Santa Claus greets young and old at Eiffel Tower Christmas market

PARIS: Despite December being the busiest period of the year for Santa Claus, he made a stop at the Eiffel Tower Christmas market to greet tourists, young and old.

A dozen blue and white chalets adorned with wreaths and surrounded by decorated Christmas trees have taken up residence on the first floor of the monument.

"At the moment, it's the elves who are working. They are cleaning my sleigh. They are preparing all the presents inside and, above all, they are feeding my reindeer. Which is very important, otherwise I can't travel. To all the children of the world, I wish a very Merry Christmas. Ho ho ho," " said the Santa impersonator.

Children in particular were surprised to meet Santa in Paris when he should be preparing Christmas presents at the North Pole.

"It was a surprise to see Santa Claus at the Eiffel Tower because he's not normally supposed to be here", said Isaure, aged 12 years old.

Sitting at 59 metres (194 feet) above ground level, this Christmas market is the capital's highest. It is also the first time the most visited monument in the world hosts this type of event.

In the chalets market-goers can buy local products like honey and mustard, while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate or mulled wine.

The Eiffel Tower Christmas market runs until January 15, and is open during the Tower's opening hours.