How many people normally attend Christmas markets in France?

Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg's Christmas market is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the oldest in Europe. Its authentic traditional aura attracts over 2 million visitors from all over the world every year.

Are Christmas markets popular in France?

The French love their Christmas markets and do them very well, and they make the perfect excuse for a seasonal weekend away.

What is the largest Christmas market in France?

Two of the biggest French Christmas markets are in Colmar and Strasbourg, which you may visit on one of our Alsace tours.

What do you do at a Christmas market in France?

In Paris, Christmas markets are the opportunity to shop for Christmas. Find original gifts, drink delicious hot chocolate with gingerbread, stroll around the little wooden chalets … Christmas markets put us in the festive spirit.

What is sold in French Christmas markets?

Christmas markets take place in many cities throughout France, often starting the last weekend of November and running until the end of December. The festive stalls sell handmade gifts, food and mulled wine (vin chaud) for all to enjoy.

8 Best Christmas Markets in France | 8 Top Destinations to Visit in France at Christmas

What do French people give on Christmas?

When Christmas sales start in France?

French winter sales

Winter sales usually start the 2^nd Wednesday of January at 8am (or the 1^st Wednesday after the 12^th of January). Some départements escpecially in border regions where the neighboring country has other sales' periods have a derogation for other dates.

Why do people like Christmas markets?

Perfect Place to Buy Presents, Souvenirs and Decorations

These will bring them the holiday spirit and are perfect for a symbolic gift. What better way to show them they are in your thoughts even when you are travelling, and what a better time to do it than Christmas?

What is the oldest and largest Christmas market in France?

Strasbourg: Cathedral Square and its surroundings

Home to the oldest and largest Christmas market in France, Strasbourg remains faithful to its reputation every year. The tradition of the Christmas market dates to the Middle Ages.

Where is the best Christmas market?

Where is France's Capital of Christmas?

“Strasbourg, capital of Christmas” is exceptionally renowned. Every year, close to two million visitors flock to the Alsatian capital to experience its enchanting market. For over a month, Strasbourg is imbued with a festive, spiritual ambiance with few parallels anywhere else in Europe.

Where are the most popular Christmas markets in France?

How many people visit Strasbourg Christmas market?

Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg's Christmas market is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the oldest in Europe. Its authentic traditional aura attracts over 2 million visitors from all over the world every year.

Is Christmas big in France?

Christmas in France is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. Christmas is celebrated as a public holiday in France on December 25, concurring alongside other countries.

What 3 countries have Christmas markets?

Christmas in the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium

We then move on to sample the Christmas Market in Valkenburg, situated in this enchanting Dutch town's ancient network of tunnels and caves and considered as the largest and oldest underground Christmas Market in Europe.

Is Christmas a big deal in Paris?

Parisians typically celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at home with family and friends over sumptuous feasts featuring traditional French holiday specialties - raw oysters, foie gras, Bûche de Noël, and much more!

Why is Strasbourg so famous?

With a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire, Strasbourg has been a center of culture, politics, and trade for centuries. The city is famous for its stunning Gothic architecture, including the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral, which towers over the city's historic center.

What is the Capital of Christmas in the world?

This essential symbol of “Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas” is also the highest decorated Christmas tree in Europe. Hundreds of merchants and craftsmen occupy the 300 chalets set up almost everywhere in the city centre.

What is the most famous Christmas market in the world?

The main Christmas market in Nuremberg, Germany – Christkindlesmarkt – is one of the oldest and best-known markets globally. It's known for its array of handcrafted goods for sale and for its fantastic German Bratwurst, gingerbread, and other traditional treats.

Are Christmas markets good for kids?

Christmas markets are a great way for kids to get into the Christmas spirit. They offer a festive atmosphere, with plenty of things to do for both children and adults. Santa Claus, live music, delicious food, fun rides, and games are just some of the things that kids can expect to find at a Christmas market.

Are Christmas markets better in day or night?

Go at night

There is absolutely no question that Christmas markets are much better after dark than during the day. This is the time of day when the holiday lights can shine and you'll appreciate that mulled wine a little bit more as the temperature drops.

What is the oldest Christmas market in the world?

The Dresdner Striezelmarkt is considered the first genuine Christmas market in the world, dating all the way back to its first iteration in 1434, when it was held for just one day. Today, it's a massive multiday event where over 200 stalls can be found selling sweet treats, Christmas tchotchkes, and more.

How many days does Christmas last in France?

It really depends on each family; our family celebrates for around six days, spending three days with one side of the family, and three days with the other. However, for some, the celebrations begin on St Nicholas' Day on 6th December and do not finish until January 6th (the Kings' Day).

Is France open during Christmas?

Most tourist attractions are closed on December 25th, and others are open with limited options - for example you can climb the Eiffel Tower but guided tours are not available and the restaurants are not open.

What time does France celebrate Christmas?

Christmas Carols Midnight mass is a religious tradition that many French families still uphold. Here, they gather to sing songs at midnight or a few hours before, in celebration of the religious season.