Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année


I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I’ve been absent from this space this fall for a variety of reasons, but a big one was because I had been traveling. When I was on the ground, I frequently had bad internet. In between the bad internet I was taking care of the business of new situations. But now it’s Christmas and I’m back in Dijon. Europe is know for its Christmas markets and Christmas celebrations. One day I’ll get to Strasbourg, France - the self-proclaimed Capitale de Noël. For now, though, I’m happy with the local festivities.

The explosion of Christmas lights, the vin chaud (hot wine) stands, the carrousels, and the crowds strolling down the streets window shopping make you so much more eager to head out on a cold December night than does the traditional American last-minute trip to the malls or Walmart. Dijon makes it a public affair by lowering the price of its public transportation. It sells a special pass for 3€, that lets 2-5 people ride the trams and buses for a day in order to shop everywhere then come back later for the evening events. Luckily for me, it was all just a short walk from my apartment.

Have a safe and relaxing holiday. To start it off, here’s a look at the one here in Dijon, France.

The area of Place Wilson





The Christmas Market at Place Republique

Hot wine, hot orange juice with honey and cinnamon, pralines and marshmallow dipped in rich dark chocolate all keep you warm as you browse the little booths of both schtick and crafts.






Activities at Place de Libération

A temporary skating ring and Christmas animations projected on the walls of the Dukes’ Palace makes this a lively place.




For next year

Here are a couple of teasers for what I’ll be sharing after the new year. You’ll have to wait to see where in the world they are.



Please share in the comments box your favorite Christmas activities. Or your favorite activities of the most important holiday for your family. See you in 2014.


7 comments:

Muriel said...

Merry Xmas Julie! As for me, I love the mulled wine and the mince pies over here!

Julie Farrar said...

Love mulled wine, too. Maybe sometime I'll get to spend a Christmas in England.

Patricia said...

I envy you Christmas in France, Julie! One of these days I will do that when our grandkids are a bit older. North America really could learn a few lessons from the way Christmas is celebrated in Europe! Bonne fête!

Tele said...

Beautiful photos, Julie! All holiday cheer and best wishes to you and yours.

Melinda Farrar said...

Julie, how far was this from your apartment? Looks like fun. Hope you didn't try to skate!(or fall)Merry Christmas to you and Brad!!

Annette Gendler said...

Thanks for sharing Christmas in Dijon, and yes, le vin chaud, j'aime ca aussi!

Mandy Indonesia said...


Hi, I really like your article.I have also enjoyed your blog and will continue to check in to read your posts. Happy New Year 2014. Thanks

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