Discover Benelux | Culture | Christmas Markets Guide Reims 22 November - 29 December Reims, France With 145 decorated chalets, an Artisan Village and a Ferris wheel, the Christmas market at Reims has something to please everyone, whether they love marvelling at intricate jewellery, tobogganing or simply drinking Champagne while admiring beautiful illuminations. www.reims.fr
Colmar 22 November - 29 December Colmar, France In Colmar, a city infused in art and history, the traditional Christmas market boasts a unique atmosphere. With six different markets, nestled in the emblematic squares of the historic centre, each constitutes a small village with its own universe of passionate craftsmen. www.noel-colmar.com
Amiens. Photo: AWELTY
Lille 22 November - 29 December Lille, France Discover everything from regional products, gourmet treats and dazzling decorations at Lille’s enchanting Christmas market, which is this year celebrating its 30th anniversary with an array of highlights and entertainment for all ages. noel-a-lille.com
Strasbourg 22 November - 30 December Strasbourg, France With more than 300 stalls, kilometres of fairy lights and the majestic Great Christmas Tree, not to mention countless dazzling shows and concerts, visiting Strasbourg during the festive season is like stepping into a fairytale. noel.strasbourg.eu
Amiens 23 November - 30 December Amiens, France Reasons to visit Amiens during the most magical time of the year abound: alongside the traditional 15-metre-tall Christmas tree, the market will feature an ice-skating rink and a free supervised play and workshop-space area for parents to leave children in while they browse the market. fr.marchedenoel.fr
Séléstat. Photo: P-Mod
Sélestat 29 November - 29 December Sélestat, France The Christmas village in Sélestat hosts chalets that transform the square and create a magical atmosphere. This is a real Christmas market that takes place on the Place d’Armes and the Place du Dr Maurice Kubler, with plenty of inspiring gift ideas. www.selestat.fr
Plaisirs d’Hiver 29 November - 5 January, Brussels, Belgium The hugely popular Plaisirs d’Hiver (Winter Wonders) once again returns to Brussels with a Christmas market comprising over 200 chalets, countless animations, an ice-rink and a stunning Christmas tree on the famous Grand Place. www.plaisirsdhiver.be
Louvain-la-Neige 29 November - 21 December Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium Located on the Grand Place and Place de L’Université, at this wonderful Christmas mar-
Photo: Charleroi
ket you can discover around 100 different exhibitors showcasing their handmade crafts, local products and tasty treats. www.louvainlaneige.be
Charleroi 30 November - 6 January Charleroi, Belgium Charleroi’s Christmas Village is the perfect place to pick up Christmas gifts from the wide range of artisan products and gifts available, such as wooden handmade Christmas trees or baskets of local produce. www.charleroi-noel.be
Dunkerque 8 December - 6 January Dunkerque, France Like in previous years, three of the town centre’s squares (République, Jean Bart and Charles Valentin) will transform into a magical winter wonderland. Meanwhile, the town hall is where you’ll find Father Christmas’ castle. www.ville-dunkerque.fr Issue 71 | November 2019 | 91