If you've been thinking about getting away for Christmas but to somewhere not too far away, then a visit to Lille's Christmas market is the perfect excuse for a short break before Christmas. 

18 November - 30 December 2009*

Visitors to this market quickly get into the festive spirit with Lille's month-long Christmas market. The whole of the Place is taken over by stalls selling arts and crafts and local cuisine, so you can enjoy local delicacies while stocking up on gifts and decorations. There's entertainment for children in the shape of theatre and you can take a spin on the 50 metre-high big wheel. 

Visitors with children can have photos taken with Father Christmas, who attends the market and participates in a spectacular event on Saturday 19th December - when he "falls" from the Chamber of Commerce's 80 metre-high Belfry!

*Christmas Market dates are provided by the Tourist Board, and may be subject to change.