The Champs Élysées at Christmastime

     As the Champs Élysées is one of my favorite spots to run, just after Halloween I began to notice booths and stalls being set up and lights being strung, little did I know that a beautiful Christmas market would soon emerge.

Smoked fish stall

     Whether you're cold, hungry, craving something sweet, in need of souvenirs, jewelry or any other sort of knickknack or homemade craft you're sure to find it among the stalls on either side of the street. The whole market is sensational. As soon as you arrive you're greeted with the dreamy smells of warm soup, an array of meats and cheeses, and many scrumptious desserts. There is Christmas music playing from speakers along the way and one can't help but sing along. Each booth is filled with so many wonderful little things that your eyes don't know what to look at first! I walk slowly to try to intake it all.

     Even an ice skating rink holds a place on one side, with it's own soundtrack and even lights.  It has a small section for beginners and bystanders can share in the enjoyment of parents helping their small children skate with what looks like a little chair. One girl that I saw was actually sitting in the seat just being pushed around on the ice by her poor mum! And a father helping his little boy, holding on to make sure he didn't fall but also trying to let go and let the child try on his own, it was heartwarming! I'm not surprised I wasn't the only one standing there watching with a smile on my face.

    All along the way they give you more things to look at, some fitting the Christmas theme.. 

    While some maybe not so much.. 

Nonetheless, there is a strong Christmas vibe that is felt by any and all in the vicinity. Many walk along warming their hands with mulled wine or hot cocoa while enjoying the different Santa Claus statues set up near the street.  There are even places to sit and enjoy all the tasty foods the market has to offer. When I came a week or so ago, Ellen and I got hot soup to warm our cold bodies! She had carrot and I had broccoli, both of which were delicious and were hard to eat slow enough so as not to scorch our tongues. Today, I tried a strawberry streusel pretzel of sorts, I ate it as I walked along and watched the faces of people I passed who eyed the dessert in my hands as if it were a prize! I do plan to try more and more things in the next few weeks :)

     At the very end of the Champs Élysées there is a massive Ferris wheel. I don't know what it is about them but for me personally, I am not about to go on it but I will admit that it looks quite beautiful and fits as the destination at the end of the market.

    Back the other way, once the market ends at before the stores begin, there is a small area adorned with many lights in an array of colors. During the day you might not realize how gorgeous these lights are but once the sun goes down, their magnificent blues shine brightly.

     Further along some of the shops have gotten into the holiday spirit in one way or another with lights and gifts and trees and even a giant lady that I have yet to grasp the meaning of..

     Taking a long stroll down this street is worth it day or night, it can get anyone in the Christmas spirit!! I'd know because I do it whenever I have free time. ;)

Spread some love today and go out of your way to do something kind for another human being :)