The Christmas market season is officially underway, with many festive fans planning trips to Europe. For those who haven’t decided on a destination, travel blogger Helene Sula has a long list of recommendations, covering everything from the markets with the best food to those with the most beautiful decorations.

Posting on her popular TikTok page @heleneinbetween, Helene revealed her favourite markets, as someone who has visited over one hundred of them. Helene wrote: “After going to over 100 Christmas markets, here are my awards. She then shared videos from her favourite picks, sharing recommendations for fellow festive fans.

For her first award, Helene said Strasbourg, in France, wins ‘best decor’. Often nicknamed the ‘Capital of Christmas’, Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, boasting four centuries of tradition.

For her second award, Helene said Frankfurt, in Germany, had the ‘most surprising’ market, and she thought Bratislava, in Slovakia, offered the ‘best vibes’. The travel blogger loved the drinks on offer at Heidelberg, in Germany, and suggested the market had the ‘best glühwein.” For ‘least crowded’, she voted Linz, in Austria.

Helene also praised Brussels, in Belgium, suggesting the market offers the ‘best food’. According to the market’s website, it boasts more than 200 chalets, showcasing the capital’s heritage and culture. Next, the blogger revealed her ‘most unique’ award, which went to Ribeauvillé, in France.

For ‘most charming’, she voted Colmar, also in France. However, Gengenbach, in Germany, won the title of ‘most affordable.’ For those interested in a spot of festive shopping, Aachen, in Germany, was awarded the ‘best shopping’ title. As for ‘best themed markets’, Helene thought Cologne, in Germany, was a worthy winner.

Next, she crowned Vienna, in Austria, as the winner of the ‘most beautiful’ award. The tourism board says that Austria is the place to pick for ‘romantic Christmas markets’ with ‘glistening lights and seasonal treats’.

Finally, Helene suggested that Budapest, in Hungary, was the ‘best city to explore outside of the market.’ Festive activities advertised by the tourism board include the Christmas tram, ice rinks, Christmas concerts, and, of course, the markets.

Social media users loved the suggestions. Responding to the video, one fan wrote: “Going next month!! Cannot wait. Thanks for this list.” A second said: “I need to see this.”

Someone else commented: “I loved the elf market in Cologne so much!” Another festive fan replied: “I’ve been to both Aachen and Cologne, this year I’ll be going to Duisburg! I am a big fan of Currywurst!”

They added: “I forgot Düsseldorf, I’ve been to that one too, but it wasn’t on your list.” A different comment said: “Yay. My town Cologne made it. Although I gotta visit Brussels and try that food.”