This gorgeous city has been revealed as the place Brits are deserpate to visit this festive season – and it’s not New York or Germany. 

Vienna, in Austria, is home to some of Europe’s best Christmas markets and its festive appeal draws in tourists from all over the world each year.

New research has revealed the top 10 destinations Brits want to visit around Christmas. The research, by Chick’s Gold, analysed Google search data and looked at terms related to Christmas destinations.

The markets in Vienna have over 150 wooden stalls offering yuletide gifts – from handmade wooden toys to lavish tree decorations and Christmas candles. You could spend hours browsing the festive items on offer.

Food vendors offer Viennese specialities from smoked sausages to apple strudels and spicy punch, there are carol concerts around the Christmas tree and train rides on the Christkindl Express in the Rathauspark.

One visitor on Tripadvisor said: “Rathausplatz forms a stunning backdrop for the very busy Christmas market here. There is a huge variety of stalls with many different foods, drinks and Christmas themed items to buy. 

“Do yourself a favour and try the different things on offer here. The vibe is fantastic with many people in high spirits here. There is an ice skating rink to enjoy as well, and it is only a short walk from many other Viennese landmarks such as the Parliament Building and Hofburg palace.”

Al Alof of Chicks Gold said: “The rise of Christmas tourism has people searching out the most iconic festive locations, from enchanting snow-covered villages to bustling Christmas markets and even tropical escapes to beat the winter chill.”

In second and third place was Switzerland and France which are also popular spots for Christmas market visitors. Switzerland’s most popular Christmas markets include Basel, Bern and Zurich while France’s most popular are in Strasbourg, Lille and Colmar.

The top 10 Christmas destinations Brits have been searching for are:

• Vienna

• Switzerland 

• France 

• Australia 

• New York 

• Rome 

• Germany 

• Scotland 

• Spain 

• Japan