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It's official: here's when the Christmas market and the big wheel are coming back to Lille

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The Editor

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Waffles, mulled wine, and rides that take you dozens of meters above the Grand-Place can officially make their way back into your schedules: Lille's Christmas market and Big Wheel will open on the same day in November.

We know Halloween hasn't even passed yet and we're already talking about Christmas. But the dates have just been announced, and in Lille, two signs don't lie: when the little wooden chalets pop up on Place Rihour and the Giant Wheel reappears in front of the Old Stock Exchange, the festivities can officially begin.

Lille's Christmas market returns on November 18th

This year, you'll want to circle Wednesday, November 18th, 2026 on your calendar. That's when the Christmas Village will open its doors on Place Rihour, staying in place until December 30th. In total, 90 wooden chalets will take over the square for six weeks. You'll find merchants, artisans, and producers with decorations, jewelry, handmade creations, and gift ideas to slip under the tree. And of course, it's hard to imagine Christmas in Lille without the tasty side of things: waffles, gingerbread, mulled wine, and other seasonal treats will accompany your strolls between the chalets.

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The Ferris Wheel Returns the Same Day to Grand Square

Just a few meters away, the Ferris Wheel will also make its return on November 18th, starting at noon. Like every winter, it will reclaim its spot on the General de Gaulle Square, between the Flemish facades and the Old Stock Exchange. And it's sticking around for the long haul, since it will remain installed until January 16, 2027. During the day, the cabins let you rise high above the rooftops of downtown. But let's be honest: it's once night falls, when the lights twinkle beneath our feet, that the little Love Actually in Lille magic works best. Budget-wise, expect around 7€ for an adult and 5€ for children under 1.40m tall, no reservation needed.

Six weeks of Christmas right in the heart of Lille

The market is free to access from 11am to 8:30pm Sunday through Thursday, and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. On December 24th, the chalets will close at 6pm and the market will remain closed on December 25th. The Ferris wheel will keep spinning until midnight: from 12pm to midnight on weekdays and from 10am to midnight on weekends and during school holidays. That gives us just three short weeks before we can officially restart the great annual debate: Ferris wheel before or after mulled wine?