What can you do at a French Christmas market?

After a restorative mulled wine, browse the market stalls, visit the unique Christmas tree roundabout, or try skating on the natural ice-rink. Foodies should note that Arras is famous for its Gaufres - waffles of Flemish origin that are best served smothered in melted chocolate.

What is the main feature of the Christmas markets in France?

With sparkling lights, Christmas trees full of bright decorations, and even occasional visits from Saint Nicholas - or Père Noël, as Parisian children call him - these festive street markets filled with Swiss-style wooden chalets bring a tradition begun in the Middle Ages in Alsace and Germany to the French capital.

What do they do at Christmas markets?

Traditionally held in the town square, the market offers food, drinks and seasonal items for sale from open-air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.

What are Paris Christmas markets like?

La Magie de Noël

Arguably Paris' biggest and most visited Christmas market, it offers a one-two punch of carnival rides and your usual market offerings. Visitors will find more than a dozen rides to enjoy, from merry Ferris wheels to bumper cars. So that's the kids taken care of.

What is sold at Paris Christmas markets?

The signature feature of Paris Christmas markets are the wooden chalets, lined up in rows, where all things Christmas are sold — decorations, regional products, arts & crafts, roasted chestnuts, mulled wines, and the other seasonal charms like garlands and decorated trees and Santa's workshops.

A FRENCH CHRISTMAS MARKET VISIT!!!!! | Christmas in France

What do they eat at Christmas markets in France?

In general, though, you'll find crêpes, churros, cannelés, gingerbread, and waffles at most French Christmas markets. Other typical foods include oysters (often with Champagne or white wine), lots of delicious French chocolate, incredible potato dishes, and Alpine cuisine, like raclette and roast suckling pig.

What is the most famous Christmas market in France?

Strasbourg Cathedral Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik) is the most famous and oldest set in front of the Gothic cathedral. My favourite is in Place Kléber. It's where the huge, 30m Christmas Tree sits along with the ice rink. I love seeing people ice skate in winter, especially at Christmas time.

Is Paris fun during Christmas?

It's impossible to deny the joy and spirit everywhere when it's Christmas in Paris. During the December holiday season, the city literally shines, from the lights along the Champs-Élysées to the rainbow-colored tree at Galeries Lafayette to some of the most decked-out window displays in the world.

Is Christmas fun in Paris?

Wander the streets and soak up the magic

Paris' charm seems to intensify at Christmas. Its mediaeval streets and famous landmarks take on an even more enchanting look. Buildings and trees are wrapped in the glow of twinkling lights and festive decorations.

How long do Paris Christmas markets last?

With its Marchés de Noël (French for Christmas markets) that are usually open from late November to the beginning of January, there is no better time of year to visit the French capital. These traditional markets are the essence of winter in Europe.

Do I need cash for Christmas markets?

Should you use cash or card at Christmas markets? While more and more Christmas market vendors are equipped with chip and pin machines, this can't be relied upon, so make sure you don't take just plastic.

Are Christmas markets cash only?

our top tips

Bring cash - While some of the vendors take credit/debit cards, many still only take cash, so make sure you get some cash before you arrive.

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.

What food is served at the Christmas market in Paris?

As you walk by the kiosks, get ready for mouth-watering displays of artisanal macarons, mulled wine, marrons glacés (candied chestnuts) from Southern France, caviar, smoked salmon, truffles, foie gras, and jewel-like jars of fruit preserves.

Is Paris cold in December?

What's the weather like in Paris in December? The festive season in Paris is very warm and romantic with colourful lights draped on buildings and a few light snow showers over the month. Paris weather in December is very cold and wet with a small chance of snow.

Is Paris very expensive?

Paris is known as an expensive city, but the cost of a trip to Paris can vary depending on your budget and travel style. Accommodation, food, and transportation costs are the main expenses to consider, but there are ways to save money by planning in advance, using public transportation, and eating at affordable places.

Is Paris expensive at Christmas?

But there are also less-expected high seasons to be aware of when planning a trip to Paris – as it's an easy city break from the UK, long weekends and bank holidays such as Easter are expensive, too. Christmas is one of the most expensive times to go to Paris, so it can definitely be considered high season.

Does Paris get snow?

Although it snows in the center of Paris almost every year, it is usually very light and doesn't stick for more than a few hours. Snowfall can also be very unpredictable. Although the city averages 3-15 days of snowfall per year, there have been years with almost no snow at all.

How many days in Paris?

First-time travelers should try and plan around 4-5 days—ample time to enjoy some classic Parisian highlights and visit a few of the 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods).

Is Christmas a big deal 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 is the oldest French Christmas market?

The Christmas market in Strasbourg is the oldest market in France, dating back to 1570 so it's no surprise that the city considers itself the 'Capital of Christmas'.

In which city is the biggest French Christmas market?

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

What are 3 traditional French Christmas foods?

Does France have Christmas crackers?

Though cracker-pioneer Tom Smith found his 19th-century inspiration in Paris (with bonbons in paper twists), crackers themselves remain virtually unknown in France.