As the Christmas season approaches once again, families are beginning to finalize their wishlists and fill their calendars with events. But the holiday season has a whole other meaning for travelers. Wanderlust-struck individuals often dream of visiting new destinations around the holidays, especially those that feel as if they could be the set of a Hallmark movie.

The European Christmas markets do an excellent job of spreading the Christmas magic around their cities, and they have been attracting tourists from all over the world for quite some time now. Continue reading to gain inspiration for your European Christmas market bucket list.

Prague, Czech Republic

Prague gets really into the Christmas spirit, specifically in its celebration of St. Nicholas. The medieval architecture makes for a magical backdrop to its various Christmas markets spread throughout the city. The Old Town Square is home to a decked-out Christmas tree, manger scene and small petting zoo. Take a stroll through the markets, and you’ll be met with wooden toys, Czech marionettes, honeyed gingerbread and various other local treats. The locals celebrate St. Nicholas Day to the fullest here, with kids being tallied as naughty and nice.

Strasbourg, France

France has a plethora of holiday markets to choose from, but Strasbourg certainly takes the cake as one of the oldest and most beloved in the country. This French Christmas market draws tourists in with its caroling choirs, Nativity plays, mulled wine offerings, ice rinks and more. It would be impossible to imagine Strasbourg in the winter without the addition of its many wooden stalls selling classic Christmas decorations and delicacies.

Nuremberg, Germany

Although France and the Czech Republic are known to have some of the best Christmas markets around, Germany certainly gives them a run for their money. Nuremberg, in particular, is home to one of the largest Christmas markets in the world, Christkindlesmarkt. This bustling market is located in the main square, which attracts millions of shoppers each year, both local and international. As you walk through this market, you’ll be greeted by scents of gingerbread and bratwurst, two foods the Germans could not live without during the holiday season.

These three European Christmas markets are not to be missed, but there remain many others to be explored in addition to them. From Austria to England to Sweden to Croatia, Europe takes the holiday season seriously and is an inviting atmosphere for travelers near and far. As you plan out your travels for the following year, you should highly consider taking a December vacation through these jolly markets.