Known as the City of Light, Paris is a major metropolis that is known worldwide for its rich cultural heritage. It is home to some of the most iconic landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Arc the Triomphe, and there are plenty more spectacular attractions in the city. Arts and fashion reign supreme in this romantic city. The majestic River Seine adds enchantment to its dramatic landscape. Also, other things to note about Paris are its exquisite restaurants and chic cafes that serve palatable culinary delights that you will never forget. Although it is a gorgeous city to spend some holiday vacation all-year-round, it is even more captivating during the yuletide season. If you are thinking of visiting the City of Light this Christmas, you will not be disappointed, as certain parts of the city glow with magic and charm brought by festive Christmas markets. For your guidance, here is a list of top Christmas markets in Paris, France that you should not miss. Feel free to browse below.
Winter in Paris
- The City of Love is a charming winter destination, and temperatures usually hold between a maximum of 11 degrees Celsius (52 degrees Fahrenheit) in December and a minimum of 3 degrees Celsius (38 degrees Fahrenheit) in February, according to the official tourism website of the city. However, you shouldn't expect it to snow that much, and winter in Paris usually sees slight drizzles and, rarely, light snowfall.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
Christmas traditions in France
Christmas is undeniably a hugely popular festival in France, and there are a few traditions that are common across the country:
- French children place shoes in front of the fireplace in the hope that Father Christmas will put in some presents!
- Creches filled with 'little saints' are put up in front of homes, and often times they are presented as Nativity Scenes.
- 'Réveillon' is another important tradition and refers to a bounteous meal (or party) held on the night of Christmas Eve.
Christmas Markets, or Marché de Noël in French, is an important custom as well, and if you want to learn more about them, be sure to check out our handy page with details!
Christmas markets in Paris
1. Christmas Market at Notre Dame Cathedral
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
With the view of the Notre Dame Cathedral as the perfect background and the Square Rene Viviani as the magical setting, this captivating market is a dreamy site that enhances the Christmas spirit in the air.
Numerous chalets dressed in fairy lights and ornaments will impress you with their specialty offerings, and I would score some unique souvenirs if I were you. Not only that, but the trade fair will provide you with a gastronomic adventure that you will only get to experience once a year.
Christmas Market at Notre Dame Cathedral
Address: Square René Viviani, 75005 Paris 5
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Website: Christmas Market at Notre Dame Cathedral
Market highlights: Macaroons, bread spices, foie gras, pretzels, chestnuts mulled wine, and more on sale.
Stay close to this market: Villa Panthéon; Hotel Les Bulles De Paris
2. Les Halles Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another magical festival that you should not miss while in Paris is the Les Halles Christmas Market in Canopee des Halles. While this Christmas market might be new to the scene, it will not run short of delightful offerings. More or less 20 carefully sourced merchants will be participating in this lovely festival.
Each one boasts masterpieces that you can buy for your loved ones or for yourself. To top it all off, it nestles in the heart of Paris, close to most of the city’s top attractions and other fantastic stores. You have a lot of options for your Christmas shopping here.
Les Halles Christmas Market
Address: Canopée des Halles, Passage de la Canopée, 75001 Paris 1
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Website: Les Halles Christmas Market
Stay close to this market: Budget - Hotel Luna Park; Luxury - Novotel Paris Les Halles
Paris Tour Guide
Patricia Aveline
My name is Patricia Bollinger and my family is French. I have always had a passion for art and history and I chose to study them when I went to university. I have been a licensed tour guide for the last 30 years and I work in French, English and Italian. My passion and also as part of my work I travel a lot. For this reason, I have a good idea of visitors expectations. Naturally I want to share... Read more
Tours by Patricia
3. Tuileries Christmas Market
A paradise of colors and sparkling lights, Tuileries Christmas Market is a lovely festival that welcomes everyone for a wonderful time of shopping, dining, and playing. It is set in the bustling area of Jardin des Tuileries.
Visitors will surely be captivated by the charm of tastefully decorated chalets and will be thrilled with the aroma of freshly baked goods in the air. Not only that, but the sound of classic Christmas carols that play in the background adds flair to the shopping experience. Also, there will be lots of fun rides, such as a Ferris wheel, a carousel, and a merry-go-round, and I think this makes the destination perfect for families.
Tuileries Christmas Market
Address: Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris 1
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Website: Tuileries Christmas Market
Stay close to this market: Budget - Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels; Luxury - Villa-des-Prés
What guests are saying about their Christmas market experience:
“Visited the Christmas market in Tuileries garden, easily one of the biggest christmas market in Paris with multiple food stalls , craft shops and games , definitely worth spending a evening in the place. The have variety of food options but expect them to be little expensive. The place is packed. The entry is free to the market, must try items are hot wine. The easiest access to the garden is Tuileries Metro station.” - by Google reviewer, Pranesh KK
4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Can’t get enough of the Christmas festivals in Paris? Add Saint-Germain-des-Pres Christmas Market to your itinerary and fall in love with Paris, even more this Christmas season. Nestled in the vibrant area of 147 Boulevard Saint-Germain, this Christmas market is another one of many trade fairs in the city that you should not miss.
Here, you can shop to your heart’s content and have a taste of delicious Christmas treats, such as freshly baked gingerbread, mouthwatering crepes, Hungarian sausages, and even excellent mulled red wine or hot choco. I’d love to try out some of these goodies!
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
Address: 147 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006 Paris, France
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Market highlights: Next to St-Germain-des-Prés Church, artisanal goods and handicrafts on sale.
Stay close to this market: Budget - Young and Happy Latin Quarter by Hiphophostels; Luxury - Hôtel Madison
5. Place des Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Make the most of your Christmas holidays in Paris by checking out the vibrant Place des Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre. With the stunning view of the iconic Eiffel Tower, perhaps the most famous building in all of France, illuminating the Parisian skies, shopping cannot get lovelier.
Here, you’ll find numerous wooden chalets that offer many gift ideas, from Christmas ornaments to glassware, artwork, clothing, jewelry, handicraft pieces, and a lot more. I’d love to go on a food crawl here as it has a plethora of excellent stalls that sell palatable eats.
Place des Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre
Address: Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris, France
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Stay close to this market: Budget - Le Village Montmartre by Hiphophostels; Hotel Litteraire Marcel Ayme, BW Premier Collection
6. La Défense Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Indulge in a chic Parisian Christmas by swinging by the La Defense Christmas Market in Parvis de la Defense. It is a recurring annual festival that continuously brings magic and bliss to the locals and tourists alike. Compared to most of the Christmas markets on this list, it is a little more modern as contemporary buildings serve as its background.
The color white dominates the place, and the 350 stalls you can find here are less traditional as well. Although, the sparkling fairy lights and the gorgeous decors will surely not disappoint. From shopping to going on a gastronomic adventure, you can do everything at La Defense Christmas Market. You will also want to take as many souvenir pictures as you can at this delightful festival.
La Défense Christmas Market
Address: Parvis de la Défense, 92800 Puteaux
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Stay close to this market: Budget - Hôtel de Paris La Défense; ibis Styles Puteaux Paris La Defense
What guests are saying about their Christmas market experience:
“I really loved the atmosphere and the food was delicious. You can see the Eiffel Tower right across the street. Lots of food and drink options. I really liked the muld wine. Lots of accessories to buy!!” - by Google reviewer, M B
7. Christmas Village at Champs de Mars
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in the gorgeous and vast green space of Champs de Mars with stunning views of the Parisian skyline, the Christmas Village at Champs de Mars is a festival that will provide you with an experience that you will never forget. With the Eiffel Tower right beside the park, I think this might just be the perfect spot to have a cute date!
Aside from numerous tastefully decorated chalets and lovely Christmas decors such as Santa figures, illuminating lanterns, and the nativity scene, what attracts people to this vibrant Christmas market is its fantastic ice skating rink where you and your loved ones can glide and slide to your hearts’ content.
Christmas Village at Champs de Mars
Address: Champ de Mars, 75007 Paris 7
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Stay close to this market: Budget - Young and Happy Latin Quarter by Hiphophostels; Luxury - Villa-des-Prés
8. Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
When you visit the fascinating and bustling Gare de l'Est station, you might want to spend some time browsing through the offerings in the Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est. There will be a gathering of excellent retailers to impress shoppers with their specialty handicraft products as well as delicious artisan eats.
Be sure to indulge in mouthwatering Christmas eats that you will only get to try this time of the year, such as Munster cheese, brioche Männele, Kougelhopf, and a lot more. Count me in for some sweet treats! Plus, it is sure to be an extraordinary shopping experience as the venue will be filled with sparkling lights and decorated with the colors of Christmas.
Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est
Address & dates: For the updated location, dates, and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Market highlights: Brioche, bredele (traditional Christmas biscuits), potato pancakes available
Stay close to this market: Budget - Hotel Luna Park; Luxury - Hôtel Madison
9. Christmas Market at Place d'Italie
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Christmas Market at Place d'Italie might be smaller in size compared to the other Christmas markets on this list but it won’t fall short of offerings. While browsing through the products from numerous wooden chalets which are designed with beautiful decors, shoppers can admire the gorgeous views of the Parisian skyline with the Eiffel Tower standing sparkly, tall, and proud.
More or less 20 merchants participate in this annual trade fair and shoppers can score some unique gift finds or go on a palatable culinary adventure here at the Christmas Market at Place d'Italie.
Christmas Market at Place d'Italie
Address: 18 Place d'Italie, 75013 Paris, France
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Stay close to this market: Budget - Young and Happy Latin Quarter by Hiphophostels; Luxury - Villa-des-Prés
10. Christmas Market at Hotel de Ville/City Hall
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Parisian City Hall sparkles with thousands of fairy lights and massive lanterns during the Christmas season. It serves as a fabulous venue for the winter wonderland festival that is known as the Christmas Market at Hotel de Ville/ City Hall. I’d love to take some beautiful photos here.
This Christmas market is a delightful gathering of merchants and shoppers and is a reflection of the blissful Parisian Christmas traditions. Aside from Christmas cottages, there will be fun rides for the kids and kids at heart. Plus, you can have a photo op with Santa as well.
Christmas Market at Hotel de Ville/City Hall
Address: Place de l'Hôtel de ville, 75004 Paris 4
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Stay close to this market: Villa Panthéon; Luxury - Hotel Les Bulles De Paris
11. Montparnasse Tower Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Set above ground, within a short distance from the Eiffel Tower with a picturesque view of the rest of the Parisian cityscape, the Montparnasse Tower Christmas Market has a plethora of offerings that you should not miss.
This Christmas event is decorated with the colors of Christmas and adorned with beautiful trees. You’ll find here delightful wooden cabins that sell gourmet treats. Also, your kids can have some mini photoshoots with Santa while at the festival.
Montparnasse Tower Christmas Market
Address: Observatoire Panoramique de la Tour Montparnasse, 33 Avenue du Maine, 75015 Paris 15
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Stay close to this market: Budget - Young and Happy Latin Quarter by Hiphophostels; Luxury - Villa-des-Prés
12. Saint Sulpice Square Christmas Market
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enjoy your Christmas holidays in Paris by visiting the Saint Sulpice Square Christmas Market. It is an astonishing winter wonderland for the whole family.
Aside from lovely figures of Santa and elves, there will also be stunning Christmas trees, nativity scene models, huge lanterns, and a lot more. Plus, there will be a number of stalls where you can buy gifts for your loved ones and for yourself. Delicious culinary delights are also available.
Saint Sulpice Square Christmas Market
Address: Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris, France
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit Paris’ tourism page
Stay close to this market: Budget - Young and Happy Latin Quarter by Hiphophostels; Luxury - Villa-des-Prés
Nearby Christmas markets
13. Colmar La Magie de Noël
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are planning to explore the beautiful city of Colmar and be captivated by its quintessential charm, be sure to check out its delightful Christmas market offerings. Shopping can’t get more traditional as this at Colmar La Magie de Noel, set in the heart of the city with picturesque views of its quaint medieval structures and cobblestone streets.
Plus, you won’t find here contemporary stalls but marvelous tastefully curated chalets that look like they were taken straight out of a fairy-tale book. I wouldn’t mind the drive from Paris to Colmar if I were you!
Colmar La Magie de Noël
Website: Colmar La Magie de Noël
Dates: For updated dates and hours, please visit the official page for Noel Colmar
Stay close to this market: Budget - Chambre cosy, proche centre-ville et gare; Colmar Hotel
Fall in love with the City of Light this yuletide season
Paris is a major city that is definitely on every traveler’s bucket list. It boasts a rich cultural heritage and it is known for its fascinating art, architecture, and a glamorous fashion scene. While it is a dream vacation destination all-year-round, it is exceptionally more captivating during the Christmas season. Every corner of the city glows with illuminating fairy lights and trade fairs emerge to provide blissful shopping and magical entertainment to tourists and locals alike. For your guidance, use this list of top Christmas markets in Paris for your upcoming yuletide vacation in the City of Light.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
