Twinkling trees. Warming mulled wine. And stalls just bursting with seasonal gifts. We’ve rounded up our top picks for the best Christmas markets in France to make this holiday season a truly magical one. Plus with our selection of French villas and cottages located throughout the country, you can spend a day exploring before heading back to continue your festivities in front of a roaring fireplace.
Metz Market
Sprawled across the city’s six different squares, the Metz Market truly has something for every type of festive fanatic. Take in the various stalls around sunset, exploring their handcrafted gifts and holiday treats, and you’ll also get to see an enchanting trail of lanterns come to life starting at County Hall.
We recommend timing your visit to coincide with Saint Nicholas weekend – a parade of floats rides through Metz for all the family to see, spanning 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. Perfectly placed for visiting as part of a trip to the capital, it offers a carnival-style atmosphere with roasted chestnut and raclette vendors nestled among thrill-seeking attractions. Kids will love racing around the central ice rink, while adults can enjoy a festive tipple or two at the Champagne igloo.
Strasbourg Market
If you’re wanting to get a literal taste of both French and German Christmas traditions, head to the Strasbourg market. Located near the border in France’s Alsace region, it takes over the old town with over 300 stalls to shop plus a skating rink beneath the twinkling Place Kléber tree.
Serving traditional hot chocolates, cider and mulled wine alongside sugary Alsatian cookies and seasonal sausages, this picture-perfect scene is lifted straight from a holiday greetings card.
Reims Market
Reims was the first site of Christmas celebrations in France in 496, and this city’s market boasts a similarly heritage-rich feel, centred around the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. The UNESCO-listed building serves as a staggering backdrop for an evening spent meandering the various stalls of the courtyard, while you can also enjoy views of the entire traditional scene if you take a ride on the illuminated ferris wheel. Grab a glass of Champagne before heading on up and you’ll feel warm and cosy from the inside out.
Mulhouse Market
For a more unique yet equally magical take on the classic Christmas market, a visit to Mulhouse is a must. Celebrating its cloth-making history, the city sees colourful fabrics drape over the various buildings and chalets of the Place de la Réunion, while local craftspeople showcase their equally enchanting creations to take home as gifts.
Looking to plan your holiday escape or visit some of these Christmas markets in France? 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 places to stay with family around Christmas. Our friendly concierge team are always happy to help!
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