It became a favorite weekend spot, so much so that I returned multiple times with friends and family. And during my last visit to the Arras Christmas Market, I was blown away by how much more authentic and enjoyable it felt compared to bigger markets like in Lille or Paris.
If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. In , the Arras Christmas Marketβone of the most underrated Christmas markets in Franceβwill open on November 29th and remain open until December 29th.
During the week, the market is open from noon to pm. On weekends, it opens at 10 am and on Saturdays, it closes at 9 pm and on Sundays, it closes at pm. Keep this in mind when visiting Arras and other hidden gems in Franceβarriving early means more time to visit! When we visited, I was surprised by how spacious and inviting it felt. Unlike the Lille Christmas Market, there were no long lines to enter; we walked right in! The best part?
The market truly feels like a village, with a mixture of rides, twinkling trees, festive decorations, food stalls, and local vendors. From Lille: The easiest way to get to Arras from Lille is by car β just a quick minute drive. You can catch one from Lille Flandres and the journey should take you roughly 30 minutes! I believe Arras is the perfect day trip destination from Lille or Paris. However, if you want to make the most of your visit and fully immerse yourself in this historic area of France, consider extending your stay!
Here are some recommended accommodations around the Arras town center:. I may be a bit biased, as Arras is one of my favorite hidden gems in France, but I truly believe the Arras Christmas Market is worth the visit! Hosting one of the largest Christmas markets in the North of France, Arras is an incredibly unique place to visit with an extensive history to discover.
