Ah, the holidays! The season of magic and wonder and some seriously chic Christmas markets! You won’t believe the enchanting spirit that fills the air in France, especially in places like Paris. Let me take you on a whirlwind tour of the best Christmas markets in the France and turn your wildest Yuletide dreams into reality!
France is my top pick for a getaway any time of year, but there’s nothing quite like seeing it in all its festive glory in December. Trust me, you won’t want to miss this. From magic-filled landscapes to cozy accommodations and ice skating galore, this guide is the ultimate cheat sheet for experiencing the most wondrous Christmas markets in France!
How to Use This Guide to Find Christmas Markets
Get ready to indulge in one of the best Christmas traditions in France – the Christmas markets! These markets are so popular that some are even world-famous! Can you believe it?
Hundreds of markets are organized throughout the country, so feel free to follow this guide or use it as inspiration to create your own jolly holiday adventure in beautiful France. Trust me, with all the festive lights, delicious treats, and unique gifts, it’ll be a magical experience you won’t want to miss!
Best Time to See Christmas Markets in France
Are you excited to start planning your incredible trip to the magical Christmas Markets in France? I can help you with all the deets! These markets, known as the Marchés de Noël, are immensely popular events that light up the streets with joy and cheer from late November till the end of December. You can expect to marvel at enchanting lights, the aroma of freshly-baked gingerbread, and other traditional French delights that will undoubtedly get you in the holiday spirit!
So What Are The Best Christmas Markets in France?
What better place to spend the holidays than in France! I mean, have you seen their Christmas markets? They’re a picture-perfect postcard that’ll make Bing Crosby’s White Christmas look like amateur hour. But don’t worry, I’ve done the hard work for you, and I’m sharing my top three favorite Christmas markets in France.
Let’s dive into the most charming markets on this side of the North Pole. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or just want to bask in the holiday spirit, these markets have got you covered.
Enchanting Christmas Markets in Paris
You really thought I was just going to skip this iconic city?? You can never go wrong with Paris, but this place really shines during the holidays! We have gone to Paris two years in a row to catch the Christmas markets, and you will find anywhere from 15-20 markets around the city. Check out all the details about visiting Parisian Christmas Markets below.
Best Christmas Markets in Paris
- JARDIN DES TUILERIES CHRISTMAS MARKET: Hands down our favorite Christmas market in Paris! Located just a few minutes from the Louvre you will find a Christmas market mixed with a Christmas carnival with a Ferris wheel, Santa’s fun house, an ice-skating rink and so much more. It’s easy to see why this Christmas market gets over 13 million visitors every year.
- HÔTEL DE VILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET & VILLAGE: A dreamy little spot found in the front of Paris’s main town hall. The Christmas market displays a large assortment of Christmas trees, some beautiful carousels, cozy little wooden christmas stalls and a really cool light display on the façade of Hôtel de Ville.
NOTRE DAME DE PARIS CHRISTMAS MARKET: One of the most iconic spots in Paris dressed in holiday flair and overlooking the Notre Dame (currently in renovation). It can be found across the Seine river in Square Viviani and you will find local artists selling handcrafted gifts.
- EIFFEL TOWER CHRISTMAS MARKET: Does it get any better than celebrating the holidays under the Eiffel Tower?? Christmas Stalls covered in twinkling lights line the 7th arrondissement just below the Eiffel Tower.
- MONTMARTRE CHRISTMAS MARKET: That’s right, one of the most photogenic spots in Paris is home to a Christmas market! Keep in mind this is a small Christmas market with anywhere from 15-20 stalls, but most of these stalls include local artists that sell some unique gifts. You can also find more traditional food here like escargot. This spot can be found next to the Place des Abbesses Metro station.
Best Tips When Visiting Paris Christmas Markets
Let’s get the most important thing out of the way, you do not want to miss the iconic Christmas tree at Galeries Lafayette. Chances are it’s already on your list, but had to give this spot an honorable mention.
Another festive thing to do in Paris during the holidays is to check out all the beautiful Christmas window displays of the Grand Magasins.
CURRENCY: Euro. Although most Christmas markets accept card, it’s always good to have cash on hand.
Best Food at Christmas Markets: Raclette, roasted chestnuts, crêpes, tartiflette, churros, aligot, tarte flambée, bretzels, pain d’épices and more!
Average Weather in Paris in December: High of 47°F/8.3°C with a low of 39°C/3.8°C
Looking For More Amazing Paris Travel Inspo?
Are you ready to fall in love with Paris all over again? It’s not just about the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered!
Trust me, you won’t want to miss the cozy cafes that transport you to a movie set or the secret gems where you won’t have to queue for hours. I know, it sounds too good to be true – but my smart and savvy friend has curated the ultimate guide to Parisian delights. So don’t be a basic tourist, and check out @croissantsandcafes INCREDIBLE GUIDE to Paris here.
Strasbourg’s Elaborate Christmas Markets
If you think it can’t get any better than Christmas in Paris, than you haven’t been to Strasbourg! Did you know it’s world famous??? It is the location of France’s oldest Christmas market and the Capital of Christmas so you know it’s going to be GOOD!!!
Strasbourg is France’s oldest Christmas market and attracts over 2 million visitors every year! But it’s not just the Christmas markets that attract so many visitors every year. Streets are lined with the most beautiful window displays and twinkling Christmas lights.
Good Things to Know About Strasbourg Christmas Markets
- The local food is one of the best parts about the Christmas markets, and here are some things you need to try: Beignets (they are SO good), bretzels, chouquettes, choucroutes, spätzle
and baguette flambée - Speaking of food, if you’re a fan of cheesecake you need to stop by Salon de thé Grand’Rue!
- How to get to Strasbourg? Strasbourg is located just 2,5 hours by train from Paris, but you can also find an international airport here
- Currency: Euro
- Average Weather in December: The average high this time of year is 42°F/5.5°C and the average low is 32°F/0°C
Paris is overrated when it comes to Strasbourg, making this one of the best Christmas markets in France! The cozy, colorful cottages found throughout this town cover their window sills with the most elaborate Christmas decorations and lights are strung throughout all the streets.
Christmas Markets in Strasbourg You Don’t Want to Miss
Where: 300 of the cutest wooden chalets are set up throughout old town Strasbourg. More details can be found here.
When: Late November- Late December
Cost: Free! There are costs associated with Food.
Food: Fresh pretzels, Spaetzle and Crepes
Things not to miss: Strasbourg Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale, Alsatian Delicacies Market at Place du Marché-des-Poissons and the Patio of Palais Rohan, International Christmas Market at Place Gutenberg, Carré d’Or Christmas Market at Place du Temple-Neuf
Colmar’s Cozy Christmas Market Village
This is the best part of the post, so listen up!!! Because I just want you live out your Christmas fantasies here. This is what it must feel like to wake up in a fairytale, because every inch of this town is like something out of a movie and you won’t find a more magical place in Europe! Believe me when I say you won’t find any Christmas markets in Europe better than this one!
Colmar Christmas Markets You Need to Visit
There are 6 Christmas markets in Colmar and each one has its own theme! Best part is they’re all within walking distance of each other.
- PLACE JEANNE D’ARC ALSATIAN SPECIALITIES MARKET: What’s not to love about the local Alsatian specialties theme here?? That means you will find some of the best local products here like charcuterie, Christmas cakes, gingerbread and wine.
- ARTISAN ARTS MARKET AT PLACE DES DOMINICAINS: In case the name didn’t give it away, the theme here is local art. You can find jewelry, paintings, glass blowers and more. My favorite part about this Christmas market is that it’s located in front of a beautiful restored 14th century church, Église des Dominicains.
- GOURMET CHRISTMAS MARKET AT PLACE DE LA CATHÉDRALE: If you’re a foodie, this is the place for you! There are 9 local chefs that prepare 9 different dishes in these cute little cabins.
- PLACE DE L’ANCIENNE DOUANNE: This Christmas market surrounds Colmar’s iconic fountain. You’ll find 50 stalls on both sides of the River Lauch. The theme is arts and crafts.
- MARCHÉ DE NOËL DES ENFANTS – Although classified as a Christmas market for children we found the Christmas decorations and rides here to be just darling! You will find Santa Claus, handmade toys and rides.
- KOIFHUS INDOOR MARKET: Another arts and craft market, but you can find this one inside. What makes this one special is the large assortment of locally made gifts. Make sure to check out the upper floor so you can see some really cool gingerbread displays.
- PETITE VENISE: One of the most iconic spots in Colmar features the cutest Gingerbread houses alongside a canal and when the sun sets you can catch a beautiful little light show here. You may eve catch some live musical performances here.
- ICE SKATING: I may not be good at ice skating, but there is something so magical about strapping on some skates and gliding underneath the Christmas lights. The ice skating in Colmar can be found at Place Rapp.
What You Need to Know About Colmar Christmas Markets
- How long should you spend in Colmar? Colmar can easily be seen in a day, but we wish we could have spent more time here.
- How to get to Colmar? Colmar is located on the border of France and Switzerland and can easily be accessed by train.
- Colmar Christmas Market Gourmet Specialities: Bouchée à la Reine, tartines, tarte flambée, choucroute and gingerbread.
- Average Weather in December: Colmar can get cold, and you’ll want to be prepared for average temperatures as low as 32°F/0°C with a high of 43°F/6.1°C
Enjoy your time in Colmar, I guarantee you won’t want to leave once you step foot in this enchanting town!