A beautiful city on the northern side of France, Lille is known as a vibrant cultural hub and a center of business in the Hauts-de-France region. It captivates tourists with its enchanting, quaint houses and charming neighborhoods with narrow pathways and cobbled streets. To completely immerse in the culture of the city, spend some time at the bustling Grand Place, make friends with locals, observe their way of life, and most importantly, try culinary delights from restaurants near the square. If you are planning to spend your Christmas holidays in this side of France, you will not be disappointed as this place has lots of trade fairs that look entirely taken out of fairytale books. For your guidance, here is a list of top Christmas markets in Lille, France. Feel free to browse below.
1. Lille Christmas Market
A magical festival that will treat you to a show of lights in one dreamy setting, Lille Christmas Market is an unmissable attraction during the holiday season. In total, 90 tastefully decorated chalets prepare their specialty items to provide you with a plethora of gift ideas for your loved ones. You can buy home decor for your parents, jewelry for your friends, wooden toys for the little ones, and a lot more. Not only that, but as the air gets filled by the aroma of freshly baked goodies, you’ll know you have to try some gingerbread and a cup of hot chocolate as you go shopping in the vibrant market. Plus, you might love to see the beauty of the area from the top of the Ferris wheel.
Lille Christmas Market
Address: Place Rihour, 59000 Lille, France
Website: Lille Christmas Market
Opening hours: Nov 22 - Dec 30: Mon - Thu: 11am - 8pm; Fri: 11am - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 10pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm
Nearby Christmas markets
2. Le Touquet Christmas Market
Happening in the captivating little coastal town of Le Touquet, within a short distance from Lille, Le Touquet Christmas Market is another dreamy holiday destination that you definitely must see and experience. You have plenty of things to do here—from admiring the sparkling Christmas decors to shopping to your hearts’ content, then being taken on a palatable adventure with delicious fare cooked and sold by various food stalls. Plus, delightful rides are also available for kids and kids at heart to try.
Le Touquet Christmas Market
Address: Le Touquet, France
Website: Le Touquet Christmas Market
Opening hours: Nov 29 - Jan 5
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3. Calais Christmas Market
Experience a Christmas holiday festival like no other and bag home some quality finds here at Calais Christmas Market. In the bustling Place Albert, with picturesque views, lies a colorful trade fair. A spectacular gathering of roughly 80 retailers that boast their seasonal regional specialties, Calais Christmas Market is a fabulous place to do your shopping activities. In addition, each cabin will impress you with their creative decor and the number of fairy lights it took to make it magical. Plus, guests will be fascinated with Santa Clause figures, elves, the nativity scene, festive floats, and live performers that are additional attractions in this dreamy winter wonderland.
Calais Christmas Market
Address: Place Albert 1er, 62100 Calais, France
Website: Calais Christmas Market
Opening hours: Dec 7 - Dec 22: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 7pm; Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 10am - 8pm
4. Dunkirk Christmas Market
Whether you are a child or a self-acknowledged kid at heart, the beauty of Dunkirk Christmas Market will surely take your breath away. Set in the stunning Place de la Republique, this magical Christmas event welcomes everyone for a shopping and dining experience like no other. A warm atmosphere, captivating lanterns, a show of lights, and an abundance of Christmas decors will give you delightful, festive feels. Plus, the sound of Christmas carols and the fragrance of freshly cooked seasonal fare fill the air in this whimsical setting. Further, the kids will surely fall in love with Santa’s Castle by the town hall. Last but not least, Dunkirk Christmas Market features a superb ice-skating rink and a majestic Ferris wheel.
Dunkirk Christmas Market
Address: Place de la République, Place Jean Bart & Place Charles Valentin, Dunkirk, France
Website: Dunkirk Christmas Market
Opening hours: Dec 8 - Jan 6: Mon - Tue & Thu - Fri: 2pm - 7:30pm; Wed, Sat & Sun: 11am - 7:30pm
5. Licques Christmas Market
If you found yourself roaming the historic commune of Licques and marveling at its stunning medieval architecture, spare some time to visit the vibrant Licques Christmas Market. Annually, a traditional Fête de la Dinde happens in town, wherein hundreds of turkeys parade on the streets and spectators are offered drinks while enjoying the show. This tradition has been established since the 17th century and has played an important part in the festivities of Licques. Aside from the fabulous parade, the city holds a trade fair that revolves primarily on the local products of the town, from organic food to freshly baked sweets. Handicraft items and Christmas decor are also available at Licques Christmas Market.
Licques Christmas Market
Address: Licques, France
Opening hours: TBA
6. Lens Christmas Market
Indulge in all of the offerings at Lens Christmas Market in Place Jean Jaures. In the southern part of Lille lies a charming mining town with breathtaking architecture and quintessential charm. During the yuletide season, the government of this little town conducts an enchanting festival with the theme “Once upon a time, there was Christmas.” Here, a wide range of delightful Christmas goods and seasonal produce are offered to wandering customers. Not only that, but the sound of Christmas carols and the sight of whimsical decors—including a giant Christmas tree, Santa and elves figures, and carriage rides—add charm to this dreamy wonderland.
Lens Christmas Market
Address: Place Jean Jaures, Lens, France
Opening hours: TBA
7. Bethune Christmas Market
Marvel at the charm of 40 magically decorated chalets in one dreamy location in Bethune. Every year, Bethune Christmas Market welcomes people to a festival of lights, a warm atmosphere filled with the delightful Christmas spirit, and a plethora of specialty products for everyone to buy and try. While here, be sure to try some exquisite La Prairie cheese and Ane de Buridan chocolate as they are hard to get on regular days. Plus, the view of the 14th-century belfry tower serves as the perfect backdrop for this one enchanting holiday event.
Bethune Christmas Market
Address: By the Belfry Tower, Bethune, France
Opening hours: TBA
8. Amiens Christmas Market
A captivating and dreamy wonderland in Amiens, France, Amiens Christmas Market is an unmissable attraction that you should see in order to get a glimpse of an authentic French Christmas tradition. This astonishing paradise boasts thousands of sparkling fairy lights that illuminate the bustling shopping district from point to point. Considered the vastest holiday market in the northern region of France, the event offers not only handicraft goods and delicious culinary delights but also freshly caught seafood that will make your Christmas banquet a merrier one. Here, too, you’ll be able to get your hands on those rare and mouthwatering Amiens macaroons and Beauvais chocolates.
Amiens Christmas Market
Address: Amiens, France
Website: Amiens Christmas Market
Opening hours: Nov 23 - Dec 30: Mon: 2pm - 7:30 pm; Tue - Thu & Sun: 10:30am - 7:30pm; Fri - Sat: 10:30 am - 9pm
Fall in love with Lille this Christmas
Lille is a gorgeous city on the northern side of France. It is a dreamy destination all year round, and it is even more captivating during the Christmas season. If you want to experience an authentic French Christmas celebration and witness some of its most interesting traditions, use this list as your guide in visiting as many yuletide festivals in the city as possible.
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