 | Christmas in France |  | France is renowned for its bustling markets throughout the year - many a summer holiday has been passed browsing the “brocante” or sampling regional products on market day. But from late November to Christmas, many towns also hold their own festive markets displaying handcrafted decorations, seasonal foods and unique gifts. |
 | Christmas Markets |  | One of the oldest markets in France is held in Strasbourg (24/11-31/12/07), backdropped by the stunning Cathedral. The best time to visit is late afternoon as the sun begins to set and the decorations are lit. Soak up the magical atmosphere and make time to enjoy a glass of mulled wine, accompanied by a freshly cooked beignet. Search out the town’s Christmas Shop or the Gingerbread Bakery for more seasonal purchases. Also in Alsace, nearby Mulhouse celebrates its annual Christmas Market from the 22/11 - 30/12 07 in the Place de la Reunion. 50 brightly lit wooden chalets will display their seasonal wares, selling everything from candles, handcrafted gifts and ornaments to spiced wine and gourmand treats. Whilst the surrounding streets and historic quarter are festively decked with golden garlands and Christmas lights. From the 21st November to the 24th December, the northern town of Lille immerses itself in the festive spirit. As well as the popular market at Place Rihour, a Big Wheel returns to La Grande Place, offering sweeping views across the town. The scent of cinnamon and chestnuts warms the air and spiced wine is on offer to keep out the chill. Youngsters are bound to enjoy the old fashioned carrousel and, on the 22nd December, Father Christmas can be seen descending the Chamber of Commerce to distribute his presents. Calais is throwing itself into a Christmas Extravaganza this year. From the 1st December to the 6th January, the streets will come alive with food markets, street performers, children’s entertainers and a circus. The festivities kick off on the evening of 30th November when the Mayor switches on the Christmas illuminations. A gourmet market in Place d’Armes offers regional specialities and quality produce for your Christmas menu whilst the Shoppers Market in Place Crèvecoeur offers unique gift ideas. To top it all off, the whole family will enjoy the huge roller coaster in the Place de Hotel de Ville. To the south, the festivities continue in the Provencal town of Menton. The Jardins Bioves will be decorated by giant confectionery, transformed into a magical wonderland for the young and young-at-heart (8/12/07-6/01/08). A temporary skating rink and bobsleigh will transform this Mediterranean resort into a winter retreat (9/12/07 - 6/01/08) whilst the traditional market offers the delicious aromas of regional specialities, hand-made confectionery and freshly cooked crepes. Marseille’s Santon Fair is a long standing tradition. From the 25/11 - 31/12/07 this market displays unique Provencal figurines which have become popular as part of the Nativity Manger Scene. |
 | Christmas in Paris |  | Despite the chill, Paris can be most romantic in December. Christmas shopping becomes a delight with festive decorations along the Champs Elysees, Place Vendome and the Rue Saint-Honore to name but a few. Also beautifully illuminated, and offering one of the best views in Paris, is the Butte de Montmartre. There are a number of Christmas markets around Paris including Place de la Nation (1-24/12/07), Place Saint Sulpice in St Germain-des-Pres (6-24/12/07) and Boulevard Saint Germain-des-Pres in the Latin Quarter (5-31/12). Enjoy the “Salon Saveurs des Plaisirs Gourmands” (7-10/12/07) where quality ingredients and unique recipes are bound to inspire your Christmas menu or pick up a few pointers on how to get the best from your Christmas tree at the exhibition at the Intercontinental Paris Le Grand, Opera (4/12/07 - 2/1/08). The large department store of Printemps Haussmann has been transformed into a winter wonderland until the end of December and both Parc Asterix and Disneyland Paris will also be celebrating the season with festive displays and parades throughout the month. Bring your gloves and wrap up warm to enjoy the temporary skating rinks at Hotel de Ville and Montparnasse (1/12/07 -9/03/08).
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 | Christmas traditions in France |  | Midnight Mass - for many families this remains an important part of their Christmas celebrations. Christmas Eve will see the Cathedrals across France lit by candles and filled with the sound of carols. Reveillon Feast - following the Midnight Mass, families and friends come together for a huge, late night feast. Traditionally, this meal would be served without meat with dishes such as spinach au gratin, steamed vegetables with garlic mayonnaise and braised celery. Today, however, each region has its own special dishes but goose, turkey and chicken are long-standing favourites. Usual desserts include a Christmas Log (made of chocolate and chestnuts), dried figs and raisins, nougat, oranges and a sweet Christmas Loaf. Presents will often be distributed amongst adults and lucky children allowed to open one or two family gifts before going to bed and awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas. Christmas trees - “Sapins de Noël” have become a long standing tradition across France, since their introduction in Strasbourg in the early 17th century. The trees are decorated with lights, candles, sweets and small toys and children place their shoes beneath in anticipation of Father Christmas. La Fête de Saint Nicholas - the 6th December is one of the most important dates in the Christmas season, marking the beginning of festivities and the arrival of Saint Nicholas. Excited children await the appearance of “Père Noël” and many families still exchange gifts on this day as opposed to Christmas Day. La Fête de Lumières - celebrated in Lyon from the 6th to the 9th December, this holiday traditionally commemorates the Virgin Mary and candles would be lit in open windows. Today the gardens and squares of the city are transformed with different illuminated displays, including a unique signposting system to guide you around. At 6pm on December the 8th, visitors are welcomed to join in a giant fresco of light, made up of over 20,000 candles. Epiphany on the 6th January is celebrated with a round cake called La Galette des Rois. Hidden inside the cake is a small figure (la fève) and whoever finds it receives a treat or forfeit, depending on the local tradition.
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