From November 29 to December 31, Béthune’s Grand’Place becomes the epicentre of festive overachievement with the Cité de Noël. Nestled under a UNESCO-listed belfry that screams “I’m cultured,” and surrounded by Art Deco facades trying their best to stay relevant, this Christmas market is the pride of the Hauts-de-France region. Families, friends, and anyone with a pulse flock here to bask in its amazing atmosphere and compete for Instagram-worthy moments.
What’s the Deal with the Cité de Noël?
Starting November 29, this festive wonderland unleashes 40 wooden chalets filled with artisanal goodies, overpriced crafts, and more mulled wine than is reasonable. The air? Saturated with chestnuts, gingerbread, and regret for wearing white shoes in a crowd.
If that’s not enough, you can hike your way up the belfry for a “breathtaking” view of the market. It’s a guaranteed leg workout with a side of vertigo.
Activities to Keep Everyone (Mostly) Happy
Brace yourself for a barrage of family-friendly entertainment that’s as wholesome as it is extra. Highlights include:
- A Ferris wheel that’s either romantic or terrifying, depending on your relationship status.
- A fir-tree merry-go-round because regular ones are so last season.
- Roller skating for those who enjoy the thrill of potential humiliation.
- A parade of mascots like Mickey, Minnie, and Winnie the Pooh, because Disney doesn’t sue in France, right?
The best time to visit? Dusk. If you miss it, don’t worry—there are plenty of twinkling lights to blind you later.
For the Kids: Santa and His Shenanigans
The Cité de Noël goes all out to ensure your kids will cry tears of joy (or overwhelm). Key moments include:
- Santa’s House and Automatons (from Dec 7): A mix of holiday magic and animatronic creepiness.
- Saint Nicholas’ Visit (Dec 4): The OG Santa shows up, dropping candy like he’s headlining Coachella.
- Santa’s Death-Defying Descent (Dec 24): Watch as Santa rappels from the belfry like an action hero, only to settle down and hand out sweets.
Logistics You’ll Pretend to Remember
- Dates: November 29 – December 31
- Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 2:30 pm – 8:30 pm
- Friday: 2:30 pm – 9:30 pm
- Weekends: 11:00 am – 9:30 pm
- Christmas Eve: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Admission is free because capitalism has its limits (sometimes).
Location: Grand’Place, Béthune. Bring a GPS and patience.
Treat Yo’Self: Christmas Shopping and Bougie Snacks
Don’t leave without flexing your taste buds at these standout spots:
- Fromagerie La Prairie: Because no Christmas is complete without cheese so smelly it gets its own seat at the table.
- Christophe Dufossé Boutique: Fancy bread and pastries from a Michelin-starred chef, because why not?
- Béthune-Bruay Tourist Office Boutique: A one-stop shop for artisanal beers, honey, and things you’ll claim you “discovered.”
- La Chocolaterie Beussent Lachelle: Luxury chocolates made with Ecuadorian cocoa, for when you want to say “I care” without actually saying it.
This Christmas, head to Béthune’s Cité de Noël—the only place where Santa descends like a rock climber, mulled wine flows like water, and every corner is a chance for festive chaos. Bring your friends, your kids, and maybe a therapist.
