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Christmas Markets in France 2026
Many of France’s Christmas markets take place in the historic towns of Alsace. Strasbourg has hosted its market since 1570, Colmar is famous for its colorful half-timbered houses, and Ribeauvillé holds a medieval Christmas celebration. Major cities such as Paris, Lyon, Lille, and Metz also have their own Christmas markets.
Below are the dates for France’s Christmas markets in 2026, along with what makes each one special.
France Christmas Market Dates 2026
| City | Dates |
| Paris, Notre-Dame | November 26 – December 27 |
| Strasbourg | From November 27, closing date to be confirmed |
| Colmar | November 23 – December 29 |
| Colmar, Gourmet Market | November 23 – January 3, 2027 |
| Lyon | November 20 – December 24* |
| Metz | November 20 – December 30 |
| Lille | November 18 – December 30 |
| Annecy | November 26 – January 3, 2027 |
| Mulhouse | November 20 – December 27 |
| Arras | November 27 – December 27 |
| Riquewihr | November 27 – December 20 |
| Eguisheim | November 27 – December 23 and December 27–30 |
| Kaysersberg | November 27 – December 20, Friday to Sunday |
| Ribeauvillé | December 5–6 and 12–13 |
Paris: Notre-Dame Christmas Market
- Dates: November 26 – December 27
- Address: Square René Viviani, 2 Rue du Fouarre
This small Christmas market opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral brings together around 40 French artisans. They sell handmade jewelry, ceramics, wooden toys, leather goods, and regional specialties. The market also features live music and activities for children. Admission is free.
Strasbourg
- Dates: From November 27, closing date to be confirmed
- Location: Place Broglie, Place Kléber, and other squares in the city center
Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik Christmas market dates back to 1570. Market stalls spread across several central squares, while Place Kléber is home to a huge Christmas tree. Popular local treats include Alsatian gingerbread, bredele Christmas cookies, and pretzels.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryColmar
- Dates: November 23 – December 29
- Location: Six sites in the historic center
Colmar hosts several Christmas markets at once. Place des Dominicains is the place for decorations and gifts, Place Jeanne d’Arc specializes in Alsatian food, and the Little Venice neighborhood has a Christmas market for children. A separate Gourmet Market at Montagne Verte serves local dishes and stays open until January 3.
Lyon
- Dates: November 20 – December 24, tentative
- Address: Place Carnot
The market has around 100 stalls selling handmade goods and products from French producers. You’ll find wooden toys, textiles, jewelry, honey, gingerbread, and local sweets. Some of the stalls are run by charities.
Metz
- Dates: November 20 – December 30
- Location: Five central squares
Metz spreads its Christmas celebrations across several squares in the historic center. Alongside the market stalls, there are festive attractions, including the City Skyliner observation tower and the Sentier des Lanternes, a walking trail filled with large illuminated figures.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for FranceLille
- Dates: November 18 – December 30
- Address: Place Rihour
Place Rihour is home to a Christmas village selling souvenirs, decorations, and seasonal treats, including waffles and traditional sweets from northern France. On the nearby Grand’Place, a large Ferris wheel offers views over the historic city center.
Annecy
- Dates: November 26 – January 3, 2027
- Location: Central areas of the city
The market stalls are set up near the old town and the lake. They sell local gifts, decorations, and Savoyard specialties. Food options include cheese fondue, tartiflette, and other traditional Alpine dishes.
Mulhouse
- Dates: November 20 – December 27
- Address: Place de la Réunion
Mulhouse’s Christmas market celebrates the city’s textile heritage. Every year, a special festive fabric pattern is created and used to decorate the stalls and streets. The market sells textiles, ceramics, souvenirs, and Alsatian sweets.
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Arras
- Dates: November 27 – December 27
- Address: Grand’Place
The Christmas market fills a large historic square surrounded by buildings with Flemish-style facades. Stalls sell gifts and local sweets, and there are festive rides and attractions. The city center is also home to the UNESCO-listed Arras Belfry.
Riquewihr
- Dates: November 27 – December 20
- Location: Historic center
Riquewihr lies along the Alsace Wine Route and is known for its half-timbered houses. Market stalls line the old streets alongside wine shops and artisan boutiques. Local specialties worth trying include Alsatian wines and cookies, and you’ll also find traditional Christmas decorations for sale.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for FranceEguisheim
- Dates: November 27 – December 23 and December 27–30
- Location: Place du Château Saint-Léon and surrounding streets
The market has around 30 stalls run by small workshops, local producers, and artisans. The village has a circular layout, with medieval streets winding around the central square. The market is closed from December 24 to 26.
Kaysersberg
- Dates: November 27 – December 20, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays
- Location: Historic center
Kaysersberg is known for its artisan Christmas market. Historic courtyards fill with stalls selling wooden toys, ceramics, glass ornaments, and handmade crafts. Nearby, you’ll find a stone bridge over the Weiss River and the ruins of a medieval castle.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryRibeauvillé
- Dates: December 5–6 and 12–13
- Location: Historic center
Ribeauvillé’s Christmas market has a medieval theme. Street musicians and jugglers perform, visitors can take part in traditional games, and merchants and artisans dress in historical costumes. The market is open for just two weekends in December.
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