After five years, it was finally time to visit some other European Christmas markets.
Our journey took us to Lille, France, Bruxelles, Belgium, Aachen, Cologne, and Frankfurt, Germany. We took multiple train rides and stayed in different hotels in each city.
Our journey began in Paris, where we experienced the chilly weather before taking the TGV train to Lille, which had a fast connection with the French capital.
Lille Christmas Market is a fantastic place to experience the magic of Christmas.
Spend a full day in Lille exploring the beautiful Christmas Market. You can start your day by visiting the Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral and admiring its incredible architecture before moving on to the Christmas Market.
The market boasts over 70 chalets that showcase artisanal arts and crafts, festive decorations, and local food and drinks.
Stroll through the market and taste local delicacies, such as the famous Maroilles cheese, traditional gingerbread spiced cookies, and delicious mulled wine. In the evening, head to the Ferris wheel in Place Rihour and enjoy a spectacular city view.
Finally, end your day on a high note at the Grand Place, where you will witness a spectacular sound and light show that tells the story of Lille and its impressive history.
Things to know before visiting the Christmas Market
The Christmas Market is a magical time of year, filled with twinkling lights, delicious treats, and unique gift ideas. To make the most out of your experience, you should know a few things before visiting.
*Research the market beforehand to ensure you don’t miss out on must-see attractions or special events.
*Dress warmly when visiting the markets, especially as the wind can make it very cold outside. Bring gloves, thick socks, a woolly hat, and an umbrella to protect yourself.
*Since the streets of Brussels are cobbled, it is best to wear waterproof and comfortable shoes.
*I recommended bringing a tote or shoulder bag to hold your belongings. Some Kiosks don’t have paper bags to give.
*Be cautious of pickpocketing incidents and keep your valuables to a minimum. I bought a leather wallet that can be worn around your neck and under your coat.
*Battery life in phones and cameras can be affected by colder temperatures, so keep your phone charged.
*Most kiosks do not have machines to pay with your debit or Visa card, while some do.
*At European Christmas markets, paying a deposit for a cup with your drink is common. You can reuse the cup throughout the market and then keep it as a souvenir or return it to any drink stall for a deposit refund.
The Christmas Market (Village de Noël) will take place from November 20 to December 29
From Monday to Thursday: 11 – 8 pm
Friday and Saturday: 10 – 10 pm
Sunday (December): 10 am – 8 pm December 24th: 11 – 6 pm, closed December 255th
The stalls are closed on the 24th and 30th of December at 06:00 pm. Exceptionally closed December 25r 25
How to get to the Lille Christmas market
*The Lille Christmas Village has two entrances: the primary one on Rue Jean Roisin and the secondary one on Rue de la Vieille Comédie.
Please follow the line and show the security guards your belongings before you enter.
The square of Place Rihour, which is close to the famous Grand Place and the location of the Ferris wheel, has been home to the Christmas market since 1996.
The closest metro station is “Place Rihour” on Line 1, which runs from the metro station “Gare Lille Flandres” in the direction of CHU-Eurasanté.
You arrive in front of a beautiful house with decorations on all the windows.
Go to Gare Lille Flandres to get as close as possible to the Lille Christmas Village. There are two train stations in Lille, just 400 meters apart.
If travelling via metro, get off at the “Place Rihour” station and head towards CHU—Eurasanté on Line 1. Depending on where you’re leaving, you can take the bus or tram. You need a transport ticket or an account to use Ilevia Transit.
The Christmas Market Food
Pretzel
One local source claims the ideal pretzel should have a texture between bread and brioche. This means it should give easily when you bite into it and encourage leisurely chewing to enjoy the cozy and well-balanced doughy saltiness.
There are pretzel sandwiches and cheesy, sweet, and salty pretzels.
Sauerkraut aka “La Choucroute”
Most French/German Christmas markets provide this meal, typically served with meat (pork, hot dogs, sausages, and potatoes).
Belgian Waffle
Everybody knows the waffle. These dense Belgian waffles are a favourite street dish and at Christmas markets. Nutella and sugar-dusted whipped cream (à la Chantilly) are popular toppings.
Pain D’épices
This famous spiced bread, especially around Christmas, is pain d’épices. Several web recipes call it gingerbread because it resembles gingerbread a lot.
Mulled Wine
Another popular traditional seasonal beverage is spiced or mulled wine, particularly at Christmas markets. It’s also a traditional drink at Christmas markets all around Europe. It is known as vin chaud (hot wine).
Things to do (that aren’t Christmas Markets)
The beautiful city of Lille, in Northern France, is the capital of the region Haut de France.
While in Lille, you will be astonished by the beauty of the Old Town, with the lively streets and many buildings listed as historical monuments. You will love Lille if you love art, history, and delicious food.
*The Old Town
The Old Town is picturesque, with its stunning Flemish architecture illuminated by sparkling lights. During the Christmas season, the shop windows are adorned with creative displays, making it a shopper’s paradise with a range of options for every taste and budget.
After shopping, Old Town is still worth visiting for its historical monuments, charming cobblestone alleyways, and galleries or antique stores. It is also the best place to find the biggest names in fashion and design.
If you love art, history, and delicious food, you can enjoy the beauty of Lille’s lively streets and historical buildings.
*Notre Dame de la Treille Cathedral
The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Treille (French: Basilique-cathédrale Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille de Lille), is a Roman Catholic church and basilica and the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Lille. An example of Gothic Revival architecture, the cathedral is considered a national cathédrale
Open from 10.30 am to 6.15 pm.
*Place De L,Europe
Place De L’Europe is one of the most beautiful and renowned places to visit in the charming city of Lille.
This picturesque square is located in the heart of the city, and it is famous for its unique architecture, stunning fountains, and the beautiful trees that line its edges.
Visitors who have enjoyed this lovely location have described it as a “true gem” and a “must-see” for anyone touring the city. From this central point, you can also easily access some of Lille’s top tourist attractions, restaurants, and shops.
So, if you are planning a trip to Lille, add a stop at the Place De L’Europe to your itinerary and discover the beauty and charm of this enchanting square.
The Place We Stay
Novotel Suites Lille Europe
Boulevard De Turin, Lille, 59000, France
*The Staff is amiable, and the rooms are spotless and comfortable.
*It was reasonably priced.
*It is located between two train stations.
* You can walk to the old town, the Christmas market, and the shopping center.
Plan And Book Your Trip
Getting There: Find your train fares with Trainline – Rail Europe
Where to Stay: Booking.com – Expedia us/ca – Tripadvisor
E Sims: Airalo
Thing to do: Go City
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**Are you looking for travel resources to plan your trip? Click Here.
“This Christmas market is tiny, so I suggest avoiding it on Sundays when it becomes overly crowded, making it difficult to walk up to kiosks to see what they have in their booth.
Despite its modest size, this market is a sight to behold, set against a picturesque backdrop. The variety of stalls and the aroma of delicious food capture the essence of the holiday season, making it a must-visit for any Christmas market enthusiast.
Based on my personal experience, I would wait to revisit this market. However, if you visit the town, it may be worth checking out.
**A giant shopping center located between the two train stations. The Prismark Store…. The prices are excellent.
If you plan to visit multiple Christmas markets like us, I highly recommend buying your train tickets online through the SNCF Connect website. It’s convenient and quick, especially if you’re making last-minute plans.
Here’s a Fascinating Tidbit- The town remains shrouded in darkness until 8 am, a unique experience I was pleasantly surprised by. It’s a small detail, but one that adds to the charm of this Christmas market destination.
Absolutely love these recommendations! 😊 Your photos capture the festive spirit beautifully. Can’t wait to follow your advice and explore the Lille Christmas Market. Thanks for sharing the magic! 🎄✨
Thanks.I am glad you love it :o)