9 Best Christmas Markets in Paris

Visiting a Paris Christmas Market is an enchanting way to experience the holiday spirit during the wintry days in the City of Light. As you explore the bustling streets adorned with twinkling lights and ornate Christmas trees, you’ll quickly discover the festive charm of a Parisian Christmas that awakens the senses and adds a special touch to the magical seasonal atmosphere.

Originating in medieval Alsace and Germany, these unique markets, featuring Swiss-style wooden chalets, have entered the heart of the French capital. Follow along with the Parisians and indulge in the warm aroma of hot mulled wine, the enticing flavors of roasted chestnuts, and the rich delights of sausages, cheese, and chocolates as you browse the arts and crafts, holiday decorations, and unique gifts offered by local artisans.

With about 15-20 larger Christmas markets and numerous smaller neighborhood ones popping up across the city, you’ll immerse yourself in the lively and joyful Parisian holiday spirit as you take in the dazzling sights and delights of the festive season.

Is the Jardin de Tuileries the Best Christmas Market in Paris? #paris

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Biggest, Best, & Most Spectacular Paris Christmas Markets

If you’re looking for seasonal enchantment in the City of Light, these 9 Christmas markets will captivate and delight you. Visiting during the festive season is a heartwarming experience that will immerse you in the magic and charm of Paris.

1. The Magic of Christmas at Tuileries Garden

This colossal Christmas market near the Louvre is the largest in Paris, spanning the entire north edge of the Tuileries Garden. A delightful mix of carnival and market, it attracts over 13 million visitors annually. Fun, food, and entertainment await, with a huge Ferris wheel below, an ice-skating rink, a Champagne bar, and numerous chalets offering French-produced delicacies, artisan crafts, and gifts.

2. Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani

Located on the Left Bank’s Quai Montebello across the Seine from the Notre-Dame Cathedral, this picture-perfect market offers hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, and occasional musical performances. Known for high-quality arts and artisan crafts made in France, it also offers a fantastic selection of unique clothing, accessories, gourmet foods, and more.

3. Montmartre Christmas Market at Place des Abbesses

This small but charming market in the heart of Montmartre is a perfect escape from larger crowds. Local artisans and designers showcase their creations while traditional fare, specialty cheeses, and bubbly Champagne can be enjoyed. Children can delight in a brightly lit carousel and occasional appearances by Père Noël.

From Montmartre, don’t forget to explore the exquisite Sacré-Coeur Basilica and its stunning city views.

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4. Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market

This delightful market near the city’s town hall features 70 chalets featuring local artisans, gourmet foods, and traditional Christmas items. You can also enjoy ice skating on the temporary rink outside the Hôtel de Ville.

5. La Défense Christmas Market

Just west of Paris in the business district of La Défense, this market features over 350 chalets selling an array of artisanal products and fancy gourmet foods and treats from numerous countries.

6. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market

The elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés district hosts a charming Christmas market featuring dozens of chalets with high-quality offerings, such as food gifts, cashmere crafts, regional delicacies, and exquisite ornaments.

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7. Notre-Dame Christmas Market (4th Arrondissement)

This scenic Christmas market near the historic Notre Dame Cathedral features a range of unique, handmade gifts and holiday-themed items perfect for the season.

8. Eiffel Tower Christmas Market

As the name suggests, this market near the Eiffel Tower boasts stunning views while offering international delights, including crafts and gourmet food. Glide on the nearby ice-skating rink for an unforgettable Parisian experience.

9. Abbesses Christmas Market

At the foot of Montmartre, this cozy market is a must-visit for handcrafted items, honey from Paris, unique fashion, and jewelry. Perfect for kids, there’s a brightly lit carousel and weekend visits from Père de Noël himself.

Each of these Paris Christmas markets holds its charm and unique offerings, making them great shopping destinations and unmissable cultural experiences during the festive season.

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Paris Christmas Markets: A Comprehensive Guide

What Is the Best Christmas Market in Paris?

Selecting the best Christmas market in Paris might be challenging, given the plethora of amazing Marchés de Noël available. However, here are some top-notch options that cater to various interests and preferences:

• For Fun Seekers: La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden. Imagine a Christmas-themed carnival with delicious food – sounds irresistible, right?
• For Families: Notre-Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani. The friendly Santa Claus characters and the relaxed atmosphere make this market perfect for children, while the stunning view of the nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral adds to the magic.
• For Upscale Shoppers: Saint-Germain Christmas Market. This market attracts vendors offering high-quality goods, regional specialty foods, and wine, catering to the city’s refined residents and tourists.
• For One-Stop Shopping: The La Défense Christmas Market. Just 7-8 minutes away from Paris by metro, this market features 150 stalls filled with all kinds of holiday decor and ornaments, as well as tasty dishes like paella, raclette, and tartiflette, among others.
• For a Beautiful Experience: Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market. The twinkling lights, the illuminated Christmas trees, and the enchanting snowflakes across the historic Paris City Hall create a breathtaking atmosphere that truly captures the holiday spirit.
• For a Friendly Neighborhood Vibe: Place des Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre. This market offers a delightful combination of holiday foods, lovely gifts, beautiful surroundings, and amiable local visitors. The music performances by local artists add an extra-special touch.
• For Iconic Views: Eiffel Tower Christmas Village. Complete with Christmas trees, faux snow, and delicious cuisine, this market’s real highlight is the unforgettable Eiffel Tower backdrop.

Although the best Christmas market in Paris depends on one’s preferences, these recommendations cover various aspects of the best Christmas markets this season, from entertainment and festive decorations to winter delights and Santa Claus appearances. No matter the choice, each market offers a unique way to enjoy the festive season and embrace the holiday spirit in the City of Lights.

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Paris Hotels for Your Christmas Market Visit

Stay near popular Christmas markets to fulfill your holiday shopping needs. Find gifts, clothing, accessories, arts and crafts, leather, paintings, scented candles, high-quality jewelry, and handmade items made in France. Enjoy the convenience and charm of nearby hotels!

Where to Find More Christmas Markets

Christmas Market at the Saint-Michel Fountain

This market occurs under a big tent near the Gare de l’Est train station during the first few weeks of December. With around 15-20 Alsatian artisans, you can expect traditional Alsatian food, free tastings, and a delightful atmosphere.

La Villette Park Christmas Market

Located at La Grande Halle, across from the Philharmonie concert hall, this festive market opens in early December and stays until Christmas Eve. With a small but growing market filled with holiday essentials and foodie gifts, it’s a perfect spot to grab a drink and mingle with locals.

Christmas Market at Saint-Lazare Station

This modern market at Gare Saint-Lazare features a Disney and Lego theme and even has a Champagne bar.

Saint-Sulpice Christmas Market

This market is in the Luxembourg neighborhood and is open from early December through Christmas Eve. Sometimes, an Alpine ski rink even pops up here for festive fun!

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Cluny Museum Christmas Chalets

Near the Cluny Museum, this Latin Quarter market consists of food stalls and about a dozen chalets with regional delicacies and artisan chocolates. Stop by after work for hot mulled wine or hot chocolate.

Trocadéro Christmas Village

This market occurs in or near the Palace of Chaillot and typically runs from mid-December through early January, but not every year.

Christmas Market at the Feeries d’Anteuil (To Be Confirmed)

A small market that supports disadvantaged Parisian children with charity profits, this market usually runs nine days in early December.

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Montparnasse Christmas Market

A small selection of chalets near the train station offers gift items and treats like roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and mulled wine.

Bercy Village Christmas Market & Holiday Lights

With a spectacular light display from mid-November through mid-January at Bercy Village, this market offers a unique experience.

Pompidou Center Christmas Market

Located across from Centre Pompidou, this market usually runs for a month from December to just after the New Year.

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15th Arrondissement Town Hall Christmas Market

Held at the Hotel de Ville’s courtyard, this market offers various regional specialties, crafts, jewelry, and free activities, usually leading up to Christmas for around 10 days.

Sacre Coeur Christmas Market

A small, occasional flea market, with just a handful of chalets, can be found next to the carousel near Sacre Coeur.

Marché de Noel at Place d’Italie

Offering around 20 chalets, this market at the Italie 2 shopping center usually occurs from early December through Christmas Eve.

Champ de Mars / Quai Branly / Eiffel Tower Christmas Market

The location of this market varies, but the food offerings are outstanding, including paella. The Eiffel Tower is the star attraction during the nightly light show. The market typically takes place during the last two weeks of December and early January.

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Pop-Up Stalls Selling Holiday Fare

Possible Pop-Up Market Locations

Pop-up Christmas markets are smaller, often themed markets that operate for just a few days each season. In some areas, neighborhood pop-up stalls may also make an appearance. For example, near Galeries Lafayette on Blvd Haussmann, one can find luxury goods such as perfume, designer scarves, and fine leather gloves.

Even regularly held Parisian street markets expand their offerings during the holiday season—like the cozy Marché Saint-Honoré in the 1st Arrondissement, where one can find knit garments, fancy confits, and jewelry.

Where to (Perhaps) Discover a Pop-Up Market

Due to their transient nature, pop-up Christmas markets can be challenging to locate if you’re not a local. However, the Halle des Blancs Manteau (48 Rue Vielle du Temple, 4th Arrondissement), an old covered market in the Marais dating back to the early 1800s, is a promising spot to find one.

The Marais offers many shopping opportunities even if a pop-up market isn’t in progress. Alternatively, venture a few blocks further to Village Saint-Paul and embrace the selection of shops amidst the ongoing reconstruction.

These bustling pop-up markets and expanded street markets tempt visitors with wooden chalets brimming with holiday treats. Indulge in mulled wine (vin chaud), chocolate, cheese, pretzels, roasted chestnuts, sausages, gingerbread, and a champagne bar. Feast on foie gras, Alsatian specialties, and free tastings of chocolates and candies. For those craving something hot and savory, watch for onion soup.

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Dates for the Parisian Christmas Markets

Larger Christmas markets in Paris generally open in mid-to-late November or early December. Their closing dates range from right before or after Christmas until New Year’s Eve or early January. Smaller markets tend to open in mid-December, while pop-up markets only last 1-3 days.

Since the opening and closing dates tend to change each year, it is advisable to check event calendars for the specific year. Some popular markets include the Tuileries Christmas Market and the Christmas Market near the Eiffel Tower.

In addition to these holiday markets, there are numerous other activities and events in Paris for visitors and locals to enjoy.

Related Resources: 

• Best Paris Souvenirs to Buy For Memorable Keepsakes
• Is Paris Expensive? A Clear Analysis for Curious Travelers
• These Are The Most Essential Experiences in France for Travelers
• One-Day in Paris Itinerary: How to Spend a Day

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