Christmas things to do in the Perpignan/Pyrenees-Orientales area in 2011

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Give me 5 – Christmassy things to do in the Pyrénées-Orientales in 2011

1. Unleash your inner Torville and Dean

Perpignan’s ice rink is being set up at the foot of the Castillet as we speak, and will be opening on Saturday 3rd December. Ok, it’s pretty small so there’s probably not room to be recreating your own Bolero ice dance but it’s great fun for the kids. You can hire those skating zimmer frames so even the littlies can have a go. When you’re done skating, have a wander along Quai Vauban where the Christmas market is set up and warm yourself up with a vin chaud.

2. Go camel riding at Collioure’s La Cour de Noël

From 2nd to 11th December, Collioure’s Château Royal is the stunning venue for this annual Christmas event where camel and pony riding jostle for your attention with food and drink stands, a varied programme of entertainment and over 70 stalls selling everything from jewellery and artwork to locally produced gourmet delights such as foie gras, oils, preserves and sausages. Exploring the castle’s nooks and crannies and admiring the views of the bay is diverting enough in itself. Find out more here.

3. Il était une fois Noël…à Thuir

This year the market town of Thuir will transform itself into a magical forest from 3rd to 31st December for its annual Christmas programme of events. The square, streets and shop windows will all reflect the event’s theme of fairy tales featuring forests, including Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and Hansel and Gretel. Events include theatre productions, story telling and a nativity play.

4. Visit one of the many Christmas markets in the region

Pick up some original Christmas presents and support local businesses at one of the region’s many Marchés de Noël. I was going to compile a list but Anglophone-Direct have already done it and saved me a job – check out their list here.

5. Take the children to the theatre

Ok Peter and the Wolf is perhaps not the most Christmassy of tales but going to the theatre is a good traditional Christmas activity. Perpignan’s Théâtre de l’Archipel are staging a production of Profokiev’s Peter and the Wolf by the Etcétera Theatre Company. Part classical concert, part play, the show is aimed at introducing children from 3 years and up to classical music in a fun and entertaining way. At 28 euros for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children), I think it’s really good value plus I’m dying to see the inside of Le Grenat (the main theatre building). My four year old’s class is going so I have enthusiastically volunteered to accompany them, but it seems that half the mother’s in the class have done the same so I’m waiting to hear if I’ve been selected…! Oh yes, the dates are 16th to 19th December. Click here to go to the theatre's website.