Are you ticking off trips to Europe's best Christmas markets? If so, you can't miss France. If you're planning on spending Christmas in France, you can't miss our list of the best French Christmas markets for 2025. With options up and down the country, you're bound to find an atmospheric French Christmas market no matter where you're spending Christmas. In this blog, we'll unpack exactly what goes down at each Christmas market in France and give you an insight into classic French Christmas traditions. But if you'd rather jump ahead, we have split our list into the different regions in France, just click the links below:
- Christmas Markets in Alsace
- Christmas Markets in Champagne
- Christmas Markets in Hauts-de-France
- Christmas Markets in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Christmas Markets in Gironde
- Christmas Markets in Occitanie
- Christmas Markets in Paris
Visiting French Christmas Markets
Why you should visit the Best Christmas Markets France in 2025
Christmas in France is synonymous with mulled wine, fondue, and of course, Christmas markets. If you're spending Christmas in France, there's no better way to embrace tradition and elevate your festive experience than by visiting one of the enchanting Christmas markets in France. French Christmas markets are a cornerstone of French culture during the festive season.
Here's why you should make it a point to immerse yourself in these authentic Christmas markets packed with traditional French delicacies and set in incredible locations:
- A taste of tradition: French Christmas markets are emblems of historic French Christmas traditions. From the rich and decadent foie gras to the delicate sweetness of galettes and, of course, crêpes, these Christmas markets in France are a great place to sample the very essence of French Christmas cuisine.
- Handcrafted Christmas gifts: French Christmas markets are bursting with handcrafted Christmas gifts that are difficult to find elsewhere. You'll find intricately designed ornaments, beautifully woven textiles, and artisanal products that reflect the artistry and craftsmanship of the region.
- Magical settings: The locations of French Christmas markets are nothing short of magical. Whether you're wandering through the medieval streets of Colmar, sipping mulled wine in the shadow of Notre Dame in Paris, or exploring the southern Christmas market in Aix-en-Provence, you'll be surrounded by stunning architecture and breathtaking scenery.
- Regional diversity: France is a country of diverse regions, and each has its own unique Christmas market traditions. From the enchanting markets of Alsace with their timbered houses to the Provençal nativity scenes and the glittering lights of Lyon's Fête des Lumières, you can explore the rich tapestry of France's cultural diversity within the Christmas market scene.
So, if you're spending Christmas in France or anywhere in Europe for that matter, it's only right to fully embrace tradition and elevate your festive experience by visiting the local Christmas markets.
What town in France is known for Christmas?
All of our Instagram feeds have been flooded with almost too-perfect images of traditional French houses surrounded by Christmas decorations and food stalls and like us I bet you've been wondering where the heck it is. Well, the answer is Strasbourg in Alsace. It's arguably the most famous and beautiful Christmas market in France.
The 5 Best Christmas Markets in France 2025
The Best Christmas Markets in Alsace 2025
A lot of the most beautiful French Christmas markets are in Alsace, and there's a reason! As we all know Christmas markets originated in Germany back in the day, so it only makes sense that because of Alsace's close proximity to Germany, the region has embraced this heartwarming German tradition too.
What to Eat at the Alsace Christmas Markets in France
- Pretzels: fluffy bready pretzels
- Bredeles: spiced biscuits in the shape of stars
- Knacks: delicious local sausages
- Pain d’epices gingerbread: similar to ginger cake
- Vin chaud: mulled wine perfumed with spices and fruit
- Mannala: Sweet brioche buns shaped like little men
- Christstollen: A festive fruitcake filled with dried fruits, nuts, and marzipan
- Quetschentaart: A plum tart with a flaky crust
- Foie gras d'Alsace: A rich, buttery duck or goose liver pâté, often served on toasted bread with a touch of fig or onion jam
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 26th November - 24th December 2025
Times: 11am - 9pm
The Strasbourg Christmas market is actually the oldest Christmas market in France. Created in 1570, it is the French Christmas market with the highest number of visitors per year attracting more than 2 million curious people to discover the 300 or so stalls. With typical French Christmas decorations, its glittering cathedral and its huge Christmas tree, a visit to this incredible French Christmas market will allow you to fully savour this magical time of year in Strasbourg.
Colmar Christmas Markets 2025
Dates: 25th November - 29th December 2025
Times: Monday - Thursday: 11am - 7:pm; Friday - Sunday: 10am - 8pm (opening times differ on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day)
You can find the real magic of Christmas at the Colmar Christmas markets. The city hosts not one, but 6 Christmas markets in different places:
- The Marché de Noël Gourmand, Place de la Cathédrale to discover local products.
- The Colmar Christmas Market at Place des Dominicains
- The Old Customs House Christmas Market at the Place de l'Ancienne Douane
- The Artisans' Christmas Market for Craftsmen in the Koïfhus
- The Colmar's Children's Christmas Market in Little Venice
- The Christmas Market at the Joan of Arc Square
You'll also find plenty of fun Christmas activities including an ice rink, Father Christmas' giant letterbox and Christmas carols from boats on the city's canals.
Eguisheim Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 28th November - 30th December 2025 (closed from 24th - 26th December)
Times: Monday - Thursday: 11am - 7pm; Friday - Sunday: 10am - 7pm; from 12th December onwards Monday - Sunday: 10am - 7pm
In the heart of one of the most beautiful villages in France, Eguisheim Christmas market in this medieval city is a must on your Christmas holiday in France. Between its colourful Alsatian houses and its castle, you will be immersed in an authentic and traditional French Christmas market. Take a gander at the artisanal produce as you sample mulled wine and local specialities.
Ribeauvillé Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 6th - 7th and 13th - 14th December 2025
Times: 10am - 6pm (13th December until 7pm)
Travel back in time for a singular and authentic Christmas, between acrobats, jugglers or fire-eaters, the Ribeauvillé Christmas market is certainly unique. The artists and musicians invite you to dance to the rhythm of a joyful farandole. The half-timbered houses and the Alsatian alleys take you to the heart of an open-air festival. Meet the merchants decked out in period costumes and unearth handicraft treasures on their stalls and stalls.
Kaysersberg Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 28th - 30th November, 5th - 7th, 12th - 14th, and 19th - 21st December 2025
Times: 10am - 8:00pm
Close to the other Christmas markets, the one in Kaysersberg is the perfect mix of sweetness and authenticity. When visiting the market, you can also take part in lots of fun festive activities like a Christmas treasure hunt, exploring Christmas toy exhibitions and attending the Night Watchman's Parade. Among the most beautiful villages in France, Kaysersberg is also part of the Alsace Wine Route, so why not extend your stay for an extra few days and explore this scenic French region too?
Mulhouse Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 21st November - 23rd December 2025
Times: Monday - Thursday: 11am - 8pm; Friday: 11am - 9pm; Saturday: 10am - 9pm; Sunday: 10am - 8pm
The Mulhouse Christmas market is definitely of the most peculiar French Christmas markets to visit because the entire city is decorated in rich tapestry to celebrate the town's manufacturing history. You are not dreaming; every year, the fabric is created and decorates the facades and the pedestrian streets. Climb 38 metres high on the Big wheel and watch the Christmas show before your eyes from the sky. Taste the local cakes in the wooden chalets: the Berawecka, a soft cake with pears, plums, figs, and kirsch and the Pebkucha, a cake of life made of honey and spices.
Best Christmas Markets in Champagne 2025
Reims Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 26th November - 28th December 2025
Times: Monday: 2pm - 8pm; Tuesday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm; Friday: 11am - 10pm; Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 8pm
The Reims Christmas market offers you various festive, craft and gastronomic products on the square in front of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral. When evening comes, the whole city of Reims lights up! Plus, an incredible Christmas light show comes to life on the cathedral's façade, lighting it up. Afterwards, why not go ice skating at the nearby ice rink?
Christmas Markets in Hauts-de-France 2025
Lille Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 20th November - 29th December 2025
Times: Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 8:30pm; Friday - Saturday: 11am - 10pm (closes at 6pm on Christmas Eve and on the last day, closed fully on Christmas Day)
Lille, the city of the North shines with a thousand lights during the festive season and is a must-see during Christmas. The famous Lille Christmas market is set up on Place Rihour. Let yourself be tempted by a warm chocolate waffle and a glass of mulled wine while strolling through the aisles of the chalets. Take a tour of Lille's must-see attractions: the Big Wheel, the skating rink at the Chamber of Commerce and the wooden caterpillar built at the foot of the Opera House.
Christmas Markets in Auvergne 2025
Annecy Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 25th November 2025 - 4th January 2026
Times: Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm; Friday - Saturday: 11am - 9:30pm; 24th December: 11am - 7pm
Celebrate the yearly Christmas in the Alps event in Annecy, and visit the Christmas markets in the city. Annecy is a must-see Christmas destination in France, and there are many things to do there, but even more so during Christmas. Every day, nearly 150 exhibitors offer Christmas decorations, cute Christmas gift ideas and handmade creations.
Lyon Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 21st November - 24th December 2025 (still to be confirmed)
Times: Monday - Thursday: 11am - 8pm; Friday: 11am - 10pm; Saturday: 10:30am - 10pm; Sunday: 10:30am - 8pm (closed on Christmas Day)
Another of the best Christmas markets in France is the Lyon Christmas Market. For a month, the Lyon Christmas market will be located on Place Carnot, between the Saône and the Rhône. We advise you to visit the market during the Lyon Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) from 5th - 8th December 2025. It is the most popular and famous Christmas event in the city. Admire the light shows projected on the emblematic monuments of the city centre while taking a tour of the various chalets of the Christmas market. It's a super romantic experience!
The Best Christmas Markets in Gironde 2025
Bordeaux Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 28th November - 28th December 2025
Times: 11am - 9pm
Enjoy the magic of the festive season by sharing a convivial moment with friends or family at the Bordeaux Christmas market. More than 300,000 visitors discover a hundred trade stands, animations and various food outlets each year. It is a privileged place in the city's heart, not to be missed if you visit Bordeaux at Christmas.
The Best Christmas Markets in Occitanie 2025
Toulouse Christmas Market 2025
Dates: 27th November - 28th December 2025
Times: Sunday - Thursday: 11am - 9pm; Friday - Saturday: 11am - 10pm
Toulouse's Place du Capitole is where you can discover the Pink City's Christmas market. Stroll through over 100 wooden stalls lined with Christmas trees and numerous immaculate white chalets and search for the perfect Christmas gift: jewellery, unique designer pieces or wooden toys. Taste Christmas delicacies such as churros, mulled wine, and aligots and spend some time on the giant ice rink.
The Best Christmas Markets in Paris 2025
Paris actually has over 15 Christmas markets spread across the city each year, all offering the usual favourites like regional specialities, fine wine, arts and crafts and handmade Christmas decorations. The French capital transforms itself for the festive season and hosts many Christmas markets for the occasion. You will find open-air ice rinks to celebrate winter with your family, numerous chalets, and temporary restaurants. La Défense is home to the largest Christmas village in Île-de-France, with over 250 stands. Here are some of the best Christmas markets in Paris, along with their dates, opening times, and nearest metro stations:
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market 2025: La Magie de Noël
Dates: 16th November 2025 - 5th January 2026
Times: Monday - Thursday: 11am - 11pm; Friday - Saturday: 11am - 12:45am; Sunday: 11am - 11:45am; Christmas & New Year's Eve: 11am - 9pm
Located in the heart of Paris, the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market, also known as La Magie de Noël, offers an array of festive activities including an ice skating rink, merry-go-rounds, and a Ferris wheel. Visitors can enjoy beautifully decorated stalls selling handcrafted gifts, gourmet food, and mulled wine.
Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani 2025
Dates: 28th November - 25th December 2025
Times: Monday - Thursday: 10am - 8pm; Friday - Sunday: 10am - 9pm
Set against the stunning backdrop of Notre-Dame, this Paris Christmas market features around 40 stalls offering unique handmade crafts, artisanal products, and gourmet treats. The market focuses on local and eco-friendly products, making it a great place to find sustainable Christmas gifts.
Montmartre Christmas Market at Place des Abbesses 2025
Dates: 22nd November - 28th December 2025
Times: to be confirmed
The Montmartre Christmas Market, located at Place des Abbesses near the Sacré-Cœur, is a smaller yet charming Paris Christmas market. Visitors can browse stalls filled with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and delicious French treats such as crêpes and hot chocolate. The Christmas market's location in the artistic Montmartre district adds to its cosy atmosphere.
Which of These French Christmas Markets Will You Visit in 2025?
We hope we've inspired you with our list of the best Christmas markets in France for 2025, which one will you visit? Regardless of which one you visit, we're positive that you'll have a magical time during your Christmas in France. Once you've conquered all the French Christmas markets, take a flight back to the UK to explore our Christmas markets or even to Germany. Christmas is a time for celebrating this incredible season with your loved ones, indulging in delicious food and feeling merry and bright, so enjoy!
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