Christmas in Zagreb just got a little bit merrier. For the third year running, the city’s Christmas market has been voted the best in Europe. That’s no small feat: contenders include some of the most famous winter markets in the world, such as those in Vienna, Prague and Munich.
The accolade comes from the ‘Best European Destinations’ which asked travellers to vote for their favourite Advent celebrations in Europe. 200,516 people from 131 countries had their say, with the Croatian capital coming out on top with 38,830 votes. The French city of Colmar followed in second place while Vienna, Budapest and Strasbourg completed the top five.
The news won’t come as a surprise to anyone that’s seen Zagreb in recent weeks. Every inch of the city is covered with elaborate decorations, market stalls, and open-air entertainment. The latter seems to be the winning factor; while all of the European destinations on the list can muster a Christmas spirit, few have anything to match Zagreb’s recently revamped Advent programme.