A TOWN in Italy has topped a list of the best lesser-known Christmas markets
An Alpine town in Italy has topped an index of Europe’s best lesser-known .
An Alpine town in Italy has topped an index of Europe’s best lesser-known Christmas marketsCredit: Capital Press Agency
Aosta – just over an hour from Turin – was ranked number one after researchers compared the cost of mulled wine and sausages, the chance of snow, and the quality of entertainment.
With mulled wine from £2.55 and sausages around £4.25, its Marché Vert Noël came out on top for both value and atmosphere.
Set against Roman gates and medieval towers, it also has a high likelihood of snowfall in December.
Innsbruck, Austria, also scored highly, taking second place thanks to its dramatic mountain backdrop and consistently high snow chances.
Mulled wine here starts from around £3.80, with sausages from £4.25, and the city features several themed markets spread across its old town.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, which created the index, said: “Our Hidden Gems Index shows that some of Europe’s most magical festive experiences aren’t necessarily the most famous ones.
“From Aosta’s snow-covered square to the riverside glow of Ljubljana, these markets prove you don’t have to spend a fortune or battle big-city crowds to feel the true spirit of .
“With direct flights and package holidays reaching all ten destinations, it’s never been easier for travellers to swap the high street for a holiday full of sparkle, culture and a steaming cup of mulled wine.”
The UNESCO-listed old town of Lübeck in ranked third, helped by its moderate to high chance of December snowfall and mulled wine prices from £3.40.
Slotted further down the list, Salzburg in Austria also performed strongly, thanks to its high snow probability and line-up of classical concerts and choirs at its Christkindlmarkt.
Meanwhile Grenoble in secured fifth place with its moderate to high chance of snow, mulled wine starting from £2.55 and an unfussy local atmosphere praised by researchers.
Ljubljana in Slovenia impressed with its riverside market glowing with fairy lights and mulled wine for around £3.
Its low to moderate snow chances didn’t dampen its score, buoyed by concerts, riverside events and the popular ‘Grandpa Frost’ procession, which sees Santa arrive by horse-drawn carriage.
Toulouse also earned a top 10 position thanks to low prices and a family-friendly programme in Place du Capitole.
Rounding out the list, Verona blended Italian Christmas flavour with Alpine touches, while Basel in offered moderate snow chances, higher-end festive treats and choirs echoing around Barfüsserplatz.
Aosta, just over an hour from Turin was ranked number.Credit: SWNS TOP 10 LESSER-KNOWN CHRISTMAS MARKETS
1. Aosta, Italy / Marché Vert Noël: – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £4.25, flights from £23.99, holidays from £219, high chance of snow
2. Innsbruck, Austria / Old Town – Mulled wine from £3.80, sausage from £4.25 flights from £35.99 holidays from £279, high chance of snow
3. Lübeck, Germany / Hanseatic Markets – Mulled wine from £3.40, sausage from £3.40, flights from £47.99, holidays from £219, moderate–high chance of snow
4. Salzburg, Austria – Christkindlmarkt – Mulled wine from £3.40, sausage from £4.25, flights from £31.99, holidays from £239, high chance of snow
5. Grenoble, France / Place Victor Hugo Market – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £3.40, flights from £29.99, holidays from £209 in Lyon, moderate–high chance of snow
6. Naples, Italy / Pietrarsa Railway Museum – Mulled wine from £2.50, sausage from £3.00, flights from £20.99, holidays from £229, low chance of snow
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia / Festive December – Mulled wine from £3.00, sausage from £5.50, flights from £54.99, holidays from £229, low–moderate chance of snow
8. Toulouse, France / Capitole Market – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £4.25, flights from £26.99, holidays from £219, low chance of snow
9. Verona, Italy / Piazza Bra – Mulled wine from £2.55, sausage from £4.25, flights from £23.99, holidays from £249, low–moderate chance of snow
10. Basel, Switzerland / Barfüsserplatz – Mulled wine from £3.75, sausage from £5.25, flights from £38.99, holidays from £249, moderate chance of snow
