Twinkling trees. Stalls bursting with seasonal gifts. Mulled wine in hand. France is one of Europe’s best destinations for traditional Christmas markets, especially in its historic towns and cities, where medieval architecture provides the perfect backdrop for the festivities. Many of these markets open as early as November and run right through to January, so you don’t even have to spend Christmas in France to experience their magic.
Christmas markets here are truly enchanting, and there’s no better place to soak up the festive spirit. Whether you’re searching for thoughtful presents for family and friends or simply want to spend an evening enjoying seasonal food and drink, these markets promise a memorable experience.
We’ve rounded up our top picks for the very best Christmas markets in France to make your holiday season truly magical. With our collection of French villas located across the country, you can spend your days exploring before returning to continue the celebrations beside a roaring fire.
Metz Market
Sprawled across Metz’s six different squares, this market has something for every type of festive fanatic. Take in the various stalls around sunset, and explore handcrafted gifts and holiday treats, while watching the enchanting lantern trail come to life at County Hall.
Metz is located in the Lorraine region in the north of the country and is best known for its Gothic cathedral, which you’ll see lit up for the occasion. There are actually several different Christmas markets in Metz that are gathered around the cathedral, creating a ring of different stalls and places to sit where you can slowly work your way around.
As one of the most popular Christmas markets in France, expect a busy and cheerful atmosphere. Highlights include the lantern trail at Boufflers Square where various illuminations create a route you can follow, and the Ferris wheel that offers sweeping views from above.
We recommend timing your visit to coincide with Saint Nicholas weekend right at the start of December, which is a key celebration of Christmas in France. Enjoy a parade of floats through Metz for all the family to see, featuring teddy bears, toys, and other traditional Christmas characters you’ll never forget.
Tuileries Christmas Market
You’ll find over 100 wooden stalls to explore at Paris’ Tuileries Christmas Market. Held in a grand public garden between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde, this beautiful market combines classic food and gift stalls with the buzz of a family funfair.
Perfectly placed for a festive shop during your trip to the capital, it’s one of the most popular Christmas markets in Paris, offering a carnival-style atmosphere where the scent of roasted chestnut and sizzling raclette vendors mingles with the laughter of thrill-seekers. Kids will love gliding across the central ice rink, while adults can enjoy a festive tipple or two at the Champagne igloo.
If you’re visiting Paris over Christmas, this market deserves a spot on your itinerary. It’s easy to reach by public transport, with nearly half a mile of stalls and attractions, including a classic Ferris wheel that lights up the winter sky.
Strasbourg Market
If you want to experience both French and German Christmas traditions, head to Strasbourg Christmas Market. Located near the border in the Alsace region, it’s undoubtedly one of the country’s best, spreading across the old town with more than 300 stalls and a skating rink beneath the twinkling Place Kléber tree.
As one of France’s oldest Christmas markets, this well-established event features 15 themed areas scattered throughout the city. They’re close enough to visit over a few hours, or you can take your time and visit each over several days. With everything from traditional food and craft stalls to vintage treasures and antiques, there’s something for everyone (and the surrounding shops make it perfect for a bit of last-minute gift shopping, too!)
Strasbourg itself is steeped in history, its traditional buildings look as though they’ve been lifted straight from a fairytale. As you sip traditional hot chocolate, cider, and mulled wine, and sample sugary Alsatian cookies and seasonal sausages, you’ll understand why they call it the ‘Capital of Christmas’!
Reims Market
Reims was the first site of Christmas celebrations in France in 496, and today its market still carries a distinctly historic charm, centred around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. This UNESCO-listed building makes a stunning backdrop for an evening spent meandering the stalls of the courtyard, or why not take in the whole traditional scene from a ride on the illuminated Ferris wheel?
Unlike many of France’s other Christmas markets, Reims’ stalls are gathered in one central area, with over 100 lining the streets. As the third-largest Christmas market in France, there’s plenty to see, whether you’re visiting for an afternoon stroll or spending the evening soaking up the festive atmosphere.
Reims is also known as the gateway to the Champagne region, so don’t miss a chance to sample some bubbly while you’re here.
Mulhouse Market
For a more unique, yet equally magical Christmas market, a visit to Mulhouse is a must. Another traditional town in the Alsace region, Mulhouse provides the perfect backdrop for a classic Christmas celebration. The market stalls are set up in front of the Church of Saint-Etienne, the largest Protestant building in France, creating a dramatic setting for over 100 different stands brimming with festive food, drink, and gifts.
Honouring its cloth-making history, the city is dresses itself in colourful fabrics across the buildings and chalets of the Place de la Réunion. Local craftspeople showcase their handmade treasures, and a newly designed fabric is created annually to celebrate Mullhouse’s textile history. It’s one of the best Christmas markets in France if you’re seeking something smaller, more intimate, and wonderfully unique. Mullhouse is also perfectly placed for exploring the nearby Pfastatt and Kingersheim markets, smaller, community-led events that are equally as charming and easy to enjoy in a single afternoon.
To truly appreciate France’s Christmas magic, plan a trip that takes in a few of its most enchanting markets. We’ve highlighted our top five here, but there are countless scattered across the country, many of which are only a short train or car journey apart.
Looking to plan your holiday escape? Discover our full collection of luxury Christmas villas and cottages to make the most of the festive season, or check out more of our favourite family-friendly places to stay for Christmas.
