Don't miss out! France's most worthwhile Christmas markets are here
Every year from November to January, Paris transforms into a fairy-tale city of "eating, drinking, and shopping" amid winter lights and cinnamon-scented street corners. Just as the plane trees on the Champs-Élysées shed their last leaf, 1.8 million LEDs light up in succession, turning the night into a caramel hue; the air is filled with the creamy aroma of freshly baked crêpes, mingling with the spicy scents of cinnamon, orange peel, and mulled wine, like a winter special cocktail that breathes.
1. Village de Noël Suisse (La Villette)
Dates: November 20, 2025 to December 28, 2025
Highlights: Making its debut in Paris, the "Swiss Christmas Village" is set up as a small wooden cabin village, featuring Swiss specialty foods, handicrafts, music, and children's activities—perfect for families and craft lovers.
2. Notre-Dame Christmas Market (Square René Viviani)
Dates: November 28, 2025 to December 25, 2025
Highlights: Located near Notre-Dame Cathedral, this small square emphasizes tradition and craftsmanship: local artisans, traditional foods, and children's workshops, ideal for those wanting to experience a "traditional Christmas atmosphere."
3. Paris La Défense Christmas Market
Dates: November 13, 2025 to December 28, 2025
Highlights: One of the largest and liveliest Christmas villages in the area, with numerous wooden cabins, lights, and festive decorations—an ideal place for "browsing stalls and enjoying street snacks." Some sessions will have extended hours.
4. Marché de Noël Alsacien (Gare de l'Est)
Dates: November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Highlights: If you want to taste Alsace's cheese, sausages, baked goods, and wine all in one place, this is the spot. The market focuses on "Alsace traditional cuisine," perfect for foodies and gift shopping.
5. Marché de Noël des Tuileries (Jardin des Tuileries)
Dates: November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Highlights: A long-time favorite Christmas market for both Parisians and tourists: wooden cabins, desserts, mulled wine, amusement rides (giant Ferris wheel or small festive facilities) all included—great for photos and family or friends outings.
6. Montmartre Christmas Market (Place des Abbesses / next to the Love Wall)
Dates: November 21, 2025 to early January 2026
Highlights: Set in the small square of Montmartre, with cobblestone streets, vintage lighting, and church silhouettes, the market is small and exquisite—perfect for photos and picking out "Christmas gifts."
7. Strasbourg Christmas Market
Dates: November 26, 2025 to December 24, 2025
Highlights: Strasbourg's Christmas market has a history of over 450 years and is one of Europe's earliest Christmas markets! Over 300 wooden stalls, old town street lights, and a giant Christmas tree shine in Place Kléber.
8. Colmar Christmas Market
Dates: November 25, 2025 to December 29, 2025
Highlights: A fairy-tale Christmas town representative. The medieval city center hosts six Christmas markets, with wooden cabins and stalls selling handicrafts, delicacies, and the famous Alsace wines. On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, you can enjoy children's choir performances of traditional Christmas carols on the "Little Venice" canal.
9. Reims Christmas Market
Dates: November 26, 2025 to December 29, 2025
Highlights: Known as one of France's largest Christmas markets, located in front of the magnificent cathedral. When night falls, dazzling lights illuminate the area where you can taste champagne and pink biscuits among colorful stalls, Christmas carols, and tempting aromas. As the hometown of French champagne, besides visiting the market, you can also enjoy world-class champagne.
10. Annecy Christmas Market
Dates: November 23, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Highlights: A romantic lakeside town full of Christmas spirit, offering specialties from the nearby Alps. While enjoying the festivities, don't forget to stroll by the lake—winter in Annecy is simply magical.
Handmade glass balls, truffle chocolates, warm crêpes—the French have arranged all the gifts for Santa Claus into a romantic market. Come and experience the romantic Christmas atmosphere!