We all know how important food is to the Frenchy, and Christmas is a big deal so of course they come together at this time of year. But the Turkey Parade in Licques, north France, is in a league of its own of oddball events. Don't get me wrong here; it's all very serious and the parade is accompanied by the Fellows of the Order of the Licques Turkey. And the locals and food lovers flock here from a wide surrounding area. But it's all about the turkeys which are paraded through the streets in a grand procession. You watch them as they walk (or whatever it is that turkeys do to move), take a good look at them, drink a glass of the local liqueur, and choose the bird that you want to grace your holiday table.
And there's much more jollity involved as well with a thriving Christmas market. There are stalls selling local produce; food stalls showing 100 different ways to serve turkey; a dance and a general feel-good factor that is hard to beat. And it's easy to reach from the U.K. or Paris, just a few miles south of Calais and near St. Omer.
When Christmas Market December 8th to 10th, 2012
Turkey Parade December 10th, 2012