Travel experts have revealed five lesser-known European Christmas markets that offer festive charm, traditional food and a quieter alternative to the continent's busiest seasonal hotspots.

With Christmas approaching, many Londoners will be looking forward to festive shopping, mulled wine and a visit to one of the capital's popular Christmas markets.

But while London's Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, Southbank Centre and other festive attractions draw crowds throughout the season, those looking to escape the capital for a few days might want to consider somewhere a little different.

Popular European destinations such as Vienna, Prague and Strasbourg attract millions of visitors during the festive season, but some of the continent's most charming Christmas markets can be found away from the usual tourist hotspots.

Now, travel experts at eShores have revealed five underrated European Christmas markets worth considering for a winter city break, offering everything from medieval streets and traditional food to handmade gifts and impressive Christmas trees.

The destinations have been selected for their festive appeal and online search interest, with Tallinn in Estonia topping the list with around 10,000 monthly searches, according to figures supplied by eShores.

And with Londoners having access to several major airports, these destinations offer inspiration for anyone considering swapping the capital's busy streets for a festive weekend abroad.

Tallinn, Estonia – 10,000 monthly searches

If you're looking for a traditional Christmas market with historic surroundings, Tallinn could be worth adding to your travel plans.

Set in the heart of Estonia's UNESCO-listed Old Town, the city's Christmas market is surrounded by medieval buildings, cobbled streets and historic squares.

Traditional wooden stalls fill Town Hall Square, where visitors can browse handmade Christmas decorations, locally produced crafts and gifts while enjoying Estonian festive food and warming drinks.

The city's medieval architecture provides an impressive backdrop for the celebrations, while the possibility of snow adds to its appeal as a winter destination.

For Londoners hoping to enjoy a Christmas market away from the capital's busiest festive attractions, Tallinn offers the chance to combine sightseeing, shopping and local traditions.

Gdańsk, Poland – 8,000 monthly searches

Poland might not be the first country that comes to mind when planning a Christmas market break, but Gdańsk has plenty to offer visitors during the festive season.

Located on the Baltic coast, the city is known for its colourful buildings, beautifully restored Old Town and traditional Christmas celebrations.

Its festive market features artisan stalls selling handmade decorations, jewellery and locally produced gifts.

Food is a major attraction, with visitors able to sample Polish favourites including pierogi, smoked cheeses and warming winter drinks.

Gdańsk's coastal setting gives it a different feel from many of Europe's traditional Christmas market destinations, while its historic streets and architecture provide plenty to explore beyond the market itself.

For London travellers planning a short city break, it offers an opportunity to combine Christmas shopping with sightseeing and local food.

Riga, Latvia – 7,000 monthly searches

Often overlooked in favour of Europe's better-known capitals, Riga is another destination worth considering for a festive getaway.

Latvia's capital is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture, historic squares and charming Old Town, which provide a picturesque setting for its Christmas market.

Visitors can browse stalls selling handmade ornaments, locally produced knitwear, gifts and traditional Latvian crafts.

The market also offers regional food and drink, with seasonal entertainment and performances taking place throughout the Christmas period.

For Londoners looking to discover a new European destination this winter, Riga combines a traditional Christmas market with plenty of opportunities to explore the city's architecture, shops and restaurants.

Bratislava, Slovakia – 5,000 monthly searches

Vienna might be one of Europe's most famous Christmas market destinations, but nearby Bratislava offers a less obvious alternative.

Slovakia's capital has all the ingredients for a traditional festive getaway, including historic squares, Christmas decorations, handmade gifts and seasonal food and drink.

Its markets are spread across the compact city centre, where visitors can browse locally produced crafts while trying Slovak favourites such as roasted meats, pastries and hot drinks.

Bratislava's smaller size also makes it particularly suitable for a short weekend break, with many of its main attractions within walking distance.

And with Vienna nearby, London travellers could even combine the two capitals during one festive trip.

Vilnius, Lithuania – 2,000 monthly searches

Rounding off the list is Vilnius, Lithuania's capital, which becomes a popular festive destination during the Christmas season.

The city's celebrations centre around Cathedral Square, where an impressive Christmas tree provides the focal point for its seasonal market.

Visitors can explore stalls selling handmade decorations and gifts, sample traditional food and enjoy the atmosphere of the city's historic Old Town.

With its beautiful architecture and a lower international profile than some of Europe's best-known Christmas market destinations, Vilnius offers an alternative for travellers who have already visited places such as Vienna, Prague or Budapest.

For Londoners keen to experience a different European city this Christmas, Lithuania's capital could be worth considering.

Why Londoners should consider a different Christmas market this year

Gavin Lapidus, founder of eShores, believes travellers could be missing out on some memorable festive experiences by sticking to the same well-known destinations.

"Many travellers automatically think of destinations like Vienna or Prague when planning a Christmas market break, but some of Europe's most memorable festive experiences can be found in lesser-known cities.

"These markets offer a fantastic opportunity to experience local culture, enjoy traditional food and drink, and soak up a magical festive atmosphere without the crowds often found in more famous destinations."

With London offering a wide range of flight connections through Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City airports, holidaymakers have plenty of options when researching a European winter break, although direct services and schedules vary by destination.

Whether it's exploring Tallinn's medieval streets, sampling traditional Polish food in Gdańsk or admiring the festive decorations in Vilnius, these five destinations offer Londoners a chance to experience Christmas traditions beyond the capital.

For more travel inspiration and tailor-made holiday advice, visit www.eshores.co.uk.