A ‘Lille’ bit of holiday spirit
A real-life Christmas movie.
Here, starry lights float row upon row overhead, hot chocolate Bailey’s warms your hands, and the drunk and disorderly dance on tables outside.
Okay, maybe not your typical Christmas movie. But Lille is the most unexpected, non-commercial, quaint, yet feel good Christmas town.
A popular destination for French, British, and Belgian visitors, Lille’s Christmas Market is a true winter wonderland.
Since 1996, the Christmas market has occupied the square of Place Rihour, drawing approximately one million visitors each year.
The Vieux-Lille district, in particular, transforms into a postcard-worthy scene with tree garlands of red and gold ribbons adorning the streets of Rue de la Grande Chaussée and Rue de la Monnaie.
Now, before we go any further, I must confess: my Christmas spirit is usually marginal at best.
And no, it wasn’t the 18-meter Christmas tree or the 10,000 light bulbs on the Ferris wheel that did it for me. It truly was just the authenticity of the old town, where cobblestone streets guide you through history, culture, and contemporary Flemish facades.
As it was drawing to a close of our brother-sister European adventure, it was really nice to share such a unique place together, as our ‘white Christmas’ days are well behind us now.
We walked for hours, peering through shop windows, gazing up at the ferris wheel, people watching from the bar, and discovering our newest addiction… baileys hot chocolate (that sh*t is gooood).
As for the markets, fill your winter comfort and french winter senses with gooey raclette and crispy frites and of course a giant chocolaty waffle after.
Oh and if you’re a doughnut fan, Laquemant De Lille is a must visit!
A bouquet of warm, sugar coated dough balls.
Oui s’il vous plaît
Open from 23 November to 30 December 2024.
1hr 30min train ride from London St Pancras International.
Watch out— I’m starting to feel a Lille festive!
