Christmas markets

Most Christmas markets started at the end of November or beginning of December. In smaller towns they are organized in a big hall just for one week end and in bigger towns they last at least four weeks.

There are chalets selling all sorts of things linked to Christmas and winter time, and an ice-rink for people to enjoy it even if it is not snowing outside. There is one in Nancy near Saint-Sébastien church, on the new Place Charles III, and also one in Metz.

At the chalets you can buy food : gingerbread, biscuits, chocolates, dried fruit, but also mulled wine, sausages, cheese. You also find Christmas ornaments, all sorts, and sometimes cribs. In Strasbourg, you can even find moss to put at the bottom of the tree.

And of course there are plenty of ideas for Christmas presents : hats, scarves, gloves, or handbags and purses, necklaces and rings, toys for the children.

When I was young, we didn't have Christmas markets in Lorraine. I like them as it is an opportunity to meet people outside, have a chat and a drink just as if it was still summer time, with Christmas carols, smiles and kindness to feel Christmas spirit around.