Something Different for Christmas in Paris

Looking for something out of the ordinary as you prepare for Christmas in Paris?
A reader asked me this question, so here are a couple of ideas: the Swedish Church (Svenska Kyrkan), Affären (the Swedish shop and café) and the AAWE bazaar:

Sankta Lucia (Sainte Lucie, Saint Lucia, Santa Lucia, etc.) is a choral presentation and procession filled with candlelight. In the procession, the church choir holds candles and sings; the Lucia wears a crown of candles her head. It is a tradition that I experienced when I lived in Stockholm and one that continues here in Paris.

The Swedish Church (Svenska kyrkan) (église suedoise) holds this event every year around the second week of December. The traditional day is December 13, but the date of the procession and concert falls on the weekend closest to that date.

December at the Swedish church is also time for the Christmas lunch (assiette de Noël) and the Christmas bazaar (Jul basaren).

If you are looking to shop for a “God jul” (happy Christmas) present with a Swedish food and drink influence, around the corner from the Swedish church Agneta runs a shop called “Affären”. She has opened a Swedish café inside the store with Swedish pastries (kanal bullar – cinnamon buns, for example — home made and sooo yummy! with Swedish coffee). This is the same “Affären” that was once in the Pigalle area.

For a lunch time snack, you will also find Swedish-style sandwiches and beverages. Try the apple/grape, lemon based sparkling beverage: Champis, or Trocadero based on apple and orange – or one of the Swedish beers with a special brew available for Christmas – jul öl – (pronounced: jul earl).

Find up-to-date information on Affären’s Facebook page: in Swedish, of course.

The AAWE bazaar (Association of American Women in Europe is a non-profit organization) is another BIG traditional Paris event to plan for every year. It is held on the first weekend of December at the American Church of Paris. The first day of the bazaar, always the Friday night, it is members only. If you are not a member be there early on Saturday for fabulous finds.

AAWE  Annual Bazaar
First Saturday in December
The American Church in Paris
65 quai d’Orsay, 75007 Paris
Metro/RER: Alma Marceau/Invalides. Bus 63
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/AAWE-899765450050231/

Svenska kyrkan
9 Rue Médéric, FR-75017 Paris

Affären
3 Bis Rue Léon Jost, 75017 Paris
Phone: 01 42 81 91 75

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