The Finest Christmas Markets in France
The Christmas markets are positively a few of the greatest – the decor, the meals, and the spirit are unbelievable! 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 through 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 certainly one of 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.
Wish to discover the perfect Christmas markets in France? I’ve acquired pretty markets and cities that can make you fall in love with this lovely, charming nation.
Just like different European Christmas markets, French Christmas markets supply a smattering of Christmas spirit in a single picturesque locale. Picket huts show handmade objects from makers throughout the nation, vacation meals are bought 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 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 here are the perfect villages and cities in France for experiencing Christmas markets.
Suggestions to your journey & Map of the Christmas Markets in France
France is a big nation, so it isn’t potential to go to each single market. I extremely suggest that you just go to the Alsace area of France. Right here, you possibly can go to most of the high Christmas markets like Strasbourg and Colmar. From right here, you possibly can simply enterprise into Germany, the place the unique Christmas markets happen.
You may see my picks for the perfect 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 referred to as The Capital of Christmas, or Capital de Noel, Strasbourg overflows with vacation spirit, from the magical decorations on practically 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 recognized for its one Christmas market. It’s recognized 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. Actually, the well-known Christkindelsmarik at Place Broglie is without doubt one of the oldest in all of Europe, courting again to 1570.
Store the greater than 300 vendor stalls discovered all through 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 – Finest Christmas Market within the Alsace
Just like Strasbourg, Colmar is house 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. Nevertheless, you received’t wish to depart town with out visiting Place Jeanne-d’Arc, the place you’ll discover an unbelievable number of conventional meals, together with native wine, cookies, and foie gras. I like to replenish on contemporary, 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 gorgeous metropolis of Metz! It is solely situated an hour and a half from my favourite Christmas market in France, Strasbourg, so it is effectively price it to go!
Wander via the greater than 100 vendor stalls, that are arrange all through town heart and in entrance of the beautiful Metz Cathedral. Marc Chagall illumianted the cathedral and it is already a surprising, spectacular constructing.
However the perfect half? The gourmand and decadent meals. All through town you possibly can have your fill of conventional French meals and Christmas specialties! Style the Tartiflette, raclette, escargot, and even foie gras. High 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 – Finest Medieval Christmas Market in France
In search of a really magical and distinctive Christmas market expertise? Then you will need to go to the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market! This market is held in probably the most stunning, medieval villages in all of France. However be aware- it is solely on ONE weekend!
Ribeauvillé is situated in Alsace, which suggests 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 the whole city participates. You will see folks dressed up with stilts, scary cosumes, and even reside animals. Most of the markets do not settle for cash, you may must alternate your cash for wood beans as an alternative! There are big 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 probably the most entertaining markets you possibly can 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 possibly can see it is a tremendous brief season however so price it!
5. Kaysersberg – Conventional Alsatian Christmas Market in France
Nestled within the Vosges Mountains of north japanese France, Kaysersberg is actually a hidden gem. This medieval city is house to probably the most 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 every thing from handmade ornaments and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and contemporary baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols will be heard within the distance.
Kaysersberg is the proper place to seek out distinctive items to 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 via December twenty fourth, 2022.
6. Eguisheim – France’s Finest Wine-Themed Christmas Market
Eguisheim is a quaint and picturesque wine-growing village situated within the Alsace area of France. This village is house to among the finest (and most original) Christmas markets in all of France. As you possibly can think about, the Eguisheim Christmas market is themed round wine!
There are stalls promoting every thing from wine-themed Christmas decorations to handmade items and, after all, native wines. You may even get your personal customized 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 get pleasure from a glass (or two) of wine whereas doing all 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 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 house to probably the most 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 every thing from handmade items and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and contemporary baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols will 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
Town of Lille in northern France welcomes guests through the vacation season with the smells of contemporary garlands and mulled wine. Though, it’s typically the spectacular gentle shows that draw guests this far north. Lille takes Christmas severely, and the Lille Christmas Market can deliver the Christmas spirit out in anybody.
The market options greater than 90 stalls, which promote locally-crafted items in addition to objects from around the globe. Nevertheless, my favourite option 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 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 completely different stalls, and naturally, it’s a really perfect place to replenish 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 supply handmade glass objects, gourmand goodies, 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 could possibly typically get busy, so that you’ll wish to arrive early to seek out parking in case you’ll be bringing your personal automobile. The locals suggest visiting by practice.
Bordeaux Christmas Market dates: Nov. 25, 2022 to Dec. 25, 2022
10. Good Christmas Market
The French Riviera is known for its glitz and glam, and the Good Christmas Market shines simply as vibrant. Right here, you’ll discover greater than 60 vendor stalls and an extended record of actions and occasions for guests of all ages. When you’re carried out sipping on vin chaud (scorching wine) and looking for handmade vacation items, you possibly can head to the ice skating rink, go to Santa in his workshop, and revel in quite a lot of carnival rides and video games. You may even hop aboard the towering Ferris wheel and examine the Christmas market, in addition to the Mediterranean, from above.
Considered one of 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 some other. But, the fir bushes and vacation lights nonetheless present the Christmas appeal current at different markets throughout the nation. Carry the youngsters 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
Instantly 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 procuring 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 through the holidays.
Rouen is certainly one of my favourite cities in France, and the complete area of Normandy is price 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 house to multiple 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 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.. 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 town through 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 isn’t any higher place than Chamonix. That is certainly one of my favourite locations in France, not to mention Europe.
Chamonix is house to Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. Christmas is a superb time to go to. Together with the good 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 simplest ways I can describe Chamonix is sort of a classic postcard. You simply should see it to imagine 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 gorgeous chalets make it certainly one of 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 probably the most magical French locale through 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 possibly can’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 town heart. The Place Grenette is understood for its Afro-Indian crafts and live shows, whereas the primary market at Place Victor Hugo is known 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 12 months, so enable your self loads of time to find all of them.
Grenoble Christmas Market dates and occasions: Wed, Nov. 24, 2022 to Tues, Dec. 27, 2022
15. Les Hivernales (Montpellier Christmas Market)
Montpellier is a metropolis balancing between outdated and new. Trendy trams go by medieval streets and historical structure. The Montpellier Christmas Market, or Les Hivernales, additionally blends traditional 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 bought 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 could be the remaining market on this, however that doesn’t imply it lacks something when it comes to appeal, crave-worthy meals, and vacation procuring stalls. Actually, as the biggest vacation market in nothern France, the Amiens Christmas Market presents greater than 2 kilometers of distributors from all through France and around the globe. You may even discover objects from India and Canada right here.
That is actually a market the place you could find one thing for even probably the most tough particular person in your record. And whereas the adults get pleasure from procuring from stall to stall, children can hop aboard a practice via a winter wonderland or numerous different vacation rides. Make sure you time a minimum of certainly one of your visits to the market round 7pm, when the Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens shows a spectacular gentle and sound present. I need to admit — this unforgettable gentle 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 may’t go to all of the Christmas markets in France, however once you use my itinerary you can also make certain to see a few of the greatest and profit from your time! The Alsace area has the perfect 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 unbelievable 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 may simply see the markets of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim in a day in case you’re feeling formidable. Or, you possibly can 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’ve got additional time to your Christmas market journey via 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!
Steadily 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 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 deliver to a French Christmas Market?
You don’t must be far more ready to go to a French Christmas market than you’ll be to get pleasure from a standard day of procuring in a French metropolis. Nevertheless, as a result of most of the markets are fully 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 nearly at all times put on to Christmas market (until I’m within the French Riviera).
It’s additionally essential to return 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 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 around the globe, to various Christmas markets. Beneath, you could find quite a lot of weblog posts I’ve written on my favourite markets throughout the continent.
Final Information for The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe
15 Finest Christmas Markets in Germany
Finest 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
Finest Aspect 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. If you happen to needed to choose a area, I recommend visiting the Christmas Markets within the Alsace region- these are the perfect!
In Strasbourg, one of many largest Christmas bushes is within the metropolis heart at Place Kléber, and one of many largest Creation wreath is within the Cathedral of Strasbourg.
The Christmas tree in French is named, “sapin de noël.” The tree, lined in purple 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 have fun with households and have their giant meals. They bask in luxurious, conventional meals like oysters, truffles, cookies, and frog legs. Then, they may attend Midnight Mass.
Different issues to learn:
Final Information for The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe