- Manchester’s Christmas Market is the most ‘gram-worthy’ place to visit this festive season, with 70k+ hashtags on Instagram
- Edinburgh’s Christmas market ranks second, while Strasbourg’s lands third
- Over 50 of the best Christmas markets across Europe were analysed to reveal the ranking
A new study has revealed the most Instagrammable Christmas markets in Europe ahead of the Christmas season.
Lifestyle magazine Dailybase gathered a list of the best Christmas markets across Europe and took to Instagram to analyse how many posts with associated hashtags had been uploaded for each one.
Manchester, England, has been named the most Instagrammable Christmas market, with a massive 71,117 total Instagram hashtags.
Featuring over 200 stalls at nine different locations, attendees can indulge in seasonal goodies, including handmade gifts, craft items, and mulled wine. The city is decorated from head to toe in festive lights, making it the perfect backdrop for your Christmas selfies.
This year, the market runs from 8 November to 22 December, and stalls are open every day.
Edinburgh, Scotland, is second, with 58,735 hashtags on Instagram.
In the heart of the historic city centre, the East Princes Street Gardens Christmas Market is a traditional, free-to-enter Christmas market. With around 80 stalls, it offers items from both local and international sellers, as well as an array of delicious food and beverages.
With stunning views of Edinburgh Castle, the Scott Monument, and the city’s iconic skyline, this market makes a fabulous choice for festive posts.
Strasbourg, France, ranks third, with a total of 34,938 Instagram hashtags.
Known as the ‘Capital of Christmas’, the Christmas market in Strasbourg is the oldest in France, dating back to 1570. Each year, a 30-metre-tall Christmas tree is brought to Place Kléber and decorated with ornaments and lights, while 300 chalets are set up almost everywhere in the city centre.
The market runs from 27 November to 27 December, with unique items to buy and tasty food to eat.
In fourth is Vienna, Austria, with 23,816 Instagram hashtags.
There are several Christmas markets in Vienna, but the most popular is Christkindlmarkt, located in front of Vienna city hall. Here you’ll find a large Christmas tree in the centre, surrounded by stalls selling a range of goods.
The park nearby also has an abundance of festive offerings, including a tree full of glowing hearts, the perfect backdrop for an Instagram pic.
Birmingham, England, is fifth, totalling 22,702 hashtags on Instagram.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas market is the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria. The market offers a large range of traditional gifts and a selection of food and drink, such as pretzels, bratwursts, roasted almonds and hot chocolate.
Opening on 1 November and running until 24 December, the market also features live music on stage in Victoria Square.
Sixth is Colmar, France, with a total of 18,695 hashtags. In the beautiful town centre, you’ll find six Christmas markets, each with its own particular theme. There are around 180 stalls altogether, and the market runs from 26 November to 29 December.
Budapest, Hungary, is seventh, with 13,564 Instagram hashtags. Budapest is home to several Christmas markets during the festive season. The largest and longest-running market is at Vörösmarty Square, and the Basilica Christmas market has been voted the best one in Europe.
Frankfurt, Germany, is eighth, totalling 11,753 hashtags on Instagram. Located at Römerberg and Paulsplatz, the traditional market includes 200 stalls, Christmas carols, and a giant Christmas tree in the scenic old town centre, decorated with thousands of lights, ribbons, and bells.
Ninth is Prague, Czech Republic, with 10,998 hashtags. The main Christmas markets are held at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, in the heart of the city. They consist of brightly decorated wooden huts, stocked with locally made gifts and traditional Christmas treats.
Winchester, England, is tenth, with a total of 10,462 Instagram hashtags. Held in the grounds of Winchester Cathedral, the Christmas market has over 100 stalls selling a variety of items, including jewellery, paintings, and food.
Europe’s top 10 most Instagrammable Christmas markets
| Rank | Location | Total number of Instagram hashtags |
| 1 | Manchester, England | 71,117 |
| 2 | Edinburgh, Scotland | 58,735 |
| 3 | Strasbourg, France | 34,938 |
| 4 | Vienna, Austria | 23,816 |
| 5 | Birmingham, England | 22,702 |
| 6 | Colmar, France | 18,695 |
| 7 | Budapest, Hungary | 13,564 |
| 8 | Frankfurt, Germany | 11,753 |
| 9 | Prague, Czech Republic | 10,998 |
| 10 | Winchester, England | 10,462 |
Commenting on the findings, Daniël de Voer, chief editor of Dailybase said: “These markets truly embody the spirit of Christmas. The combination of beautiful decorations and festive vibes makes them ideal for capturing memorable photos.
“It’s great to see a variety of different locations in the ranking too, each offering its own unique charm and culture, proving that Christmas magic can be found everywhere.
“This list serves as an excellent guide for anyone planning to travel this holiday season. The markets highlighted are sure to leave a lasting impression, both in person and on Instagram.”
