The best Christmas markets taking place in 2022

There's nothing quite like a festive market to bring out the Christmas spirit in people.

While these events can be traced back to Vienna -- the city's first recorded December market was in 1298 -- the tradition has spread across the world over the centuries.

From Germany, to Switzerland, to New York, it's difficult to find a coveted destination that doesn't hold an impressive annual advent market.

In fact, some have grown so popular, they've become tourist attractions in their own right.

Over the past few years, a number of well-known festive markets were forced to either scale back or cancel festivities all together due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the vast majority are returning for 2022.

Here's our rundown of the some of the top Christmas markets around the world this year.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt, Austria

Viennese Dream Christmas Market is one of the city's oldest and most traditional events.

With reindeer rides, a giant Ferris wheel and a classic nativity scene to marvel at, Vienna's magical spectacle encapsulates the festive spirit fantastically.

Although there are around 20 Christmas markets in the Austrian capital to choose from, Wiener Christkindlmarkt, held in front of City Hall, or Rathausplatz, is one of its oldest and most traditional events.

According to officials, the event, also known as Viennese Dream Christmas Market, will be more family friendly this year, with larger areas dedicated to younger visitors, including a 150-square-meter children's ice rink. There will also be a strong sustainability focus.

The famous Tree of Hearts, a giant maple tree decked out with hundreds of glittering hearts, is a hot favorite with visitors and a great photo opportunity.

There are also over 150 stalls offering up tasty treats like Austrian sausages and gingerbread cookies, along with homemade Christmas punch.

Wiener Christkindlmarkt runs from November 19 to December 26 in 2022.

Basel Christmas Market, Switzerland

Basel Christmas Market consists of nearly 200 wooden stalls selling Christmas spices, decorations and candles.

It's hard to find a destination that does Christmas better than Switzerland.

Most Swiss towns are pretty much taken over by festive markets at this time of year and the atmosphere is incredible. Basel Christmas Market is the biggest and arguably the best around.

Separated into two different sections at Barfusserplatz and Munsterplatz, it's made up of nearly 200 fabulously decorated stalls selling Christmas spices, decorations and candles.

Families attractions include the Christmas fairytale forest at Munsterplatz with activities such as gingerbread and candle decorating, a star workshop and a festive train.

Basel Christmas Market opens on November 24 and is scheduled to run until December 23.

Strasbourg Christmas Market, France

Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg Christmas Market lights up this French city annually.

One of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, Strasbourg began back in 1570, but it's evolved considerably since then.

Spread over more than 10 locations, including a section of the UNESCO world heritage site of Grande Île, the hugely popular market lights up the city with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights and festive ornaments.

Pre-Covid, an estimated two million people a year attended the market, which features hundreds of wooden chalet stalls selling everything from decorations and presents to local Alsatian wine.

Place Klebe is probably its most popular spot thanks to the Great Christmas Tree on display.

But visitors will find plenty of magical sights while wandering through the city's narrow alleyways and pretty squares.

Strasbourg Christmas Market kicks off on November 25 to December 24.

Brussels Winter Wonders, Belgium

Brussels Winter Wonders is one of the biggest events in Belgium.

Brussels really comes to life at Christmas time thanks to Winter Wonders, which is more akin to a festival than a market.

The annual extravaganza, which extends across the Bourse, Place de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine and Marche aux Poissons, is one of Belgium's biggest and most popular events.

A light and sound show, ice skating, and fairground rides are among the activities to enjoy, while visitors can also browse through 200 or so chalets serving glühwein, Belgian beers and waffles and stare in wonder at the enormous Christmas tree erected in Grand Place.

Brussels Winter Wonders will run from November 25 to January 1, 2023.

Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square Christmas markets, Prague, Czech Republic.

Prague has several festive markets, but the main events are those in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

To say Prague goes all out at Christmas is something of an understatement.

The Czech Republic capital is the very definition of a winter wonderland during the festive period.

While there's no shortage of markets throughout the city, the main ones are found in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square.

Thankfully these spots are only a few minutes' walk apart, so revelers can easily visit both in a day.

Old Town Square provides endless entertainment in the form of live shows, dance performances and creative workshops, while Wenceslas Square is great for handmade gifts and locals treats like klobasa (Czech sausage) and mulled wine.

The markets will run from November 26 to January 6, 2023.

Fira de Santa Llucia, Barcelona

Fira de Santa Llucia takes place in Barcelona every year.

Dating back to 1786, Fira de Santa Llucia has grown from a one-day event to commemorate the feast day of Santa Llucia, which falls on December 13, to a three-week fair.

Held right outside Barcelona Cathedral, the bustling market is separated into four different sections.

The first is nativity and figurines, where visitors can pick up nativity scene type decorations and figurines. Greenery and plants is packed with both natural and artificial trees and various types of plants.

The crafts section features handmade products and jewelry, while simbombes is designated for musical instruments.

There are also many festive activities like storytelling, a Christmas parade, and the caga tio, an enormous pinata-style Christmas log that spills out candy and gifts when beaten with a stick.

Fira de Santa Llucia will be taking place from November 25 to December 23 in 2022.

I Mercati Natale, Piazza Santa Croce, Florence

Piazza Santa Croce provides a stunning setting for the festive market that's brought from Germany to Italy annually.

There's much to see at this enchanting market, but nothing can top the beautiful backdrop supplied by Santa Croce's Franciscan Basilica.

Although this traditional fair is transported from Heidelberg, Germany to Florence every year, it's a very Italian affair in many ways thanks to the scenery and the many Italian treats, such as panforte, for sale.

However, there's certainly no shortage of gingerbread, strudel and traditional Heidelberg Lebkuchen cookies.

Those who take a walk to the nearby Piazza del Duomo will be treated to a magnificent nativity scene, as well as an impressive Christmas tree that's lit up on December 8 for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.

I Mercati Natale begins on November 19 and is set to close on December 18.

-cnn