Christmas time is coming to town, and there's no better way to experience the magic of the season than by exploring the best Christmas markets in France in 2024! From the world-famous Christmas Markets in Strasbourg and Colmar, to the enchanting displays in Montbéliard, Mulhouse, and Metz, France is home to some of the most beautiful festive celebrations.
Wander through the stunning Christmas decorations, marvel at the twinkling Christmas trees, and discover unique, handcrafted gifts for the whole family in these top Christmas destinations.
Whether you're sipping mulled wine in Lille's Grand Place or enjoying a festive stroll in Reims, France’s Christmas markets are perfect for holiday shopping and soaking up the winter atmosphere. Strasbourg, known as the "Capital of Christmas," offers a fairy-tale setting with its charming timber-framed houses and glowing lights, while Colmar’s market transforms the medieval city into a winter wonderland.
Book your Christmas holidays in France now, and explore these enchanting markets while enjoying festive French cuisine, local crafts, and holiday cheer. With so many magical Christmas markets in France to discover, This winter is the perfect time to plan a trip for an unforgettable Christmas getaway.
1. Montbeliard
In the region of Franche-Comté in Eastern France, Montbéliard, a town renowned for its warm hospitality, transforms into a magical wonderland a few weeks before Christmas, earning its place among the top Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in France.
Throughout the Advent season, Montbéliard upholds the Württemberg tradition by hosting a unique Christmas market featuring 160 charming stalls offering authentic, high-quality goods. Visitors can wander the illuminated streets, savoring the delicious gastronomic delights of Montbéliard and France, admiring a diverse array of arts and crafts, and enjoying music and choral performances.
Opening dates: From 23rd November to 24th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Montbéliard or Basel/Mulhouse (1h by car, 2h by public transport).
Where to stay: "Ibis Styles Montbéliard". Perfect for a 2-night stay!
2. Metz
Explore one of France's top Christmas Markets this winter. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and receive a warm welcome while strolling through the Christmas markets located on Metz's six main squares.
Admire the ice sculptures at the Frozen Fairyland, then cozy up with a hot spicy drink or mulled wine to warm your hands.
Let the festive lights brighten up the winter days and indulge in traditional delights like the merry-go-round, a magical forest walk, or shop for gourmet Christmas essentials at the city market hall.
Opening dates: From 24th November to 30th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Metz Airport or Strasbourg Airport (1h30).
Where to stay: "La Citadelle Metz MGallery" for guests who enjoy luxurious accommodation.
3. Strasbourg
The very first edition of the oldest Christmas market in Europe took place in Strasbourg in 1570, known then as the "Christkindelsmärik" (market of the Infant Jesus). Since that time, Strasbourg has upheld the tradition of a traditional, authentic, warm, and generous Alsatian Christmas, making it the "Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas," which continues to be highly successful and is regarded as the Best Christmas Market in France.
Opening dates: From 27th November to 27th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Strasbourg or Basel (1h15 by car/2h by train).
Where to stay: "Adagio Strasbourg Place Kleber". Set in the heart of Strasbourg.
4. Colmar
Colmar, along with Strasbourg and Mulhouse, is considered one of the Most Magical Christmas Markets in France.
The enchantment of Christmas in Colmar lies in the atmospheric Old Town, transformed into a fairy tale with festive illuminations that beautifully complement the town's historic charm. These lights, combined with the heritage of Colmar, create a serene and magical ambiance in the city center.
Opening dates: From 26th November to 29th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Basel/Mulhouse Airport (40 min by car 1h by public transport) or Strasbourg (1h).
Where to stay: "Odalys City Colmar La Rose d'Argent" offers a fitness room and swimming pool.
5. Amiens
Since 1997, the Amiens Christmas Market has been attracting visitors of all ages, establishing itself as one of the Top Christmas Markets in France. Spanning over 2 km with 130 chalets, the market offers a wide selection of gift options. From 23rd November to 31st December, artisans from France and around the globe will showcase an array of handcrafted gifts, Christmas decorations, and delectable treats.
Andrée Joinville is responsible for the floral arrangements featured in this 24th edition. The Christmas mechanical displays found in the shops are meticulously crafted using natural materials, vegetables, and flowers, all reflecting the festive spirit of Christmas.
Opening dates: From 22nd November to 29th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Beauvais Airport or Paris Charles de Gaulle (1h15).
Where to stay: "Hotel Le Prieuré et La Résidence". Located at the foot of Amiens Cathedral.
6. Reims
Celebrate the Christmas spirit with your friends or family and experience the enchantment of Christmas in Reims, one of the Top 10 Christmas Markets to Visit in France, over a weekend. Immerse yourself in a memorable experience as you wander through the Christmas market and the charming streets of Reims: explore 145 chalets gathered on the Parvis of the Cathedral. Let the enchanting aura of Christmas captivate you with dazzling lights, delightful scents of traditional cuisine and drinks, artisanal crafts, events, and more.
Opening dates: From 27th November to 29th December 2024.
How to get there: Book your flights to Paris Vatry Airport (50 min) or Paris Charles de Gaulle (1h30).
Where to stay: "La Caserne Chanzy Hotel & Spa". Facing Reims Cathedral.
7. Lille
Experience the enchanting charm of Lille during the winter season as it transforms into a magical winter wonderland, radiating a festive ambiance that will captivate you! Don't miss out on visiting this Must-See Christmas Market in France.
At Place Rihour, over 80 chalets are brimming with gift ideas, nativity scenes, Christmas ornaments, and delightful seasonal treats. Explore a variety of regional delicacies, as well as arts and crafts from Russia, Poland, Québec, and Native America.
Opening dates: From 20th November to 29th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Lille, Charleroi (1h15) or Brussels/Zaventem (1h30 by public transport).
Where to stay: "Moxy Lille City". Situated in the real heart of Lille.
8. Mulhouse
Featuring unique decorations crafted from a special fabric in Alsace, festive illuminations, and a variety of activities, Mulhouse is undeniably the ultimate destination to experience the enchantment of Christmas and one of the most outstanding Christmas Markets in France.
What sets the Christmas market of Mulhouse apart is its deep-rooted connection to the region's prosperous industrial textile heritage. In its 27th edition, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on this distinctive fabric.
Opening dates: From 22nd November to 24th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Basel/Mulhouse Airport.
Where to stay: "La Maison Hôtel Mulhouse Centre" located in the city centre of Mulhouse.
9. Paris
From 18th November 2024 to 5th January 2025
Paris is home to some of the most outstanding Christmas Markets in France. These traditional and beloved markets are a significant shopping attraction that commences from November. Originating from Germany and the Alsace region, Christmas markets have expanded across Europe since the 1990s. Gradually, they have evolved into a vital festive affair during the Christmas period in Paris. These markets are hosted in various locations throughout the city, including Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Place de la Nation on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées, and Place du Trocadéro... and are highly popular among visitors.
Opening dates: From 18th November 2024 to 5th January 2025 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Paris.
Where to stay: "Hotel Dress Code & Spa". Situated a 3-winute walk from Opéra Garnier.
10. Arras
The Christmas market in Arras takes place in the stunning Grand’Place, an unparalleled Flemish Baroque architectural complex in Europe. It offers a picturesque setting with a multitude of Christmas trees and hosts 140 artisans and exhibitors, creating an authentic and festive atmosphere at the town center. Don't miss the chance to experience one of the top 10 most incredible Christmas markets in France this winter!
It's a magical opportunity to get ready for the upcoming celebrations and surprise your loved ones with a variety of gift options. Enjoy tasting roasted chestnuts or spiced bread as you stroll through the wide lanes lined with market stalls offering crafts, jewelry, wooden toys, decorations, and much more.
Opening dates: From 29th November to 29th December 2024 (Confirmed).
How to get there: Book your flights to Lille (20 min) or Brussels Charleroi Airport (1h).
Where to stay: "La Cour des Grands" Enjoy its restaurant, bar and shared lounge. "
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