Once upon a time, in different corners of the world, communities came together to celebrate the joyous season of Christmas. From the bustling streets of Longueuil, Trois-Rivières, Chevaigné-du-Maine, and Galesburg to the charming town of Pontarlier and the city of Huy, each place had its unique way of spreading the holiday spirit.
In Longueuil, the Christmas Market & Traditions welcomed thousands of visitors over four weekends. The market was a vibrant hub of activity, with artisans showcasing their crafts and delicious treats. Families enjoyed visits from Santa Claus, stilt walkers, and mischievous elves. The air was filled with laughter and excitement as people explored the winter square, played games, and captured memories in the photo booths. St. Mark's Church became a center of cultural performances, workshops, and conferences, adding a touch of magic to the festivities.
Meanwhile, in Trois-Rivières, the city transformed into a winter wonderland with its Christmas train. Decorated and illuminated, the train embarked on a journey filled with joy and wonder. Families gathered at the port, participating in various activities such as inflatables, winter sports initiation, and decorating cookies and ornaments. The highlight of the event was meeting Santa Claus himself at the Maritime Station, where children eagerly posed for photos. The city also encouraged local businesses to showcase their Christmas spirit through a storefront contest, engaging the community in the festive cheer.
In the quaint village of Chevaigné-du-Maine, the first Christmas market of the department was a heartwarming success. Despite the early date, the market attracted a crowd with its enchanting atmosphere. Visitors were serenaded by Christmas music as they explored the market stalls, indulging in British treats and participating in workshops. The event not only brought joy to the community but also raised funds for a worthy cause, exemplifying the true spirit of Christmas.
Across the ocean, in the charming town of Pontarlier, the Christmas market underwent a transformation. Instead of the traditional rows of chalets, the market was divided into three distinct areas, each offering its own unique products and activities. Place Saint-Bénigne, Place d'Arçon, and Place d'Hôtel de Ville came alive with crafts, food, and entertainment, creating a diverse and dynamic experience for visitors. The market was accompanied by a lively Christmas parade, featuring floats, music, and of course, Santa Claus himself. The changes to the market aimed to bring a fresh and exciting atmosphere to the town, captivating the hearts of both locals and tourists.
As the holiday season unfolded in these different corners of the world, one thing remained constant - the spirit of togetherness and joy. Through festive markets, parades, and community initiatives, these communities created a tapestry of Christmas celebrations, spreading warmth and happiness to all who joined in the festivities.
In addition to the festive markets, the city of Huy has also started its Christmas celebrations. Despite the rain and organization issues, the opening weekend was considered successful by the chalet owners. The ice rink on the main square and the Christmas market stalls are popular attractions. The chalet owners are pleased with the turnout and the atmosphere. However, some express disappointment with the lack of decorations and the poor weather. The event is part of a contract between the city and a company, which includes the installation of an ice rink and twelve Horeca chalets. Overall, the start of the Christmas celebrations in Huy has been positive, although improvements in organization and decorations are desired.
Meanwhile, in Laval, Jacques and Jeannine have been decorating their house for Christmas for 23 years. This year, they almost didn't decorate, but their neighbors convinced them to do so. The decorations cover the house's facade, garden, and even the back. The couple's house, located near the Basser stadium, brings joy to passersby and neighbors. Jacques initially hesitated to decorate due to international concerns, but his neighbors persuaded him to continue. He believes that since it's a private space, people can choose not to look if they don't want to. Jacques takes care of the overall presentation and electrical aspects, while his wife decorates the nativity scene.
The members of the Warwick Cultural Committee have organized an exhibition of 53 nativity scenes from different countries at the Maison de la culture in Warwick. The exhibition, made possible by the generous collection of Brother Jasmin Houle, adds a touch of magic to the Christmas decorations in the municipality. Each nativity scene is accompanied by a description of its origin, year of creation, and materials used. The exhibition started last weekend and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays until December 24th.
Samuel Choudar, a resident of Verdalle in the Tarn region of France, has been decorating his house with impressive Christmas lights since 2021. The light show has grown in popularity, with multiple houses now participating and synchronized to music. The spectacle attracts between 100 and 170 spectators each night, and Samuel plans to continue improving and hosting the light show annually.
In Fleurie, France, the tradition of giving babies a cocarde and a small hat as part of the 'Classes en 3' event has been celebrated. This tradition dates back to the 19th century and is seen as a way to welcome the new generation into the community. The 'Classes en 3' event occurs every 10 years and includes various festivities and activities for the community. This year, 17 babies were born under the reign of the 3rd, and they were all given a cocarde and a small hat to mark the occasion. The tradition holds great significance in Fleurie, symbolizing the unity and continuity of the community across generations.
Ottawa has become a hub for holiday films, with more than a dozen Christmas-themed movies shot there each year. The Canadian capital offers picturesque scenery, including fairytale architecture, waterfalls, and parks, that make it an ideal location for Christmas movies. Despite the warm weather, filmmakers use creative workarounds to create the appearance of snow, such as using foam, paper, and cotton batting. The demand for Christmas movies has increased in recent years, providing escapism and feel-good stories for viewers. TV networks like Hallmark and Lifetime spend over $36 million annually to shoot films in Ottawa, thanks to generous tax credits. The trend of holiday film production and viewership has grown due to the stresses of the pandemic and the desire for comforting content.
Paris, the world-famous city of love and lights, has also become a favorite destination for filmmakers. The enchanting beauty and rich history of the French capital have attracted numerous film productions. Visitors can now recreate their favorite movie moments by exploring the iconic film locations in Paris. Films like 'The Da Vinci Code', 'Ae Dil Hai Mushkil', 'Murder Mystery 2', 'Midnight in Paris', 'Before Sunrise', 'Befikre', 'Taken', and 'John Wick 4' have showcased famous landmarks such as the Louvre, Ritz Paris, Champ de Mars, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Opera Garnier, Musée Rodin, Pont Alexandre III, Shakespeare and Company bookstore, and more. By visiting these locations, movie enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the cinematic beauty of Paris and experience the magic of their favorite films firsthand.
The Christmas festivities in these different locations, from festive markets to enchanting house decorations, a nativity scene exhibition, the 'Classes en 3' tradition, and Christmas filmmaking in Ottawa and Paris, create a vibrant and diverse tapestry of Christmas celebrations around the world.
