Some cities have decided to cancel their traditional Christmas market in the face of the 5th wave of Covid. The protocols of Christmas markets are evolving under the responsibility of the prefects to better supervise the places of restoration, with the “control of the sanitary pass”.
[Mise à jour du 8 décembre à 14h55]. The measures concerning the Christmas markets are reinforced to limit the risk of contamination in this 5th wave of Covid. THEhe government wishes in particular to strengthen the rules in restaurant areas, by changing the Christmas market protocols under the responsibility of the prefects “so that the conditions of consumption of food products are strictly supervised”, with the “control of the sanitary pass”, specified Jean Castex. The sanitary pass, which is already compulsory to access the chalets, should be better controlled.
Which cities are canceling their Christmas market?
A strengthening of the measures which caused a cascade ofcancellation of certain Christmas markets. In small towns, it is indeed difficult to have a Covid referent, to check that visitors’ masks are worn correctly, to provide them with hydralcoholic gel and to separate the stalls and businesses as required. sanitary protocol applicable in Christmas markets. Results, in Gard, Dordogne, Indre or Meuse, some mayors have decided tocancel the christmas market in their city or drastically reduce the festivities planned in this context.
In Germany, 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
Do you need a health pass for the Christmas markets?
To access the traditional Christmas markets (open or covered), the health pass is mandatory, although this is not the case in other markets. This was announced by the Minister of Health Olivier Véran on November 25 at a press conference. “For Christmas markets, access to them 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”.
In Strasbourg where the health situation “continues to deteriorate throughout the department” and “the white plans are triggered in the hospitals of the department”, the prefect of Bas-Rhin announced in a press release “the installation of the health pass at the entrance to the Place du Château” since December 7 on the Strasbourg Christmas market. “As a reminder, the presentation of the health pass at the entrance to places Broglie and Kléber is mandatory since December 3, 2021”, she said.
What health protocol for Christmas markets?
- In addition to the compulsory health pass on covered or open Christmas markets, the government imposes a Covid referent in charge of implementing health protocols.
- Spaces dedicated to catering at Christmas markets must respect the same protocol as that of restaurants.
- The mask is compulsory from 11 years old and strongly recommended from 6 years old
- Hydroalcoholic gel products must be made available at the entrance to the Christmas market as well as on the market stands. Marking on the ground, plan and direction of movement of the market, distance to be respected must also be displayed inside the market.
- The Christmas market could also be extended in order to better separate shops and stalls. Hours can also be adjusted to avoid peaks in attendance.
- Contactless payment should be made easier, cleaning and ventilation measures reinforced.
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.