A new study has revealed that Manchester’s Christmas Market is the most Instagrammable festive destination in Europe, boasting over 71,000 hashtags on the popular social media platform. The research, conducted by lifestyle magazine Dailybase, examined more than 50 Christmas markets across Europe to identify which were most popular on Instagram.
Manchester’s sprawling market, which features over 200 stalls spread across nine locations, has become a must-visit destination for social media enthusiasts. Offering a variety of handmade gifts, craft items, and festive food and drink, it provides the perfect backdrop for Instagram-worthy photos. Visitors can enjoy the twinkling lights and festive decorations throughout the city, making it a prime spot for capturing seasonal selfies. The market runs from 8 November to 22 December, with stalls open daily.
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 |
Edinburgh’s Christmas Market took second place with nearly 59,000 Instagram hashtags. Located in the East Princes Street Gardens, this traditional market offers stunning views of iconic landmarks like Edinburgh Castle and the Scott Monument, making it a popular choice for holiday snaps. The market, which is free to enter, features around 80 stalls offering products from both local and international vendors, along with a variety of festive food and drink.
Strasbourg, France, known as the ‘Capital of Christmas,’ came in third with just under 35,000 hashtags. The city’s historic Christmas market, which dates back to 1570, is the oldest in France. Each year, a towering 30-metre-tall Christmas tree is erected in Place Kléber, while 300 chalets line the city’s streets. The market, which runs from 27 November to 27 December, draws visitors with its traditional holiday atmosphere and unique products.
Fourth place went to Vienna’s Christkindlmarkt, with 23,816 hashtags. Set in front of the city’s majestic town hall, the market offers a festive atmosphere with a large central Christmas tree and nearby park decorated with glowing hearts, making it an ideal location for Instagram posts.
Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market ranked fifth, totalling 22,702 hashtags. The largest German-style Christmas market outside of Germany and Austria, it offers a wide range of traditional gifts, along with festive food and drinks such as bratwursts and mulled wine. The market runs from 1 November to 24 December.
Other notable markets in the top 10 include Colmar, France, in sixth place, and Budapest, Hungary, in seventh. Frankfurt, Germany, Prague, Czech Republic, and Winchester, England, rounded out the list.
Daniël de Voer, chief editor of Dailybase, commented on the findings: “These markets truly embody the spirit of Christmas. Their festive atmosphere, combined with beautiful decorations, makes them ideal for capturing memorable photos. It’s fantastic to see a wide variety of markets across Europe offering their own unique charm and cultural experiences.”
With Christmas just around the corner, the study provides a useful guide for those planning a festive trip, highlighting the most picturesque markets in Europe that are sure to delight visitors and shine on social media.
