The Christmas markets are undoubtedly a few of the greatest – the decor, the meals, and the spirit are unimaginable! What I really like is that the small cities get simply as into the season, possibly much more so, than the bigger cities! From the over-the-top Alsacian markets to the Provencal markets, there’s one thing for everybody on the French Christmas markets.
Christmas in France makes an already pretty place much more charming. France is a rustic typically characterised by its romance, and that enchantment is multiplied throughout the Christmas season. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights, shops scent of pine and cinnamon, and particular vacation meals are ready on stoves throughout the nation.
However one in all my favourite issues to do all through the Christmas season in France is to go to the various conventional, and generally not-so-traditional, vacation markets all through the nation.
Need to discover one of the best Christmas markets in France? I’ve bought pretty markets and cities that can make you fall in love with this lovable, charming nation.
Much like different European Christmas markets, French Christmas markets provide a smattering of Christmas spirit in a single picturesque locale. Picket huts show handmade objects from makers throughout the nation, vacation meals are offered sizzling, and mulled wine warms these chilly purchasing fingers.
Wherever you end up in France this vacation season, from Paris to the French Riviera and a few of the smallest villages in between, you’re assured to be close to a Christmas market. The next are the highest Christmas markets to go to in France.
Listed below are one of the best villages and cities in France for experiencing Christmas markets.
Suggestions in your journey & Map of the Christmas Markets in France
France is a big nation, so it isn’t attainable to go to each single market. I extremely advocate that you simply go to the Alsace area of France. Right here, you’ll be able to go to most of the high Christmas markets like Strasbourg and Colmar. From right here, you’ll be able to simply enterprise into Germany, the place the unique Christmas markets happen.
You possibly can see my picks for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe right here!
1. Strasbourg – the oldest Christmas market in France
If I used to be solely in a position to recommend one metropolis in France to go to this vacation season, it must be Strasbourg. Also called The Capital of Christmas, or Capital de Noel, Strasbourg overflows with vacation spirit, from the magical decorations on almost each window on the town to the towering Christmas tree within the city sq.. It is one of many largest in Europe!
Strasbourg isn’t just identified for its one Christmas market. It’s identified for 10 fantastical markets, that are all simply accessed on foot. These markets are all a few of the most conventional within the nation, bringing households collectively to have fun the meals, drinks, crafts, and decorations of the vacation season. In actual fact, the well-known Christkindelsmarik at Place Broglie is likely one of the oldest in all of Europe, courting again to 1570.
Store the greater than 300 vendor stalls discovered all through the town, sip the new mulled wine, snack on conventional eats, and most significantly, benefit from the holidays with those you like. Strasbourg is the proper vacation spot for making new Christmas reminiscences.
Strasbourg Christmas Market dates: November twenty fifth via December twenty sixth, 2022.
See my full information to Strasbourg Christmas markets right here.
2. Colmar Christmas Market – Greatest Christmas Market within the Alsace
Much like Strasbourg, Colmar is residence to a number of Christmas markets, however the primary Colmar Christmas Market is a vacation spot of its personal. Nestled amongst a few of the metropolis’s hottest architectural websites and beneath the glittering bushes, you’ll discover stalls lining the streets, promoting spiced gingerbread, native artwork, handmade ornaments, and extra.
Along with the primary Colmar Christmas Market, you’ll discover roughly 60 extra stalls at Place des Dominicains and one other at Place de l’Ancienne Douane, lining the scenic Lauch River. Nonetheless, you received’t wish to go away the town with out visiting Place Jeanne-d’Arc, the place you’ll discover an unimaginable choice of conventional meals, together with native wine, cookies, and foie gras. I like to top off on recent, native meats and cheeses to show on vacation charcuterie boards.
Colmar Christmas Market dates: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 29, 2022
3. Metz – One of many largest Christmas markets in France
If you end up within the north east of France this vacation season, ensure to go to Metz Christmas Market! I really like the attractive metropolis of Metz! It is solely situated an hour and a half from my favourite Christmas market in France, Strasbourg, so it is nicely value it to go!
Wander via the greater than 100 vendor stalls, that are arrange all through the town middle and in entrance of the beautiful Metz Cathedral. Marc Chagall illumianted the cathedral and it is already a surprising, spectacular constructing.
However one of the best half? The connoisseur and decadent meals. All through the town you’ll be able to have your fill of conventional French meals and Christmas specialties! Style the Tartiflette, raclette, escargot, and even foie gras. Prime it off with Vin Chaud (mulled wine) for the proper Christmas market journey!
Metz Christmas Market dates: November 18th via December 24, 2022
4. Ribeauvillé – Greatest Medieval Christmas Market in France
In search of a really magical and distinctive Christmas market expertise? Then you could go to the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market! This market is held in some of the lovely, medieval villages in all of France. However be aware- it is solely on ONE weekend!
Ribeauvillé is situated in Alsace, which implies the village and market are filled with German influences. That is most evident within the Christmas market meals, which incorporates specialties like gingerbread (lebkuchen), spit-roasted pork knuckle (schweinshaxe), and flammenküche (tarte flambée).
The market stretches all through out the city, however what makes Ribeavillé so distinctive is that your entire city participates. You will see folks dressed up with stilts, scary cosumes, and even dwell animals. Lots of the markets do not settle for cash, you may must trade your cash for wood beans as a substitute! There are enormous logs in the course of the road on hearth for roadting meat s’mores, there are video games all through the village, and it is some of the entertaining markets you’ll be able to go to! The medieval themed market is all set to the backdrop of pastel half timebred homes. merely magical!
Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market dates: December third, 4th, tenth, and eleventh – as you’ll be able to see it is a tremendous brief season however so value it!
5. Kaysersberg – Conventional Alsatian Christmas Market in France
Nestled within the Vosges Mountains of north jap France, Kaysersberg is really a hidden gem. This medieval city is residence to some of the lovely and enchanting Christmas markets in all of France.
The market is about up across the imposing St. Mauritius Church, which is illuminated at evening so as to add to the general festive environment. There are over 80 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting every part from handmade ornaments and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and recent baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols may be heard within the distance.
Kaysersberg is the proper place to search out distinctive presents in your family members, whereas additionally having fun with a festive and charming environment. For those who’re in search of a really magical Christmas market expertise, Kaysersberg is the place for you!
Kaysersberg Christmas Market dates: November twenty sixth via December twenty fourth, 2022.
6. Eguisheim – France’s Greatest Wine-Themed Christmas Market
Eguisheim is a quaint and picturesque wine-growing village situated within the Alsace area of France. This village is residence to among the best (and most original) Christmas markets in all of France. As you’ll be able to think about, the Eguisheim Christmas market is themed round wine!
There are stalls promoting every part from wine-themed Christmas decorations to handmade presents and, after all, native wines. You possibly can even get your personal personalised bottle of wine on the market! Along with the various vendor stalls, there are additionally wine tastings and demonstrations all through the market.
Eguisheim is the proper place to take pleasure in a glass (or two) of wine whereas doing all your Christmas purchasing. For those who love wine and are in search of a novel Christmas market expertise, Eguisheim is the place for you!
Eguisheim Christmas Market dates: November twenty fifth via December thirtieth, 2022
7. Riquewihr – A Timeless Christmas Market in France
Riquewihr is a medieval city situated within the Alsace area of France. This city is residence to some of the lovely and timeless Christmas markets in all of France.
The market is about up across the picturesque Dolder Tower, which is illuminated at evening so as to add to the general festive environment. There are over 100 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting every part from handmade presents and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and recent baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols may be heard within the distance.
Riquewihr Christmas Market dates: November twenty sixth via December twenty first, 2022
Different cities within the Alscae area with nice Christmas markets: Mulhouse, Obernai, and Haguenau!
8. Lille Christmas Market
The town of Lille in northern France welcomes guests throughout the vacation season with the smells of recent garlands and mulled wine. Though, it’s typically the spectacular mild shows that draw guests this far north. Lille takes Christmas critically, and the Lille Christmas Market can convey the Christmas spirit out in anybody.
The market options greater than 90 stalls, which promote locally-crafted presents in addition to objects from world wide. Nonetheless, my favourite option to see the market isn’t essentially on foot, as a large Ferris wheel provides magnificent views of the market stalls, shining Christmas tree, and extra from above. The Lille Christmas Market is smaller than some others within the nation, however it creates the proper backdrop for a romantic night out within the metropolis.
Lille Christmas Market dates: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 30, 2022
9. Bordeaux Christmas Market
This metropolis could also be extra well-known for its wines than its Christmas spirit, however it’s no secret that wine and the vacations pair properly collectively. The Bordeaux Christmas Market options greater than 100 totally different stalls, and naturally, it’s a perfect place to top off on wine for the vacations, whether or not you’ll be having fun with it at your vacation desk or gifting it to associates. Different stalls provide handmade glass objects, connoisseur candies, perfumes, linens, and a few of the most original items handmade pottery.
The Bordeaux Christmas Market isn’t only for adults both. Households can discover a tour of the route that pilgrims as soon as traveled to Santiago de Compostela, go to Santa Claus, or hop aboard the vacation carousel. This market is a lot enjoyable that it may possibly typically get busy, so that you’ll wish to arrive early to search out parking in case you’ll be bringing your personal car. The locals advocate visiting by prepare.
Bordeaux Christmas Market dates: Nov. 25, 2022 to Dec. 25, 2022
10. Good Christmas Market
The French Riviera is legendary for its glitz and glam, and the Good Christmas Market shines simply as shiny. Right here, you’ll discover greater than 60 vendor stalls and a protracted record of actions and occasions for guests of all ages. When you’re finished sipping on vin chaud (sizzling wine) and searching for handmade vacation presents, you’ll be able to head to the ice skating rink, go to Santa in his workshop, and luxuriate in quite a lot of carnival rides and video games. You possibly can even hop aboard the towering Ferris wheel and think about the Christmas market, in addition to the Mediterranean, from above.
One in all my favourite options of the Good Christmas Market is that this area tends to be hotter and sunnier than different areas of France this time of 12 months. Blue skies and mitten-less days make visiting the Good vacation market really feel extra like a trip than another. But, the fir bushes and vacation lights nonetheless present the Christmas appeal current at different markets throughout the nation. Convey the children and luxuriate in the entire outside actions the Good Christmas Market has to supply.
Good Christmas Market dates: Dec. 1, 2022 to Jan. 22, 2023
See my information to the French Riviera right here.
11. Rouen Christmas Market
Straight in entrance of the grand cathedral, you’ll discover the fantastical Rouen Christmas Market, yearly bringing vacation cheer to the capital metropolis of Normandy. The Christmas market, and the vacation occasions and performances accompanying it, rework this metropolis by the Seine right into a magical winter wonderland, full with 70 wood chalets for purchasing and eating, an ice skating rink, road leisure, and naturally, particular visits from Santa Claus. Rouen is understood for going over-the-top with vacation decorations and pleasure, so that you received’t wish to miss this scenic metropolis throughout the holidays.
Rouen is one in all my favourite cities in France, and the entire area of Normandy is value a go to.
Rouen Christmas Market dates: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 27, 2022
12. Paris – Metropolis of Lights Christmas Market
It is no shock that the Metropolis of Lights is residence to a couple of Christmas market, and that’s what makes visiting Paris this time of 12 months so particular. Guests can weave via the historic streets and iconic landmarks from Christmas market to Christmas market, sampling conventional vacation treats, listening to choirs, ice skating, and purchasing.
The vacation market at Champ de Mars, with views of the Eiffel Tower, is a favourite for purchasing wood handicrafts and different artisan-made objects. It’s additionally an ideal place to snack on locally-made meals objects, and Christmas cookies with mulled wine. One other must-visit market is the Noisy le Grand Market, well-known for its vacation decorations and horse-drawn carriage rides that information guests across the market sq.. Procuring and eating on the streets of Paris is a vacation custom that many locals maintain pricey, and I believe it’s one thing each customer ought to expertise when visiting the town throughout the Christmas season.
Paris Christmas Market dates: Nov. 19, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023
Discover the important information to Paris right here!
13. Chamonix Christmas Market
If you wish to absolutely embrace the winter climate and really feel such as you’re strolling via an precise snow globe, there is no higher place than Chamonix. That is one in all my favourite locations in France, not to mention Europe.
Chamonix is residence to Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. Christmas is a superb time to go to. Together with the nice winter actions like snowboarding and sledding, the Christmas market is within the excellent setting on this idyllic village surrounded by the French Alps.
One of the best ways I can describe Chamonix is sort of a classic postcard. You simply need to see it to consider it! The dates for the Chamonix Christmas market are very brief, solely about two weeks in mid December. However with all of the actions and the attractive chalets make it one in all my high picks for Christmas in France.
Chamonix Christmas Market dates: Nov 24, 2022 to Dec 27, 2022
See my full information to Chamonix right here.
14. Grenoble Christmas Market
Rivaling Strasbourg as essentially the most magical French locale throughout the holidays, Grenoble provides a pleasant Christmas market with an much more spectacular backdrop. Nestled in a valley between the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountains, you’ll be able to’t assist however really feel such as you’ve traveled to a fairytale land when having fun with Christmas within the Alps.
Much more, the Grenoble Christmas Market is definitely 4 Christmas markets situated in varied areas all through the town middle. The Place Grenette is understood for its Afro-Indian crafts and live shows, whereas the primary market at Place Victor Hugo is legendary for warm cider, sizzling wine, cheese, salami, and different mouthwatering vacation eats (and drinks). Grenoble overflows with vacation cheer, actions, live shows, and occasions this time of 12 months, so enable your self loads of time to find all of them.
Grenoble Christmas Market dates and instances: Wed, Nov. 24, 2022 to Tues, Dec. 27, 2022
15. Les Hivernales (Montpellier Christmas Market)
Montpellier is a metropolis balancing between previous and new. Trendy trams cross by medieval streets and historical structure. The Montpellier Christmas Market, or Les Hivernales, additionally blends basic Southern French Christmas custom with trendy occasions and actions. Discovered on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle and Comedie Sq., this market options greater than 160 retailers, promoting meals merchandise and crafts from all through the area. Oysters, sweets, and mulled wine are offered alongside toys, vacation decorations, and handmade jewellery.
Santa Claus all the time sits on the coronary heart of the Montpellier Christmas Markets, and guests can even take pleasure in Christmas parades, sleigh rides, an ice skating rink, workshops, and extra. For the adults, a nighttime market provides regional meals, wines, and different drinks inside a big heated tent. There’s one thing for everybody on the Montpellier Christmas Market.
Montpellier Christmas Market dates and time: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 26, 2022
16. Amiens Christmas Market
The Amiens Christmas Market would be the closing market on this, however that doesn’t imply it lacks something by way of appeal, crave-worthy meals, and vacation purchasing stalls. In actual fact, as the most important vacation market in nothern France, the Amiens Christmas Market provides greater than 2 kilometers of distributors from all through France and world wide. You possibly can even discover objects from India and Canada right here.
That is really a market the place you will discover one thing for even essentially the most tough individual in your record. And whereas the adults take pleasure in purchasing from stall to stall, youngsters can hop aboard a prepare via a winter wonderland or a lot of different vacation rides. Remember to time not less than one in all your visits to the market round 7pm, when the Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens shows a spectacular mild and sound present. I need to admit — this unforgettable mild show pairs completely with a cup of sizzling mulled cider.
Amiens Christmas Market dates: Nov. 25, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2022
Christmas Market Itinerary
You possibly can’t go to all of the Christmas markets in France, however whenever you use my itinerary you may make certain to see a few of the greatest and profit from your time! The Alsace area has one of the best Christmas markets and so they simply really feel like a magical fairy story come to life!
Begin off in Strasbourg! That is the place I recommend you focus most of your time because it’s one of many largest and greatest Christmas markets in France. There’s a lot to do right here and a lot historical past. Be certain to take a tour of the unimaginable Notre Dam Cathedral.
Subsequent, head south and focus on Obernai and Ribeauvillé – ensure to examine your dates to make sure you’re in Ribeauvillé on the dates of the Christmas market because it’s just one weekend!
You possibly can simply see the markets of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim in a day in case you’re feeling formidable. Or, you’ll be able to stretch these out over a pair days.
Be certain to go away your self one full day for Colmar because it’s such an exquisite market.
When you have further time in your Christmas market journey via France, head to Mulhouse. I additionally advocate popping over to Germany and seeing the close by markets in Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and even the well-known tiny Ravenna Gorge Christmas market!
Regularly Requested Questions About Christmas Markets in France
What are the dates for the Christmas markets in France?
There are numerous vacation markets, massive and small, held all through France this time of 12 months. Whereas the dates can range from a single weekend to just about two-months-long, most vacation markets happen from mid-November to late December. Some dates are prolonged into early January to accommodate New 12 months’s Eve festivities.
What ought to I convey to a French Christmas Market?
You don’t must be way more ready to go to a French Christmas market than you’ll be to take pleasure in a standard day of purchasing in a French metropolis. Nonetheless, as a result of most of the markets are solely open air, you’ll wish to put on sufficient layers to maintain you heat for a number of hours open air. Gloves, a hat, and a shawl are equipment I virtually all the time put on to Christmas market (until I’m within the French Riviera).
It’s additionally necessary to come back ready with loads of money, or a debit card to have the ability to withdraw money. Many distributors favor, or solely settle for, money funds.
What different nations have Christmas Markets?
Christmas Markets are a typical European custom, and they are often present in quite a few European nations, together with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, and past. I really like touring all through Europe, and world wide, to various Christmas markets. Beneath, you will discover quite a lot of weblog posts I’ve written on my favourite markets throughout the continent.
Final Information for The Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe
15 Greatest Christmas Markets in Germany
Greatest Christmas Markets in Switzerland
What to Eat and Drink at a German Christmas Market
25 Photographs That Will Encourage You to Spend Christmas in Europe
Greatest Facet Journeys for Christmas in Germany
Custom of Christmas in France
The Christmas markets in France are a few of the oldest conventional markets in Europe. It first appeared within the Alsace area in 1521. Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates again to 1570. For those who needed to decide a area, I recommend visiting the Christmas Markets within the Alsace region- these are one of the best!
In Strasbourg, one of many largest Christmas bushes is within the metropolis middle at Place Kléber, and one of many largest Creation wreath is within the Cathedral of Strasbourg.
The Christmas tree in French known as, “sapin de noël.” The tree, coated in pink apples and lights, symbolizes Jesus and, “The sunshine that illuminates the world.” Santa Claus is called “Père Noël” and is impressed by Saint Nicolas. Initially, he gave presents to youngsters in Germany and France on December sixth, Saint Nicolas day.
December twenty fourth, Rèveillion is when most French folks have fun with households and have their massive meals. They take pleasure in luxurious, conventional meals like oysters, truffles, cookies, and frog legs. Then, they could attend Midnight Mass.
Different issues to learn:
Final Information for The Greatest Christmas Markets in Europe
The Greatest Winter Locations in Europe