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Festivals & Events• Travel Inspiration
The Most Enchanting Christmas Markets in France 2025
02/11/2025Discover the Magic of French Christmas Markets this Winter
When it comes to Christmas Markets, France truly shines. From late November onward, town squares across the country transform into festive wonderlands filled with twinkling lights and handcrafted gifts.
The best Christmas Markets in France aren’t just about shopping. They also offer a wonderful way to discover local holiday traditions and seasonal specialties.
If you’re dreaming of a magical festive getaway, this guide is for you. Travel experts and friends share their favorite French Christmas Markets – the most unique and picturesque spots to add to your holiday itinerary.
Best Christmas Markets in France 2025
1. Tuileries Christmas Market 2025 (Paris, Ile-de-France)
- When: 15 November – 4 January 2026
- Book your flight tickets to Paris
- Book your train tickets to Paris
- Where to Sleep in Paris
The French capital is one of the best places to visit in France in the winter, with many seasonal activities and temporary exhibitions of all kinds apart from the usual tourist sights.
There are many Christmas Markets in Paris, but the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market is always a favorite. This market is located in one of the side alleys of the historic Tuileries Gardens, and it replaces the Champs Elysées Christmas Market.
The Tuileries Christmas Market is one of the biggest markets in the city. It has around 100 wooden stalls with handicrafts, food, drinks, and other beautiful products perfect for Christmas gifts. This French Christmas Market is beautifully adorned with Christmas lights and decorations, and there’s also a 20-meter Christmas tree.
The Tuileries Christmas Market is an excellent place to hang around in Paris for an hour or two, perhaps after visiting the Louvre Museum. Apart from shopping and eating, there are many activities for kids and adults: an ice skating rink, funfair games and rides, a Ferris wheel, and more.
By Elisa from World in Paris
2. Strasbourg Christmas Market 2025 (Grand Est)
- When: 26 November to 24 December
- Book your train tickets to Strasbourg
- Where to Sleep in Strasbourg
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is a must-visit if you are traveling to France in winter. Located in the Alsace region, the Strasbourg Christmas Market takes over the whole Old Town.
As Strasbourg sits on the border with Germany, some of the German traditions of Christmas have become part of Strasbourg’s culture. However, it is still distinctively French, with its own charm, flavors, and festive flair.
Considered the best Christmas Market in France, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is actually made up of multiple markets. Each square is a separate market with a different theme. They have the classic style of market as well as the alternative market, where you can find vintage and fair-trade items.
Aside from the 300 stalls you can shop at, it’s also a must to go into the Strasbourg Cathedral to see the multiple nativity scenes set up in the church. There is also a giant Christmas Tree in Place Kléber.
There are tons of foods to try in Strasbourg. The markets have everything from traditional hot drinks like cider and mulled wine to Alsatian cookies, gingerbread, and sausages.
By Brianna from Curious Travel Bug
3. Nantes Christmas Market 2025 (Pays de la Loire)
- When: 20 November to 28 December
- Book your train tickets to Nantes
- Where to Sleep in Nantes
Visit the Nantes Christmas Market, the biggest French Christmas Market (and one of the most beautiful) in Western France! The market takes place in Place du Commerce and Place Royale, in central Nantes, with more than 100 chalets proposing gift ideas for the winter holidays, regional products and drinks, jewelry, and other accessories.
Of course, the Christmas Market Nantes is also a great opportunity to enjoy live entertainment, festive fanfares, and lively street performances. A beautiful carousel adds to the charm, and Christmas songs fill the air every evening from 5 p.m.
Don’t miss the market’s inauguration show, this year on Friday 21 November. The show starts at 5:30 p.m. with the Déambulation des Échassiers (see the cover picture) and goes on with different fanfares.
4. Clermont-Ferrand Christmas Market 2025 (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
- When: 28 November to 28 December
- Book your train tickets to Clermont-Ferrand
- Where to Sleep in Clermont-Ferrand
The Clermont-Ferrand Christmas Market takes place at the iconic Place de la Victoire, right by the city’s stunning Cathedral. Celebrating over 30 years, this festive market offers a variety of activities throughout its month-long run. Its central location in the old part of Clermont-Ferrand makes it perfect for wandering the narrow streets and visiting the famous Cathedral.
Spread across more than 60 stands in different “villages,” the market has something for everyone. Le Coin des Lutins is dedicated to children, featuring a Santa Claus stand, treasure hunts, face painting, and magic shows. Fabrique de Noël showcases local producers offering handcrafted goods and homemade treats. Meanwhile, Burons Gourmands tempts visitors with regional specialties ready to sample, all set to the soundtrack of live concerts on Friday evenings, including jazz, pop-rock, and gospel performances from 6:30 p.m.
A festive Christmas Parade (date TBD) winds its way from Place Delille to Place de la Victoire, concluding at Place de Jaude, where the Christmas tree and Ferris wheel continue to spread holiday cheer.
By Ze Wandering Frogs
5. Sarlat Christmas Market 2025 (Nouvelle-Aquitaine)
- When: 3 to 31 December
- Book your train tickets to Sarlat
- Where to Sleep in Sarlat
Visit the Village de Noël of Sarlat, another of the best Christmas Markets in France! Located in the Périgord Noir, Dordogne, this is the second most important Christmas Market in the region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine, and every year it honors a different country. Which country will be the guest this year?
The 70 or so wooden chalets in Sarlat are spread between Place de la Grande Rigaudie and Place du 14 Juillet, and they offer beautiful Christmas gifts and seasonal food. There is also a tavern offering regional wines (my favorite!), artisan beer, and the unmissable vin-chaud, while the more sporty will have fun at the ice rink, with soirées dance floor every Saturday.
The market also features a wonderful array of activities for all ages, such as magic shows, circus acts, live music, and Christmas stories.
6. Béthune Christmas Market 2025 (Hauts-de-France)
- When: 28 November to 28 December
- Book your train tickets to Béthune
- Where to Sleep in Béthune
Don’t miss Béthune’s Christmas Market, widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in Northern France. The Cité de Noël, set in the medieval Grand Place de Béthune and surrounded by charming historic houses and belfries, offers five enchanting weeks of wonder and magic for both locals and visitors.
For the occasion, the picturesque square is transformed into a festive village filled with wooden chalets and sparkling decorations. Here, local and regional artisans showcase their seasonal specialties, culinary delights, and unique gift ideas perfect for the holiday season.
The Cité de Noël also features plenty of attractions for children, including a carousel, ice rink, Ferris wheel, small train, creative workshops, and live concerts.
And be sure not to miss the market’s most magical moment: on the evening of December 24, Santa Claus and his elves make a spectacular descent from the top of the historic Belfry of Béthune!
7. Provins Christmas Market 2025 (Ile-de-France)
- When: 13 to 14 December
- Book your train tickets to Provins
- Where to Sleep in Provins
The medieval town of Provins celebrates the winter season with Le Marché Médiéval de Noël, a beautiful and authentic medieval Christmas market that truly captures the spirit of times past. Head to the Old Town, beautifully decorated for the occasion, and meet talented artisans dressed in period costumes as they bring centuries-old crafts and traditions back to life before your eyes.
Entertaining and authentic, the medieval Christmas Market of Provins is one of the best-themed Christmas Markets in France, and it delights young and adults. Warm up by dancing at the Medieval Ball, taste medieval products, and admire the prowess of jugglers and fire shows.
Provins is an easy day trip from Paris by train. Still, I recommend spending the night on-site to admire the unique and magical atmosphere of the market in the evening, illuminated by hundreds of candles.
8. Aix-en-Provence Christmas Market 2025 (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)
- When: 14 November to 31 December
- Book your train tickets to Aix-en-Provence
- Where to Sleep in Aix-en-Provence
The Christmas Market in the Provençal city of Aix-en-Provence runs right through from mid-November to the end of December. Spanning the entire length of Aix’s main boulevard, Cours Mirabeau, the month-long markets are a must-do if you’re staying in Aix during winter.
The iconic wooden chalets of this France Christmas Market are lavishly decorated by the artisans who occupy them and create a magical atmosphere in the city. Around 50 local producers sell their wares at the market, and it’s a fantastic place to pick up handcrafted gifts, local delicacies, and regional specialties. Grab a warm cup of vin chaud, nibble on a sugared waffle, and stroll the entire length of the Avenue before doubling back and sampling the other side!
If you need to rest your feet during your shopping, there are a number of cafés lining the street that you can settle into and indulge in a little people-watching. And of course, as the gateway to the Old Town, there are plenty more boutiques in the surrounding streets if you wish to continue your shopping journey further! Little ones are catered for too, with the usual arrangement of rides and games scattered around the Rotonde.
The market is at its liveliest in the week leading up to Christmas, so if you don’t mind the crowds (Aix doesn’t get nearly as busy as some other Christmas Markets in France), this is the best time to go. Be sure to pick up a Santon figurine that is specific to the Provence region, and sample at least one of the ‘thirteen desserts of Christmas.’
By Nadine from Le Long Weekend
9. Colmar Christmas Market 2025 (Grand Est)
- When: 25 November to 29 December
- Book your train tickets to Colmar
- Where to Sleep in Colmar
The quaint little town of Colmar is revered for its annual Colmar Christmas Market. The beloved village market squares are lined with stalls selling an array of goods.
What makes this market in Colmar exceptionally special is that Christmas is brought to life. The sound of Christmas carols fills the air, and a real-life Santa Claus can be spotted strolling the snowy streets with his donkey. The architecture in Colmar has a German touch, and alleys have canals around every corner. Witness a nativity scene that displays real livestock and visit the market at 17:00 to get a glimpse of the children’s choir.
Enjoy a culinary show followed by the creations of master restaurateurs served at the standing bar. Each stall specializes in a particular theme, featuring selections of cold meats, wines, liqueurs, and baked treats. Nearby, craft stalls showcase ceramics and pottery, with master artisans on-site ready to personalize their creations to your requests.
Venture into the decorated wine cellars to enjoy tastings and meet local winemakers. At the Musée du Jouet, discover an enchanting display of collectible toys available for purchase. From glassmakers and sculptors to jewelers, the Colmar Christmas Markets offer a feast for the senses, delighting both art lovers and food enthusiasts.
Each year, the markets draw tourists and locals alike to experience Colmar’s warm tradition of hospitality, craftsmanship, and festive spirit
By Chrysoula from Travel Passionate
10. Riquewihr Christmas Market 2025 (Grand Est)
- When: 28 November to 31 December
- Where to Sleep in Riquewihr
Riquewihr is one of the best Christmas Markets in Alsace. Each Christmas, the medieval Old Town is elaborately decorated, enticing visitors to join ‘La Magie de Noël.’
One of the prettiest Alsace villages, Riquewihr becomes a Christmas wonderland during this festive time. It oozes an ambiance of warmth and cheer, making the town atmosphere something to be enjoyed.
One of the best things to do at the Riquewhir Christmas Market is to see the illuminations on Friday and Saturday nights. The colors attract lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as half-timbered medieval buildings become illuminated.
Three things you need to try in the market are the vin chaud (mulled wine), delectable nougat cut from a massive block, and bredalas (small Christmas biscuits).
Riquewihr is your fairy-tale Christmas market with century-old traditions and Christmas illuminations, making it the perfect Christmas Market in France.
By Terry and Maura from Travel Kiwis
11. Nancy Christmas Market 2025 (Grand Est)
- When: 21 November to 4 January 2026
- Book your train tickets to Nancy
- Where to Sleep in Nancy
During the festivities of Saint-Nicolas, several Christmas Markets (named here Villages de Saint-Nicolas) settle throughout Nancy, and they largely participate in the city’s magical atmosphere.
Le Grand Village de Saint-Nicolas is Nancy’s most important Christmas Market. It is located in Place Charles III, in the Ville Neuve, and more precisely between the covered market and the San Sebastian shopping center.
Explore one of the best French Christmas Markets in Eastern France, with its more than sixty wooden stalls decorated with twinkling garlands and full of gift ideas, seasonal delicacies so typical of the region, and mulled wine.
Don’t miss the 100% craftsmen cluster in the Nancy Christmas Market, around the magnificent carousel in the heart of the Village de Saint-Nicolas!
12. Obernai Christmas Market 2025 (Grand Est)
- When: 28 November to 31 December
- Book your train tickets to Obernai
- Where to Sleep in Obernai
Close to the border with Germany, Obernai is one of Alsace’s prettiest towns. It might not be as well known as nearby Strasbourg and Colmar, but Obernai is overflowing with charm. And during the festive season, Christmas market stalls fill its cobbled streets and the half-timbered buildings are swathed with sparkling illuminations and decorations.
The Obernai Christmas Market is centered around the Place du Marché, where you’ll find a giant Christmas tree, a model village, and a Petit Train for kids. Stalls spread out into Place Neher, Place du Beffroi, and Place de l’Étoile, with the tourist office offering walking tours and biscuit-making classes.
This Alsace Christmas Market specializes in gastronomy and crafts, so look out for tasty local specialties like flammkuchen, pretzels, bredeles (Christmas biscuits), and mannele (brioche gingerbread men). And being a wine region, don’t miss the vin chaud – instead of the regular red, there’s a delicious spiced white version made with local Sylvaner wine.
By Lucy from On the Luce
12. Nice Christmas Market 2025 (Provence Alpes-Côte d’Azur)
- When: 28 November to 4 January 2026
- Book your train tickets to Nice
- Where to Sleep in Nice
The Nice Christmas Market is a must-visit attraction in Nice if you want some Christmas spirit, do some shopping, or just want to hang out somewhere with a great vibe. This Christmas Market in France, Côte d’Azur, is located in a very central location in Jardin Albert, next to the Old Town and the shore, which makes visiting it a very easy thing to do during your stay.
The market offers a delightful mix of attractions. Around 60 wooden chalets sell a wide variety of products, and a food area provides plenty of delicious options to try. There are also amusement rides, including a giant Ferris wheel that offers stunning views over the market.
If you enjoy ice skating, you’ll find a rink to glide across, and those hoping to meet Santa Claus can visit him in his cozy little house.
For children, there are special Christmas-themed shows—a hidden gem that’s easy to miss. After passing the rides toward the chalets, look for a path to the right that leads to the shows and Santa’s house.
By Sharon from Dive into Malaysia
France is truly a stunning country to explore, especially during the Christmas season. Don’t miss visiting one of the best Christmas Markets in France during your Christmas holiday!
Cover picture: Déambulation des Échassiers, Nantes Christmas Market. Photo courtesy: Métropole Nantes – Rodolphe Delaroque ©