If you celebrate Christmas, or would simply like to enjoy Christmas-oriented holiday festivities in Europe this year, little compares to the magic of a French Christmas Market. This holiday season, Winalist will help you decide where, when, and how to visit a famous Christmas market in France!
With end-of-year celebrations just around the corner, adults and children like are searching for fun activities to highlight their holiday season. During this time of year, you probably have one primary desire: to enjoy every moment with your closest loved ones. To make your holidays even brighter, you may wish to try a French Christmas market.
Winalist team has hand-picked ten magnificent Christmas markets in France you should discover this year! Each has its own historical tradition and is made more special by its surrounding culture. If you’d like to indulge in a special detour this holiday season, try visiting one of these unique Christmas markets.
For wine lovers, enthusiasts and professionals, it is great to be able to combine oenology with Christmas. That’s why Winalist suggests you visit Christmas markets that are either within or near French wine regions. Take the opportunity to meet winegrowers and even taste Christmas mulled wine while exploring cultural and historical sights!
1. Strasbourg, France Christmas markets
To kick off your holiday tour of France, be sure to stop in Alsace wine region of France to explore this region’s acclaimed Strasbourg Christmas market. Strasbourg has always been the TOP 1 Christmas market in France and is now the most famous. With 300 chalets and more than 2 million annual visitors, the capital of French wine, Alsace, is in full swing.
You can expect: hot chestnuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, musical evenings, magical shows… everything to please young and old!
There is so much to visit in this city after your visit to the Christmas market. We advise you to go to the Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral and to visit the Petite France district, both located in the city center. It has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Wine experiences in Strasbourg & surrounding areas
Additionally, the Alsace wine region is known for its excellent wine varieties. Also, after wandering in the alleays of it’s Christmas market, chose among the best wineries in Alsace to meet Alsatian winegrowers who will be happy to show you around their vineyards and present their cuvée to you. Among them, hosts such as Domaine Pierre Adam, Vin Zeysolff and many others will open their doors to you.
2. Colmar, France Christmas Market
Nestled along the border of Germany, Colmar feels like walking through a “snow-globe. In holiday season, the old town glows with half-timbered houses and canals draped in lights. Its six Christmas markets each have their own theme, from local crafts to gourmet food — ideal for families or couples.
In Colmar, the key words are “Art, Taste & Tradition“. From the squares where the Christmas markets take place, you will be amazed to notice objects and toys made by local craftsmen, and will be delighted by culinary scents that escape from food stalls.
Wine experiences in Colmar & surroundings
When you visit Colmar, you must taste their local products and visit the best wineries in Colmar. Delicious local products include foie gras, biscuits, charcuterie, mulled wines, and more. Also, don’t forget to admire the creations of local artisans, which include pottery artists, hat makers, and more.
3. Reims, France Christmas Market
Next, we suggest you’d stop in Champagne, the famous region of France where you’ll be able to experience amazing champagne tours and tastings. Visit the delightful city of Reims during your Christmas market hunt!
During end-of-year celebrations, Reims is transformed and shines with a thousand lights thanks to its decorations in emblematic places of the city. Its Christmas market are just as impressive with no less than 150 wooden chalets that extend in the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter. Wander through stalls filled with artisan gifts, local delicacies, and, of course, Champagne tastings from world-renowned houses nearby.
Don’t miss Regalia, the stunning light and sound show that illuminates Reims Cathedral with the story of royal coronations. Then, take a ride on the 50-meter Ferris wheel for sweeping views of the city and its sparkling Champagne vineyards — pure holiday magic.
Wine experiences in Reims & surroundings
Speaking of vineyards, discover the widely-acclaimed Champagne Houses that make Reims a famous destination for winetasting: Champagne Moët & Chandon, visit Champagne Veuve Clicquot, and Vranken-Pommery.
4. Paris, France Christmas markets
Paris Christmas markets are a premier way to enjoy France’s most famous city during the holidays. The legendary City of Love will enchant your next Parisian trip during a family or romantic Christmas escapade.
Paris hosts dozens of festive markets, from Tuileries Garden to La Défense and Notre-Dame Cathedrale. Enjoy gourmet food stalls, vintage carousels, and sparkling window displays along the Champs-Élysées or the Grands Boulevards.
Wine experiences in Paris & surroundings
During the winter and holiday seasons, take a moment to discover the best wineries to visit in Paris.
5. Metz, France Christmas Market
Experience the magic of Christmas at the Metz Christmas Market! Each year, the city comes alive with twinkling lights, festive music, and the scents of spiced treats and holiday delicacies. The celebrations span several key squares, including Place de la République, Place d’Armes, Place de la Comédie, Place Saint-Louis, and Place Saint-Jacques.
Facing the stunning Saint-Étienne Cathedral, hop on the giant Ferris wheel for a ride up to 55 meters. From the top, the panoramic view over Metz is simply breathtaking. Be sure to try a glass of spiced mirabelle wine, made from the region’s famous golden plums in Lorraine. And if you venture beyond the city, don’t miss the chance to explore the charming vineyards of the Pays Messin.
6. Lyon, France Christmas Market
Welcome to the “City of Lights“! Throughout December, Lyon dazzles with festive charm, not only thanks to its Christmas market but also its world-famous Festival of Lights. Each year, the city transforms into a glowing spectacle, delighting both locals and visitors from around the world.
The Christmas market at Place Carnot, with its 150 charming chalets, offers a feast for the senses: local products, artisanal treats, and winter delicacies guaranteed to warm you up on chilly December days.
Wine experiences in Lyon & surroundings
Make the most of the season by exploring Lyon’s nearby wineries. Meet passionate winegrowers, learn about their vineyards, and sample their cuvées. It’s the perfect opportunity to select the ideal bottle to impress guests at your holiday dinner back home.
7. Kaysersberg, France Christmas Market
Let’s go back to the Alsace wine region to discover more Christmas magic! Located just 12 kilometers from Colmar, Kaysersberg’s christmas market is renowned for being one of the most beautiful villages in the Alsace region and hosts a truly charming Christmas market during the holidays.
Wander among the wooden chalets and explore the nativity scene exhibition to immerse yourself in local Christmas traditions. Treat your taste buds to honey, brandy, charcuterie, and wines from the best wineries in the Kaysersberg Valley. Don’t miss the chance to sample Alsace wines both warm and chilled — a delicious way to experience the festive season!
Wine experiences in Kaysersberg & surroundings
8. Montbéliard, France Christmas Market
Tucked near the Swiss border,, the city of Montbéliard also offers a fabulous light show for the Christmas season. More than 100,000 lights are spread over the village and beautify emblematic monuments like the Château of the Wurtemberg Ducs and the Saint-Martin Temple.
This city located between Germany wineries and Switzerland wineries is enriched by legends and traditions of spreading Christmas presents to children. You will be immersed in such traditions thanks to local craftsmen and manufacturers who sell their own pieces of art including paintings, drawings, toys, wool hats, gloves, and scarves.
9. Angers, France Christmas Market
From the end of November until the end of December, Angers is another city worth visiting for its Christmas markets. In the Pays de la Loire, the Anger Christmas market is know to be one of the loveliest.
The iconic Place du Ralliement and the Grand Théâtre are all the more sublime for these winter festivities. You’ll be happy to taste local mulled-wine and spicy cider, and discover local treasures such as wooden toys and glass art, or sweet delicacies like nougats. Also be sure not to miss each years’ shows and concerts!
Wine experiences in Angers & surroundings
10. Bordeaux, France Christmas Market
Let’s head south to Bordeaux, world-famous for its wine Châteaux and vineyard tours — but also home to one of France’s most elegant Christmas markets. The Bordeaux Christmas Market takes place in the heart of the city : Place des Quinconces.
Here, you’ll find everything that makes the season sparkle: Christmas trees, handmade gifts, gourmet food, local wines, crafts, fashion, and festive decorations. It’s the perfect place to shop for unique presents or enjoy a delicious break surrounded by holiday cheer.
Wine experiences in Bordeaux & surroundings
And while you’re in the region, why not make the most of your stay? Book a wine tour in Sauternes, just outside Bordeaux, to stock up on exceptional wines for your Christmas celebrations — a perfect blend of festive spirit and fine French wine.
Good to know before visiting Christmas markets in France
When do Christmas markets start in France?
Most Christmas markets in France open in late November and run until Christmas Eve or early January, depending on the city. Exact dates can vary slightly each year, so it’s always best to check local schedules before planning your trip.
Which Christmas market in France is the biggest?
The one of Strasbourg is the biggest of them all – that’s why it is considered to be Europe’s Christmas capital city.
What can you buy at French Christmas markets?
From handcrafted ornaments and local delicacies to regional wines, cheeses, and artisanal gifts, French Christmas markets are perfect for finding authentic souvenirs and unique holiday presents. Don’t forget to taste a warm cup of vin chaud (mulled wine) as you stroll through the stalls!
