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Soak up the magical atmosphere and the holiday lights, share unforgettable moments with family or a loved one, sample local specialties, support local artisans, and find unique gifts to put under the tree… There are a thousand and one reasons to explore France’s magnificent Christmas markets starting in late November! And why not take the opportunity to discover a new region of our beautiful country? Here’s an overview of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France.
And if you want to extend the adventure beyond our borders, our Christmas markets accessible by Eurostar and our more distant destinations in Europe are waiting for you, too.
Unsurprisingly, we’ll start with Alsace and THE quintessential Christmas market. After all, Strasbourg has earned its reputation as the “City of Christmas”: its Christmas market is considered the oldest in Europe (established in 1570!).
With more than 300 chalets, it attracts about 3 million visitors each year. And it’s easy to see why: with its festive atmosphere, delicious artisanal gingerbread, holiday lights, and the famous Grand Sapin on Place Kléber, it remains a must-see for experiencing the magic of Christmas. More info here (official website).
Dates: The most recent editions took place from late November through December 24.
Hours of Operation : To be confirmed for 2026 (based on recent editions: every day from 11:30 a.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m., with reduced hours on the first day and on December 24).
With its six markets scattered throughout the historic center (Place des Dominicains, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, inside the Koïfhus, Place Jeanne d'Arc, Place des 6 Montagnes Noires — Petite Venise, Place de la Cathédrale—new gourmet market), Colmar’s Christmas market is perfect for the whole family, with its Alsatian charm and magical winter setting!
Highlights include a Ferris wheel, a mailbox for Santa Claus at the Petite Venise market, concerts featuring children singing Christmas carols from rowboats, and even romantic, gourmet treasure hunts! More info here (official website).
Here's a little bonus if you want to experience the magic of Alsace: free shuttle buses are available to visit... other Christmas markets in the region !
Dates: from the November 23 through December 29, 2026 for the six markets (the gourmet market and the Ferris wheel at Place Rapp will remain open through January 3, 2027).
Hours of Operation : Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (special hours on December 24, 25, and 26).
Voted "the third most beautiful Christmas market in Europe," the Metz Christmas market draws crowds with its warm atmosphere, more than 125 market stalls, and impressive decorations.
This market takes place in five different locations and is known for its entertainment, including the “Sentier des Lanternes” and its enchanted world (perfect for the whole family) and its Ferris wheel, which offers a breathtaking view of the city all lit up. More info here (official website).
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Dates: from the November 20 through December 30, 2026, Saint Louis, Saint-Jacques, d'Armes, and de la République squares.
Hours of Operation : Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Known as “Les Lumières de Noël,” this Christmas market’s reputation extends far beyond Franche-Comté. Known for its spectacular lights, full of magic and color, it also attracts visitors from all over France and even Europe with its wooden chalets, local artisans, gourmet specialties, ice rink, children’s village, and entertainment! More info here (official website).
In 2026, the event will celebrate its 40th edition.
Dates: from the November 21 through December 24, 2026.
Lyon is known for its Festival of Lights, but it doesn't just light up its streets in December! Its Christmas market, set up on Place Carnot, features more than 100 booths filled with crafts, local specialties, and one-of-a-kind creations.
There's also a beautiful ice rink, activities for kids, and, of course, traditional Lyon delicacies to warm you up. More info here (official website).
Dates: from the November 20 through December 24, 2026.
Please note: The Festival of Lights (December 5–8, 2026) will temporarily change the Christmas market's hours.
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Paris, with a festive atmosphere that’s quintessentially Parisian. It features a mix of French crafts (with nearly 100 wooden chalets), carousels, an outdoor ice rink, and plenty of entertainment—all set against the enchanting backdrop of the Tuileries Garden!
Dates: The most recent editions took place from mid-November to early January.
As the largest Christmas market in northern France (and nominated as one of the most beautiful in Europe), this Christmas market has something to delight visitors of all ages. With its wooden chalets and artisan village, handmade goods from all over Europe, an ice rink, a toy workshop, Christmas parades, and entertainment… Amiens is also known for its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is illuminated for the occasion. More info here (official website).
Dates: from the November 20 through December 30, 2026, from Place René-Goblet to Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville.
As France’s third-largest Christmas market, the Reims Christmas market stands out for its exceptional setting around Notre-Dame Cathedral (and its Champagne). With its 150 chalets, entertainment, a little train for children, magnificent lights throughout the city, and shows for all ages, Reims offers a unique blend of magic and tradition! More info here (official website).
Dates: A date range from November 25 to December 27, 2026, is circulating on event calendar sites, but there was no official confirmation from the city as of the date of this check. Keep an eye out for updates on the website!
And if you'd like to check out our list of the best Christmas markets in Europe, It's here !
Issue du monde de la communication et des médias, Sophie est Responsable éditoriale chez HOURRAIL ! depuis août 2024. Elle est notamment derrière le contenu éditorial du site ainsi que La Locomissive (de l'inspiration voyage bas carbone et des bons plans, un jeudi sur deux, gratuitement dans ta boîte mail !).
Convaincue que les changements d’habitude passent par la transformation de nos imaginaires, elle s’attache à montrer qu’il est possible de voyager autrement, de manière plus consciente, plus lente et plus joyeuse. Son objectif : rendre le slow travel accessible à toutes et tous, à travers des astuces, des décryptages et surtout, de nouveaux récits.
