New Christmas market launching in 2025 already attracting crowds with over 100 stalls and free entry
- UK Hidden Gems
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read
The countdown to Christmas is well underway, with advent calendars open and twinkling trees lighting up homes across the country.
At this time of year, few things feel more festive than strolling around a magical Christmas market, and a brand new one has launched this year with more than 100 stalls.
Every winter, hundreds of Christmas markets pop up on cobbled streets, in busy city centres and across open green spaces to spread festive cheer.
There are plenty across the UK, including the famous Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, while others can be found in Europe for a short winter break or a fun day trip.
If you are looking for somewhere a little different to explore this year, you can hop on the Eurostar, with fares from just £39, to visit the new Christmas market in Paris.
La Villette, a Swiss inspired Christmas village, sits around the impressive Fontaine aux Lions in the city, and really does feel like its own little winter world.
Fairy lights brighten the whole area, and more than 100 wooden chalets are arranged around the fountain to form this lovely market.
These cabins are filled with thoughtful gift ideas, including jewellery, ceramics and knitwear made by artisans from France and Switzerland who change weekly.
Beyond shopping, there is plenty more to enjoy in the Alpine themed setting, including fairground rides such as a carousel and a big wheel that offers breathtaking views across the city, reaching as far as the Eiffel Tower.
There is also a full programme of events with creative workshops, personalised gifts, concerts, choirs and performances featuring clowns and stilt walkers.
As you wander, you will catch the scent of cheese fondue and roasted chestnuts, alongside tastes from Greece, India, Tibet and Portugal.
France is well known for its amazing cheeses, so no visit is complete without trying a creamy bite, especially in the Zurich style fondue chalet.
There is also a Christmas guinguette bar where you can warm up with a vin chaud or a hot chocolate in a cosy setting. Elsewhere, you can take to the ice rink for a festive skate or simply wander around taking in the cheerful atmosphere.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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