Traditional European Christmas markets often make great pictures, with millions of festive photos flooding Instagram feeds each winter.
Travel experts have crunched the numbers, analysing hashtag volumes in English and local languages to reveal which markets dominate the digital landscape.
The winner? Zagreb's Christmas market in Croatia leads the pack with 112,438 hashtags, beating famous festive destinations across the continent, according to experts at Holafly.
What's more, parts of the UK outperformed traditional European hotspots. Manchester follows in second place with 73,443 tags, whilst Edinburgh claims third with 61,898. These winter wonderlands aren't just attracting visitors - they're becoming viral sensations that light up social media throughout the holiday season.
Manchester's festive magic centres on its enormous Santa figure
|GETTY
Zagreb's historic centre becomes a photographer's paradise each December, with glowing lights and ice sculptures creating endless opportunities for the perfect shot. The Croatian capital's market stretches across multiple locations, offering visitors varied backdrops for their festive content.
Zrinjevac Park dazzles with its illuminated trees, whilst Strossmayer Promenade provides stunning views over the twinkling city below. Wooden stalls add traditional charm to every corner of the sprawling market.
Zagreb has become Europe's most hashtagged Christmas destination thanks to "its sprawling layout giving visitors endless photogenic backdrop".
Europe’s most photoworthy Christmas markets
- Zagreb, Croatia
- Manchester, England
- Edinburgh, Scotland
- Strasbourg, France
- Bath, England
- Vienna, Austria
- Birmingham, England
- Colmar, France
- Berlin, Germany
- Budapest, Hungary
TRAVEL INSPIRATION
Top for the UK, Manchester's festive magic centres on its enormous Santa figure and European-style wooden chalets spread across multiple city squares. The market's vibrant light displays and bustling food stalls create the perfect backdrop for dynamic Instagram shots.
Edinburgh's Christmas celebration sits dramatically beneath the Old Town, with Princes Street Gardens offering spectacular castle views. The market features a traditional carousel and Ferris wheel alongside German-style stalls.
"The combination of bustling crowds, diverse food stalls, and glowing city streets creates dynamic photo opportunities," the travel experts highlighted.
Edinburgh's blend of historic charm and festive spectacle has made it one of Britain's most photographed winter destinations. Strasbourg, known as the Capital of Christmas, captures fourth place with 43,037 hashtags thanks to its fairy-tale atmosphere.
Edinburgh Christmas Market is also one of the top in Europe
|GETTY
The French city's ancient market glows against half-timbered houses and the cathedral square, with the towering Great Christmas Tree at Place Kléber providing an iconic focal point.
Bath rounds out the top five with 39,917 tags, its Georgian stone buildings creating a stunning contrast with warm festive lights. The market wraps around Bath Abbey, with artisan stalls and narrow atmospheric streets offering countless picturesque moments.
The experts added: "Bath's combination of authenticity and visual appeal makes it one of the UK's most charming holiday destinations."
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