The Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) in Grenoble, France is magical!
The festive atmosphere with its thousands of twinkling lights strung from tree to tree is sure to get even Scrooge into the Christmas spirit. Meeting with friends over mulled wine seems to be the highlight for the adults, just like in Germany. Children have the opportunity to not only meet Saint Nicolas, but also a ventriloquist and even The Bogeyman! Heck even I want to meet The Bogeyman! Sadly he was not there during my visit. If the Bogey man is not your thing, there are also magic shows.
There are also live performances which run Thursday through Sunday evenings. The version of “Highway to Hell” shown on the video below was definitely entertaining if not a bit odd. What do you think? Either way it drew a big crowd. Before “Highway to Hell” the rendition of “Eye of the Tiger” was also one of the most original that I had ever heard.
While there were many similarities between theMarché de Noël (Christmas Market) in Grenoble, compared to Christmas markets in Germany, there was one notable difference….
Raclette! Potatoes smothered in ooeey gooey melted cheese! Pure HEAVEN! How this has not made it to the German Christmas markets is beyond me!
The Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) in Grenoble is held for 30 days every year and runs until December 24th. I highly recommend it! And go hungry for the Raclette!
Tourist Tips for VisitingMarché de Noël (Christmas Market) in Grenoble:
- There is also a sit down tented restaurant by the Christmas market. I had dinner here and really enjoyed it. There are also space heaters to warm you up on chilly nights.
- I stayed at the Splendid Hotel Grenoble. It’s centrally located and just a 10 minute walk to the Christmas market. It’s a three-star hotel, simply decorated, with friendly staff and a cheerful breakfast room.
- Be sure to check out the Musée de Grenoble, a beautiful art museum during your stay in Grenoble.
- Contact the Grenoble Tourist Office for more information on Grenoble.
Thank you to Rhone-Alpes for their hospitality. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
I am so jealous! I haven’t been to any Christmas markets yet this year.
Jennifer recently posted..10 Fun Facts about the Burj Khalifa
@Jennifer – I have a feeling you will change that very soon.
Those potatoes look delish! And that is one strange version of Highway to Hell.
@Sonja – Incredible! I have to figure out how to make Raclette. Highway to Hell was definitely entertaining.
Looks cold over there!
Zhu recently posted..1.. Make a Wish! 2… Be Grateful! 3… Spread Hope With This Giveaway!
@Zhu – It was a bit chilly, but that’s what the mulled wine is for.
My, you get around to some Christmas Markets. You own Christmas tree must be full of unusual decorations. And they’re a joy to follow here:)
Italian Notes recently posted..Italian Christmas celebrations
@italian Notes – Thanks and I try. A lot of my Christmas decorations are animal ornaments so I guess that qualifies as unusual
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Yum! My first thought was what sort of special treats the French market would have that the German and Austrian ones don’t – raclette would be so good on a cold night…In Vienna one stall at one of the markets had some kind of melted cheese served on toasts and it was heaven
Andrea recently posted..Top Tips For First Time Visitors To the Australian Open In Melbourne
@Andrea – Mulled wine and melted cheese are such a good combination on a cold night, must bring this to the German Christmas markets
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Ha ha ha. Those are certainly some interesting songs to hear while attending a Christmas market. So much for solumn carols.
And I’d want to meet the Bogeyman too!
cheryl recently posted..Weird and Offbeat Sites: The Invisible Exhibition In Budapest.
@Cheryl – Definitely more entertaining as well
You’ve seen your share of Christmas markets over the past few years. This one looks very beautiful and I can see why someone who can’t do gluten can get excited about raclette.
Leigh recently posted..11 National Parks in Canada You Probably Haven’t Heard Of
@Leigh – Last year was 17, this year only 10, but still not too bad. Raclette is a wonderful thing
I want to meet the Bogeyman too!
What a wonderful way to spend the night and it’s great that there’s something for everyone. They sure picked some interesting songs. I would love to visit the Christmas markets especially in Germany.
Mary @ The World Is A Book recently posted..Paris with Kids: 5 Free & Fun Attractions (A Local’s Guide)
@Mary – Glad to know that I’m not the only one
. Agreed about the songs, especially at a Christmas market, but I loved how eclectic it was. I’m a Christmas market fanatic, can never get enough.
Lucky you, you’re at the right place for the season! I’m in Thailand now and they don’t celebrate Christmas here especially down here at the south. They do in BKK for western expats though, but I’m 12 hours away from there! Enjoy the Xmas fun!
Lyndsay/ Discount Travel Blogger recently posted..Boat Ride at Thale Noi’s Waterbird Park
@Lyndsay – I can sympathize. I celebrated 2 Christmas’ in Thailand and missed the festivities. Hope you find some fun way to celebrate.