France's top Christmas markets accessible by train
Enjoy the enchanting atmosphere and illuminations, share unforgettable moments with family and friends, taste local specialities, support local crafts and find unique gifts to put under the tree... There are a thousand and one reasons to discover France's magnificent Christmas markets from the end of November! And why not take the opportunity to discover a region of our beautiful country? Here's an overview of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France.
1. Strasbourg Christmas market: the magical one
Unsurprisingly, we start in Alsace with THE Christmas market par excellence. After all, Strasbourg has not stolen its reputation as the “city of Christmas”: its Christmas market is considered the oldest in Europe (established in 1570!).
With over 300 chalets, it attracts some 3 million visitors every year. And it's easy to see why: with its festive atmosphere, delicious home-made gingerbread, illuminations and the famous Grand Sapin on Place Kléber, it remains a must-see for the magic of Christmas.
Find out more here (official website).
When?
Dates: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 to Friday, December 27, 2024 at 6pm.
Opening times: daily from 11.30am to 9pm, except on November 27 (opening at 2pm) and December 24 and 25 (closing at 6pm). And for latecomers, the “Village de l'Après” (successor to the Village de l'Avent) will continue until January 1, 2025.
How to get there?
2. The Colmar Christmas market: a family affair
With its six markets in the historic center (Place des Dominicains, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, Intérieur du Koïfhus, Place Jeanne d'Arc, Place des 6 montagnes noires - Petite Venise, Place de la Cathédrale - new gourmet market), Colmar's Christmas market is ideal for the whole family, with its Alsatian charm and magical winter decor!
Features include a Ferris wheel, Santa's mailbox in the Petite Venise market, children's carol concerts on boats and romantic gourmet treasure hunts!
Find out more here (official website).
And if you want to enjoy the magic of Alsace, shuttles are available free of charge to other Christmas markets in the region!
When?
Dates: Tuesday, November 26 to Sunday, December 29, 2024.
Opening times:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 7pm
- Friday to Sunday: 10am to 8pm
- The “marché gourmand” is open every day until 9pm!
And for latecomers, the gourmet market and Ferris wheel remain open until January 5, 2025.
How to get there?
3. The enchanted Metz Christmas Market
Voted “Europe's 3rd most beautiful Christmas market”, the Metz Christmas market attracts crowds with its warm atmosphere, 125+ chalets and impressive decorations.
The market is held in five squares and boasts a host of attractions, including the “Sentier des Lanternes” (Lantern Trail) and its enchanted world (perfect for the whole family), and a Ferris wheel offering a breathtaking view of the illuminated city.
More info here (official website).
©noelametz.fr
When?
Dates: Friday, November 22, 2024 to Monday, December 30, 2024 (November 23 to December 30 for Le Sentier des Lanternes).
Opening hours:
- Friday and Saturday: 5pm to 9pm
- Sunday to Thursday: 5pm to 8pm
How to get there?
4. Montbéliard Christmas market: the illuminated one
Nicknamed “Les Lumières de Noël”, the reputation of this Christmas market extends far beyond Franche-Compté. Known for its spectacular illuminations full of magic and color, it also attracts visitors from all over France and even Europe for its wooden chalets, local craftsmen, gourmet specialties, ice rink, children's village and entertainment! Find out more here (official website).
When?
Dates: Saturday, November 23 to Tuesday, December 24, 2024.
Opening times:
- November 23 to December 21:
- Monday: 2pm to 8pm,
- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 10:30am to 8pm,
- Friday 10:30am to 9pm, Saturday 10am to 9pm, Sunday 10am to 8pm.
- December 22 to 24:
- Sunday and Monday: 10am to 9pm,
- Tuesday, December 24: 10am to 6pm.
- Illuminations: daily from 4.30pm to 10pm.
How to get there?
5. Lyon's traditional Christmas market
Lyon is famous for its Fête des Lumières, but it doesn't just light up its streets in December! Its Christmas market, set up on Place Carnot, features over 100 chalets filled with crafts, local specialities and unique creations.
There's also an ice-skating rink, children's entertainment (such as the traditional photo with Santa Claus, all proceeds from which will be donated to an association supporting sick children) and, of course, typically Lyonnais delicacies to keep you warm. More info here (official website).
When is the event?
Dates: Friday November 22, 2024 to Wednesday December 24, 2024.
Opening times:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm
- Friday: 11am to 10pm, Saturday: 10:30am to 10pm, Sunday: 10:30am to 8pm
- Please note that opening times may be restricted during the Fête des Lumières.
How to get there?
6. Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market: le Parisien
One of the most popular Christmas markets in Paris, with a typically Parisian festive atmosphere. It features a mix of French crafts (with nearly 80 wooden chalets), merry-go-rounds, an open-air skating rink and plenty of entertainment, all in the enchanting setting of the Jardin des Tuileries!
When?
Dates: Saturday, November 16, 2024 to Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Opening times: daily from 11am to 11:45pm (until 7:30pm on December 24 and 31).
How to get there?
7. Amiens Christmas Market: the real thing
The largest Christmas market in northern France (and nominated as one of the finest in Europe), this Christmas market is sure to delight young and old alike. With its wooden chalets and designer village, its handcrafted products from all over Europe, its ice rink, its toy factory, its Christmas parades and entertainment... Amiens is also famous for its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is illuminated for the occasion. Find out more here (official website).
When?
Dates: Friday, November 22 to Sunday, December 29, 2024 (closed on December 25).
Opening hours:
- Monday, 2pm to 7:30pm,
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday from 10:30am to 7:30pm,
- Saturday from 10.30am to 9pm.
How to get there?
8. Reims Christmas Market: the festive one
The third-largest Christmas market in France, the Reims Christmas Market stands out for its exceptional setting around Notre-Dame Cathedral (and its Champagne). With its 150 chalets, entertainment, children's train, magnificent illuminations throughout the city, shows for all ages, and gastronomic and artisanal products, Reims offers a unique blend of enchantment and tradition! Find out more here (official website).
When?
Dates: from Wednesday, November 27, 2024 to Sunday, December 29, 2024 (closed on December 25, and closed at 6pm on December 24 and 29).
Opening hours: - Monday, 2pm to 8pm,- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 11am to 9pm,- Friday, 11am to 10pm,- Saturday, 10am to 10pm,- Sunday, 10am to 8pm.
How to get there?
And if you want to discover our top Christmas markets in Europe, it's here!
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