The best Christmas market in Europe? You'll have to go to this Alsatian city.

BarcelonaThe traditional Christmas markets that spring up in many cities across central and northern Europe are increasingly becoming a major draw for travel during this time of year. This year, the renowned travel guide Lonely Planet sought to discover its readers' favorite Christmas market in Spain, conducting a survey of 44,000 travelers to determine which they considered the best. The winner was Colmar, in France, very close to the German border, which beat out 32 other Christmas markets, including those in Edinburgh, Salzburg, Ravennaschlucht, Prague, Budapest, and Copenhagen. The French city is known for its old town with cobbled streets and a network of canals that has earned it the nickname "Little Venice.". Here at Christmas, six different markets are set up, spread throughout the alleyways and squares. There's a children's market, designed for the little ones, with a carousel. and a lively nativity scene; and one dedicated to antiques and crafts called Old Customs House. Colmar also boasts about its Christmas pastries with products such as gingerbread and cookies. bredele with spices and the springerle with anise aroma, or the Beeraweckaa fruit tart with kirsch.

Edinburgh's Christmas Market has come in second place in Lonely Planet's ranking. The Scottish capital organizes Edinburgh's Christmas every year, which includes various activities such as a Christmas market, the Edinburgh Wheel (a giant Ferris wheel erected in the city center offering unique views), and other options for all ages, all to be enjoyed while having a drink.mulled wine, The traditional mulled wine. Throughout the city there are Christmas trees and decorations that are well worth discovering, such as those at The Dome on George Street, or those adorning the Royal Mile, leading down from the castle to North Bridge.

Budapest has also made the ranking finalists. The Hungarian capital boasts several Christmas markets that can be visited these days: the most famous is the one set up in front of St. Stephen's Basilica, with nearly 150 stalls selling crafts, traditional food, and drinks, including the Hungarian version of mulled wine called [unclear]. boron forraltThe square also features a 12-meter Christmas tree, a nativity scene, an ice rink, and a monumental Advent wreath where a candle is lit every Sunday until Christmas Day. Another very popular market in the city is the one in Vörösmarty Square, which also has more than 100 stalls and where you can find everything from ceramics to wooden toys.