Christmas markets are subject to the health pass, but health rules are not always applied by visitors, as was the case in the Strasbourg market. The government has announced the strengthening of controls.
[Mise à jour du 6 décembre à 20h10]. Next to a Defense Council organized on December 6, Olivier Véran and Jean Castex announced new measures to limit the risk of contamination in France. As it concerns Christmas markets, the government wants to strengthen the rules, especially in the catering areas. The health pass, which is already compulsory to access the chalets, will have to be better controlled, announced the Prime Minister.
What health protocol for Christmas markets?
To access the traditional Christmas markets, the health pass will be compulsory. This was announced by the Minister of Health Olivier Véran this Thursday, November 25 at a press conference. “For Christmas markets, their access will be subject to the health pass “ did he declare. Also, for Christmas markets, as for flea markets, the prefects may decide to return the wearing a mask is compulsory. In addition, wearing a mask has become compulsory again, since November 26, everywhere indoors, “in places covered by the health pass”.
But these rules are not always respected, as the Prefect of Bas-Rhin regrets concerning Strasbourg Christmas Market. “I myself observed that a certain number of rules fixed (…) within the framework of the sanitary protocol had not been understood “, said Josiane Chevalier at a press conference. The prefect notably mentioned visitors who did not comply with the obligation to wear a mask in the market and also regrets that the dedicated food zones (Zad) where the health pass is compulsory, are shunned by the public. She then announced the creation of additional Zads and advocated strengthening the display of the obligation to wear a mask. Other municipalities are also mobilizing to verify proper compliance with the sanitary rules in force at Christmas markets. Thus, 40 members of the security forces carried out this Sunday, November 28, with multiple checks in and around the Colmar Christmas market (Haut-Rhin) at the request of the Haut-Rhin prefecture. In particular, they checked the validity of visitors’ health passes and recalled the good practice of barrier gestures according to Alsace.
It should be remembered that certain European cities impose more restrictions in the face of an epidemic resumption, such as in Germany where the city of Munich has decided to cancel its Christmas markets, which attract more than two million visitors each year. “This is bitter news (…) but the dramatic situation in our hospitals and the exponential growth in the number of infections leave me no other choice.“said Mayor Dieter Reiter in a statement on November 16. For now, the Christmas markets in France are maintained, although they could not be organized last year due to the sanitary situation. This year, families will therefore be able to visit many Christmas markets in France, stroll in the decorated alleys, find the chalets and discover the traditional products of the Christmas markets. Find, city by city, the most beautiful Christmas markets in 2021!
Strasbourg Christmas market: what activities?
In Strasbourg, the oldest Christmas market in France (the first of which dates from 1570), will be back this year, from November 26 to December 26, 2021. This Christmas market hosts nearly 300 chalets scattered among the markets of the city center of what is nicknamed the Christmas capital. If last year, the mayor of Strasbourg had given up the festivities, entertainment was still there, with the big tree, illuminations, concerts and a choir. This time, the traditional Christkindelsmärik will be subject to enhanced security to ensure the proper conduct of the Christmas market, said the mayor of the city Jeanne Barseghian in the city council. “For this edition, we have thought about a different spatialization of the chalets, they are wider aisles to feel less suffocated and so that there is better traffic in this Christmas market”, specifies the first deputy mayor, Guillaume Lisbig, according to France 3 Grand-Est. Find out more: www.otstrasbourg.fr
Lille Christmas market: a Christmas village not to be missed!
Lille is once again adorned with light, from November 19 to December 30, 2021, and will host, in place Rihour, the 31st edition of the Christmas Village. Regional products, gourmet baskets, Christmas decorations, toys, wellness products, warm clothes or even catering, there will be something for everyone! Lille Christmas Village will also offer a program of activities and highlights throughout the Christmas period such as musical and light strolls, workshops for children, a meeting with Santa Claus or competitions. Decorations and photocall will fill up with memories!
Colmar Christmas market: ice rink and treasure hunt
From November 26 to December 29, 2021. There are no less than 6 different markets in the Upper Rhine capital: the Gourmet Christmas Market, Cathedral Square with its Alsatian products, the Dominicans Square Christmas Market, the Place de Noël Christmas Market. the Old Customs House, the Craftsmen Christmas Market at Koïfhus, the Children’s Christmas Market in the Little Venice district and the Place Jeanne d’Arc Christmas Market and its gourmet products. This year, the most anticipated events of the Christmas market will still be there. Among them, the Colmar Christmas Market ice rink, Santa’s giant letterbox, Christmas guided tours, the treasure hunt (game booklet available at the Tourist Office or online) and the Christmas caterpillar (merry-go-round) …
Montbéliard Christmas market: craftsmanship in the spotlight
The Christmas lights, as well as the Christmas market, organized by the City of Montbéliard, will be held from Saturday November 27 to Tuesday December 28, 2021. Canceled in 2020 due to the sanitary situation, this year it will be “more artisanal than ever”, with “always magical illuminations” and “activities to celebrate the event in the pure tradition”. For this 35th edition, the “treasures of Franche-Comté” will be highlighted as well as “the know-how in terms of craftsmanship and gastronomy” of the region.
Mulhouse Christmas market: place for nature and creativity
Mulhouse Christmas Market is also making its big comeback this year, from Wednesday November 24 to Monday December 27. To guarantee the comfort and safety of visitors, 80 chalets will be arranged along extended aisles according to France Bleu Alsace. The municipality made a point of “proposing a synthesis between what liked before and what worked well last year”. The focus will therefore be on nature and creativity.
What are the Christmas markets in Paris?
Christmas market in La Défense
The Christmas market in La Défense is back for a 26th edition from November 25 to December 29, after being canceled in 2020. To adapt to sanitary conditions, it will be extended over 7,500 m2 (instead of the usual 13,000 m2) and provides for an educational farm, culinary workshops with renowned chefs who will reveal some of their recipes. 200 cabins will be installed to accommodate families.
Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries in Paris
The magic of Christmas takes hold of the Tuileries Garden from November 20, 2021 to January 2, 2022, in order to offer magical end-of-year celebrations. This year, the Tuileries Christmas Market is focusing on beautiful Christmas decorations, but also on a fine selection of gift ideas with a gourmet market going around France and artisans offering gift ideas. Both a market and a fun fair, the rides and entertainment will also be present to the delight of families.
Saint-Germain-des Prés Christmas market
Installed along Boulevard Saint-Germain, at the level of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas market is back for these end-of-year celebrations, from Saturday 20 November to Sunday December 26. Like the previous editions, it gives the opportunity to feast your taste buds thanks to many chalets and gourmet stands such as a Guadeloupe restaurant and a Tibetan restaurant, but also a Christmas brioche and French toast chalet, hot and cold drinks made from of fresh ginger made on site.
The Christmas village of the Eiffel Tower
The Christmas Village returns to the foot of the Eiffel Tower from December 1, 2021 to January 2, 2022. Installed on the lawns of Champ-de-Mars and visible from the Trocadéro esplanade, it offers several stands showcasing products local produce such as an Alsatian stand with regional specialties, but also a Savoyard stand for a gourmet trip to the mountains or a mulled wine stand prepared on site with fresh and local products (to be consumed in moderation).
Lyon Christmas market: 90 chalets at Place Carnot
The 2021 Christmas market will take place in Lyon on the famous Place Carnot, in the Perrache district (Lyon 2e), from November 27 to December 24. A total of 90 cabins will be set up. “Throughout the duration of the market, activities will be offered around the market. This year, a chalet will be made available to associations of the city and two chalets will welcome traditional artisans.“, specifies the city of Lyon in a press release.
Annecy Christmas markets: where to see them?
The city of Annecy has announced the return of the traditional Christmas Market for the end of year 2021 celebrations, from November 22, 2021 to January 2, 2022. In 2017, the municipality of Annecy merged with 5 neighboring municipalities: Cran-Gevrier, Meythet, Seynod, Annecy-le-Vieux and Pringy. This year 150 chalets will be spread over nine sites. In Annecy, the public will find five different atmospheres in five places: around the churches of Saint-Maurice and Saint-François, on the quai Vicenza, on the town hall esplanade. In the Martyrs de la Deportation square behind Bonlieu will be the Santa Claus Village for children. Finally, Place François-de-Menthon will host a space dedicated to gourmet scents over 1,300 m² with 52 chalets and a musical atmosphere for young people.
Rennes Christmas markets: 4 markets in the city center
Several markets are organized this year in Rennes city center:
- The Christmas market at Mail François Mitterrand : From November 26 to December 31, visitors will be able to discover the traditional wooden chalets welcoming vendors of sweets and party articles and take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
- The Christmas village, on Parliament Square : From December 4 to January 9, gourmet chalets, a giant tree and a letterbox to write to Santa Claus will be available
- The Christmas market of the creators of the place Hoche : from December 3 to 23, creators from the West will showcase their products under a heated marquee.
- The Fire Arts market, on the Town Hall square : from December 9 to 12, visitors will be able to admire the objects and sculptures of craftsmen, selected at European level.