Towns aglow, Santas strolling down the aisles and visitors enjoying a waffle or a glass of mulled wine.... Do you miss the atmosphere? We've missed it too!

As the year 2023 draws to a close, it's time to get back to the very special atmosphere of the Christmas markets. We may not be in Alsace with the magnificent Christmas markets in Strasbourg or Colmar, for example, but we've still got enough to rival them! Every year, the Hauts de France region plays host to a number of highly reputed Christmas markets, as well as numerous events linked to the festive season. Between Lille, Arras and the Côte d'Opale, discover our selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in 2023 in the north of France.

Arras, the ultimate Christmas town

This year, the traditional Arras Christmas market will be held from 24 November to 30 December 2023. And for its comeback, the town of Arras has decided to go all out. Every year, its Christmas market is considered to be one of the finest in France, attracting several thousand visitors. This year, Arras town council has decided to reinvent its Christmas market, which normally occupies the cobblestones of the Place des Heroes, and to take visitors to different corners of the town. You'll be able to discover all the different events organised for the occasion while visiting the pretty streets of Arras. On average, the Christmas market has up to 70 chalets for shopping and culinary discoveries! 

More than just a traditional Christmas market, Arras is sure to be a feast for the eyes and a real Christmas town. 

LILLE'S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

As the festive season approaches, the whole city is decked out in its finest lights and enchanted by its Christmas music and decorations. From 22 November until 31 December, you can discover Lille's Christmas village on Place Rihour and even take a ride on the traditional Ferris wheel on the legendary Grand Place! The Lille Christmas Village is sure to be a feast for the eyes, with crafts, local and foreign products.

Looking for the perfect Christmas present? You'll also have the chance to wander the streets of Vieux Lille and do a bit of shopping.

CALAIS, ITS CHRISTMAS MARKET AND ITS LIVELY TOWN 

As Christmas approaches, the town of Calais will be immersed in a magical winter wonderland from 25 November to 7 January 2024. Streets, facades, crossroads and shops will shine with a thousand lights thanks to the countless decorations and illuminations. In the lobby of the town hall, you can see the automated decorations, stroll around the forecourt, a truly magical space, and admire the giant Christmas tree, the decorations and, of course, the traditional nativity scene. 

You can also head to the Place d'Armes to discover the Christmas village, with its 5 traditional chalets selling sweet treats for all to enjoy. The 1900 carousel will transport you into the magic of Christmas. If you're a keen skater, you can try your hand at the ice rink in the enchanting setting of the Place d'Armaes under the Halle (bring your gloves!) or the toboggan run from 3 to 24 December in the Place du Théâtre for the children's enjoyment.

After all these activities, it's off to the Christmas market, where you can stroll around and stock up on presents and take photos at Santa's chalet from 9 to 17 December. 40 Christmas chalets transform the Place du Théâtre into a real Christmas market. Linger over a gourmet break and enjoy the children's merry-go-round. Immortalise your meeting with Father Christmas at Santa's chalet, open every day during the Christmas market.

And to round off your Calais experience, we recommend a visit to the Compagnie du Dragon: Le Dragon de Calais takes you into the warmth of winter and the whole company gets into the festive spirit. Dragon trips up to and including 7 January, a winter menu in the restaurant, family entertainment...  The full programme is available at compagniedudragon.com

CHRISTMAS MARKET IN BOULOGNE SUR MER

This year, Christmas market will be held in Boulogne sur Mer! It's a unique opportunity to take a breath of fresh air by the sea while enjoying the magic of the festive season. On 10, 11 and 12 December, a Christmas market will be taking place in the walled town to delight young and old alike. 

If you're looking for a hotel to make the most of the festivities in Boulogne sur Mer, our Evancy La Marina residence welcomes you in the heart of Boulogne for as little as 1 night.

GRAVELINES: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS MARKET ON THE OPAL COAST

The Gravelines Christmas market, which takes place every year in December, is considered to be the most beautiful on the Côte d'Opale. Located just a few kilometres from our Bray-Dunes residences and only 10 minutes by car from our Oye Plage residence, it's the ideal place to spend an idyllic holiday between the sea and the magic of Christmas. Every year, around a hundred stalls are set up for you to discover a range of local products and crafts. 

This year, the Gravelines Christmas market will take place from 9 to 30 December. It's well worth the diversions if you're visiting the Dunkirk area at the end of the year.

IF LE TOUQUET WERE TOLD TO ME...

Want to put stars in the eyes of children (and adults)? From 24 November to 7 January, Le Touquet is the place to be for a whole host of activities! The illuminations will be launched on Friday 24 November at 5.30pm in the gardens of the Palais des Congrès, then every day until the end of the Christmas school holidays a surprise awaits you in Le Touquet: a parade of illuminated stilt-walkers through the town centre, fireworks on the seafront, the Christmas village and market on Place Quentovic, a meeting with Saint Nicolas and Father Fouettard.... Don't miss the big Christmas parade on 16 December (leaving from Avenue de l'Hermitage at 6pm).

From 23 December to 7 January, Le Touquet will be coming alive to make every day a dream come true, with a Christmas market, ice rink, toboggan run and inflatable bauble, treasure hunts in the shops, the Touquet Resort Kids at the Salle Bascoulergue, musical entertainment in the town centre, Christmas concerts at the Town Hall and the New Year's Day bath...

In short, you'll have understood that Le Touquet is putting on its finest finery during the Christmas festivities, not forgetting: Santa's House in the Parc des Pins and its treats stalls, the merry-go-rounds : the carousel, the flying chairs and the Jules Verne merry-go-round, Santa's presence in the town centre, the Advent calendar for shopkeepers organised by the Office de Commerce, night-time guided tours by the Heritage and Nature department, courses in sports facilities, creative workshops at the Musée du Touquet-Paris-Plage Edouard Champion, readings and cultural workshops at the Médiathèque Jean de la Fontaine and the Pedal Car Race!

DUNKIRK, A CHRISTMAS MARKET ON A HUMAN SCALE

Smaller than the one in Gravelines, the Dunkirk Christmas market is spread over 5 weeks and brings together 35 exhibitors on the Place Jean Bart. The general atmosphere of the town and the organised entertainment are sure to please children (and adults!). This year's festivities run from Saturday 2 December to Sunday 5 January 2024.

THE BIGGEST CHRISTMAS MARKET IN NORTHERN FRANCE IN AMIENS

Every year Amiens hosts the biggest Christmas market in northern France. Around 130 chalets are set up in the heart of the city. You're bound to find something to buy for the festive season, or something to eat in one of the many shops! Why not try a regional product? 

It's also a great opportunity to discover the pretty city of Amiens, with its cathedral and Picardy traditions. In 2023, the Amiens Christmas market will welcome visitors from 25 November to 31 December. 

BÉTHUNE: A CHRISTMAS MARKET IN THE HEART OF ARTOIS

Located on the Grand Place, the Béthune Christmas market captivates young and old alike every year with its chalets, delicious smells and ice rink, all set in a warm atmosphere at the foot of the belfry. It's an ideal location for discovering the city at its best during the festive season. An event that will bring the city to life from 24 November to 31 December 2023.