Christmas markets

Dunkerque : the big parade

The Christmas market at Gravelines  runs from16 – 24 December  2011 hosting  more than 60 exhibitors of traditional craft industries and regional gastronomy such as  fish & sea food, foie gras, Flemish waffles, local cheeses etc... Father Christmas will descend the famous Belfry and there will be a skating rink during two nights.
Dunkirk will be decorated for the Christmas festivities with a labyrinth, a toboggan run and a large ferris wheel from 3 to 24 December , 2011.  Shoppers will find a wide variety of gifts ranging from jewellery, regional products, natural products, sculpture, champagne and mulled wine, foodstuffs, exotic gifts and crafts, traditional Christmas gingerbreads and decorations.
Christmas parade on Sunday the 18^th , an exceptional parade gathering more than 100 000 visitors in Eindhoven and Antwerpen: 8 tanks, walking theatre, musicians, puppet show and fairy tale characters..last but not least : 21 metres long Santa Clause tank with Christmas presents of 21 metres long.

Lille market

Lille will once again don its festive robes for one of France’s best Christmas markets from 19^th  November – 30^th   December (every day except on the 25^th  December).  Place Rihour will be lit up with beautiful decorations hosting more than 83 ‘chalets’ crammed with original gifts and crafts.  In the Grand Place adults and children alike will enjoy the snow-covered village and take a seat on the Ferris Wheel to enjoy a spectacular view of Lille and its illuminations.  You can get Christmas decoration, crafts, decoration, wooden games…
In December, with the wave of a magical wand, Lille will be once again wrapped up in the Christmas spirit! The entire city sparkles and its beautiful façades disappear beneath lavish decorations. For more than a month, the streets, squares and facades of Lille, are lit up with the arrival of Christmas: lights, crowns of garlands, a merry-go-round and a Christmas market - including more than 80 wooden stalls open all day long. Observe the panorama from the Big Wheel which turns majestically on the Grand Place with the sound of Christmas carols. The run-up to Christmas is one of the best times to visit Lille!

In Roubaix

Meanwhile, the Christmas market in the trendy fashion district of Roubaix offers a slightly different angle, showcasing its dynamic multicultural community and its strong links with the fashion industry with original works by creative young designers.  Around fifty fashion designers and craftspeople are permanently based in ateliers and workshops in the area.
Lille also hosts its annual ‘Art Braderie’  in Roubaix 10 to 11  December 2011.  This popular event  welcomes more than 100 artisans from all over Europe who line the streets of Lille.  Visitors can then watch the artists magically transforming old and donated goods into renovated and recyled objects with new life within 24 hours.  The art is then sold for anything between 1 and 230 Euros.

And also

From 16^th  to 18 December: Christmas market in Roubaix
10^th  to 25^th  December: Christmas market in Tourcoing
From 26^th  November to 18^th  December, every weekend, Christmas market in Villeneuve d’Ascq
10^th  and 11^th  December , Bergues
19^th  and 20^th  November, Esquelbecq

What to buy for Christmas

The famous Meert waffle

They were General de Gaulle’s favourite; la gaufre de chez Meert is remaining the same since 1849. A vanilla (of Madagascar) filling inside a soft pastry, this long-established speciality is a perfect accompaniment for all festive occasions (receptions, afternoon tea, breakfast), and will be a magnificent delight for any gourmet.

Where to buy it ?
Patisserie Meert in Lille
27 rue esquermoise
59000 Lille
 

Regional beers

In local estaminets, in small crafts breweries the beer of northern France highly fermented is really appreciated by English visitors. 3 Monts, la blonde d’Esquelbecq, la rouge flamande, la Jenlain or la Goudale….  Will satisfy your palate.

Smoked salmon and fish...

... from the Saurisserie, the fish smoking plant. Maybe one of the last craft fishsmokers in Grand Fort Phlippe. Smoked fish will leave an unforgettable taste. To be at the Gravelines Christmas market.