French city of Strasbourg The French city of Strasbourg which calls itself the “Capital of Christmas” has been voted the best Christmas market in Europe 2013 by tens of thousands of voters. The Alsatian city that borders Germany has a long history of hosting open-air festivities during the holidays, having thrown its first Christmas market in 1570.
And in an online poll carried out between December 1 and 11 by the non-profit European Best Destinations, tens of thousands of voters gave the French city the top spot over Dresden, Brussels, Lille and Nuremberg which round out the top five markets.
The scale and scope of the Strasbourg Christmas market is impressive: for one month, 300 winter chalets are spread over 11 sites within the city center, making is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
The city is also illuminated by hundreds of kilometers of Christmas lights and decorations, and features a children’s village and more than 500 concerts, events, and shows.
This year, like previous editions, Croatia has been invited as the guest country of honor and is being promoted at the market's Croatian village alongside Alsatian traditions.
Meanwhile, Germany leads the top 10 list, with three markets represented, followed by France. Interestingly, sun-soaked Barcelona also managed to crack the top 10 list.
Here are the top 10 Christmas markets in Europe:
1. Strasbourg, France
2. Dresden, Germany
3. Brussels, Belgium
4. Lille, France
5. Nuremberg, Germany
6. Basel, Switzerland
7. Vienna, Austria
8. Cologne, Germany
9. Birmingham, England
10. Barcelona, Spain
The Strasbourg Christmas Market runs until December 31.
Source: Relaxnews