim am Rhine is a top destination throughout the year.
However, once the night draws in and Christmas comes into view, the town, a short boat or train ride from Frankfurt, takes on a special atmosphere.
Those arriving by riverboat can hop on the free shuttle that runs from the water’s edge to the Christmas Market of Nations, which is filled with stalls selling gifts and traditional festive dishes from across the globe.
The town’s medieval buildings and alleyways ensure everything retains a classic festive feel.
Sipping on a Rudesheimer coffee, made with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and brandy is a surefire way to keep out the chill.
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Filled with medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and canals, Bruges is at its most beautiful during the festive season.
Once a vital trading metropolis, Bruges’ UNESCO-protected medieval center is filled with buildings that resemble gingerbread houses once the festive lights are strung up.
Each year, the annual Winter Glow festival transforms the entire city into one big festive celebration.
There are two Christmas markets, a light trail and, best of all, a floating ice rink on Minnewater, the Lake of Love.
All visitors should indulge in a delicious Belgian hot chocolate paired with a waffle. There’s no finer way to get into the spirit of the season.
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