Setting foot in the square at Arras Christmas Market in Northern France, first pinch yourself to check you’re not on the set of a children’s Christmas movie
Arras Christmas Market means special family moments together
In the chaos of daily life, we don’t always get the chance to notice the simple pleasures of togetherness. Well, as cold rouges the cheeks, eyes sparkle in the glow of lights, and noses poke out over scarves for the sweet smell of gingerbread, chocolate and chestnuts, Arras Christmas Market is your long overdue opportunity to take a step back and relish happiness and seasonal spirit with your loved ones, making memories as you go.
And Arras Christmas market ─ within easy reach of Calais ─ is far more than just a market, with traditional carousels, big-wheel, sledge-slide and ice-skating all adding to the intoxicating winter wonderland experience.
Arras Christmas market - a convivial affair
This isn’t your usual seasonal shopping scrum. Here, the locals take their time, observe traditions such as buying delicacies for Réveillon (Christmas Eve family meal) and catch up with neighbours over a few oysters and a glass of crisp white wine.
Folks in Northern France are also big on beer and savour it like a good wine. During the market, nip to the hip bar Chez Marcel to check out Luka’s line of taps (not to mention his cliché-curly French moustache!).
Look beyond the lights: You’re at the heart of WW1 country
The notoriously friendly locals will bend over backwards to furnish you with their recommendations for must-see places to visit, with WW1 site the Wellington Quarry likely at the top of the list. Christmas isn’t just about the material things and nowhere will you feel more inclined to appreciate health, happiness, friends and family than here at this underground memorial. The graffiti that allied soldiers drew whilst tunnelling in an offensive against German forces is a sad yet life-affirming sight ─ one of many dotting the Northern France landscape.
Top tips for visiting Arras Christmas Market in Northern France
Come on a key date: On December 6th, St Nicolas bravely abseils down the belfry. Stirring brass bands also perform on Friday evenings.
Visit the top of the UNESCO-listed belfry as soon as night falls to take in the spellbinding majesty of the town in a single glance.
Start a collection of the endearing santons at Arras Christmas Market. They’re typically French tiny clay figurines collectively depicting nativity or French village scenes.
Arras Christmas Market Dates
24th November - 30th December 2023
From Monday to Thursday: 12 - 7.30pm
Friday : 12 - 9pm
Saturday : 10am - 9pm
Sunday : 10am - 7.30pm
(December 24th: 12 - 17pm, closed on December 25th)
