Nothing beats wandering around a Christmas market with a spiced mulled wine for some festive merriment – and there’s one unsuspecting, yet charming spot just a short flight away
Some of the most magical and charming Christmas markets are scattered across Europe, but many often go unnoticed.
The likes of Berlin, Vienna, Bruges, and Copenhagen are renowned for their annual festivities, as their streets are transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland. However, there’s one lesser-known city that offers just as much jollity.
Italy might not spring to mind when you think of Christmas markets, but in fact, it has one of the most spectacular ones, nestled in Naples. While the Italian city is famed as the birthplace of pizza and its iconic landmarks like Pompeii, it welcomes festive merriment every year.
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From November 29 to January 6, wooden cabins filled with artisans, restaurateurs and wine producers will adorn the streets of Naples for its annual Christmas market. Twinkling lights will decorate the streets while local artists and bands are set to fill the atmosphere with merry melodies.
Those fed up of paying £8 for a mulled wine in the UK will be delighted to hear that the warming spiced drink starts from just £2.50 at this Christmas market, according to research from easyJet. And that’s not all, as you can feast on sausages from one of the stalls from £3.
In addition, there are shows, cabarets, theatrical performances and live concerts to enjoy after stocking up on festive gifts. There is even a full list of activities for kids to enjoy, from writing a letter to Santa Claus and meeting him at his workshop, to gazing upon the locomotives that famously towed the Polar Express.
But the magic doesn’t end there, as visitors will feel at the heart of the movie and its journey to the North Pole, as the market is located at the National Railway Museum of Pietrarsa. Stalls are lined up outside, adjacent to an old railway line that runs through the cobbled streets of Naples, for a scenic scene like never before.
The Naples Christmas market is said to welcome everyone, “combining culture and tradition with the magic of Christmas.” It’s one to be missed if you’re looking for somewhere away from the typical tourist hotspots, and what’s more, flights start from just £20.99 with easyJet.
And there’s plenty more to see and do in Naples if you’re looking to extend your stay away from the Christmas market. You can explore the ancient sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, or visit the historic landmarks of Castel dell’Ovo, Castel Sant’Elmo, and the Piazza del Plebiscito.
But a visit to Naples wouldn’t be complete without indulging in their authentic pizza – a must on everyone’s list. Even if it’s far from a Christmas tradition, you can certainly make it one! If you’re looking to soak up even more festivities, you’ll also find another Christmas market at Via San Gregorio Armeno, featuring nativity workshops by local artisans.
You can also take a trip to Santa Claus Village in Piazza del Plebiscito, just a 30-minute walk or 20-minute drive away from Via San Gregorio Armeno, which is perfect for young families. It’s free to explore and will run from December 8 to 21.
