Finding French Christmas market magic in Melbourne

If there’s one thing loved by French natives and expats alike, it’s the famed French Christmas markets.

Many Ma Vie Française™ members profess their love for French Christmas markets.

Coco Rosenthal says she is “completely addicted to Christmas markets and vin chaud.”

“We don’t really have Christmas market in the states. I don’t know why because they are so wonderful!”

Abby Gordon agrees: “My favourite part of the Christmas season here is the Christmas markets… there are famous Christmas markets in Lille and in Aix-en-Provence, and the best Christmas market in France is in Strasbourg.”

“We are also not so far from Brussels and Cologne, and a number of other German cities with great markets. I never get sick of them!”

A stolen French tradition

What you might not realise, however, is that it wasn’t the French who started this tradition, but their Germanic neighbours.

Christmas Markets date all the way back to the Middle Ages in German-speaking areas of Europe. The Austrian ‘December market’ (not quite a Christmas market, but close enough), dates back to the 13^th century, while the Dresden Christmas market can be traced back to the 15^th century.

So it seems that Europe really does love their Christmas markets, and that it’s a long-term relationship.

French Christmas comes to Melbourne

Here in Australia, we’re barely old enough to comprehend traditions beginning in the 13^th and 15^th centuries. But this doesn’t mean we haven’t adopted plenty over the course of our very young history. We’ve stolen most of our Christmas traditions from the Brits, who stole them from the Germans (along with everyone else), so why not us too?

This year, in their untiring efforts to bring a slice of France to Australia, the Alliance Française will be borrowing one of Europe’s most favourite festive traditions.

Held over the weekend of 8 & 9 December, the Alliance Française Christmas Market has something for every français ou française, francophile gift-hunter or family. And this year, it’s open later, and offers more activities and stalls than ever before.

Set in the beautiful grounds of Eilden Mansion in St. Kilda, visitors will be able to wander and discover French produce and goods, with food, wine and other tasty treats. There will be something for everyone with live music, as well as free language and craft activities.

It’s the perfect place to find unique Christmas gifts à la française, practice your French or taste a bit of la vraie France.

Join in the festive cheer!

What: The French Christmas Market & Open Day
Where: The Alliance Française, Melbourne
51 Grey St, St Kilda
When: Saturday 8 December – 10.00am – 8.00pm
& Sunday 9 December – 10.00am – 6.00pm

Entry is free!

Click here for more details.