Boulogne-sur-Mer Christmas market exudes Anglo-French spirit - 14th December - 24 th December 2023

Boulogne-sur-Mer Chrsistmas Market

Whether it’s just the two of you, or you’ve got an excited family in tow, sail away from the pre-Christmas stresses and messes of home by enjoying the less frantic pace in France. Here at Boulogne-sur-Mer Christmas market ─ against a backdrop of medieval walls and cobblestone streets, and with open-air shows, cosy wooden cabins and streetscapes of festive light – you’re reminded of the true joys of December.  

Special events punctuate proceedings ─ like the human nativity in Notre Dame Cathedral or Père Noël’s selfie-session outside his house as he collects awe-struck children’s wishlists ─ yet one of the greatest pleasures of your Christmas weekend break will be exploring Northern France’s iconic food culture.

‘Tis the season… to feast on Northern France gastronomy

Arrive at Boulogne-sur-Mer Christmas market with an empty belly and an empty shopping bag – or three. Because endowed with geniality and the warm spirit of the season, proud local foodie artisans fall over themselves to talk to you – in reciprocal franglais fun ─ about their many delicacies from buttery biscuits to cheese, confits and charcuterie. Little wonder every Tom, Dick and Henri comes here from all over the Opal Coast to buy gastronomic goodies in time for Réveillon, the traditional family meal on Christmas Eve.

Le proof is in le pudding

Enjoy an apéritif of good local craft beer or mulled wine, maybe with some smoked herring or a wee taste of le pudding (like British Christmas pudding but with the French touch), then follow warm wafts and music into one of many cosy restaurants exuding French romance. Look out for the ‘Welsh’, an indulgent cheese dish ─ also with Franco-British heritage ─ to warm the winter cockles.  

Things to do in and around Boulogne-sur-Mer during your festive break

Boulogne-sur-Mer christmas dates : 

From Thurday 14th December to Sunday, December 24th 2023