The best Christmas markets in France

Christmas is one of the best times of the year for its decorations and festive atmosphere. We’ve put together a list of the best Christmas markets in France for you and your family to enjoy.

STRASBOURG

Known as the capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is home to the oldest Christmas market in existence since 1750 and the most beautiful, transporting you into a warm and magical atmosphere with its streets lined with sumptuous Christmas decorations that illuminate them. It is the most visited Christmas market with almost 2 million visitors.

COLMAR

Once again, Alsace is home to one of the best Christmas markets, Colmar is home to a total of 6 Christmas markets, but we recommend the two best, the most popular of which is near the Dominican Church, as well as the one at the Place de l’Ancienne Douane. These markets will transport you into the magic of Christmas, with the delicious smells of pretzels and gingerbread, not to mention the magical decorations that border the historic town of Colmar.

KAYSERSBERG

If you’re planning to visit Kaysersberg, make sure you’re there for Christmas, as this charming town has a sumptuous Christmas market, one of the finest in France, not far from Colmar. The many houses in the town already put you in the Christmas mood. This market is a must with a warm atmosphere and authentic decoration not to be missed. The market will be held from 25 November to 20 December.

REIMS

Not far from Paris by TGV, the Reims Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in France, with its 150 chalets, it is also the third largest in France. Enjoy the gourmet market on the station square with its many local producers who will delight your taste buds. Enjoy a special Christmas show on the façade of Reims Cathedral, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm, for young and old. After having strolled through the numerous market chalets, find, on Place Drouet d’Erlon, a magnificent fir tree and a large wheel to admire Reims illuminated, higher up, during the Christmas period. Activities such as the little train, an ice rink and a Father Christmas will brighten up your day.

AMIENS 

Amiens has a Christmas market that could not be more pleasant and equals those of Alsace, with chalets stretching over 2 km and a 13 metre high Christmas tree, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in Haut-de-France. Fairy-tale decorations, good humour and activities are on the agenda. The chalets of local and artisanal products will enchant you. From November 25th, you will find the Christmas village, the creators’ village, Father Christmas’ house and the ice rink, without forgetting the launch of the illuminations, to spend a magical day with your loved ones, where you will not be bored for a long time! The Amiens Christmas market is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. 

LYON 

Head to Lyon, which offers festivities worthy of the name during the Christmas period, where there is a very nice Christmas market, Place Carnot, for young and old, everything is set up to spend a good holiday. The city offers a breathtaking event, including the famous Fête des Lumières, which welcomes nearly 3 million visitors from all over the world. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, stroll through the many chalets and taste the local delicacies around the tables or in the deckchairs of the Winter Garden.

PARIS 

Head for the capital this time, with the Paris Christmas market. Indeed, it is one of the most beautiful in France, Paris is illuminated with a thousand lights during the end of year celebrations! Its Christmas market is one of the busiest, welcoming nearly 15 million visitors from all over the world. With its 200 chalets, the market offers local specialities, toys and all kinds of festive entertainment. The magic of Christmas makes Paris vibrate during the holidays with its glittering decorations that illuminate the city of love. 

MONTBÉLIARD

The Montbéliard Christmas market is as beautiful as it is lively. It will make your Christmas celebrations memorable. This Christmas market has a very family atmosphere and brings together 135 chalets of traditional craftsmen. Apart from its authentic chalets, the Montbéliard Christmas market literally sparkles with a thousand lights, as more than 100,000 lights are installed for the festive season. This Christmas market lives up to its name, as it is the most magical “Christmas Lights” in France and one of the best Christmas markets. Everything is set up to have a good time with the family for young and old, and Father Christmas is present to tell stories for the children. The market will be held from 26 November to 24 December.