In France, Christmas are celebrated in style. Family is the major figure in these celebrations and therefore the family leisure activities become most important. Three fun destinations in France are next suggested to spend a vibrant and unforgettable Christmas weekend break.

DISNEYLAND PARIS

Classic destination to enjoy a family Christmas break, full of laughter, excitement and surprises.

These days along with the usual attractions in the park, Santa Claus’ village is set, a beautiful snow-covered wooden complex decorated with garlands. Santa Claus reads hundreds of letters sent from every corner of the globe, while his elves work hard in the toy workshop. Later in the afternoon he will join his friends Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and Pinocchio in a stunning carriage.

In Christmas, more than ever, Disneyland is a feast: Goofy dressed as Santa, Minnie and her Christmas carol choir, the villains getting up to their old tricks, glass castles, a huge lightning display, Far West shows… Lastly the impressive night-time parade called Fantillusion puts the finishing touch to the event.

Have a look at the official website to get more information on the special offers and stays of several days in the park.

If you decide to spend the night in Paris, so that you can visit the imposing city in passing, you should consider the central and luxury Hotel Mayfair and the more affordable but also well-located Hotel Apollo.

PUY DU FOU PARK

Thematic park located in the town of Les Espesses, in the Pays de la Loire, which in its origins expected to represent the history of France. This noble purpose was a perfect excuse to fill it with castles in flames, bellicose vikings, gladiators fighting to the death, musketeers, chariot races Ben-Hur style and many more shows that depict the history of the country without failing to surprise and amuse.

Other shows that stand out are musicals, aquatic, puppet or the falconry show, where clouds of hawks fly through, perform pirouettes and finally land on the members of the audience.

In Christmas, other than getting ornamented, Puy du Fou offers a sensational new show, The Mystery of Christmas, a time travel where pharaohs, Romans and the Three Wise Men follow one another. The score of this magic route is provided by the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra.

Check here the different prices, which vary depending on the shows and areas to visit, and to make the reservation.

TOY CITY

This is the nickname for Moirans-en-Montagne, in Franche-Comté, next to Switzerland. Small town of barely 2 300 inhabitants, it is famous in France for its high number of companies and workshops devoted to the production of toys. The Toy Museum stands out with a spectacular colection of 16 000 toys from diverse times and places.

Since Christmas is a most favorable time to enjoy leisure activities and purchase toys, it is when Moirans-en-Montagne becomes an authentic feast of magic, streets performances, games and fun.

The craftmen set their workshops in the streets and then the town looks like an idyllic Toyland, where Santa Claus and his elves paint, glue and assemble toys and tell the children the secrets concerning the making of such valuable objets.

Other than workshops, there are markets, storytellers, puppet shows, music and fireworks.

Photo of Disneyland by Tatsuhiko+
Photo of Puy du Fou by Taylor Dundee