If you’re thinking of visiting a European Christmas market, this one isn’t well-known, but is packed with festive activities. Thanks to a special themed train, even the journey there is fun
While there are loads of incredible Christmas markets in the UK, visiting one in Europe is a whole other experience. Many European Christmas markets are bigger, and they often have unique features that make for a memorable festive outing.
One market that’s bound to appeal to Christmas-enthusiasts is in Arezzo, Italy, a historic city that’s surrounded by Tuscan hills and can be found just over an hour’s train ride from Rome.
While this train ride is already a picturesque journey, in the run up to Christmas the train company La Ferroviaria Italiana (LFI) will run their Espresso Assisi service with trains decked out in festive decorations. There will also be Christmas music playing, and a “small gift” for each passenger, getting you into the spirit of the season.
Once you arrive, you can browse a vast Christmas market in the heart of this charming medieval city. Arezzo’s Piazza Grande will host the Tyrolean Village market from November 15 to December 28, which is based on the traditional markets of the northern region of Tyrol, as well as having German and Austrian influences. Browse the small wooden huts and find hand-crafted items from handblown baubles to nativity figurines.
Visit between November 15 and January 6 and there’s also an additional Art Market, which will be full of artisanal crafts, as well as offering local speciality food stalls. The market opens until 9pm on some dates, which means you can see the streets lit-up after dark.
Arezzo will also have an ice rink, again with late opening hours, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere at night. After sunset, visit La Luna di Natale (Christmas moon), a giant model of the moon that lights up. You can also take a stroll through Il Bosco delle Emozioni (the forest of emotions), a Christmas light trail surrounded by pine trees with free entry. Or hop on the Ferris wheel for amazing views of the city.
The Arezzo Christmas Bus Tour is also a good way to explore the city. This small electric bus takes you through the narrow streets and squares, with the tour taking 40-minutes and costing 12 euros (approx. £10.57).
If you’re planning to stay in the picturesque spot for a little longer, you can also visit Arezzo Cathedral, which sits on a hilltop and has spectacular frescoes and stained glass. There’s also the Basilica di San Francesco, which is home of the famous Legends of the True Cross frescoes, which date back to early Renaissance times.
Casa Vasari is also a great place to see Renaissance artworks, sculptures, and more. Set in a historic home that once belonged to artist Giorgio Vasari, this collection includes his own works from the 16th-century, as well as artists he collaborated with.
Ryanair offer flights to Rome from London Stansted from just £18 one way, with flight times of two hours 45 minutes. You can also fly with airlines including Jet2, whose Manchester to Rome flights clock in at three hours and start at £35 each way.
Find out more about Arezzo’s Citta Del Natale (Christmas city) on their official website.