Misstropolis

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Marche de Noel: Christmas old Europe style

by Naz Sioshansi

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One of my travel dreams, and I have way too many, is to visit the Christmas markets of old Europe. I can already see myself sipping hot mulled wine, wrapped up in a huge scarf, buying handmade ornaments from gentille French vendors who have been selling to tourists like me since before I was born.

While I haven’t managed to make it to old Europe yet, I have been enjoying Le Marche de Noel at the French Library in Boston for years. I first heard of it via a postcard with the Marche event details on the back. I prepared myself for disappointment, knowing that this could not compare with the real thing, and marked my calendar. Perhaps it was because I had set low expectations, maybe it was because I really wanted to believe, or it simply could be because the French Library carries out all of their functions with a certain je ne sais quoi class, but it has become an annual holiday event.

They have the mulled wine of my wishful dream (!) and cider and the stalls I imagined too. My favorite is a married couple who sell soaps and table linens from the south of France. The soaps smell incredible and last forever. They wrap their gifts with actual care (when’s the last time you saw that?) And include on the tag a short love story of how they met. She was studying in France, he was here…one transatlantic romance and a few visits later, they were engaged…And another thing, they know everyone in line.

From there you might travel over to buy some traditional Christmas goods from French restaurant, Sel de la Terre, such as the seasonal Bouche de Noel or an everyday croissant. (If you want the latter, I encourage you to come early, as they run out by early afternoon.)

There are vendors selling hand made handbags, colorful wool scarves, and embroidered tablecloths.  Last year I bought some lovely white ornaments from the home store Simplement Blanco.  Simply stated, there is something to buy for every budget and plenty with which to stuff any stocking. 

The event seems to grow each year, both in vendor and attendee size.  Last year, Le Marche de Noel attracted a record breaking 650 people.

While you may have to suspend belief for some time—accepting the fact, for example, that you are indoors (which may be a blessing), that there are three rooms and not streets of stalls to explore—it really is a beautiful event and a perfect one to get you in the mood for the holidays!

Joyeux Noel!

Marche de Noel
December 15th
10am-4 pm
$2 fee for members/$5 fee for non-members
The French Library
53 Marlborough St
Boston, MA 02116
617-423-0555