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Paris, Christmas markets, and the energy issue

Posted by on

My wife and I are contemplating a December trip to Paris - we'd like to see what its like at Christmas, take some day trips, etc. However, there are reports that the energy crisis might cause cancelation of German Christmas markets, as well as municipal Christmas lights in England - so we're wondering if Paris might be affected by energy shortages, too, to the extent Christmas markets/lighting would be curtailed significantly.

Do any of you good people have any insight or information about this? I can't find anything definite, one way or the other, on the internet. Any thoughts?

Posted by
938 posts

Just know the Xmas markets in that area aren't near as great/traditional as the ones in Germany. I've heard nothing about the markets canceling yet - but have read that the lights may not be as many. Also, check the dates as many markets close 12/22 so the vendors can be home for Xmas.

Posted by
2549 posts

Expect this winter to be much darker than it has been in the past. All of Europe is cutting back as energy conservation measures take effect. Christmas markets are not really a thing in Paris, people go to Strasbourg for that, but expect the same cutbacks as elsewhere.

This is a new situation, nothing is definitive other than there is and will continue to be a shortage of available energy.

Posted by
2398 posts

Christmas lighting in Berlin comes under scrutiny. The looming energy crisis could also have an impact on Berlin Christmas markets.

https://www.berlin.de/en/news/7669236-5559700-christmas-lights-under-scrutiny.en.html
.
Vienna forced to dim street lighting and cancel some Christmas illuminations. Christmas illuminations in Vienna will also be scaled back this year as part of the city's energy saving measures.

https://www.thelocal.at/20220810/vienna-forced-to-dim-street-lighting-and-christmas-illuminations/

Posted by
2398 posts

No indication that anything will be scaled back in Budapest this year

Of course not, Hungary TOLD the EU they won't be cutting back on any Russian energy supplies.

Posted by
8 posts

Thanks for the replies, folks. I should've been clearer: we're not considering Paris for the Christmas markets alone, but to experience Christmas as a whole. If energy concerns are causing the lights to go off, etc., we might hold off and visit in warmer weather.

I've also wondered if the average European wants to see tourists that badly. If they can't heat their homes, do they want us siphoning off energy, too? Do our tourist dollars make it better? Something to ponder.

We're also looking at Austria. As one Periscope's links above indicates, they're cutting back - but not completely eliminating - Christmas lights in Vienna. I suppose that could change.

Posted by
17996 posts

I've also wondered if the average European wants to see tourists that
badly. If they can't heat their homes, do they want us siphoning off
energy, too? Do our tourist dollars make it better? Something to
ponder.

I suspect you could ask a dozen Europeans and get a dozen different answers. I know the people in the tourist industry where i have some connections need the tourism after 2 years of COVID, yes, energy is an issue, but so if food if you have no money. But I suppose there could be good arguments to the contrary but I dont think there is a unified or general feeling of stay away. I suspect no where near that. But good to care about such things.

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