Arras Christmas market
The magic of Christmas is spreading throughout the city of Arras this year, even if the Grand-Place remains the epicenter of the festivities.
Arras Town Hall / Press photo
Small revolution for the holidays in Arras, this year. The big Christmas market with 150 chalets grouped together on the
Grand-Place is over
. Covid-19 requires, the northern city wanted to limit gatherings and there are therefore only about fifty artisan chalets between which the crowd can more easily wander. However, there is still an ice rink enlarged by an ice path, a toboggan run and a Ferris wheel in the main square of Arras. And if there are fewer chalets this year, the whole city welcomes the Christmas atmosphere. Thus we can admire a giant tree 25 meters high (
Place des Héros
) surrounded by a few chalets offering craftsmen's objects. To find Santa's house, head to the
Ipswich Square
.
The elves and their entertainment are housed at
Place du Théâtre
and a little train takes visitors through Arras to discover the illuminations from
Place Foch
.
In short, Arras is reinventing itself to extend the magic of Christmas to the whole city ...
Open:
until January 2, 2022
Practical information:
www.noelarras.com
Amiens Christmas market
Amiens hosts the largest Christmas market in northern France, with no less than 140 chalets this year again.
ADT / Photo press
We don't necessarily know it, but when we talk about Christmas magic in the North, it is Amiens which wins the palm with the largest Christmas market in the region. There are no less than 140 chalets stretching over 2 km! Suffice to say that you have to plan a good time before having toured the stalls offering local and artisanal products. A large Christmas tree (13 meters high this year), a Santa Claus house or even a puppet theater will delight the children. But perhaps not as much as the “enchanted double tower” that they will climb before crossing a monkey bridge and descending in a magical setting. The most daring will set off on the large zip line installed on
rue de Noyon
.
We climb 12 meters high before sliding on a wire stretched over more than 100 meters ... Sensations guaranteed!
These two events are new in Amiens this winter.
This is not the case with the video projections of the Chroma show which ignites the
facade of the cathedral
every evening.
But how to get bored of it?
Open:
until December 31, 2021
Practical information:
http://fr.marchedenoel.fr
Reims Christmas market
The Christmas market, around the Great Cathedral.
Cyrille Beudot / OT du Grand Reims
The Reims Christmas market is mainly held around
the Cathedral
of the Coronation of the Kings of France. 135 chalets offer gastronomic and artisanal products from 9 countries and 9 French regions. In the evening, the Regalia multimedia show illuminates the facade of the cathedral, which shines like never before. But other “spots” bring the magic of Christmas to life in the city. Thus,
Place du Forum
is the “kingdom of children” where we find Father Christmas's chalet and activities including the “enchanted palace” and its automaton show.
Place Jean-Louis Schneiter
, it is a village of craftsmen of 18 chalets which awaits the curious and on the
walks Jean-Louis Schneiter
, we admire the 4000 m² of decorations, trees and luminous figures before entering under a giant bubble to admire circus acts.
Finally, luminous and musical parades enliven the city every weekend and a Ferris wheel is installed on
Place d'Erlon
to take a little height on the Christmas lights in Reims.
Open:
until December 29, 2021
Practical information:
www.reims-tourisme.com
Metz Christmas market
The lantern trail in Metz is one of the attractions of the end of the year celebrations.
Christophe jung
Metz is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its flagship end-of-year festivities this year: the Sentier des Lanternes. Imagine hundreds of luminous lanterns depicting characters like Santa Claus and his reindeer, elves, magical trees and flowers and many other surprises in the middle of which we stroll as if by magic ... You will have an idea of this path fairy-tale setting for the first time in
Square Boufflers
and its bicentennial trees, a magnificent setting for this route completed by 300 new original lanterns. The other big attraction of the Metz Christmas market are the blown glass balls in the
Center international d'art vitrier de Meisenthal.
which Moselle people love.
Each year, a new ball is created by the master glassblowers.
And the Metz market is one of the few places where you can buy these balls which are highly sought after by collectors.
For the rest, there are several Christmas markets spread over the various squares of the city which house no less than 150 chalets.
And the Ferris wheel, opposite
the cathedral
, is still one of the key points of attraction.
Opening:
until December 30, 2021
Practical information:
www.tourisme-metz.com
Nancy Christmas market
The Christmas market in Nancy is the large village of Saint-Nicolas.
City of Nancy
In Nancy, the Christmas festivities always start early since, here, we also celebrate Saint-Nicolas! Since November 19, the large village of Saint-Nicolas has brought together more than sixty chalets where you can find a multitude of artisanal gifts to drop off, on the evening of the 24th, at the foot of the tree. But the high point of the festivities, in Nancy, is the great parade of the patron saint of Lorraine who parades, this Saturday, December 4, in the middle of the floats and accompanied by the Fanfare of the butcher's children. The 2021 edition being placed under the sign of "flora and fauna, it is a bestiary of fantastic creatures which will wander from
Place Carnot
to
Place Stanislas.
… Horses, bees, jellyfish, an elephant, a spider, flowers and many more!
This parade attracts up to 100,000 curious visitors each year.
Throughout the month of December, an artistic journey through the city and the projection of a cartoon telling the legend of Saint-Nicolas on the
facade of the Town Hall
also animate Nancy where we celebrate Santa Claus and Saint-Nicolas for more than forty days.
Record of festivities beaten!
Open:
until January 2, 2022
Practical information:
www.saint-nicolas.nancy.fr
Strasbourg Christmas market
The illuminations of the Promenade aux étoiles sublimate the rich historical and architectural heritage of the capital of Alsace.
Jérôme Dorkel Strasbourg Eurometropole
The Strasbourg Christmas market is one of superlatives! With more than 300 exhibitors, it is the largest in France. Its pine tree erected on
Place Kleber
, traditionally rises to more than 30 meters and stands out as the highest in the country. With a history dating back to 1570, the Christkindelsmärik, name given in Alsatian dialect to the traditional “market of the baby Jesus”, is also one of the oldest in Europe. In short, Strasbourg is indeed the “capital of Christmas”! This 2021 edition, entitled "Allumons les étoiles", revives a tradition suspended in 2020 due to an epidemic. You have to stroll, of course, on the main market set up around
the cathedral
. But don't miss the Marché Off,
place Grimmeissen
, which brings together vintage furniture, thrift store, DIY decorative objects, organic products, workshops and concerts.
The proof that the contemporary can very well rub shoulders with the traditional in Strasbourg!
Finally, every Saturday, like lighting an Advent candle, a free show is offered to enliven the streets of the city.
Open:
until December 26, 2021
Practical information:
https://noel.strasbourg.eu
Read also Strasbourg Christmas Market 2021: entertainment, health pass ... Our guide to making the most of it
Colmar Christmas market
Little Venice in Colmar is lit up like never before at Christmas time.
Max Coquard - Best Jobers - Visit Alsace
Between Strasbourg and Mulhouse, Colmar, the most typical and traditional of the large Alsatian towns nestled in the heart of the vineyards, offers six Christmas markets. The assurance of spending a beautiful day surveying the birthplace of sculptor Bartholdi illuminated by more than a thousand scintillating installations. Which makes it one of the most magical destinations after dark. The most traditional of Colmar's markets is held in the majestic medieval
Koïfhu building
s where you can admire the creations of twenty local artisans: ceramists, potters, master glassmakers, cabinet makers, woodcarvers, hatters, jewelers ... On the first floor, let your imagination wander in front of the extraordinary installation of the Toy Museum, which will amuse young and old. Return to the magical alleys to reach the
Place de l'Ancienne Customs Square
and its stalls overflowing with gift ideas for the holidays. And to devour a hot Alsatian specialty, head to the gourmet market on
Cathedral Square
where nine chefs from this city known for its first-rate gastronomy, present their dishes and specialties.
Colmar also offers plenty of activities, also traditional, such as Christmas concerts.
Finally, note that many wineries in the region also exceptionally open their doors for festive tastings.
Open:
until December 29, 2021
Practical information:
https://noel-colmar.com/fr
Montbéliard Christmas market
Montbéliard is one of the most illuminated markets in France.
Pays de Montbéliard Tourism
Historic land of the Counts of Württemberg, Montbéliard has inherited the tradition and the spirit of the Christkindelmarkets and draws on its Germanic roots to celebrate Advent. Very typical, the Christmas market of Montbéliard is recognized among the most beautiful in Europe. The 160 invited artisans are handpicked for the quality, authenticity, originality and diversity of their products. As for flavors, regional specialties, with Montbéliard sausage and cancoillotte in the lead, delight and warm gourmets. As for Father Christmas, he is here accompanied by Aunt Airie, the good fairy of the Pays de Montbéliard who often steals the show with his donkey! Another local specialty, the “Christmas Lights Walk” which brings together up to 3,500 people walking on 5 and 10 km routes,candle and goblet of mulled wine in hands. This year, it will take place on December 18. But throughout the month of December, at nightfall, the city shines with a thousand and one lights thanks to illuminated arches, pyramids and festoons that dot the historic center where squares and monuments sparkle like nowhere else. Finally, do not leave Montbéliard without a "Christmas verquelure". Originally, it is a rough fabric of hemp, the manufacture of which dates back to the Middle Ages. Verquelure is now woven again in the Pays de Montbéliard. Available in tablecloths, napkins, placemats and decorative items. Here is a good idea of gift to slip under the tree ...the city shines with a thousand and one lights thanks to illuminated arches, pyramids and festoons which mark out the historic center where squares and monuments sparkle like nowhere else. Finally, do not leave Montbéliard without a "Christmas verquelure". Originally, it is a rough fabric of hemp, the manufacture of which dates back to the Middle Ages. Verquelure is now woven again in the Pays de Montbéliard. Available in tablecloths, napkins, placemats and decorative items. Here is a good idea of gift to slip under the tree ...the city shines with a thousand and one lights thanks to illuminated arches, pyramids and festoons which mark out the historic center where squares and monuments sparkle like nowhere else. Finally, do not leave Montbéliard without a "Christmas verquelure". Originally, it is a rough fabric of hemp, the manufacture of which dates back to the Middle Ages. Verquelure is now woven again in the Pays de Montbéliard. Available in tablecloths, napkins, placemats and decorative items. Here is a good idea of gift to slip under the tree ...is a tough hemp fabric that dates back to the Middle Ages. Verquelure is now woven again in the Pays de Montbéliard. Available in tablecloths, napkins, placemats and decorative items. Here is a good idea of gift to slip under the tree ...is a tough hemp fabric that dates back to the Middle Ages. Verquelure is now woven again in the Pays de Montbéliard. Available in tablecloths, napkins, placemats and decorative items. Here is a good idea of gift to slip under the tree ...
Open:
until December 28, 2021
Practical information:
www.paysdemontbeliard-tourisme.com/les-lumieres-de-noel-montbeliard
Paris Christmas market
The Christmas market on the forecourt of Notre-Dame is the most authentic in the capital.
Jarry Tripelon
There isn't a single big Christmas market in the streets of the capital, but a multitude of small and medium gatherings of lighted chalets spread across different neighborhoods. The most "postcard" is the one organized on the forecourt of
Notre-Dame Cathedral
from December 10 to 26. But the Christmas village organized on the
Champ de Mars
, with the Eiffel Tower in perspective, also guarantees beautiful photos! It will take place from December 19 to January 4, 2022. The most exotic, for all those who cannot go to the provinces, is the Alsatian market which is held in front of the
Gare de l'Est
(from December 1 to December 17). You will find there all the atmosphere of the country of Father Christmas and Alsatian delicacies such as pretzels and kouglofs! More modern, the Christmas market which is announced in the 13th arrondissement, within
Station F
, will bring together dozens of start-ups and designers offering original gifts, not found elsewhere (on December 10 and 11). And the third places also celebrate Christmas, the alternative spirit in addition.
The Recycling
, in the 18th arrondissement, offers thematic Christmas eco-villages: nature (December 4-5), Japanese (December 11-12) or eco-feminist (December 18-19).
Finally, know that one of the most authentic and friendly markets in Île-de-France is held every year in a small village in Essonne.
It's the
Janvry Christmas market
, this first weekend of December.
Opening:
until January 4, 2022
Practical information:
www.parisinfo.com
Thonon-les-Bains Christmas market
About fifty chalets are open this year at the Thonon-les-Bains Christmas market.
JyHell Photographer
Les Féeriques, this is how the town of Thonon-les-Bains, in Haute-Savoie, named its Christmas market, which has many surprises in store for visitors. About fifty chalets spread around the large tree offer local artisan products and mountain specialties to warm up while swallowing melted cheese and cold meats. Close to
the Town Hall
, we also discover a mysterious forest which plunges the most curious into a magical multisensory universe. A fairytale-like scenography, over a 22-meter-long course, was specially designed for Les Féeriques de Thonon: encounter with funny creatures, installation of original light projections, diffusion of animal noises and intoxicating smells. are on the program, every day from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. But that's not all ! A large outdoor skating rink of 300m² is installed throughout the duration of the Christmas market. Note that on December 5, figure skating champion Brian Joubert will give a show ... And a sound and light show inspired by the world of The Nutcracker is offered at nightfall every day on the facade of the Hôtel de city. Without forgetting a multitude ofother activities which make Thonon-les-Bains the mountain capital of Christmas.
Open:
until January 2, 2022
Practical information:
www.thonon-lesfeeriques.com
Evian Christmas market
The Flottins Village, like the magic forest, is inhabited by driftwood characters who invade the city from December 10.
Georges Ménager
It is one of the most atypical Christmas markets in France which has been organized every winter for 15 years on the shores of Lake Geneva. The pieces of driftwood found on the beaches of the lake bring to life a gallery of elves, mermaids, fairies, leprechauns and other legendary creatures that amaze (and sometimes a little scare too) children. These are the Flottins who animate Le Fabuleux Village during the holidays (from December 10 this year). Born from the imagination of the Tourpine Theater company, they settled in town and welcomed Santa Claus with their torches and fireworks. The result is a unique atmosphere that cannot be found anywhere else in France. The whole village is built of wood, from the den where we eat,on rides that amuse children. This year a magical driftwood forest and a giant 5 meter tall bird are announced. And throughout the holiday season, storytelling evenings, a popular ball and artistic strolls are planned. History to properly celebrate this 15th anniversary in Évian-les-Bains.
Opening:
until January 8, 2022
Practical information:
https://lefabuleuxvillage.fr
Lyon Christmas market and festival of lights
In Lyon, it is above all the Festival of Lights, organized from December 8 to 11, which marks the start of the Christmas festivities.
Muriel Chaulet
In Lyon, before celebrating Christmas, it's the lights that are celebrating! The traditional Festival of Lights enlivens the capital of Gaul, which shines with the thousands of “candles” placed by the Lyonnais on their window sills. And also via the numerous light and video projections on the buildings of the city which make this traditional festival "the" meeting place for digital and light arts, which has become the largest gathering of its kind in the world. Five key places are the scene of these giant and ultra-creative illuminations (
Place Bellecou
r and
Place des Terreaux
,
Saint-Jean cathedral
,
Fourvière hill
and
Tête d'Or park
).
The Festival of Lights 2021 takes place from December 8 to 11 and opens the ball of Christmas celebrations which crystallize around the
Place Carnot
where the large traditional market of Lyon takes place.
There are 90 chalets there this year, which is much less than in the previous edition when there were 140. But Santa Claus eager to find original gifts can also visit the designer market which is held on
Place Sathonay
, December 18 and 19.
Plastic arts, illustrations, paintings, jewelry, ceramics, decoration and clothing from the workshops of some sixty designers are gathered to satisfy those looking for original gifts.
Opening:
Festival of Lights from December 8 to 11, Christmas market until December 24, 2021
Practical information:
www.lyon-france.com
Royan Christmas market
Among the four Christmas villages, that of winter sports, with skating rink.
A. Valli
These are four villages that can be discovered this year in Royan. The most traditional hosts the
Christmas market
, ice sculpture entertainment and a Ferris wheel. A
winter sports village
offers an ice rink, a toboggan run and a space for biathlon training. In the
village of the North Pole
, the children will find the house of Santa Claus, his sleigh for some thrills and an enchanted labyrinth formed by snowy fir trees. Finally, the last village, that of the
far north
which allows you to discover the traditional Quebecois and Canadian culture and which brings together a tipi inhabited by an Amerindian who distills his tales and teaches children to make traditional objects, a trappers camp where we find a Quebec coureur des bois, a cabin to taste maple syrup while listening to musical performances from our cousins in Canada. Not to mention an illuminated Christmas tree and shows every Saturday in December with fireworks, video projections and music. And the festival of lights on the waterfront is scheduled for Saturday, December 11. Finally, be aware that a special train on a railway line opened in 1876 will exceptionally transport those who wish, on December 12 and 19, along the Seudre estuary, towards the
Christmas market in Mornac-sur-Seudre
, an oyster-farming village classified as “most beautiful village in France”.
Open:
until January 2, 2022
Practical information:
www.royanatlantique.fr
Toulouse Christmas market
The Toulouse Christmas market takes over the Place du Capitole.
Natoetsy Raymonde
In Toulouse, everyone meets on the famous
Place du Capitole
... even for the end of the year celebrations! This is where the Christmas market takes place, with a hundred exhibitors in pretty white chalets. Several are specifically reserved for local creators and artisans. And in the heart of this village nestles a large skating rink that children are impatiently waiting for. But this winter, in Toulouse, to take full view on the illuminations side, it is in
Blagnac
that you have to go. Until February 1, 2022, the capital of aeronautics on the edge of Toulouse, hosts the Lantern Festival in the
Parc du Ritouret
.
These are huge traditional Chinese illuminated structures that form a luminous forest over an area of 10 hectares.
As soon as night falls, nearly 2,500 lanterns light up.
Pandas, dragons, pagodas, scenes of Chinese life but also mythical and spectacular legends such as a park inhabited by dinosaurs amaze children and adults alike.
This festival is unique in France and it is therefore in Toulouse that it is settling this year.
What to make a nice competition with Santa Claus.
Open:
until December 26, 2021
Practical information:
www.marchedenoeltoulouse.fr
