It’s that time of year, where European Christmas markets pop up in cities and towns, bursting with Christmas spirit! On the eve of my 26th birthday, I wanted to celebrate in style, on a budget of course, and visited Lille. It was an epic journey from London via a ferry crossing from Dover to Calais and a coach drive to Lille. Greeted by winter sunshine, there wasn’t nothing stopping us to get into the spirt of Lille Christmas markets.
Lille Christmas markets are a cluster of traditional handicrafts, souvenirs and food glorious food! There are many things to do at Lille Christmas markets which mainly involves eating. There are so many sweets – crepes, donuts, cupcakes, waffles, croustillons (round donut balls) and hot chocolate! To wash this all down there’s four types of hot wine – red or white infused with either lemon or orange. The best thing to do at Lille Christmas Market is sample a bit of everything! Most items only cost 2-3 Euro!
Lille Christmas markets are situated just off the city centre’s main square. In the centre of Lille lies a giant ferris wheel and Christmas tree, with a miniature winter wonderland.
Outside Lille’s Opera House is a carousel and rather strange singing animal statues – singing Christmas carols in French of course!
There is one top priority on the list of things to do in Lille Christmas markets – ride the ferris wheel. It’s only 4 Euro for panaromic city views. If you get motion sickness the capsule does have the ability to turn – a bit like the teacups at Disneyland. The ferris wheel attendants give you a hearty push once you hop on! Stomach turning aside, the ride on Lille Christmas ferris wheel seemed never-ending and was fun way to soak up the winter sunshine.
Lille itself is a quieter French city. Although it’s incredibly busy on a Saturday afternoon with tourists and locals browsing the markets and doing Christmas shopping, you can escape the crowds and wander down the streets to the north of the square. There are lots of boutiques, delicatessans and bars and restaurants. Lille is also much cheaper than Paris!
At night, the lights in the Lille’s main square continues to glow with Christmas…
