With Christmas Day fast approaching, Melbournians are flocking hither and thither to soak up as much of the Yuletide spirit as possible. From the acclaimed Myer windows to themed scavenger hunts across the CBD, the Christmas season has once again brought with it a wave of festive bliss and what the Welsh would call hiraeth — a longing for home. One event which reflects this duality is the annual Alliance Française French Christmas Market, held on the 7th and 8th of December. Boasting a wide selection of pastries, wines and craft items, the market was positively received. One young visitor from Nice recalled a warm feeling of nostalgia whilst sauntering down the paved footpath of the Eildon Mansion, armed with a glass of red wine, a croissant, and a smile. Unable to return home for the holidays this year, the market provided him with a much needed opportunity to connect with his culture on what he viewed as the "most important day of the year."
Some visitors enjoyed the market for different reasons. A young French student, for example, saw the market as a great immersion opportunity, being
taken aback by the amount of variety and choice in the stalls [which] really gave you a look into French culture.
Needless to say, the classic Eildon Mansion - located on Grey Street, St. Kilda - was the perfect venue for this marché de Noël. With French-run stalls both inside and spilling out onto the garden - and with the walls adorned with the classic Christmas green and red - visitors will not forget this festive day-out for months to come!
For more information, see: https://www.afmelbourne.com.au/culture-and-events/special-events/french-christmas-market/
Image credit: Nicola Dowse, with timeout.com ( https://www.timeout.com/melbourne/things-to-do/alliance-francaise-christmas-market )