Every year, the Grand’Place in Arras is transformed into a Christmas wonderland by the Christmas Market. One of the biggest Christmas markets in the Hauts-de-France region, above all it is somewhere to spend a wonderful interlude with the family. Here are five reasons why you’re sure to enter into the magic of Christmas in Arras.
1- Strolling around the Grand’Place: a dream setting
You couldn’t dream of a more beautiful place to celebrate Christmas.
Walking around the Christmas Market is a bit like being inside a giant snow globe! The cabins form an enchanting little town, carpeted in red and surrounded by superb buildings with Flemish Baroque gables. Illuminations in their thousands, Christmas trees in their hundreds, amazing rides and fairground attractions: there is magic in the air at the Arras Christmas Market.
2- Thousands of gifts to be tracked down
With more than 140 cabin stalls, you’ll have no end of choice for your Christmas gifts.
At the Arras Christmas Market, you won’t find soulless mass-produced merchandise imported from who knows where. Almost half of the stall holders originate from the Hauts-de-France region. Gastronomy; crafts and gifts; jewellery and decoration accessories to put under the tree: here, authenticity, quality and originality are the watchwords.
3- Enjoy marvellous attractions
To take them all in at a glance, why not take a ride on the big wheel ?
From 35 metres up in the air, the Arras Christmas Market twinkles with a thousand lights. A feast for the eyes day and night. And there’s the traditional carousel, the Christmas tree roundabout and its colourful baubles, the sledge run, of course, and the skating rink as well. Fun and pleasure for the whole family!
4- Indulge yourself with specialities of the local terroir
The aromas of mulled wine, chocolate and gingerbread tempt the taste buds as you stroll down the aisles.
Of course there are regional delicacies at the Arras Christmas Market: foie gras, honey, cheeses, sweets, coffee, chocolate, chicory conserves and soups. But also delicious enticements from further afield like the famous Alsace sandwiches, the Haute-Savoie tartiflette or Polish cakes. The not-to-be-missed Winter Bar, with its illuminated tower, and the Grizzly Bar await you, ready with a warming glass of traditional mulled wine. And of course, a flute of champagne accompanied by a few oysters: a must if you want to really savour the festive elegance of Arras.
5- Discover Arras, a Festive City
The Christmas festivities in Arras aren’t restricted to the Grand’Place. Every year, the Place des Héros is transformed into a fabulous Court of Lights.
As the afternoon draws to a close, a map floods the Belfry in colour: a local attraction not to be missed. And don’t miss Santa climbing down the belfry on 6 December. Father Christmas is ready to welcome little ones to his village on the Place Ipswich, and magic and fantastic tales are in store for them in a yurt. Finally, numerous events will be held across the city throughout December: the Elves’ Village on the Place du Théâtre, shows and performances, local brass bands every Friday: Christmas can’t come fast enough!
6- My Christmas shopping in Arras
Cette année, j’ai déniché plein de cadeaux originaux au marché de Noël d’Arras.
This year, I came across lots of original gifts at the Arras Christmas Market. I also came across an Âme d’Arrageois (Soul of Arras) sweatshirt from Atelier L’Empreinte, to declare loud and clear that I “heart” Arras! And lastly, I loved the Escoffier figurines and the Christmas decorations from the Arras Pays d’Artois Tourist Office stall, and the remarkably lifelike tool-shaped chocolates from the Atelier du Chocolat! But there are also Russian dolls, wooden toys, the inevitable “terrible” Christmas jumpers, Canadian maple syrup and brushed cotton socks: like me, you’re bound to find the perfect gift that will be an absolute hit at Christmas!
Arras Christmas Market in practice :
- From the end of november until the end of december (Coming soon)
- Grand’Place
- www.noelarras.com