Christmas in Northern France

Christmas markets in the region

Lille From 18 November 18 to 30 December 2009

“One of Europe’s best Christmas Markets”. The London Paper

Did you know?
Lille’s Christmas Market is the first to open in France each year!

In the period just before Christmas, Lille comes alive with colours and lights. The chalets which make up the Christmas market are erected for a month in Place Rihour, just 50 metres from the Grand'Place.

The craftsmen and stallholders warmly welcome shoppers with lots of ideas for new and original gifts. Items to look out for include local produce, food tasting, Christmas decorations, jewellery and toys.

A stone's throw from the Christmas Market, the Ferris wheel majestically turns on the Grand'Place and offers a fascinating view over the city. And when you come back down to earth, a glass of mulled wine will work its magic on you.

Photo by Claude WAEGHEMACKER

Great ideas

Festive Lille... The Christmas Market

From €39

This price includes :
- 1 night stay in a hotel (breakfast included) in 2*, 3*, 4*
- 1 Ferris Wheel ticket
- 1 mulled-wine tasting (outdoor)
- 1 City-Tour (guided tour of Lille by minibus - 50 minuts)
- 1 Lille Guidebook

Optional extra : Dinner (wine not included) in a typical restaurant in the area, including a pre-dinner drink, starter, main course, dessert and coffee.

Contact

OFFICE DE TOURISME
Palais Rihour
BP 205
59002 - LILLE
Tel: (Fr) 8 91 56 20 04, (Fr) 3 59 57 94 00
info@lilletourism.com

Photos by Claude WAEGHEMACKER

Arras From 27 November to 24 December 2009

As a focal point for lots of attractions, the Arras Christmas Market, set against the arcades of the prestigious Grand’Place, has become one of the most important Christmas markets north of Paris, over the years.

With more than 60 exhibitors, the market is set up every year in a new pedestrianised shopping street, entirely dedicated to preparations for the Christmas party.

The magic of Christmas, lots to do, tempting aromas, twinkling lights: come and share true moments of conviviality.

Contact

Office de Tourisme
Place des héros
62000 - Arras
Tel: (Fr) 3 21 51 26 95
Fax: (Fr) 3 21 51 76 49
http:www.ot-arras.fr
arras.tourisme@ot-arras.fr

Béthune From 28 November to 31 December 2009

Over the festive season, Béthune becomes a real Christmas town. In a magical setting, the square of the Sous-Préfecture and the Hôtel de Beaulaincourt welcomes the chalets where craftsmen and local producers will sell beautiful gifts.

Don’t miss Father Christmas on 24 December at 6pm!

Contact

Tel: (Fr) 3 21 57 25 47
Tel : (Fr) 3 21 63 00 00
www.ville-bethune.fr

Great events for Christmas shopping

BRADERIE DE L'ART - SECOND-HAND ART SALE IN ROUBAIX

From 5 to 6 December 2009

A 24-hour non-stop game of live creation ! 150 international artists: designers, painters, sculptors, graphic artists… Whatever their craft, they all come to play the game of creation using second-hand objects, mixing design with recycling.

Set up as a large temporary workshop, the Braderie de l’Art is an open space for creation, reflecting the latest trend of recycling-design or eco-design. It is a unique opportunity to find a genuine piece of art priced between €1 and €250.

Contact

La Condition Publique
14 Place Faidherbe
59 512 ROUBAIX
Tel: (Fr) 3 20 65 31 90
http://www.laconditionpublique.com/
http://www.labraderiedelart.com/
www.roubaixtourisme.com

FÊTE DE LA DINDE - TURKEY FESTIVAL IN LICQUES

From 12 to 14 December 2009

This festival includes a procession of turkeys plus events involving gourmet fraternities, Christmas markets and regional products. Three festive days with lots of excitement!

Contact

Tel: (Fr) 3 21 35 80 03
http://www.licques-volailles.fr/
http://www.tourisme-3pays.fr

SALON DES ANTIQUITÉS – ANTIQUES FAIR IN DUNKERQUE

From 5 to 6 December 2009

Created in 2001 by Nord'Antic, the antiques/secondhand goods collectors’ fair has historically taken place in Maubeuge. This year, the organisers have signed a contract with Dunkirk’s Congress Centre (Kursaal) to organise 5 antiques/secondhand goods collectors’ fairs in 2009 there.

Opening hours: from 10am to 7pm (Saturday) / from 10am to 6pm (Sunday).

Contact

KURSAAL,
Place du Casino
59183 DUNKERQUE
Tel: (Fr) 3 28 65 81 82