As the holidays approach, a particular excitement is felt across France as the Christmas Markets begin. These markets are the vibrant heart of the festive season.
Across France, there are more than 300 Christmas Markets. To help you choose which to visit this year I have carefully chosen my 11 favourite markets across France. From the renowned Strasbourg Christmas market to other less publicised but equally enchanting France Christmas Markets, embark with me on a discovery of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France.
Christmas Markets in France: The 11 you must visit this year
- Paris Christmas Markets
- Strasbourg Christmas market
- Reims Christmas market
- Rennes Breton Christmas Market
- Bordeaux Christmas market
- Nantes Christmas market
- Lille Christmas market
- Marseille Christmas market
- Colmar Christmas market
- Lyon Christmas market
- Mulhouse Christmas market
1. Paris Christmas Markets
- The dates: from mid-November to early January 2024
- Information: Paris tourist office
Every year, Paris is transformed into a dazzling festive setting, making its Christmas markets major attractions for locals and tourists.
The streets come alive, offering a range of activities and events. One of the highlights is the Paris Notre-Dame Christmas market. Nestled on the outskirts of the famous cathedral and the picturesque Viviani Square, this market offers a magical spectacle, enhanced by the oldest tree in Paris.
The La Défense Christmas Village, covering more than 10,000 m², stands out as the largest Christmas market in Île-de-France. With more than 300 exhibitors, this true festive paradise amazes with its varied activities, thousands of light decorations, and gourmet stands. This year, a solidarity chalet will appear, showcasing four associations committed to combating insecurity and food waste.
Then for more festive cheer, head to the Place de la Concorde and the Tuileries Gardens, where “The Magic of Christmas” operates. This traditional Christmas market offers French culinary delights and artisanal creations.
2. Strasbourg Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 24 to December 24, 2023
- Information: Christmas in Strasbourg
Strasbourg, often nicknamed the capital of Christmas hosts one of the most majestic Christmas markets in France. With 300 chalets, a monumental fir tree, and a myriad of shows illuminated by countless sparkling garlands, the experience is magical.
Planning your visit requires a little organisation as the Strasbourg market is divided into 3 distinct zones. Magical Christmas is the traditional market, where Places Kléber, Broglie, Petite France, Place Gutenberg, and Place de la Cathedral come alive and transform into a magical Christmas world.
Next door, Noël Secret invites you to a more intimate experience in the heart of Strasbourg. There are craft workshops at the Gayot market square, as well as daily stories and shows at the Mathias Mérian square for the pleasure of young and old. Finally, The OFF Market highlights the social and solidarity economy.
On the list of must-sees is the giant fir tree on Place Kléber, the cathedral’s nativity scene, the legendary “Christkindlmärik” arch on Place Broglie, or the luminescent blue tree on Place Gutenberg. Every corner of Strasbourg shines, with installations like the Porte de Lumières or the imposing chandelier at the junction of Rue du Fossé des Tanneurs and Grand-rue.
3. Reims Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 24 to December 24, 2023
- Information : Reims Tourism
Enchanting and sparkling, the Reims Christmas market stands out amongst the France Christmas Markets. With its prestigious location on the cathedral square, this market is a haven of light where dozens of chalets are erected, offering a selection of food, artisanal artefacts, and stands dedicated to mulled wine tasting.
The Palais de Tau houses the artisans’ village, as well as an ice rink for children, a small train, and a traditional crèche. The Children’s Kingdom amazes with its interactive machines and visits from Santa Claus. For a unique experience, take to the skies on the Ferris Wheel located on Place d’Erlon.
Every weekend, the market comes alive with the sound of concerts and other cultural events. Every day, a breathtaking sound and light show enhances this festive scene. A moment not to be missed: the lighting of the cathedral, revealing every architectural detail of this Gothic jewel.
4. Rennes Breton Christmas Market
- The dates: from December 1, 2023
- Information: Rennes Christmas Market
Alsace is often first on everyone’s mind when it comes to French Christmas Markets. But Brittany, with Rennes in the lead, demonstrates every year that it also knows how to immerse its visitors in the magic of Christmas.
In the lively heart of Rennes, multiple markets are set up. Place du Colombier is the main gathering point where, for a month, activities, shows, and festive stands captivate passers-by.
Children can indulge in the joys of the traditional carousel installed especially for the occasion. And, within the Colombia shopping centre, you will be charmed by a selection of chalets offering mulled wine, unique gift ideas, and local Breton products.
However, the most famous Christmas market in Rennes takes place on the Mail François Mitterand. Formerly located on Parliament Square, this market offers a magical landscape with nearly forty chalets, a myriad of light decorations, an illuminated Ferris wheel, and a traditional wooden horse carousel that will delight young and old alike.
5. Bordeaux Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 25 to December 25, 2023
- Information: Bordeaux Christmas market
Every winter, the alleys of Tourny in Bordeaux light up, transforming the city into a traditional Christmas market. Three main avenues structure this market:
- The central aisle, the real heart of the market, where around a hundred chalets reveal a range of gift ideas, ranging from art objects to costume jewellery, including handcrafted toys.
- The alley of gourmet terraces is the favourite space for foodies. There, the scent of roasted chestnuts mixes with that of crispy waffles and spicy mulled wine.
- The alley of Artisans presents local talents: forty artisans from the Bordeaux region and elsewhere exhibit their creations, making this alley a real journey to discover French craftsmanship.
But the Bordeaux Christmas market is not just a gastronomic and artisanal experience. It is also a place of entertainment and festivity, especially for young people. Between musical shows, magic tricks, and creative workshops, the magic of Christmas operates at every moment.
6. Nantes Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 23 to December 30, 2023
- Information: Nantes Christmas market
For decades Nantes has lit up and come alive around its must-see Christmas market, ranked among the most popular Christmas Markets in France. On Place du Commerce and Place Royale, picturesque chalets house around a hundred passionate artisans.
These offer you a journey through authentic Christmas objects and decorations, as well as original gift ideas. And of course, culinary pleasures are not left out: roasted chestnuts, enveloping mulled wine, golden pancakes and soft waffles await.
However, the city of Nantes has always distinguished itself by combining tradition and innovation. Thus, alongside the traditional market, the city offers “L’autre Marché”.
Located on the Esplanade Carré Feydeau, this space highlights artisans and producers engaged in the social and solidarity economy. A place where each purchase takes on a special meaning, where each gift demonstrates an ethical and responsible approach. A great way to combine festivities and civic engagement.
7. Lille Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 22 to December 31, 2023
- Information: The Christmas Village in Lille
With a tradition of over three decades, the Lille Christmas market continues to improve and expand. Every year, more exhibitors flock to present their original gift ideas and sparkling decorations that will make visitors’ eyes shine.
It’s impossible to talk about the Lille Christmas market without mentioning the majestic Ferris Wheel. It sits proudly and offers those who dare to climb it a breathtaking view of the rooftops of Lille. For adrenaline lovers, the caterpillar, positioned on the Place du Théâtre, promises good times of laughter and sensations.
Families will find what they’re looking for with the regular Santa appearance and a little Christmas train that crisscrosses Place Richebé. Nearby, a gourmet stand will make young and old alike drool with an assortment of sweet treats. Undoubtedly, Lille is home to one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in France, combining magic, discovery and fun. And as if that wasn’t enough, the heart of Lille will sparkle with a thousand lights thanks to the Christmas lights.
8. Marseille Christmas Market
- The dates: from December 1 to December 31, 2023
- Information: Christmas celebrations in Marseille
The Mediterranean sweetness of Marseille never sees snow, but the festive and warm atmosphere of the Christmas markets still takes over the streets every year. The Old Port comes alive with the traditional Christmas market, lined with chalets displaying a multitude of decorations, handicrafts, and tasty Provençal delicacies.
Cours Julien, for its part, is transformed into an effervescent artistic space. It is here that the Grand Marché de Noël des Créateurs comes to life, bringing together nearly 200 local talents. This is the perfect opportunity for those looking for unique gifts. Whether it’s paintings, jewellery, lighting, photography, trendy accessories or designer furniture pieces, this market is a modern treasure trove
Then there is the iconic Foire aux Santons, established on Place Charles de Gaulle. It is here that Provencal heritage is proudly displayed with the meticulous work of local craftsmen of the small figurines which populate Christmas nativity scenes. A must-visit.
9. Colmar Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 23 to December 29, 2023
- Information: Christmas in Colmar
The Christmas market of Colmar is often cited as one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe. From the start of the festive season, Colmar takes on an enchanting atmosphere, with its multiple markets scattered along its picturesque streets:
- The Place Jeanne d’Arc market is a true ode to Alsatian gastronomy. Here you can discover regional products, from sweet treats to savoury delights.
- The Artisans Market, nestled in the heart of Koïfhus, showcases local artisanal excellence. Admire the expertise of potters, master glassmakers, wood carvers, ceramists and even talented hatters.
- The Little Venice Market, with its magical atmosphere, is a paradise for young people. The wooden houses are overflowing with enchanted toys, while a lively nativity scene, a sparkling merry-go-round and dazzling illuminations amaze all ages.
- If you’re looking for authentic festive ornaments, the Place des Dominicains Christmas Market is your destination. The stalls are full of traditional and innovative decorations to beautify your celebrations.
10. Lyon Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 24 to December 24, 2023
- Information: Lyon Christmas Market
In Lyon, the end of the year is marked by the huge market at Place Carnot and the famous Festival of Lights. If you can, plan your trip to take advantage of both events.
The works presented during the Festival of Lights attracts audiences from all over the world. As for the market, it brings together nearly 90 artisan chalets with a variety of festive products. Activities are planned for children and various food stands will warm up those with a sweet tooth.
True to its reputation, gastronomy is in the spotlight on the Lyon market. For more foodie treats you should also visit the city’s other market, the Grand Hotel Die Christmas Market.
11. Mulhouse Christmas Market
- The dates: from November 24 to December 27, 2023
- Information: Christmas in Mulhouse
Looking for a unique Christmas Market experience? Mulhouse should be at the top of your list. Every year, the city unveils a decorative fabric specially created for the festivities. The chalets, the town hall and even the tram are adorned with this motif, giving the city a unique charm.
The Mulhouse market revolves around Place de la Réunion where a period carousel majestically sits. A few steps away, the courtyard of the Temple Saint-Étienne hosts activities for children, including a Christmas bauble-making workshop.
L’Étoile de Noël, located on the Place de la Réunion, is the rallying point where families and friends meet to share a mulled wine or a piece of kougelhopf. As for the Allée des Saveurs, it will seduce gourmets with its Alsatian specialties. Finally, don’t miss the Espace des Créateurs which highlights local talent by offering original artisanal creations.
Visitors will also be dazzled by the immense illuminated tree and the light show projected on the facade of the town hall, paying tribute to the rich textile history of the city.
France Christmas Market FAQs
When do the Christmas Markets start in Alsace?
Alsace lights up and comes alive at the end of November, starting the Christmas Market season. For more information check out the calendar of Alsace Christmas markets.
How long do Christmas Markets last?
In general, Christmas Markets in France are held until Christmas Eve. However, some continue until December 31. For details, check local sites.
Looking for more Christmas Market inspiration? Check out the best Christmas Markets in the UK and for a classic experience, the best Christmas Markets in Germany.
