A picturesque Alpine town in Italy has been crowned as Europe's finest hidden gem Christmas market, according to a new travel index. Aosta – located just over an hour from Turin – took the number one spot after researchers analysed the price of mulled wine and sausages, the probability of snowfall, and the standard of entertainment on offer.
With mulled wine available from £2.55 and sausages at approximately £4.25, Aosta's Marché Vert Noël emerged as the winner for both affordability and festive ambience. Nestled amongst Roman gates and medieval towers, the market also boasts a strong probability of December snowfall.
Innsbruck in Austria secured second position, benefiting from its spectacular mountain setting and reliably high chances of snow. Mulled wine there begins at roughly £3.80, with sausages priced from £4.25, whilst the city hosts multiple themed markets throughout its historic centre.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet's UK country manager, which compiled 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 Christmas.
"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-recognised old town of Lübeck in Germany clinched third place, its chances of December snowfall and mulled wine prices starting from £3.40 aiding its ranking.
Further down the list, Salzburg in Austria also fared well, with its high probability of snow and a schedule filled with classical concerts and choirs at its Christkindlmarkt.
Meanwhile, Grenoble in France secured fifth place, thanks to its moderate to high likelihood of snow, mulled wine starting from £2.55, and an unpretentious local atmosphere that researchers praised.
Ljubljana in Slovenia impressed with its riverside market adorned with fairy lights and mulled wine for around £3.
Despite its low to moderate chances of snow, it still scored highly due to its concerts, riverside events, and the popular 'Grandpa Frost' procession, which features Santa arriving by horse-drawn carriage.
Toulouse also bagged a top 10 spot, owing to its low prices and family-friendly programme in Place du Capitole.
Completing the list, Verona mixed Italian Christmas flavour with Alpine touches, while Basel in Switzerland offered moderate chances of snow, high-end festive treats, and choirs resonating around Barfüsserplatz.
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.
