When Christmas turns into a nightmare… Since November 20th, in the 19th arrondissement, the La Villette Christmas Market is bringing Parisians together around magical chalets, festive treats, and enchanting rides. Due to its success and popularity, the organizers of the market have made a decision that some people are not happy about. Indeed, starting from the weekend of December 6th, the entrance that used to be free has now become paid for all adults, from Wednesday to Friday starting at 5 PM and on weekends. Entry is now €5 per person (drink included) during these time slots, which isn’t pleasing everyone.
A hype made in TikTok
With around a hundred snow-covered chalets, delicious Swiss specialties galore, a Ferris wheel, and rides for the little ones… The new La Villette Christmas Market has everything to compete with the winter markets of the capital, some of which have been around for several years. And with advertising campaigns in the metro, it’s drawing even more attention!
With TikTok videos all around, the market has become so popular that now, Parisians may have to wait for several hours just to step inside. Videos showing the long lines have started popping up on social media, revealing the hidden side of this enchanting little world.@celine.zch #marchédenoël #lavilette ♬ All I Want For Christmas Is You - Mariah Carey
The Frustration of Visitors
But what has really gotten people talking online is the new pricing policy for the market. Since the weekend of December 6th, entry has become paid – from Wednesday to Friday starting at 5 PM and on weekends – for all adults (over 12 years old), with a fixed price of €5 which includes a drink. This last-minute measure has certainly made an impact, and Fever – the event organizers – claim they aren't making any profit from it. According to information gathered by Actu Paris, these new measures "help cover the operational costs directly related to managing the large crowds, especially the increase in security and crowd management teams." ux, the extra logistics, maintaining the quality of services, and the continuous improvement of the experience offered to visitors ».
Unfortunately, regardless of the reasons, Parisians continue to express their outrage on social media, lamenting the organizers' excesses. Some are even calling for a boycott, like Nadia on TikTok, who exclaims: « You have two rides, the big wheel is €11 a ticket, the ride with the eggs is €6 a ticket, the little chocolate is at €5… » This is too much for this mom, who shares that she tightens her budget to make her little ones happy for the celebrations, but the prices keep rising higher and higher. This little "scandal" only highlights one thing: the growing frustration of people over the costs associated with festivities, which continue to increase year after year.
@nadiagj75 ♬ Peace - dunsky & dksh