Every year from November to January, Paris transforms into a fairytale city of eating, drinking, and shopping amidst winter lights and cinnamon-scented street corners. Just as the plane trees on the Champs-Élysées shed their last leaves, 1.8 million LED lights switch on, turning the night a caramel color. The air is filled with the creamy aroma of freshly made crêpes, mixed with the spicy notes of cinnamon, orange peel, and mulled wine, like a breathing winter cocktail.
1. Swiss Christmas Village (La Villette)
Dates: November 20, 2025 to December 28, 2025
Highlights: Making its debut in Paris, the "Swiss Christmas Village" is set up like a small village of wooden chalets. It features Swiss specialty foods, handicrafts, music, and children's activities, making it perfect for families and craft lovers.
2. Notre-Dame Christmas Market (Square René Viviani)
Dates: November 28, 2025 to December 25, 2025
Highlights: Located in a small square near the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, tradition and craftsmanship are the keywords here. You'll find local artisans, traditional foods, and children's workshops, perfect for those who want 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 region, with numerous wooden chalets, light displays, and festive decorations. It's the ideal place for browsing stalls and enjoying street food snacks. Some dates will have extended opening hours.
4. Alsatian Christmas Market (Gare de l'Est)
Dates: November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Highlights: If you want to try Alsatian cheese, sausages, baked goods, and wine all in one place, this is it. The market focuses on "traditional Alsatian cuisine," making it perfect for foodies and for bringing home gifts.
5. Tuileries Garden Christmas Market (Jardin des Tuileries)
Dates: November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Highlights: Consistently ranked as a favorite Christmas market for both Parisians and tourists. It has everything: wooden chalets, desserts, mulled wine, and amusement rides (a large Ferris wheel or smaller festive attractions). It's great for photos and for bringing family and friends.
6. Montmartre Christmas Market (Place des Abbesses / next to the Wall of Love)
Dates: November 21, 2025 to early January 2026
Highlights: Set in a small square in Montmartre, accompanied by cobblestone streets, old-fashioned lights, and the silhouette of the church, this market is small and exquisite—perfect for taking photos and picking out "small Christmas gifts."
7. Strasbourg Christmas Market
Dates: November 26, 2025 to December 24, 2025
Highlights: The Strasbourg Christkindlmarket has a history of over 450 years and is one of the oldest in Europe! More than 300 wooden chalets, lights decorating the old town's streets, and a giant Christmas tree sparkle in Place Kléber.
8. Colmar Christmas Market
Dates: November 25, 2025 to December 29, 2025
Highlights: The quintessential fairytale Christmas town. The medieval city center hosts six Christmas markets, with wooden chalets and stalls selling handicrafts, food, and the famous local Alsatian wine. On Wednesday and Saturday afternoons, you can also enjoy children's choirs singing traditional Christmas carols on the canals of "Little Venice."
9. Reims Christmas Market
Dates: November 26, 2025 to December 29, 2025
Highlights: The Reims Christmas Market is known for being one of the largest in France. Set in front of the magnificent cathedral, it lights up brilliantly as night falls. You can enjoy champagne and pink biscuits amidst colorful stalls, Christmas carols, and enticing aromas. As the home of French champagne, you can also taste world-class champagne in addition to exploring the Christmas market.
10. Annecy Christmas Market
Dates: November 23, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Highlights: A romantic town by the lake with a full Christmas atmosphere. Taste specialty foods from the Alps region. While enjoying the festivities here, don't forget to take a stroll by the lake—Annecy in winter is simply magical.
Handmade glass ornaments, truffle chocolates, and warm crêpes—the French have arranged all of Santa's gifts into a romantic market. Come and experience the romantic Christmas atmosphere