Christmas Markets in France 2025

France transforms into a true fairytale during winter. Ancient squares fill with the aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts, streets are adorned with thousands of lights, and cozy wooden vendor huts invite you to immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas. In 2025, French Christmas markets promise to offer unforgettable experiences for all who choose to celebrate the winter holidays in this enchanting country.

Strasbourg – The Christmas Capital

Dates: November 26 – December 24, 2025
Hours: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Historic city center across 12 squares

Strasbourg rightfully earns the title of “Christmas Capital.” The Christkindelsmärik Christmas market has been held since 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe. In 2025, visitors can expect over 300 wooden chalets spread throughout various squares in the historic center.

Main locations include Place Broglie, home to the traditional Christkindelsmärik market, featuring over 100 vendor stalls offering Christmas decorations, ceramics, glass ornaments, and handmade toys. At Place Kléber, a towering 30-meter Christmas tree sparkles with lights.

Hours by Day:

• Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in traditional Alsatian delicacies, including mulled wine, fresh pretzels, sausages, flammkuchen, and gingerbread cookies.

Colmar – Fairytale Christmas

Dates: November 25 – December 29, 2025
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: 6 themed squares in the historic center

In 2017, Colmar’s Christmas market was recognized as the most beautiful in France. This Alsatian town, with its festively decorated half-timbered houses along city canals, creates a truly magical atmosphere.

Main Squares:

• Place des Dominicains – The largest market, featuring more than 60 vendor stalls beneath the 14th-century Dominican church.
• Place de l’Ancienne Douane – About 50 chalets located near the picturesque Schwendi fountain.
• Gourmet Market – Nine stalls offering exquisite Alsatian delicacies, including truffle risotto and foie gras.
• Place Jeanne d’Arc – Recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Alsatian village.
• Children’s Christmas Bazaar in the Little Venice quarter.
• Indoor Craft Market in the Old Customs building.

Special Feature: The Gourmet Market and Ferris wheel typically remain open for several days after New Year’s.

Paris – Christmas Magic of the Capital

Christmas Market in Tuileries Gardens “La Magie de Noël”

Dates: Approximately November 15 – January 4, 2026, for 2025
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sun: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM; Fri-Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:45 AM

Location: Tuileries Garden, next to the Louvre

Paris’s largest Christmas market combines a traditional market with a festive amusement park. Approximately 80 wooden chalets offer French delicacies, handicrafts, and gifts from around the world. An eco-friendly ice rink covering 250 m², along with various attractions and children’s entertainment, is also available.

Christmas Market at Notre-Dame

Dates: November 29 – December 25, 2025 (tentative)
Location: René-Viviani Square

This market offers a unique atmosphere enhanced by the stunning views of the Notre-Dame Cathedral, which is currently under restoration. It holds special significance as it coincides with the reopening of Notre-Dame after the restoration. Featured here are products from French artisans, including jewelry, wooden toys, and delectable gastronomy.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market

Dates: Tentatively November 26 – December 31, 2025
Location: Boulevard Saint-Germain

About 40 chalets line Boulevard Saint-Germain, adjacent to the famous church. This market specializes in luxury goods, showcasing elegant leather products, jewelry, and gourmet French cuisine.

Lyon – Gastronomic Capital in Christmas Attire

Dates: November 21 – December 24, 2025
Location: Place Carnot
Hours:

• Sunday – Thursday: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday – Saturday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• December 25: Closed

As France’s gastronomic capital, Lyon presents a unique culinary experience. Here, visitors can savor traditional Lyonnaise delicacies such as pralines, roasted chestnuts, and quenelles, while enjoying stunning light installations and live Christmas music. Additionally, the renowned Festival of Lights will take place during this time (December 4-7, 2025), transforming the city into a dazzling spectacle.

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Annecy – Alpine Fairytale

Dates: Approximately late November 2025 – early January 2026
Location: Old town, set against the backdrop of the Alps and Lake Annecy

Nestled in the foothills of the Alps, the Annecy market offers a unique blend of mountain beauty and festive cheer. Visitors can indulge in traditional Savoyard dishes such as tartiflette and fondue, ice skate by the lake, and admire breathtaking mountain views.

Bordeaux – Wine Capital in Festive Dress

Dates: November 28 – December 28, 2025
Location: Allées de Tourny and Place des Quinconces
Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

During the Christmas holidays, Bordeaux transforms into an elegant festive setting. In 2025, more than 100 vendors will populate wooden chalets, showcasing renowned Bordeaux wines and exquisite gastronomic offerings, including foie gras and oysters. Local artisans will present their handicrafts, while children can enjoy carousels, workshops, and meet Santa Claus.

Reims – Champagne and Christmas Magic

Champagne City – Sparkling Delights

Dates: November 26 – December 28, 2025
Location: Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, city center
Hours:

• Monday: 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM
• Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Experience a unique sparkling wine tasting in Champagne City, set against the stunning backdrop of a magnificent Gothic cathedral. With 150 chalets offering regional delicacies, handicrafts, and gift ideas, the market is renowned for musical performances, exquisite cheeses, charcuterie, and the finest champagne varieties from the area. This is France’s third-largest Christmas market, located just 45 minutes from Paris.

Metz – Medieval Splendor

Dates: November 21 – December 30, 2025
Location: 5 historic city squares

Metz offers a truly enchanting experience, featuring light shows on the cathedral and unique local handicrafts. More than 120 chalets are spread across five historic city squares, where visitors can savor traditional gingerbread, mulled wine, and pain d’épices, along with live concerts for all ages. A highlight is the City Skyliner, an 81-meter panoramic tower providing 360° views of the city.

Regional Gems

Riquewihr – Alsace Wine Route

A fairytale town in the heart of the Alsace wine region, where half-timbered houses provide the ideal setting for a Christmas market.

Rouen – Norman Elegance

A picturesque market located near the Gothic cathedral, featuring traditional Norman delicacies and crafts.

Carcassonne – Medieval Fortress

A unique chance to explore a Christmas market within the walls of a medieval fortress that is a UNESCO heritage site.

Practical Tips for Visiting

Best Time to Visit

• Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Evenings are magical, with the illumination creating a special ambiance.
• Mid-December is the peak season, when all markets are in full swing.

Transportation and Accommodation

• Book hotels in advance, especially in popular locations like Strasbourg and Colmar.
• Utilize trains for convenient connections between major cities.
• Expect restrictions on car traffic in city centers during market periods.

Must-Try Items

• Mulled wine (vin chaud) – A warming spiced beverage.
• Alsatian pretzels – A traditional regional pastry.
• Roasted chestnuts – A classic winter treat.
• Gingerbread – Available in various regional variations.
• Foie gras and truffles – Exquisite French delicacies.
• Local wines and champagne – Enjoy tastings from producers.

Shopping and Souvenirs

• Handmade Christmas decorations – Especially Alsatian ceramics and wooden toys.
• Regional Products: Wines, cheeses, jams, and honey
• Handicrafts: Jewelry, textiles, and ceramics
• Cosmetics and Perfumes: French brands available at Parisian markets

Family Fun

Many markets feature special entertainment for children, including:

• Ice rinks and slides
• Carousels and attractions
• Visits with Santa Claus
• Children’s workshops
• Puppet shows

Safety and Comfort

• Dress warmly; French winters can be cool and damp.
• Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking on cobblestones.
• Bring cash, as not all vendors accept card payments.
• Keep an eye on your belongings to avoid losing things in the crowds.

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