For some festive spirit with a sprinkling of French finesse, the Hauts de France region in Northern France has a tempting choice of Christmas markets – all of which are easily accessible for a short break or long weekend.  From the sparkling ferris wheel and wooden chalets of the market at Lille to the atmospheric stalls of the Village de Noel in Arras, there's plenty to sample with a fabulous selection of gifts to stock up on.  

Lille Christmas Market- 18th November- 30th December 2022

One of Europe's best-loved Christmas markets can be discovered in Lille, less than 90 minutes from London by direct Eurostar or 75 minutes drive from Calais.  Lille is ideal for those looking to combine the city's local independent shops along the cobbled streets of Old Lille and luxury well-known French brands such as Louis Vuitton and Hermes with a more traditional atmospheric market offering over 80 chalets. Ride the glittering big wheel and marvel at the stunning view over La Grand Place and listen to carols whilst browsing amongst the wooden chalets in Place Rihour. From nativity figurines to Christmas decorations, regional food and drink and arts and crafts, visitors will be spoilt for choice and can keep warm and energy levels high with a warm glass of mulled wine as well as delicious gingerbread, patisserie and waffles.

Stay: Vieux-Lille is home to the intimate, 19-room Clarance Hotel. This contemporary five-star gem can be found in an 18th-century townhouse, and has a lovely courtyard, individually styled bedrooms and a Michelin starred oak-panelled restaurant - 'La Table'.  With free bikes available to explore the city, it makes a perfect base for a relaxing shopping break. Rooms start from £183 per night on a room-only basis.

Arras Christmas Market– 25th November – 30th December 2022

Roughly halfway between Lille and Amiens, and just an hour's drive from Calais, Arras attracts visitors year-round to its Flemish-style architecture and UNESCO listed belfry.  At Christmas it is home to one of the largest markets in the region, the Village de Noël which takes over the Baroque Grand Place and the rest of the city centre, with 130 chalets, traditional carousels, a big wheel, ice sculptures and an ice skating rink.  Visitors can wander amongst the glittering Flemish-style architecture and beautiful Christmas trees and admire the festive window displays in Arras' many independent shops. On selected dates there are special events– including Santa abseiling down the belfry and brass bands performing every Friday evening.

Stay: at the Mercure Centre Gare Hotel in Arras, a 10-minute walk from the Grand'Place, where comfortable contemporary rooms start from around £100 per night for 2 sharing on a room only basis. 

Amiens Christmas Market – 26th November – 30th December 2022

With a 2 km stretch of stalls along the pedestrianised centre, Amiens Christmas Market ticks all the boxes for festive shopping for the whole family.  Choose from local crafts, regional food and unique gifts whilst browsing the stalls in this beautiful city.  As well as ample options for shopping, there are some fantastic amusements – including illuminations, carols, a skating rink and a Santa Parade, as well as an illuminated big wheel and traditional carousels. A real highlight is the iconic Gothic cathedral – which is twice the size of Notre-Dame de Paris and is illuminated throughout December, with a spectacular sound and light show (Chroma).

In addition to the market, Amiens offers plenty to explore, with over 600 shops, the home of Jules Verne and a unique network of 'hortillonnages' or floating market gardens, which date back to the Middle Ages and provide much of the city's flowers and vegetables. 

Stay:  Base yourself at the contemporary 3 star Moxy Hotel in a great central location and just a short walk from the train station. With modern, quirky yet comfy, there is also a chilled lounge area complete with table football and a 24/7 dining bar.  As the city is easily accessible by foot, it's the perfect option for exploring Amiens Christmas market.  Prices at the Moxy Amiens start from £90 per night based on 2 sharing on a room only basis.  

For further ideas on activities and accommodation in Hauts-de-France, visit www.french-weekendbreaks.co.uk

Accommodation prices based on two sharing.