What do you do at a Christmas market in France?

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 do French people do at Christmas?

Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal and open gifts on Christmas Eve. Other activities include walking in the park, participating in city life and sharing a meal with family and close friends.

How many people normally attend Christmas markets in France?

Alsace's Christmas markets are the major event in the region's tourism landscape. The Strasbourg Christmas Market alone represents the largest event in France in terms of its duration and its economic impact, estimated at over a quarter of a billion euros. Every year, it attracts over two million visitors.

CHRISTMAS IN PARIS GUIDE (Christmas markets, illuminations & things to do)

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 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.

What are 5 facts about Christmas in France?

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 stalls do you have at a Christmas market?

Where is the biggest 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 are the Christmas markets like in Paris?

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. And you, if you're so inclined.

What are French markets like?

French markets are, first and foremost, about the fresh produce, meats, cheeses and fish. Here, shoppers can fill up a sack with plump green almonds buried deep in a deep layer of soft pulp.

What do French children call Santa?

In France, the name for Santa is simply Père Noël, which translates to Father Christmas. You might also hear the little ones calling him Papa Noël, but it all amounts to the same thing.

Does French Santa say Ho Ho Ho?

Although the Père Noël largely resembles this image, there are a few differences that make him French – and no, it's not because he walks around with a baguette and cigarette in hand, nor does he say “Oh là là” instead of “Ho ho ho”. Here are a few reasons why the French Santa Claus is different.

How do French people say Santa?

Santa Claus is called Père Noël in French or Father Christmas. Small children may also call him Papa Noël or Daddy Christmas.

What are the 13 desserts of Christmas in France?

What happens on the 6th of January in France?

The 6^th of January is 'l'Epiphanie' or 'la journée des rois' and commemorates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus. It's traditional in France to eat 'la Galette des Rois'.

What is the symbol of Christmas in France?

Crèche – In homes and churches, the most important Christmas symbol in France. Christmas Tree – usually a fir tree of some kind. Decorated a few days before Christmas and lit only on December 25.

What are 3 traditional French Christmas foods?

What days are the Paris Christmas market?

The Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market awaits you from November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024. It's the perfect opportunity to shop for Christmas gifts, take part in the merry-go-rounds, slide on the skating rink, and feast on the many stalls and gourmet restaurants on site.

Where is the best place to see Christmas markets in Paris?