Christmas markets are a cherished tradition in many major European cities but this year there will be no such festivities, with the pandemic forcing governments to outlaw large-scale gatherings.

In Germany, markets across the country – including several in Frankfurt, Dortmund and Berlin – were canceled a month ago, and other countries have followed suit.

Over the border in France, the roughly 300 stalls of Strasbourg's popular Christmas market won't go up this year. And it's the same story in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

But for people who are desperate for their annual market experience there could be an alternative in the form of drive-in markets.

Visitors have already begun flocking to a pop-up market in the German region of Bavaria, where they can receive mulled wine, gingerbread, sweets and many other festive treats through their rolled-down car windows

The market is the brainchild of organizer Patrick Schmidt, who is hoping it will provide essential income in the absence of the thousands of people who typically visit at this time of year.

He told AFP: "The principle is similar to that of large fast-food chains. You get into the drive-in with the car, we give you an order form, and you keep driving along the circuit.

"Of course it helps us financially. We have income that we wouldn't have otherwise. But we are not at the level of the Christmas business we usually do – last year our turnover was much higher."

The market has proven to be a hit with customers so far. "Today, we have time and we need to have a little time ahead of us to come here," said a visitor named Sandra. "But the atmosphere is very pleasant, already at the entrance with the artificial snow, we like it very much."

Video editor: Riaz Jugon