The Christmas markets are positively a few of the finest – the decor, the meals, and the spirit are unbelievable! What I really like is that the small cities get simply as into the season, perhaps much more so, than the bigger cities! From the over-the-top Alsacian markets to the Provencal markets, there’s one thing for everybody on the French Christmas markets.
Christmas in France makes an already beautiful place much more charming. France is a rustic typically characterised by its romance, and that enchantment is multiplied throughout the Christmas season. The streets are embellished with twinkling lights, shops odor of pine and cinnamon, and particular vacation meals are ready on stoves throughout the nation.
However certainly one of my favourite issues to do all through the Christmas season in France is to go to the numerous conventional, and generally not-so-traditional, vacation markets all through the nation.
Wish to discover the perfect Christmas markets in France? I’ve received beautiful markets and cities that can make you fall in love with this lovable, charming nation.
Much like different European Christmas markets, French Christmas markets supply a smattering of Christmas spirit in a single picturesque locale. Picket huts show handmade objects from makers throughout the nation, vacation meals are offered scorching, and mulled wine warms these chilly procuring fingers.
Wherever you end up in France this vacation season, from Paris to the French Riviera and a few of the smallest villages in between, you’re assured to be close to a Christmas market. The next are the highest Christmas markets to go to in France.
Listed here are the perfect villages and cities in France for experiencing Christmas markets.
[toc]
Suggestions on your journey & Map of the Christmas Markets in France
France is a big nation, so it isn’t potential to go to each single market. I extremely advocate that you simply go to the Alsace area of France. Right here, you may go to lots of the high Christmas markets like Strasbourg and Colmar. From right here, you may simply enterprise into Germany, the place the unique Christmas markets happen.
You possibly can see my picks for the perfect Christmas markets in Europe right here!
1. Strasbourg – the oldest Christmas market in France
If I used to be solely in a position to counsel one metropolis in France to go to this vacation season, it must be Strasbourg. Also referred to as The Capital of Christmas, or Capital de Noel, Strasbourg overflows with vacation spirit, from the magical decorations on almost each window on the town to the towering Christmas tree within the city sq.. It is one of many largest in Europe!
Strasbourg is not only recognized for its one Christmas market. It’s recognized for 10 fantastical markets, that are all simply accessed on foot. These markets are all a few of the most conventional within the nation, bringing households collectively to have fun the meals, drinks, crafts, and decorations of the vacation season. In truth, the well-known Christkindelsmarik at Place Broglie is without doubt one of the oldest in all of Europe, courting again to 1570.
Store the greater than 300 vendor stalls discovered all through town, sip the recent mulled wine, snack on conventional eats, and most significantly, benefit from the holidays with those you like. Strasbourg is the right vacation spot for making new Christmas recollections.
Strasbourg Christmas Market dates: November twenty seventh by means of December twenty fourth, 2026 (closed Christmas Day).
See my full information to Strasbourg Christmas markets right here.
2. Colmar Christmas Market – Finest Christmas Market within the Alsace
Much like Strasbourg, Colmar is house to a number of Christmas markets, however the principle Colmar Christmas Market is a vacation spot of its personal. Nestled amongst a few of the metropolis’s hottest architectural websites and beneath the glittering bushes, you’ll discover stalls lining the streets, promoting spiced gingerbread, native artwork, handmade ornaments, and extra.
Along with the principle Colmar Christmas Market, you’ll discover roughly 60 extra stalls at Place des Dominicains and one other at Place de l’Ancienne Douane, lining the scenic Lauch River. Nonetheless, you gained’t wish to depart town with out visiting Place Jeanne-d’Arc, the place you’ll discover an unbelievable collection of conventional meals, together with native wine, cookies, and foie gras. I like to fill up on contemporary, native meats and cheeses to show on vacation charcuterie boards.
Colmar Christmas Market dates: Nov. 23, 2026 to Dec. 29, 2026 (the connoisseur market and Ferris wheel keep open till Jan. 3, 2027)
3. Metz – One of many largest Christmas markets in France
If you end up within the north east of France this vacation season, be certain to go to Metz Christmas Market! I really like the attractive metropolis of Metz! It is solely situated an hour and a half from my favourite Christmas market in France, Strasbourg, so it is nicely price it to go!
Wander by means of the greater than 100 vendor stalls, that are arrange all through town heart and in entrance of the beautiful Metz Cathedral. Marc Chagall illumianted the cathedral and it is already a shocking, spectacular constructing.
However the perfect half? The connoisseur and decadent meals. All through town you may have your fill of conventional French meals and Christmas specialties! Style the Tartiflette, raclette, escargot, and even foie gras. Prime it off with Vin Chaud (mulled wine) for the right Christmas market journey!
Metz Christmas Market dates: November twentieth by means of December thirtieth, 2026 (closed December twenty fifth)
4. Ribeauvillé – Finest Medieval Christmas Market in France
In search of a very magical and distinctive Christmas market expertise? Then you need to go to the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market! This market is held in one of the vital stunning, medieval villages in all of France. However be aware- it is solely on TWO weekends!
Ribeauvillé is situated in Alsace, which implies the village and market are stuffed with German influences. That is most evident within the Christmas market meals, which incorporates specialties like gingerbread (lebkuchen), spit-roasted pork knuckle (schweinshaxe), and flammenküche (tarte flambée).
The market stretches all through out the city, however what makes Ribeavillé so distinctive is that the complete city participates. You will see folks dressed up with stilts, scary cosumes, and even stay animals. Most of the markets do not settle for cash, you will must change your cash for picket beans as an alternative! There are big logs in the midst of the road on fireplace for roadting meat s’mores, there are video games all through the village, and it is one of the vital entertaining markets you may go to! The medieval themed market is all set to the backdrop of pastel half timebred homes. merely magical!
Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market dates: December fifth, sixth, twelfth, and thirteenth, 2026 – as you may see it is a tremendous quick season however so price it!
❄️ Europe Packing Should Haves! ❄️
🧥 Coat – Essential for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These maintain you comfortable and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– maintain your ft heat and dry
🧤 Cellphone Appropriate gloves – These work so you may nonetheless take photos of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Universal Adapter – Finest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – One of the best for conserving you palms free and your stuff protected
☃️ Beanie – A should for conserving heat (and looking out cute!)
🔥 Hand heaters – The key to by no means being chilly!
🧣 Scarf – So key to packing much less is to have equipment like scarves to change it up!
5. Kaysersberg – Conventional Alsatian Christmas Market in France
Nestled within the Vosges Mountains of north japanese France, Kaysersberg is actually a hidden gem. This medieval city is house to one of the vital stunning and enchanting Christmas markets in all of France.
The market is about up across the imposing St. Mauritius Church, which is illuminated at night time so as to add to the general festive ambiance. There are over 80 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting all the pieces from handmade ornaments and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and contemporary baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols might be heard within the distance.
Kaysersberg is the right place to search out distinctive items on your family members, whereas additionally having fun with a festive and charming ambiance. In case you’re in search of a very magical Christmas market expertise, Kaysersberg is the place for you!
Kaysersberg Christmas Market dates: November twenty seventh by means of December twentieth, 2026 – Fridays by means of Sundays solely (Nov. 27–29, Dec. 4–6, 11–13, and 18–20)
6. Eguisheim – France’s Finest Wine-Themed Christmas Market
Eguisheim is a quaint and picturesque wine-growing village situated within the Alsace area of France. This village is house to the most effective (and most original) Christmas markets in all of France. As you may think about, the Eguisheim Christmas market is themed round wine!
There are stalls promoting all the pieces from wine-themed Christmas decorations to handmade items and, in fact, native wines. You possibly can even get your individual customized bottle of wine on the market! Along with the numerous vendor stalls, there are additionally wine tastings and demonstrations all through the market.
Eguisheim is the right place to take pleasure in a glass (or two) of wine whereas doing all your Christmas procuring. In case you love wine and are in search of a novel Christmas market expertise, Eguisheim is the place for you!
Eguisheim Christmas Market dates: November twenty seventh by means of December thirtieth, 2026 (closed December twenty fourth–twenty sixth)
7. Riquewihr – A Timeless Christmas Market in France
Riquewihr is a medieval city situated within the Alsace area of France. This city is house to one of the vital stunning and timeless Christmas markets in all of France.
The market is about up across the picturesque Dolder Tower, which is illuminated at night time so as to add to the general festive ambiance. There are over 100 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting all the pieces from handmade items and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and contemporary baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols might be heard within the distance.
Riquewihr Christmas Market dates: November twenty seventh by means of December twentieth, 2026
Different cities within the Alscae area with nice Christmas markets: Mulhouse, Obernai, and Haguenau!
8. Lille Christmas Market
Town of Lille in northern France welcomes guests throughout the vacation season with the smells of contemporary garlands and mulled wine. Though, it’s typically the spectacular gentle shows that draw guests this far north. Lille takes Christmas significantly, and the Lille Christmas Market can convey the Christmas spirit out in anybody.
The market options greater than 90 stalls, which promote locally-crafted items in addition to objects from around the globe. Nonetheless, my favourite method to see the market isn’t essentially on foot, as an enormous Ferris wheel gives magnificent views of the market stalls, shining Christmas tree, and extra from above. The Lille Christmas Market is smaller than some others within the nation, but it surely creates the right backdrop for a romantic night out within the metropolis.
Lille Christmas Market dates: Nov. 18, 2026 to Dec. 30, 2026
9. Bordeaux Christmas Market
This metropolis could also be extra well-known for its wines than its Christmas spirit, but it surely’s no secret that wine and the vacations pair properly collectively. The Bordeaux Christmas Market options greater than 100 completely different stalls, and naturally, it’s an excellent place to fill up on wine for the vacations, whether or not you’ll be having fun with it at your vacation desk or gifting it to mates. Different stalls supply handmade glass objects, connoisseur goodies, perfumes, linens, and a few of the most original items handmade pottery.
The Bordeaux Christmas Market isn’t only for adults both. Households can discover a tour of the route that pilgrims as soon as traveled to Santiago de Compostela, go to Santa Claus, or hop aboard the vacation carousel. This market is a lot enjoyable that it could possibly typically get busy, so that you’ll wish to arrive early to search out parking in case you’ll be bringing your individual car. The locals advocate visiting by practice.
Bordeaux Christmas Market dates: Nov. 27, 2026 to Dec. 27, 2026
10. Good Christmas Market
The French Riviera is known for its glitz and glam, and the Good Christmas Market shines simply as vibrant. Right here, you’ll discover greater than 60 vendor stalls and an extended record of actions and occasions for guests of all ages. When you’re executed sipping on vin chaud (scorching wine) and searching for handmade vacation items, you may head to the ice skating rink, go to Santa in his workshop, and luxuriate in a wide range of carnival rides and video games. You possibly can even hop aboard the towering Ferris wheel and consider the Christmas market, in addition to the Mediterranean, from above.
One among my favourite options of the Good Christmas Market is that this area tends to be hotter and sunnier than different areas of France this time of yr. Blue skies and mitten-less days make visiting the Good vacation market really feel extra like a trip than some other. But, the fir bushes and vacation lights nonetheless present the Christmas allure current at different markets throughout the nation. Convey the youngsters and luxuriate in the entire out of doors actions the Good Christmas Market has to supply.
Good Christmas Market dates: Nov. 27, 2026 to Jan. 3, 2027
See my information to the French Riviera right here.
11. Rouen Christmas Market
Instantly in entrance of the grand cathedral, you’ll discover the fantastical Rouen Christmas Market, yearly bringing vacation cheer to the capital metropolis of Normandy. The Christmas market, and the vacation occasions and performances accompanying it, remodel this metropolis by the Seine right into a magical winter wonderland, full with 70 picket chalets for procuring and eating, an ice skating rink, road leisure, and naturally, particular visits from Santa Claus. Rouen is understood for going over-the-top with vacation decorations and pleasure, so that you gained’t wish to miss this scenic metropolis throughout the holidays.
Rouen is certainly one of my favourite cities in France, and the entire area of Normandy is price a go to.
Rouen Christmas Market dates: Nov. 25, 2026 to Dec. 27, 2026
12. Paris – Metropolis of Lights Christmas Market
It is no shock that the Metropolis of Lights is house to multiple Christmas market, and that’s what makes visiting Paris this time of yr so particular. Guests can weave by means of the historic streets and iconic landmarks from Christmas market to Christmas market, sampling conventional vacation treats, listening to choirs, ice skating, and procuring.
A few of my favorites are the Tuileries Backyard market, proper between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, which is filled with picket chalets, carnival rides, and a Ferris wheel, and the comfortable market at Sq. René Viviani with views of Notre-Dame. For one thing larger, the Christmas market at La Défense is without doubt one of the largest within the Paris area, with a whole lot of chalets promoting handicrafts, native meals, and mulled wine. Purchasing and eating on the streets of Paris is a vacation custom that many locals maintain pricey, and I feel it’s one thing each customer ought to expertise when visiting town throughout the Christmas season.
Paris Christmas Market dates: Tuileries Backyard: Nov. 14, 2026 to early January 2027 | Notre-Dame: Nov. 26, 2026 to Dec. 27, 2026 | La Défense: Nov. 12, 2026 to Dec. 31, 2026
Discover the important information to Paris right here!
13. Chamonix Christmas Market
If you wish to totally embrace the winter climate and really feel such as you’re strolling by means of an precise snow globe, there is no higher place than Chamonix. That is certainly one of my favourite locations in France, not to mention Europe.
Chamonix is house to Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. Christmas is a good time to go to. Together with the nice winter actions like snowboarding and sledding, the Christmas market is within the excellent setting on this idyllic village surrounded by the French Alps.
One of the best ways I can describe Chamonix is sort of a classic postcard. You simply need to see it to consider it! The dates for the Chamonix Christmas market are very quick, solely about two weeks in mid December. However with all of the actions and the attractive chalets make it certainly one of my high picks for Christmas in France.
Chamonix Christmas Market dates: The 2026 dates have not been introduced but. Final season it ran Dec. 18, 2025 to Jan. 4, 2026, so count on the same mid-December to early January window.
See my full information to Chamonix right here.
14. Grenoble Christmas Market
Rivaling Strasbourg as essentially the most magical French locale throughout the holidays, Grenoble gives a pleasant Christmas market with an much more spectacular backdrop. Nestled in a valley between the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountains, you may’t assist however really feel such as you’ve traveled to a fairytale land when having fun with Christmas within the Alps.
Much more, the Grenoble Christmas Market is definitely 4 Christmas markets situated in varied areas all through town heart. The Place Grenette is understood for its Afro-Indian crafts and concert events, whereas the principle market at Place Victor Hugo is known for warm cider, scorching wine, cheese, salami, and different mouthwatering vacation eats (and drinks). Grenoble overflows with vacation cheer, actions, concert events, and occasions this time of yr, so permit your self loads of time to find all of them.
Grenoble Christmas Market dates and occasions: Nov. 20, 2026 to Dec. 24, 2026
15. Montpellier Christmas Market
Montpellier is a metropolis balancing between previous and new. Trendy trams cross by medieval streets and historic structure. The Montpellier Christmas Market additionally blends basic Southern French Christmas custom with trendy occasions and actions. Now set alongside the elegant Promenade du Peyrou, this market options dozens of retailers promoting meals merchandise and crafts from all through the area. Oysters, sweets, and mulled wine are offered alongside toys, vacation decorations, and handmade jewellery.
Santa Claus at all times sits on the coronary heart of the Montpellier Christmas Markets, and guests also can take pleasure in Christmas parades, sleigh rides, an ice skating rink, workshops, and extra. For the adults, a nighttime market gives regional meals, wines, and different drinks inside a big heated tent. There’s one thing for everybody on the Montpellier Christmas Market.
Montpellier Christmas Market dates and time: Nov. 27, 2026 to Dec. 30, 2026
16. Amiens Christmas Market
The Amiens Christmas Market would be the closing market on this, however that doesn’t imply it lacks something by way of allure, crave-worthy meals, and vacation procuring stalls. In truth, as the biggest vacation market in nothern France, the Amiens Christmas Market gives greater than 2 kilometers of distributors from all through France and around the globe. You possibly can even discover objects from India and Canada right here.
That is really a market the place you’ll find one thing for even essentially the most troublesome particular person in your record. And whereas the adults take pleasure in procuring from stall to stall, youngsters can hop aboard a practice by means of a winter wonderland or various different vacation rides. Be sure you time no less than certainly one of your visits to the market round 7pm, when the Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens shows a spectacular gentle and sound present. I have to admit — this unforgettable gentle show pairs completely with a cup of scorching mulled cider.
Amiens Christmas Market dates: Nov. 20, 2026 to Dec. 30, 2026
Christmas Market Itinerary
You possibly can’t go to all of the Christmas markets in France, however if you use my itinerary you may make certain to see a few of the finest and take advantage of your time! The Alsace area has the perfect Christmas markets they usually simply really feel like a magical fairy story come to life!
Begin off in Strasbourg! That is the place I counsel you focus most of your time because it’s one of many largest and finest Christmas markets in France. There’s a lot to do right here and a lot historical past. Ensure to take a tour of the unbelievable Notre Dam Cathedral.
Subsequent, head south and focus on Obernai and Ribeauvillé – be certain to test your dates to make sure you’re in Ribeauvillé on the dates of the Christmas market because it’s solely two weekends!
You possibly can simply see the markets of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim in a day in case you’re feeling formidable. Or, you may stretch these out over a pair days.
Ensure to go away your self one full day for Colmar because it’s such a stupendous market.
When you have additional time on your Christmas market journey by means of France, head to Mulhouse. I additionally advocate popping over to Germany and seeing the close by markets in Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and even the well-known tiny Ravenna Gorge Christmas market!
Continuously Requested Questions About Christmas Markets in France
What are the dates for the Christmas markets in France?
There are numerous vacation markets, giant and small, held all through France this time of yr. Whereas the dates can differ from a single weekend to almost two-months-long, most vacation markets happen from mid-November to late December. Some dates are prolonged into early January to accommodate New 12 months’s Eve festivities.
What ought to I convey to a French Christmas Market?
You don’t must be way more ready to go to a French Christmas market than you’ll be to take pleasure in a traditional day of procuring in a French metropolis. Nonetheless, as a result of lots of the markets are completely outside, you’ll wish to put on sufficient layers to maintain you heat for a number of hours outside. Gloves, a hat, and a shawl are equipment I nearly at all times put on to Christmas market (except I’m within the French Riviera).
It’s additionally essential to come back ready with loads of money, or a debit card to have the ability to withdraw money. Many distributors want, or solely settle for, money funds.
What different international locations have Christmas Markets?
Christmas Markets are a typical European custom, and they are often present in quite a few European international locations, together with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, and past. I really like touring all through Europe, and around the globe, to various Christmas markets. Under, you’ll find a wide range of weblog posts I’ve written on my favourite markets throughout the continent.
Final Information for The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
15 Finest Christmas Markets in Germany
Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland
What to Eat and Drink at a German Christmas Market
25 Pictures That Will Encourage You to Spend Christmas in Europe
Finest Aspect Journeys for Christmas in Germany
Custom of Christmas in France
The Christmas markets in France are a few of the oldest conventional markets in Europe. It first appeared within the Alsace area in 1521. Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates again to 1570. In case you needed to choose a area, I counsel visiting the Christmas Markets within the Alsace region- these are the perfect!
In Strasbourg, one of many largest Christmas bushes is within the metropolis heart at Place Kléber, and one of many largest Creation wreath is within the Cathedral of Strasbourg.
The Christmas tree in French is known as, “sapin de noël.” The tree, coated in pink apples and lights, symbolizes Jesus and, “The sunshine that illuminates the world.” Santa Claus is named “Père Noël” and is impressed by Saint Nicolas. Initially, he gave items to youngsters in Germany and France on December sixth, Saint Nicolas day.
December twenty fourth, Rèveillion is when most French folks have fun with households and have their giant meals. They bask in luxurious, conventional meals like oysters, truffles, cookies, and frog legs. Then, they could attend Midnight Mass.
Different issues to learn:
Final Information for The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
The Finest Winter Locations in Europe
