The UK is home to the second best Christmas market in the entire world, according to a new ranking.
Hyde Park Winter Wonderland has beaten out a number of historic markets including popular markets in Prague, New York and even Frankfurt.
It took second place in the research by Planet Cruise, based on a series of factors including number of stalls, open dates, Tripadvisor ratings and reviews, and various other social media metrics.
Since it first opened in 2007, Hyde Park has become a Christmas staple for millions of Brits, laying on 100 rides and attractions including a giant wheel, ice show, and many bars and restaurants.
It was only beaten to the top of the podium by Bryant Park Winter Village in New York, which is open three times longer than Hyde Park's 45 day run.
Bryant Park has an impressive 170 stalls and a huge 17,000 sq/ft ice rink which is free.
In third place is Canada's Toronto Christmas Market, which runs for a more manageable 45 days and has just 80 stalls.
However, it makes up for its more modest size with an excellent festive atmosphere created by a well designed light display, a fusion of modern crafts and traditional European treats, and only allowing pedestrians.
Toronto beat its Canadian rival Spruce Meadows Christmas Markets in Calgary into fourth place, despite the hefty 414 stall size of the latter.
Calgary goes big and quick on its Christmas market, with the huge festive circus pitching up and then shutting down in just nine short days.
During the time you'll be able to pick up festive goods from a vast array of stalls and say hello to the on-site reindeer.
In fifth place is another from the UK's now excellent Christmas market scene, which proudly supports big hitters such as Birmingham Frankfurt and Nottingham's.
It's York Christmas Market that makes the list however, due in no small part to the obscenely idyllic and picturesque atmosphere created by buying a ginger bread man on the city's winding and cobbled streets, magnificent minster towering overhead.
The market's new addition this year is the the Winter Hütte, which offers a ‘Swiss with a Twist’ dining experience from one of Yorkshire’s best-known chefs, the Michelin-starred Andrew Pern.
In sixth place is the Union Square Holiday Market in New York.
From mid-November to Christmas Day the market attracts thousands of visitors from all around the world. Welcoming 160 vendors, you can get in the festive spirit with gifts from local artists, craftsmen and entrepreneurs.
You can also try all the festive foodie options the market has to offer, from hot chocolate to mulled wine, classic eggnog to toffee apples, and gingerbread biscuits to roasted chestnuts.
In seventh is the classic Frankfurt Christmas Market.
With Römerberg and Paulsplatz as the backdrop for this German Christmas market and a 30m Christmas tree topped with over 300 red ribbons, there’s no denying that the Frankfurt market is a marvel to look at.
Its history also dates all the way back to the 14th century when mystery plays were performed on the Römerberg.
Dresden Christmas Market follows on in eighth, a market located in the Altmarkt, the oldest square in the city, where knight tournaments were once held.
It stretches over half a mile long between Prager Strasse and Hauptstrasse and features around 250 stands each year, offering local products and delicacies.
Wroclaw Christmas Market in Poland places ninth and treats people to a number of magical attractions, including a three-level fairytale house, complete with observation deck, and a small tower with an illuminated clock.
Krakow Christmas Market finishes off the top ten.
From the end of November until just after Christmas Day, you can experience the festive magic of this charming Polish city which really comes into its own during the winter season.
Taking place on the city’s huge central square, Rynek Glowny, with around 80 stalls, there’s plenty to see, do and try at this Christmas market.
Find out more at planetcruise.com.
