Quirky Christmas Markets

Shopped until you dropped at last year’s traditional Christmas Markets? Why not sample one of these quirky alternatives this year?

Christmas Chocolate “Ciock&Va” Festival, Varese, Italy
December 2008

Throughout December, Ciock&Va, an Italian Christmas chocolate festival, features four days of chocolate antics and causes much amusement for chocoholics throughout the Varese region. Chocolate lovers will be in heaven with a rich mixture of exhibits, tastings and chocolate-themed attractions. Don’t miss this Sicilian-based exhibition on chocolate and design, Chocolate with the Author and Chococircus, offering fun events geared towards children.

Ensure you stay locally to benefit fully from the delight of this unique festival! Situated just 200m from the banks of Lake Como, Interhome has availability during December, at the cosy 2 bedroom 3* Joseph holiday home in Como itself, with prices starting from just £503 per week, sleeping up to 4 people (Property reference: IT2400.300.1) Travel is not included.

Oil and Truffle Christmas Fair - Aix-en-Provence, France
December 2008 from 9am – 7pm

Each year in December, the Place Jeanne d'Arc opens its doors from 9am – 7pm each day. Celebrate Christmas with olive oil and fresh truffles. In Aix-en-Provence, the first pressing of the year's olives provides a sought-after virgin oil, which is sold alongside local truffles at this seasonal fair in the Place Jeanne d'Arc. Truffle-collecting is a well-kept secret among families in the know: dogs or pigs trained in the art are a precious commodity. With a pound of the black gold fetching up to US$500 on the market, once you find a patch, you most certainly keep it to yourself.

As with other treasures of nature (chanterelle and morrel mushrooms, for instance), local turf is well guarded to discourage ramblers from helping themselves. However, there is nothing to stop you spending your cash on one of these rare underground fungi: their flavour is second to none and a little goes a long way. A small piece of truffle can fragrance the best scrambled eggs you've ever eaten, or make a truly fine risotto.

Even better, make the most of the other produce on offer and make your own truffle-infused olive oil to pour on pasta and salad. Sample the delights of the region for a week’s holiday this December – relax and unwind uniquely private holiday villa.

Nestled inland within the Provence region, Interhome offers an unrivalled 5 bedroom holiday home “Le Plan Du Val Frais”, with prices starting from £1031 per week for up to 9 people (Property reference FR8107.115.1) Travel is not included.

Medieval-style Christmas in Genoa, Italy
December 2008 from 10am – 7.30pm

This Christmas market with a difference involves the construction of an imaginary medieval land, set around the year 1000 AD, against the backdrop of the Piazza Caricamento in the heart of Genoa. Around 100 artisans and craftsmen display their skills to visitors for the duration of the market. Each day local folk milk cows and hand-make cheese for all to see. Visitors can purchase local produce and watch the shows on the central stage, which include dancing, choirs and musical performances of all kinds.

Discover the delights of the area for a week’s holiday this Christmas-time and enjoy your own a villa fit for a star! Situated within the Italian Riviera region just 3km from the sea, Interhome has availability during December, at a 2 bedroom holiday home in Recco near Portofino, with prices starting from just £295 per week, sleeping up to 4 people (Property reference: IT5035.100.1) Travel is not included.

For more information and bookings, visit interhome.co.uk or see your travel agent.