DO YOU dream of roasting chestnuts over an open fire?

Or walking through a winter wonderland as you hear sleigh bells ring?

Well Europe at Christmas time is the place to be to make all those dreams come true.

I've been lucky enough to trade-in Australia's balmy festive season for a northern-hemisphere Christmas twice so far in my lifetime and the experience lived up to all my expectations and more.

On my last visit I was determined to take in the magic of some of the best Christmas markets on the continent.

My tour took me from the Czech Republic's capital of Prague, into Germany and Austria before finishing in Hungary's capital, Budapest.

There's no question the Germans know how to stage a spectacular Christmas market but Prague and Budapest's offerings didn't disappoint.

Traditional festive markets held in historic cities, towns and villages throughout Europe from about mid-November, are becoming increasingly more popular, due, no doubt, to the enchanting atmosphere they evoke.

So if you're tired of commercialism taking over this holiday period why not venture north to where Christmas carols make sense and see what our European friends have to offer.

Prague, Czech Republic

Held in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, Prague's markets consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional handicrafts like glassware, jewellery, embroidered lace, wooden toys, Christmas tree ornaments, hats, gloves and scarves, and puppets and dolls beautifully dressed in traditional costumes.

Nothing mass-produced, only craftwork of real quality.

But the Christmas markets are not just about shopping. Visitors can observe traditional foods being made, and sample all manner of local produce.

The Christmas markets at the Old Town Square also have an animal stable, where children can stroke sheep, goats and a donkey. And there is a large Bethlehem scene depicting Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus and the Three Kings in a wooden stable.

Most impressive of all is the Christmas tree, shipped in from Ceska Lipa, which is north of Prague. The tree is erected at the Old Town Square and draped in a blaze of lights. It is switched on every night about 5pm, and makes a spectacular sight, set against Prague's dark gothic skyline.

But what is Christmas without carols? School choirs often perform late afternoon on a stage at the Old Town Square. The children, dressed in traditional costumes, travel from all over the Czech Republic to sing.

Nuremberg, Germany

Soak up the medieval charm and the aroma of gingerbread, Nuremberg bratwurst and gluhwein at Nuremberg's famous Christkindlesmarkt on the Hauptmarkt square in the old quarter.

Every year, by Christmas Eve, more than two million visitors from all over the world will have sampled the market's delights.

About 180 wooden stalls, festooned with red-and-white cloth, have given the Christmas Market its name of "Little Town from Wood and Cloth".

Each year 200 stallholders present their traditional wares - Nuremberg spicy gingerbread, fruit loaves, and typical Christmas articles such as Christmas tree angels, cribs, ornaments, candles and toys.

Favourite souvenirs include the Nuremberg Plum People, little figures made from prunes.

To eat and drink you must try Nuremberg's roast sausages and a mug of mulled wine.

Christmas Market Council staff always keep a watchful eye on the goods being sold by vendors. Absolutely forbidden is any kind of modern tat, such as plastic fir garlands and mass-produced toys.

Regensburg, Germany

During advent, the streets and squares in Regensburg are filled with sparkling Christmas lights and a very special atmosphere embraces the UNESCO World Heritage city.

Regensburg's Christmas Market is probably one of the prettiest and if you can visit after the sun has gone down, it's well worth it.

The stalls surrounding the 500-year-old Neupfarr Church and in front of the classical columns of the former city guardhouse sell a glittering range of Christmas decorations, traditional nativity crib scenes with carved figures, children's toys and other very practical presents.

The creative people who have made all these objects are happy to explain techniques, and to encourage visitors to make things themselves.

Linz, Austria

The baroque scenery makes the Christmas Market on the Main Square in Linz truly unique.

Here you will find handicrafts, warming drinks and delicious gingerbread. Lovely decorated stalls invite you to linger.

The size of the main market in Austria's third largest city is surprisingly comparable to that of one in a capital city.

You can saunter around town, buy beautiful Christmas presents and inhale the scent of Bratwurstel and mulled wine to your heart's content.

Throughout December there are various performances by music groups, brass orchestras and choirs on the stages at the main square.

Vienna, Austria

The Wiener Christkindlmarkt in front of the City Hall is an unforgettable highlight for those eager to get into the spirit of the season.

The unique backdrop gives this market a charm of its own.

Inside the City Hall on the ground floor there is an area dedicated to children, where they can learn how to make Christmas cookies or candles.

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest has many Christmas markets, which usually open from mid-November and close at the end of December each year.

The oldest, richest and the most spectacular of all is the Christmas Market on Vorosmarty Square in the heart of the city.

First and foremost, the market is a treat for all the senses - full of colour, festive sounds, and enticing smells.

There is a real focus on trying to preserve authentic Hungarian folk art traditions by offering quality handicrafts made with love rather than commercialised and kitschy Christmas gifts.

Glass blowing, knitting, wood carving, candle making, pottery, leather trade, embroidery and lace work are all popular traditions alive and well in this one-of-a-kind Christmas market.