Lille Christmas Market (Nov. 24 – Dec. 30, 2010)

With Christmas fast approaching, Lille takes on a festive glow with the town decorated in Christmas lights and tinsels.

Lille’s Marché de Noël (Christmas market) runs for a whole month on the Place Rihour, just 50 metres from the Grand’Place. At the 80 wooden chalets, the craftsmen and stallholders offer ideas for new and original gifts. You can also find handicrafts like Christmas decorations, nativity figurines, jewellery, toys, etc. and some of these come from Russia, Canada and Lithuania. Then, there’s festive foods to tempt you including waffles, gingerbread and not forgetting mulled wine.

A stone’s throw from the Christmas Market, the big wheel majestically turns on at the Grand’Place and offers a grand view over the market and the city.

And for those who don’t believe in Santa Claus, come to Lille on Saturday, December 18th and see Father Christmas and his elves descending the 76-metre high belfry of the Chamber of Commerce at around 5 p.m. Christmas carols, glittering lights and artificial snow will put you in the right mood.

Lille is easily accessible from Calais and from London on the Eurostar. With its beautiful Flemish architecture and a huge selection of French and Flemish beers, Lille is the ideal destination for a weekend in France, especially during the festive season.

The Christmas market is open Sunday – Thursday at 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Friday and Saturday at 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Getting to Lille on the Eurostar
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