With less and less of old Europe left to cherish, what a joy then to embrace whispers of traditional culture when they pop up in our travels. One such bastion of Old World heritage and folklore is the Christmas market.

The best markets evoke a kind of romantic, cozy vision of the season and convey the type of Christmas that perhaps was the norm for the protagonists of the Ingmar Bergman film Fanny and Alexander. Unimaginable creations to eat and drink, warm garments to ward off winter’s chill, beautiful, timeless handicrafts and of course, music, revelry and general merriment everywhere. All in all, a good reason to be alive, whether you celebrate Christmas or not.

If you want authentic Christmas markets, look no further. Here are the best of the best Europe has to offer.

Strasbourg, France

The gorgeous Alsace city has held the very popular Christkindelsmärik, near the grand Cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg, since 1570.

Bressanone, Italy

The South Tyrol province of Bolzano-Bozen is your best bet for traditional Christmas market fun in Italy, which makes sense since it borders Austria. Start with the lively hamlet of Brixen, or Bressanone.

Bolzano, Italy

The capital of Bolzano-Bozen also has a superb market every December. Though the South Tyrol is popular with winter sports lovers, the main draw here is pure authenticity without the big tourist crowds.

Merano, Italy

A notable spa resort and place of asylum for the likes of Kafka and Pound, Merano offers a fabulous backdrop in December, with typical Tyrol charm.

Villach, Austria

On to Austria, where Christmas markets have a strong legacy, most notably in Carinthia, where the town of Villach connects the vast Alpe-Adria bioregion. This of course, results in some phenomenal market fare. Nearby Klagenfurt is worth a trip as well.

Salzburg, Austria

A UNESCO World Heritage city like Salzburg is a magical place to explore anytime of year. Even more so in December however, when the Old Town comes to life with a market at the foot of the Salzburger Dom.

Liège, Belgium

Belgium too, has a passion for Christmas markets. With a sincere apology to Bruges however, which has a fine market, we love the old Wallonia charm of Liège.

Aarhus, Denmark

Denmark has many marvelous Christmas traditions, all of which go on display in towns across the country in December. This is one country that takes the season very, very seriously and with much festive flair. The East Jutland city of Aarhus hosts a spectacular market in the Ridehuset or Equestrian Hall, with close to one-hundred stalls to peruse.

Aalborg, Denmark

Enjoy a sip of Glög as you watch Santa Claus arrive by boat from Greenland in front of Aalborghus Castle. Indeed, Aalborg is a first-rate Christmas market town.

Odense, Denmark

The Hans Christian Andersen Christmas market in Odense is a must-see, period.

Copenhagen, Denmark

From the Christmas stalls in Tivoli Gardens to the special allure of Freetown Christiania’s Christmas market, December in Copenhagen is sublime.

Gothenburg, Sweden

The second city of Sweden has the most spectacular and swanky Christmas market in Scandinavia, let alone Sweden – bar none.

Check out great hotel rates in Gothenburg.

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12