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Europe is home to some of the most enchanting, hidden gem Christmas markets, offering stunning settings, festive cheer, delectable seasonal treats and impressive handcrafted works.
Though destinations such as Vienna, Austria, Strasbourg, France and Nuremberg, Germany are the most popular and rank at the top of the world’s best markets, a new study by easyJet Christmas Market Index has uncovered some of the best Christmas markets in Europe that travelers might not know about.
Considerations such as accessibility from UK airports, winter ambience, the cost of mulled wine and traditional sausage, likelihood of December snowfall and live entertainment availability factored into the ranking. The list also shines a spotlight on lesser-known markets where festive cheer comes without the crowds or expensive price tags.
1. Acosta, Italy/Marché Vert Noël tops the list, easily reachable in just an hour from Turin. The destination boasts Roman gates, medieval towers and Alpine chalets as a backdrop to its annual festive fair with mulled wine costing under £3 a cup.
2. Innsbruck, Austria/Old Town comes in at second place thanks to its cinematic setting and wide-range of entertainment which includes dulcet tones of carols played by brass bands and festive stalls situated between baroque landmarks, creating on of Europe’s most charming winter atmospheres.
3. Lübeck, Germany / Hanseatic Markets ranks third, accessible from the Hamburg airport. The UNESCO-listed old town offers regional foods and drinks like marzipan punch highly recommended by experts and live entertainment by choirs.
4. Salzburg, Austria – Christkindlmarkt where guests will find choirs and classical concerts.
5. Grenoble, France / Place Victor Hugo Market features alpine events in a refreshingly untouristy atmosphere with down-to-earth prices.
6. Naples, Italy/ Pietrarsa National Railway Museum offers music concerts and gospel choirs along with a distinctly Italian twist on the season with sparkling street markets and impressive artisan nativity scenes.
7. Ljubljana, Slovenia / Festive December boasts reasonably priced mulled wine, local Kranjska sausages and carriages pulled by real Lipizzaner horses.
8. Toulouse, France / Capitole Christmas Market features music and children’s programs.
9. Verona, Italy / Piazza Bra offers a number of exhibitions and a chance to visit Santa’s post office while blending Italian flair with rustic Alpine traditions.
10. Basel, Switzerland / Barfüsserplatz is the perfect spot for those wanting a dose of Swiss festive treats and sounds of choir voices echoing through the old town.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager said in a statement, “Our Christmas Market 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 Christmas.”
He added, “With direct easyJet 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.”
This article originally appeared in TravelPulse.
Contact My Journey Begins Travel to plan and book a trip to one or more hidden gem European Christmas markets.