The Christmas markets are undoubtedly among 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 in the course of the Christmas season. The streets are embellished with twinkling lights, shops scent of pine and cinnamon, and particular vacation meals are ready on stoves throughout the nation.
However one among my favourite issues to do all through the Christmas season in France is to go to the various conventional, and typically not-so-traditional, vacation markets all through the nation.
Wish to discover the most effective Christmas markets in France? I’ve bought pretty markets and cities that can make you fall in love with this cute, charming nation.
Much like different European Christmas markets, French Christmas markets provide a smattering of Christmas spirit in a single picturesque locale. Wood huts show handmade objects from makers throughout the nation, vacation meals are offered scorching, and mulled wine warms these chilly procuring fingers.
Wherever you end up in France this vacation season, from Paris to the French Riviera and among 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 the most effective villages and cities in France for experiencing Christmas markets.
Suggestions on 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 suggest that you simply go to the Alsace area of France. Right here, you may go to lots of the prime Christmas markets like Strasbourg and Colmar. From right here, you may simply enterprise into Germany, the place the unique Christmas markets happen.
You possibly can see my picks for the most effective Christmas markets in Europe right here!
1. Strasbourg – the oldest Christmas market in France
If I used to be solely capable of counsel one metropolis in France to go to this vacation season, it must be Strasbourg. Often known as 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 is not only recognized for its one Christmas market. It’s recognized for 10 fantastical markets, that are all simply accessed on foot. These markets are all among the most conventional within the nation, bringing households collectively to rejoice the meals, drinks, crafts, and decorations of the vacation season. Actually, the well-known Christkindelsmarik at Place Broglie is among 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’re keen on. Strasbourg is the right vacation spot for making new Christmas reminiscences.
Strasbourg Christmas Market dates: November twenty fifth by way of 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 among 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 need to depart the town with out visiting Place Jeanne-d’Arc, the place you’ll discover an unimaginable collection of conventional meals, together with native wine, cookies, and foie gras. I like to refill 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 positioned an hour and a half from my favourite Christmas market in France, Strasbourg, so it is properly value it to go!
Wander by way of 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 the most effective half? The connoisseur and decadent meals. All through the town you may 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 right Christmas market journey!
Metz Christmas Market dates: November 18th by way of December 24, 2022
4. Ribeauvillé – Greatest Medieval Christmas Market in France
On the lookout for a really magical and distinctive Christmas market expertise? Then it’s essential to go to the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market! This market is held in one of the crucial stunning, medieval villages in all of France. However be aware- it is solely on ONE weekend!
Ribeauvillé is positioned in Alsace, which suggests the village and market are stuffed 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 complete city participates. You may see folks dressed up with stilts, scary cosumes, and even dwell animals. Lots of the markets do not settle for cash, you will have to change your cash for wood beans as an alternative! There are large logs in the midst of the road on fireplace for roadting meat s’mores, there are video games all through the village, and it is one of the crucial entertaining markets you may 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 may see it is a tremendous quick 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 one of the crucial stunning and enchanting Christmas markets in all of France.
The market is about up across the imposing St. Mauritius Church, which is illuminated at night time so as to add to the general festive ambiance. There are over 80 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting all the pieces 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 might be heard within the distance.
Kaysersberg is the right place to search out distinctive items on your family members, whereas additionally having fun with a festive and charming ambiance. If you happen to’re searching for a really magical Christmas market expertise, Kaysersberg is the place for you!
Kaysersberg Christmas Market dates: November twenty sixth by way of December twenty fourth, 2022.
6. Eguisheim – France’s Greatest Wine-Themed Christmas Market
Eguisheim is a quaint and picturesque wine-growing village positioned within the Alsace area of France. This village is residence to probably the greatest (and most unusual) Christmas markets in all of France. As you may think about, the Eguisheim Christmas market is themed round wine!
There are stalls promoting all the pieces from wine-themed Christmas decorations to handmade items and, in fact, native wines. You possibly can even get your individual 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 right place to get pleasure from a glass (or two) of wine whereas doing all of your Christmas procuring. If you happen to love wine and are searching for a novel Christmas market expertise, Eguisheim is the place for you!
Eguisheim Christmas Market dates: November twenty fifth by way of December thirtieth, 2022
7. Riquewihr – A Timeless Christmas Market in France
Riquewihr is a medieval city positioned within the Alsace area of France. This city is residence to one of the crucial stunning and timeless Christmas markets in all of France.
The market is about up across the picturesque Dolder Tower, which is illuminated at night time so as to add to the general festive ambiance. There are over 100 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting all the pieces from handmade items and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and recent baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols might be heard within the distance.
Riquewihr Christmas Market dates: November twenty sixth by way of December twenty first, 2022
Different cities within the Alscae area with nice Christmas markets: Mulhouse, Obernai, and Haguenau!
8. Lille Christmas Market
Town of Lille in northern France welcomes guests in the course of 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 severely, and the Lille Christmas Market can convey the Christmas spirit out in anybody.
The market options greater than 90 stalls, which promote locally-crafted items in addition to objects from world wide. Nonetheless, my favourite solution to see the market isn’t essentially on foot, as an enormous Ferris wheel presents 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 right 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 completely different stalls, and naturally, it’s a great place to refill 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 among the most unusual 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 need to arrive early to search out parking in the event you’ll be bringing your individual automobile. The locals suggest 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 vivid. Right here, you’ll discover greater than 60 vendor stalls and a protracted listing of actions and occasions for guests of all ages. When you’re executed sipping on vin chaud (scorching wine) and purchasing for handmade vacation items, you may head to the ice skating rink, go to Santa in his workshop, and revel in a wide range 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 among 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 yr. 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 allure current at different markets throughout the nation. Convey the children and revel in all the 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
Immediately 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, remodel this metropolis by the Seine right into a magical winter wonderland, full with 70 wood chalets for procuring and eating, an ice skating rink, avenue 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 need to miss this scenic metropolis in the course of the holidays.
Rouen is one among 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 yr so particular. Guests can weave by way of the historic streets and iconic landmarks from Christmas market to Christmas market, sampling conventional vacation treats, listening to choirs, ice skating, and procuring.
The vacation market at Champ de Mars, with views of the Eiffel Tower, is a favourite for procuring 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.. Buying and eating on the streets of Paris is a vacation custom that many locals maintain expensive, and I feel it’s one thing each customer ought to expertise when visiting the town in the course of 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 by way of an precise snow globe, there is no higher place than Chamonix. That is one among 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 good setting on this idyllic village surrounded by the French Alps.
The easiest way I can describe Chamonix is sort of a classic postcard. You simply should see it to consider it! The dates for the Chamonix Christmas market are very quick, solely about two weeks in mid December. However with all of the actions and the attractive chalets make it one among my prime 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 in the course of the holidays, Grenoble presents a pleasant Christmas market with an much more spectacular backdrop. Nestled in a valley between the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountains, you may’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 positioned in numerous 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 decent cider, scorching wine, cheese, salami, and different mouthwatering vacation eats (and drinks). Grenoble overflows with vacation cheer, actions, live shows, and occasions this time of yr, so permit 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. Fashionable trams move 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 at all times sits on the coronary heart of the Montpellier Christmas Markets, and guests may also get pleasure from Christmas parades, sleigh rides, an ice skating rink, workshops, and extra. For the adults, a nighttime market presents 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 often is the remaining market on this, however that doesn’t imply it lacks something when it comes to allure, crave-worthy meals, and vacation procuring stalls. Actually, as the most important vacation market in nothern France, the Amiens Christmas Market presents 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 actually a market the place you will discover one thing for even essentially the most troublesome individual in your listing. And whereas the adults get pleasure from procuring from stall to stall, children can hop aboard a prepare by way of a winter wonderland or quite a few different vacation rides. Remember to time a minimum of one among your visits to the market round 7pm, when the Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens shows a spectacular mild and sound present. I have to admit — this unforgettable mild show pairs completely with a cup of scorching 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 once you use my itinerary you can also make certain to see among the greatest and take advantage of your time! The Alsace area has the most effective Christmas markets they usually simply really feel like a magical fairy story come to life!
Begin off in Strasbourg! That is the place I counsel 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 sure that to take a tour of the unimaginable Notre Dam Cathedral.
Subsequent, head south and focus on Obernai and Ribeauvillé – ensure to test 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 the event you’re feeling bold. Or, you may stretch these out over a pair days.
Be sure that to depart your self one full day for Colmar because it’s such a good looking market.
When you have further time on your Christmas market journey by way of France, head to Mulhouse. I additionally suggest 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!
Often Requested Questions About Christmas Markets in France
What are the dates for the Christmas markets in France?
There are numerous vacation markets, giant and small, held all through France this time of yr. Whereas the dates can differ from a single weekend to almost 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 rather more ready to go to a French Christmas market than you’d be to get pleasure from a standard day of procuring in a French metropolis. Nonetheless, as a result of lots of the markets are totally open air, you’ll need 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 at all times put on to Christmas market (except I’m within the French Riviera).
It’s additionally essential to come back ready with loads of money, or a debit card to have the ability to withdraw money. Many distributors desire, or solely settle for, money funds.
What different international locations have Christmas Markets?
Christmas Markets are a standard European custom, and they are often present in quite a few European international locations, together with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, and past. I really like touring all through Europe, and world wide, to various Christmas markets. Under, you will discover a wide range 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 Images That Will Encourage You to Spend Christmas in Europe
Greatest Aspect Journeys for Christmas in Germany
Custom of Christmas in France
The Christmas markets in France are among the oldest conventional markets in Europe. It first appeared within the Alsace area in 1521. Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates again to 1570. If you happen to needed to decide a area, I counsel visiting the Christmas Markets within the Alsace region- these are the most effective!
In Strasbourg, one of many largest Christmas bushes is within the metropolis middle at Place Kléber, and one of many largest Introduction wreath is within the Cathedral of Strasbourg.
The Christmas tree in French known as, “sapin de noël.” The tree, lined in crimson apples and lights, symbolizes Jesus and, “The sunshine that illuminates the world.” Santa Claus is named “Père Noël” and is impressed by Saint Nicolas. Initially, he gave items to children in Germany and France on December sixth, Saint Nicolas day.
December twenty fourth, Rèveillion is when most French folks rejoice with households and have their giant meals. They bask 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
