The BEST Christmas markets in Paris! A guide.
If you’re traveling to Paris over the Christmas season, you probably want to visit some Christmas markets.
If that’s the case, you are in the right place because this article will provide you with a great overview of all the best Christmas markets in Paris.
Since Paris is such a large city with very diverse neighborhoods, there are quite a few Christmas markets you can visit in the city. It can actually be very hard to know or understand which Christmas markets to visit and which ones fit best with your situation, whether you’re looking for arts and crafts, a cozy little drink and some amazing food, or a great day out for your whole family.
I love Christmas in Paris! I have visited quite a few Christmas markets in the French capital.
I especially love going to the Christmas and holiday markets in Paris because of all the amazing food. Many of the stalls are specialized in food from the Alsace, which is to die for.
In this article, I will provide you with the best Christmas markets, where you can find them, and what’s so special about them, so you can plan your Christmas trip to Paris.
Champs-Elysées Christmas Market
One of the most important Christmas markets in Paris has to be the one on the Champs-Élysées.
The Champs-Élysées Christmas market stretches from the Grand Point to the Place de la Concorde and is open from mid-November to early January.
I love coming here just to stroll down one of the most famous avenues in Paris while looking at the beautiful shops and wares they offer.
This is also a great Christmas market to visit if you are traveling with family because they have a large ice skating rink. You can easily rent a pair of skates, and it’s great fun for all ages. They also have a large Ferris wheel from which you have breathtaking views of Paris.
I would really recommend going at night because you will see the city lit up in all its glory.
Last but not least, there is also Santa’s Village, which is perfect for families with children. Here, children can meet Santa himself and tell him their Christmas wishes. Maybe they can even get a little treat.
There are also live music and performances, and it’s just a really great Christmas market to visit if you like drinks, food, and want just a bit of everything.
- Location: From the Rond-Point to the Place de la Concorde
- Dates: Mid-November to early January
- Highlights: Ice skating rink, Ferris wheel, Santa’s village
- Accessibility: Closest Metro Stations: Champs-Elysées – Clemenceau (Line 1, Line 13), Concorde (Line 1, Line 8, Line 12)
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La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden
Next up, we have La Magie de Noël at the Tuileries Gardens. La Magie de Noël is another large Christmas market in the Tuileries Gardens in the center of the city.
This Marché de noël runs from mid-November to early January. At this Christmas market, you will find over a hundred traditional chalets offering a variety of goods.
You can find anything from handcrafted ornaments to cozy winter accessories and amazing food. This is a great place to come for unique gifts and souvenirs. There is also a lot of French and especially Alsatian food to try, like raclette, crêpes, and tartiflettes. I especially love tartiflettes.
The Christmas market is also known for its artisanal crafts. You will find items from local artisans, including jewelry, pottery, and beautiful textiles.
There is also a lot to do for kids at this Paris Christmas market. There are carnival rides, an ice rink, and puppet performances your kids can enjoy.
- Location: Tuileries Garden
- Dates: Mid-November to early January
- Highlights: Traditional chalets, French gastronomy, carnival rides
- Accessibility: Closest Metro Stations: Tuileries (Line 1), Concorde (Line 1, Line 8, Line 12)
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Montmartre Christmas Market
Next, we have the Montmartre Christmas Market, which is a lot smaller than the ones at the Jardin des Tuileries and the Champs-Élysées.
It is located at Place de l’Abesses and runs from early December to early January during the holiday season. It’s honestly one of the most charming Christmas markets in all of Paris, especially with the backdrop of Montmartre, my favorite area.
The Abesses Christmas market is beautifully decorated with twinkling lights and festive decorations, making it the perfect place to soak up the magic of Christmas.
One of the highlights of the market is its focus on local artisans, so you will find unique handcrafted items by local craftspeople, such as handmade jewelry, pottery, custom clothing, and accessories—plenty of amazing gifts for Christmas.
Another thing this Christmas market is very famous for is its gourmet food. You can enjoy roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and a variety of delicious pastries. They also have live music on certain evenings.
Keep an eye on the website because there are also days when Santa comes to visit to meet all the good children.
- Location: Place des Abbesses
- Dates: Early December to early January
- Highlights: Quaint and cozy atmosphere, local artisans, gourmet treats
- Accessibility: Closest Metro Stations: Abbesses (Line 12), Anvers (Line 2)
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Notre-Dame Christmas Market
Then we have the Notre-Dame Christmas Market. The Notre-Dame Christmas Market runs on the square in front of the Notre-Dame and near the Hôtel de Ville in Paris. It operates from mid-December to late December and is perfect for anyone who appreciates high-quality arts and crafts.
As mentioned, the Alsatian Christmas market at the Notre Dame is renowned for its arts and crafts, and here you will find lots of beautiful ceramics, jewelry, and handcrafted Christmas decorations. It’s a great place to find some really special pieces.
One of the reasons I really like it is because of its proximity to Notre-Dame Cathedral. It makes for a beautiful and enchanting backdrop. Some of the special attractions at this Christmas market are the storytelling sessions, where children can listen to festive tales and Christmas stories.
There are also workshops for those who love being creative, where you can make your own Christmas decorations. It’s really fun for the whole family and a great way to take home a handcrafted souvenir.
There’s also what they call a live crèche. This is basically a traditional nativity scene, but with live actors and animals, and it’s honestly one of the standout features of the market because it brings the story of Christmas to life.
- Location: Square René Viviani
- Dates: Mid-December to late December
- Highlights: Focus on arts and crafts, proximity to Notre-Dame Cathedral, live crèche
- Accessibility: Closest Metro Stations: Saint-Michel (Line 4), Cluny – La Sorbonne (Line 10)
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Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
And last but not least, we have the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market, which is located in the neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
This Christmas village runs from late November to early January and is great to visit if you are looking for a blend of Parisian elegance and festive cheer.
There are lots of gourmet stalls where you can find French delicacies such as oysters, truffles, raclette, and tartiflette. There are also plenty of sausages or saucissons that you can buy, perfect for your festive meal.
In addition to the food, there are many artisanal crafts and handmade items that make unique and thoughtful gifts. Maybe you will find the perfect decorations for your own Christmas tree!
This Christmas market is ideal for finding amazing last-minute holiday gifts and souvenirs. Special attractions at this market include Christmas carols, with choirs performing traditional Christmas songs throughout the market.
It’s very children-friendly, with puppet shows, face painting, and games to keep the little ones happy.
The Christmas lights are also a major highlight, creating a magical atmosphere at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market.
- Location: Boulevard Saint-Germain
- Dates: Late November to early January
- Highlights: Gourmet food stalls, artisanal crafts, Christmas carols
- Accessibility: Closest Metro Stations: Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4), Mabillon (Line 10)
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Christmas Market at La Defence
Another gigantic Christmas market that you can visit in Paris is the Christmas market at La Défense.
This market typically runs from late November to late December and is one of the largest and most modern Christmas markets in Paris. It’s located in La Défense, the business district, and features more than 350 wooden chalets.
Nearby, there is also a gorgeous shopping center, one of the largest in Europe. The market is set against the backdrop of La Défense’s iconic skyscrapers, offering a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
There are large Christmas trees and lots of festive lights. A benefit as well is that from here you have a grogeous panoramic view onto the Eifel Tower and the rest of the City of Light.
Because the Christmas market is a bit out of the way for tourists and it’s so big, it attracts mostly Parisians, making it a bit cheaper and offering more interesting wares.
With more than 350 stalls, you’ll find everything from traditional Christmas ornaments to artisanal crafts and modern gifts. There’s also a lot of gourmet food, especially Alsatian food. Think raclette, foie gras, crêpes, as well as German sausages, Spanish churros, and even Belgian waffles.
There’s also plenty of entertainment at the Christmas market at La Défense, including live music, Christmas songs, and street performances.
There are many workshops and activities for children, making it a very family-friendly destination. Notably, there is also a large ice-skating rink and a Santa’s Grotto where your kids can meet Santa Claus.
It’s super easy to get to La Défense. You can take Line 1 on the metro to La Défense station, and then it’s just a short walk, or you can take RER A to La Défense and then follow the signs to the Esplanade.
- Location: La Défense Esplanade
- Dates: Late November to late December
- Highlights: Over 350 chalets, ice skating rink, giant Christmas tree
- Accessibility: Closest Metro Stations: La Défense (Line 1, RER A)
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Here are some other interesting Christmas markets:
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market
- Location: In front of the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).
- Dates: Early December to early January.
- Features: Traditional market stalls, ice skating rink, children’s workshops, and activities.
Gare de l’Est Christmas Market
- Location: Gare de l’Est train station.
- Dates: Early December to late December.
- Features: Alsatian specialties, regional products, handcrafted gifts.
Alsace Christmas Market
- Location: Gare de l’Est.
- Dates: Early December to late December.
- Features: Alsatian products, gourmet foods, artisanal crafts, and traditional Christmas items.
Saint-Sulpice Christmas Market
- Location: Place Saint-Sulpice.
- Dates: Early December to late December.
- Features: Artisanal crafts, gourmet food, festive decorations, and unique gifts.
Canopée des Halles Christmas Market
- Location: Les Halles.
- Dates: Late November to early January.
- Features: Modern market with a variety of stalls, Christmas decorations, and gifts.
Montparnasse Christmas Market
- Location: Place Raoul Dautry, near Montparnasse Tower.
- Dates: Early December to early January.
- Features: Variety of food stalls, artisanal crafts, and holiday gifts.
Invalides Christmas Market
- Location: Esplanade des Invalides.
- Dates: Early December to early January.
- Features: Traditional stalls, gourmet foods, and festive activities.
Eiffel Tower Christmas Market
- Location: Quai Branly, near the Eiffel Tower.
- Dates: Mid-December to early January.
- Features: Stunning views of the Eiffel Tower, festive stalls, ice skating rink.
Champ de Mars Christmas Market
- Location: Champ de Mars.
- Dates: Early December to early January.
- Features: Variety of stalls, family-friendly activities, beautiful setting near the Eiffel Tower.
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