When Christmas rolls around every year, and with it comes a host of traditions, one of the most popular in Europe is the Christmas market, where visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere while discovering local handicrafts and seasonal culinary specialties. The Christmas market in Arras, northern France, is one of the most famous in the region. In this article, we’ll explore this market in detail and give you an insight into what you can expect from this festive experience.
The history of the Arras Christmas market
The Arras Christmas market has been an annual tradition for many years. Today, it is located on the Grand’Place, one of the most beautiful squares in France, and extends over the entire square and adjacent streets. The original aim of the market was to provide the town’s inhabitants with quality Christmas items, such as decorations, toys and confectionery, as well as regional food products. Over the years, the market has developed into a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. Today, the Arras Christmas market is one of the most popular in the region, offering a wide variety of handicrafts, Christmas decorations and culinary specialties, as well as entertainment for the whole family.
Market products
The Arras Christmas market offers a wide selection of artisanal products, from Christmas decorations to jewelry, wooden toys and pottery. You can also discover local culinary specialties such as Maroilles, a strong cheese typical of the region, as well as waffles and crêpes, perfect for warming up on cold days. The market also offers a wide range of Christmas gifts to suit all tastes and budgets. You’ll find fashion items, home decorations and original gift ideas for your loved ones.
Entertainment and the Ferris wheel
The Arras Christmas Market offers a complete festive experience, with a variety of entertainment for the whole family. Children can meet Santa Claus in his chalet, and it’s also possible to take a horse-drawn carriage ride around town to see the Christmas lights. The Christmas market also features concerts, street performances and entertainment for visitors of all ages. You can discover local Christmas traditions, such as carols and traditional dances. The Ferris Wheel is also an opportunity to see the city from a different elevated vantage point than that of the Belfry. The Ferris wheel is an emblematic attraction that is sometimes installed in the town of Arras during festive periods, particularly during the Christmas market. The Ferris wheel offers a unique panoramic view of the city and is very popular with visitors. It is usually installed on the Grand’Place, the city’s main square. It offers a breathtaking view of the city’s historic buildings, as well as the Christmas decorations, illuminations and stalls of the Christmas market.
The Ferris wheel is often open during the day and evening, allowing visitors to enjoy different views of the city. In the evening, when the Christmas lights are switched on, the view from the Ferris wheel is particularly spectacular. To ride the Ferris wheel, it is usually necessary to buy a ticket, which is valid for one ride. Ticket prices vary from year to year, but are generally affordable for visitors.
Riding the Ferris wheel is a fun and original activity for visitors to the Arras Christmas Market. It’s also a great opportunity to discover the city from a different angle and take some great photos for unforgettable memories. However, it’s important to note that the Ferris wheel isn’t installed every year during the Arras Christmas season. Christmas market organizers can decide whether or not to include it, depending on factors such as cost, availability and visitor demand.
Market installation in November
The festive atmosphere
The Arras Christmas market is first and foremost a festive experience, and the atmosphere is particularly warm and welcoming. The streets are decorated with garlands of lights, the smells of culinary specialities fill the air and Christmas music echoes through the streets. It’s a real immersion in the Christmas atmosphere, transporting you into a world of magic and enchantment. You can enjoy the festive atmosphere during the day, but the Christmas market is even more magical after dark. The Christmas lights create a magical atmosphere, the streets are spectacularly illuminated and the festive atmosphere continues well into the night.
Plan your visit
If you want to discover the Arras Christmas market, it’s important to plan your visit in advance. The market is open every day from mid-November to the end of December, but is particularly lively at weekends. We recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds, and to take full advantage of all the entertainment on offer. It’s also important to dress warmly, as temperatures can be very cold in winter. Here are a few tips to help you dress warmly for your visit to the Arras Christmas Market :
- Wear layers of clothing : it’s best to wear layers of clothing, as this helps to regulate your body temperature.
Start with a lightweight base layer that absorbs moisture, then add extra layers for extra warmth ; - Choose warm clothing : opt for warm, comfortable clothing, such as a wool sweater, winter jacket, heavy coat, warm boots, hat and gloves. It’s important to protect your extremities, as these parts of the body are more exposed to the cold ;
- Use quality fabrics : choose quality fabrics that insulate well against the cold, such as wool, cashmere, fleece, down and Gore-Tex. These fabrics will help keep you warm and comfortable during your visit ;
- Don’t forget accessories : accessories such as scarves, hats, gloves and socks are essential for staying warm.
Choose accessories made from warm, insulating materials such as wool and cashmere ; - Comfortable footwear : It’s important to wear comfortable, warm footwear for your visit to the Arras Christmas Market. Avoid thin-soled shoes that won’t protect you from the cold and snow, and opt for warm, waterproof boots.
How to get to the Arras Christmas market?
Arras is easily accessible by car from Paris, Lille or Brussels, and there are also regular trains from these and other French cities.If you’re coming from abroad, we recommend that you fly to Paris, then take a train to Arras.
You can also rent a car at the airport to get to Arras.
Location in the city (map)
The Arras Christmas Market is an unforgettable festive experience, offering a vast selection of artisanal products, local culinary specialties and entertainment for the whole family. If you’re looking for a way to immerse yourself in the French Christmas atmosphere, then the Arras Christmas Market is a must-see destination.
Other famous Christmas markets in France
In addition to the Arras Christmas market, there are many other famous Christmas markets in France that are well worth a visit. Here are just a few examples:
Strasbourg Christmas Market: Strasbourg is considered the “Christmas Capital” of France, and its Christmas market is one of the oldest and most famous in the country. Strasbourg’s Christmas market is famous for its magnificent decorations, Alsatian culinary specialties and local handicrafts.
Lille Christmas Market: Lille’s Christmas market is also very popular, with over 80 wooden chalets offering Christmas gifts, decorations, culinary specialties and mulled wine. The Lille Christmas Market is also famous for its large Christmas tree and Ferris wheel.
Colmar Christmas Market : The Colmar Christmas Market is considered one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France. It’s famous for its colorful half-timbered houses, magnificent Christmas decorations and Alsatian culinary specialties.
The Lyon Christmas market : the Lyon Christmas market is located on the Place Carnot and offers a wide variety of handicrafts and culinary specialties, as well as entertainment for children. The Lyon Christmas market is also famous for its sound and light show on the façade of the Hôtel de Ville.
The Paris Christmas market: although it doesn’t have the same reputation as the Christmas markets in eastern France, the Paris Christmas market is a popular event that attracts visitors from all over the world. The Paris Christmas market offers handicrafts, culinary specialties and attractions for the whole family.
Amiens Christmas Market: Famous for its warm, festive atmosphere. The streets are decorated with garlands of lights, Christmas trees and ice sculptures. Visitors can sample the region’s culinary specialties, such as Amiens macaroons and foie gras, and drink mulled wine. It takes place on Place Gambetta and Rue des Trois-Cailloux.
R.C.
