In search of the Christmas spirit : Lille in France or Cologne in Germany?
- Sandra Metaxas
- Dec 22, 2025
- 5 min read
Every year my husband and I, try to visit a European Christmas market. Last year we visited Lille in France to discover what their traditional market offered and a few years ago we discovered the festive Market in Koln (Cologne) Germany.
A Festive Weekend in Lille
If you're looking for a festive getaway that combines charming architecture, delicious treats, and that unmistakable Christmas spirit, Lille in December is a magical choice. We spent a long weekend there last year, and it completely captured my heart — from the twinkling lights and lively markets to the scent of fresh pastries and mulled wine drifting through the streets.
Lille is a beautiful town with a blend of French and Flemish charm. Its cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and festive decorations made it feel like stepping into a Christmas postcard. The entire city embraces the season — lights strung above narrow alleys, shop windows glowing with festive displays, and music floating through the air.
The Christmas Market at Place Rihour
The main Christmas market is held in Place Rihour, right in the centre of town. It’s not huge, but it’s wonderfully atmospheric, with over 90 wooden chalets offering artisan gifts, handmade decorations, and — of course — plenty of food and drink. We sipped on vin chaud (mulled wine), sampled local cheeses, and couldn’t resist picking up a few sweet treats to take home.
Just a short walk away in Place du Général de Gaulle, there’s a festive funfair and a giant Ferris wheel that towers over the square. Riding it gave us a breathtaking view of the entire city lit up for Christmas. If you go, try to catch it at sunset or just after dark — it’s unforgettable.
Coffee Shops and Sweet Spots: One of the joys of Lille is simply wandering and popping into cafés. We found so many lovely spots to warm up with hot chocolate or a café crème. The pastries are every bit as good as you’d expect in France flaky, buttery, and almost impossible to resist. Make time to stop at “Maison Meert Café”, one of the oldest Pastry shops in Lille, their cakes were delightful too.
Tips for Visiting Lille at Christmas
Getting There - Eurostar from St Pancras: Travelling to Lille couldn’t be easier. We took the Eurostar directly from St Pancras International in London. The journey is quick and comfortable — just over 1 hour and 20 minutes — and drops you right in the heart of the city. No airport hassle, no long transfers, just a smooth ride that sets the tone for a relaxed weekend.
Train from Paris: There are more than 20 trains per day heading between Paris & Lille and cost under 10 euros each way.
Book your Eurostar early – tickets can get pricey closer to December.
Pack layers – it is cold, and you'll be outside a lot, so warm clothing and comfortable shoes are a must.
Brush up on some basic French – while many people speak English, it’s always appreciated if you try a few words.
Wander off the main streets – Lille is full of hidden gems, quiet courtyards, and smaller independent shops beyond the market stalls. There are also great indoor shopping malls if you fall on a rainy day too, we went to Westfield Euralille and found some wonderful Christmas decorations too.
Experiencing the Magic of Germany’s Christmas Markets
During the festive season only a few places capture the magic of Christmas quite like Cologne’s renowned Christmas Market. Our visit to the city was a delightful immersion into holiday tradition, set against the majestic backdrop of the Cologne Cathedral.
The Christmas Market at at the Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom) on Roncalliplatz
Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by the comforting aromas of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and spiced pastries drifting through the crisp winter air. The market’s wooden chalets, adorned with twinkling lights and evergreen garlands, offered an array of handcrafted gifts, intricate ornaments, and regional delicacies. Each section of the market had its own distinct charm — from the Angel’s Market at Neumarkt, shimmering with white lights, to the atmospheric Old Market, where local artisans showcased their crafts.
As daylight faded, the market transformed into a wonderland of color and sound. Choirs sang carols beneath the cathedral’s soaring spires, and the glow of lanterns reflected softly on the cobblestone streets. In the cold of the evening we enjoyed traditional treats such as Bratwurst, Reibekuchen, and steaming cups of Glühwein, the perfect match when the temperature drops below zero.
Our evening concluded with a stroll along the Rhine, where the lights of the Christmas market shimmered across the water. The experience was both enchanting and memorable — a perfect celebration of the season in one of Germany’s most picturesque cities.
Travel Tips
Getting There: We chose to drive to Cologne, crossing the Channel via the Eurotunnel, which provided a comfortable and flexible way to travel. The journey through Belgium into Germany was smooth and scenic, especially during the winter months when the countryside sparkled with frost.
For those preferring a quicker route, Cologne is easily accessible by air, with regular flights from many major European cities and excellent rail connections from across Germany and neighboring countries.
Parking is available near the city center
Public transport is efficient and often the best way to explore during the busy Christmas season.
While both Lille and Cologne were the perfect size for a long weekend — compact enough to explore on foot, but full of life and seasonal charm.
Whether you're going for the food, the festive atmosphere, or just to soak in a bit of winter magic, I wholeheartedly recommend both of these destinations.
We cannot wait to try another Christmas Market this year on our list are the following markets:
Vienna, Austria
Vienna transforms into a winter fairytale with elegant markets spread across the city. The Christkindlmarkt at Rathausplatz is the most famous, featuring ice skating trails, classical music, and charming wooden huts selling local sweets and ornaments.
Prague, Czech Republic
The Old Town Square Christmas Market dazzles visitors with its gothic skyline and festive cheer. Sample traditional Trdelník pastries and watch the tree-lighting ceremony against the backdrop of Prague’s historic architecture.
Strasbourg, France
Often called the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg hosts one of Europe’s oldest markets, dating back to 1570. The city’s half-timbered houses and Alsatian specialties — like spiced wine and bredele cookies — create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Budapest, Hungary
Held in Vörösmarty Square, Budapest’s market is known for its artisanal crafts, hearty goulash, and folk performances. The nearby St. Stephen’s Basilica Christmas Fair, with its light projections and skating rink, adds extra festive flair.
London’s Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park,
London offers a distinctly British Take on the Christmas Market. Combining the traditional wooden Chalets, a huge fairground along with live entertainment. Sip hot chocolate and enjoy the city lights and festive buzz that only London can provide.
Sandra Metaxas
