Discover Arras and its magical French Christmas market

Only an hour from Calais by car, Arras is a fascinating place to base yourself for an enriching weekend. Let the magic of Christmas surprise you!

The Arras Christmas market offers you 1001 pleasures and has become over the years one of the most important Christmas markets north of Paris.

The unrivalled atmosphere of its famous squares, the imposing dimensions of its prestigious abbey or the Vauban Citadel, the eclecticism of its heritage and the solemnity of its WW1 remembrance sites (such as the Wellington quarry and the new CWGC Experience centre) come together to form a unique and memorable French experience.

There is always something happening in the Christmas market of Arras! Come and wander through the spacious walkways which lead you to an area dedicated to entertainment: the magic of Christmas season, the smell of Christmas trees, the sound of music, the workshops with appetizing aromas and sparkling lights….. Come and share the merrymaking!

Be sure you have got everything! Thousands of gifts and recipes will help you get ready for the festive season. In the Christmas market, you are sure to find a wide range of original items that will add a touch of magic to your Christmas and New Year celebrations: jewels, wooden toys, fashion accessories, decoration, Champagne, Cognac, foie gras and other culinary specialities from many French regions.

You can also take a break and enjoy Savoyard meals, roast chestnuts, hot drinks, churros, fritters, pancakes, waffles and traditional sweets…

After this magical wandering, discover the Main Square and the Arras Christmas market from a great height and view them as you have never seen them before: the big Wheel is there for sharing some unforgettable moments. All weekend long, music and songs will accompany your walks throughout the Christmas village.

Our local tips: discover this modern French town in Northern France, and its cheerful locals, strolling the quiet laneways and enjoying the apéritif on the main square at the foot of the UNESCO Belfry. Right here on the square we recommend you to push the door of "La Dame Jeanne" wine bar for a wine tasting and nibbling session around cheese and cured meat platters. And before we forget, it's worth mentionning admission is free at the recently opened CWGC Experience centre!