Want to know the best Christmas Markets in France to visit in 2023? I’ve got you covered.
The month of December makes us think about ice skating, mulled wine, and magical Christmas markets, but which are the best Christmas Markets in France?
Even though I live in France I still find it hard to know which one to visit. So I’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of my favourites.
From the Ferris wheel at the Tuileries Christmas Market to the wooden chalets of the Colmar Christmas Market, we’ll be covering them all.
And I’m not just featuring the big, well-known markets because you already know you want to visit those.
I’m also highlighting the hidden gems I’ve discovered since moving to France.
They are off the beaten track, where the Christmas decorations shine just as brightly but with far fewer crowds.
Ready to dive in and plan your trip to the best Christmas markets in France?
The 17 best Christmas Markets in France in 2023
People travel far and wide to enjoy a little bit of festive cheer by visiting one of the beautiful Christmas markets.
From the fabulous aroma of gingerbread to the sight of people skiing down a snowy mountain, you’ll find something for everyone at a French Christmas Market.
No 1 – Strasbourg Christmas Market 2023 (Alsace)
The Strasbourg Christmas Markets, also known as “Les Marchés de Noël de Strasbourg,” are some of the most famous and picturesque Christmas markets in Europe.
Strasbourg, often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas”, is located in the Alsace region of France and borders Germany.
Christmas takes over the entire city as they don’t have just one Christmas market, but a few spread throughout the squares in Grande Île, part of the historic centre.
The exact number can vary from year to year, but there are usually around 10 to 12 distinct markets.
Strasbourg Cathedral Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik) is the most famous and oldest set in front of the Gothic cathedral.
My favourite is in Place Kléber. It’s where the huge, 30m Christmas Tree sits along with the ice rink. I love seeing people ice skate in winter, especially at Christmas time.
But the ambience isn’t the only great thing about this market, the food is pretty damn good too.
You have to try the Choucroute Garnie, an Alsatian dish featuring sauerkraut served with a variety of sausages.
And if you want something a little lighter go with the Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée), a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a mixture of cream, onions, and bacon.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE STRASBOURG CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 24 November – 24 December, 2023
- Book your train tickets to Strasbourg >>>
- Book your flights to Strasbourg >>>
- Where to Stay in Strasbourg
- Strasbourg Christmas Market Website
No 2 – Colmar Christmas Market 2023 (Alsace)
The town of Colmar is also located in the Alsace region of France and is known as the “Capital of Alsatian Wine”.
It’s a beautiful, well-preserved old town with colourful half-timbered houses and scenic canals.
This picturesque setting makes it a perfect backdrop for the festive Christmas markets.
Colmar plays host to five Christmas markets, so less than its neighbour Strasbourg, but plenty to keep you occupied.
No 1 Marché de Noël de la Place des Dominicains: You’ll find 60+ stalls set up in front of the church, with the main feature being the beautiful stained glass window. When it’s lit up at night, it really takes your breath away.
No 2 Place Jeanne d’Arc Market: This is one of the largest and most central markets in Colmar. It features numerous stalls selling traditional Christmas crafts, decorations, and, of course, Alsatian food.
No 3 Little Venice Market: Located in the heart of Colmar’s “Little Venice” district, this market is designed specifically with kids in mind. You can even post a letter to Père Noël (Father Christmas) in the red post box.
No 4 Place de l’Ancienne Douane Market: This market is famous for its beautifully decorated wooden stalls and the stunning setting of the Old Customs House. It’s a great spot to shop for unique gifts and ornaments.
No 5 Koïfhus Market: The Koïfhus, (Customs House) is a historic building in Colmar built in 1480. It hosts a smaller indoor Christmas market. It’s a cosy place to shop for handicrafts and stay warm.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE COLMAR CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 23 November – 29 December, 2023
- Book your train tickets to Colmar
- Where to Stay in Colmar
- Colmar Christmas Market Website
No 3 – Reims Christmas Market 2023 (Marne)
Knowing that Reims is home to most of the major champagne houses, it’s the perfect place to put some sparkle into your French Christmas experience.
Just a short 45-minute train journey from Paris, you could enjoy the Christmas markets that both cities have to offer.
Not to mention that Reims is the 3rd largest Christmas market in France, with over 1.5 million visitors each year.
The wow factor of this market is definitely Rêve de Couleurs (Dream of Colours). It’s a spectacular light show set to a dramatic musical score. Done at night, it lights up the Gothic cathedral so you can see it for miles around.
There is also a fun fair with over 80 rides, a beautiful nativity scene in the Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral and a huge Ferris wheel to take in the sights.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE REIMS CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 24 November – 24 December 2023
- Book your train tickets to Reims
- Where to Stay in Reims
- Reims Christmas Market Website
No 4 – Annecy Christmas Market 2023 (Haute-Savoie)
Xmas in the Alps (Noël des Alpes) is magical, and in Annecy, it’s the largest event in their annual calendar, with around half a million people flocking into the region.
Against a backdrop of snowcapped mountains, there are three main Christmas markets to visit:
- Marché de Noël du Vieil Annecy – Here, you’ll find 80 or so stalls, or chalets, set up around the churches of St. François-de-Sales and St. Maurice in the old town.
- Village des Alpes – This is where you’ll find the ice skating rink, complete with a DJ and stage for live music on François de Menthon with wooden chalets all around.
- Village des Artisans – A smaller market with arts and crafts right in front of the big Christmas tree
But one of the most spectacular things to see is the sound and light show projected onto the Hotel de Ville.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE ANNECY CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 18 November 2023 – 1 January 2024
- Book your train tickets to Annecy
- Where to Stay in Annecy
- Annecy Christmas Market Website
No 5 – The Tuileries Christmas Markets 2023 (Paris)
Visiting the city of lights at Christmas is like a dream come true and like stepping into a scene from a movie.
Paris has plenty of Christmas markets for you to enjoy, but I think my favourite has to be the Tuileries Christmas Market.
I’m a sucker for an ice rink, which this one has, and I love the fact it’s a fun fair and Christmas market combined.
All in all, there are probably around 20+ markets if you include the popup ones, so lots to choose from.
The other one I like is at the front of the Hotel de Ville, where they usually have a carousel. It’s festive and very pretty, with all the usual trimmings you’d expect to see.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE TUILERIES CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 18 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
- Book your train tickets to Paris
- Book your flights to Paris
- Where to Stay in Paris
No 6 – Bordeaux Christmas Market 2023 (Aquitaine)
Best known for its wine, Bordeaux knows how to put on a show at Christmas, with or without snow.Several markets spring up around the city, but the biggest, without a doubt, is Marché de Noël de Bordeaux.
There are around 150 stalls selling everything you can think of including toys, decorations, handmade goods, local produce, and of course, plenty of yummy treats and vin chaud (mulled wine).
They also have lots of great workshops for kids and adults alike, most of which are free, so it’s always best to book in advance.
And then there is the entertainment. They have a variety of musical groups singing Christmas carols and other types of music, plus the usual face painting, juggling, clowns and even a battle reenactment.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE BORDEAUX CHRISTMAS MARKET
- Book your train tickets to Bordeaux
- Book your flights to Bordeaux
- Where to Stay in Bordeaux
- Bordeaux Christmas Market Website
No 7 – Lyon Christmas Market 2023 Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
If you love light shows then this is the place to be from the 7-10 of December 2023. The Fête des Lumiere (Festival of Light), is a sound and light extravaganza.
The city is lit up with 80 huge light installations designed by artists from around the world, turning Lyon into a showcase city.
It’s perfect for the festive season.
There are two Christmas markets in Lyon to enjoy. The oldest is held in the heart of this university city at Place Carnot. There are 135+ wooden chalets set up where you’ll find all the usual Christmas fare.
The second is a covered market at Place de la Croix-Rousse with about 40 chalets showcasing artisan arts and crafts.
Remember to try Praluline, a brioche with a filling of pink sugared almonds originating from Lyon. And Saucisson Chaud, a fat sausage served in a baguette which is very much of the Lyonnaise street food scene.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE LYON CHRISTMAS MARKET
- Market TBC | Festival of Lights 7 – 10 December 2023
- Book your train tickets to Lyon
- Book your flights to Lyon
- Where to Stay in Lyon
No 8 – Metz Christmas Market 2023 (Lorraine Grand Est)
Just a 90-minute trip from Strasbourg the Metz Christmas Market is the 2nd largest in France and is spread over five different locations.
- Place Saint Louis – This is where the original Christmas Market was situated and is home to the medieval buildings that make Metz so historic.
- Place de la République – Home to the outdoor ice skating rink and the iconic Xmas pyramid.
- Place d’Armes – Go here if you’d like a ride on the Ferris Wheel
- Place Saint-Jacques – The beautiful Christmas village and merry-go-round can be found here. You’ll also find lots of lovely cafes here too.
- Place de la Comédie – You’ll find a fabulous gourmet market here which is heaven for a foodie like me.
And don’t forget to go to Place de Chambre where you’ll see about twenty heated see-through bubbles that form the igloo village. It’s so much fun!
Finally, there is the “Sentier des Lanternes” (lantern-lit path) which sits on the Moselle River.
You can stroll along in the evening and come face to face with different characters who bring the walk to life.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE METZ CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 24 November – 30 December, 2023
- Book your train tickets to Metz
- Where to Stay in Metz
- Metz Christmas Market Website
No 9 – Lille Christmas Market 2023 (Nord)
This is one of the smaller Christmas markets but they still get nearly a million visitors each year. At the centre of it all is the Ferris Wheel in the Grand Place providing fabulous views of this historic old city.
The main market is held at Place Rihour with 87 stalls featuring regional products and those from further afield.
Take a walk to the Place du Théâtre to see the vintage carousel and take the Christmas Train from Place Richebé that starts every day at 2 pm.
Don’t forget to try some of the regional food as well. Being so close to the Belgium border there is definitely a flemish influence. Some to look out for are Meert gaufres, potjevleesch and Carbonade flamande.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE LILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 15 November – 31 December, 2023
- Book your train tickets to Lille
- Where to Stay in Lille
No 10 – Nantes Christmas Market 2023 (Loire-Atlantique)
As the largest Christmas Market in western France, it certainly has something to live up to and it doesn’t disappoint.
There are two markets both within walking distance of each other on Place du Commerce and Place Royale with 100+ stalls set up. You’ll find all the usual culprits including a beautiful carousel, plenty of gingerbread and lots of mulled wine.
Everything kicks off at the inauguration event and this is where they put their creativity to good use. A parade of white stilt walkers kicks everything off and it’s quite a sight to see.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE NANTE CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 23 November – 30 December, 2023
- Book your train tickets to Nantes
- Book your flights to Nantes
- Where to Stay in Nantes
- Nantes Christmas Market Website
No 11 – Rouen Christmas Market 2023 (Normandy)
It’s the capital of Normandy and is where Joan of Arc was condemned to death. Not very Christmassy, I know, but it’s a historic city with a story to tell.
The market is known as Rouen Givrée and is held on Place de la Cathédrale in front of the Gothic cathedral. The 42 stalls feature only artisans from the Normandy region, which I rather like.
On Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, Father Christmas is available for visits between 2-7 p.m.
As is popular with so many French Christmas markets, there is a gorgeous vintage carousel at the foot of the cathedral.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE ROUEN CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 23 November – 24 December, 2023
- Book your train tickets to Rouen
- Where to Stay in Rouen
- Rouen Christmas Market Website
N0 12 – Sarlat Christmas Market 2023 (Dordogne)
Sarlat, or Sarlat-la-Canéda to give the town its full name, is one of the prettiest mediaeval villages in the Dordogne region.
And at Christmas, they take things up a notch with not one but two covered ice rinks in Place de la Grande Rigaudie and over 70 stalls for you to enjoy.
Its beautiful cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings are the perfect backdrop for the Christmas market.
Each year, Sarlat showcases Christmas in a different country. In 2022, it was Ireland, and we’ll have to wait and see which country is on show for 2023.
At the entrance to the market, you’ll find some boards set up for the obligatory selfie and a post box for your Santa letters.
All the activities are free, and it’s like something out of a Christmas movie, as they even have a horse-drawn carriage for you to ride in.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE SARLAT CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 6 – 31 December 2023
- Where to Stay in Sarlat
- Sarlat Christmas Market Website
No 13 – Carcassonne Christmas Market 2023 (Aude)
I’m probably biassed here because I fell in love with Carcassonne a few years ago when I read the Kate Mosse books. But Carcassonne at Christmas is another level.
It’s the most magical place I’ve ever been to.
Seeing the citadel lit up even more than usual takes your breath away. It’s no wonder they call it Le Magie de Noël, the magic of Christmas.
Enjoy the panoramic views of the Canal du Midi from the Ferris wheel at Santa Claus Park, on square André Chenier.
Tuck into a crispy churro or waffle by the side of the ice rink at Place Carnot, and wander around the wooden chalets filled with Christmas goodies.
It all starts with the Feast Day of St. Nicholas on December 6th, which is usually the day the markets open. La Marche aux Flambeaux, a torchlight march, sees hundreds of people take to the streets carrying torches.
Many of them are in Medieval costumes, and they march from La Cité to La Bastide’s Place Carnot.
The pièce de résistance is Le Rooftop de Noël, Carcassonne’s Christmas Sky Bar with stunning views of La Cité.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE CARCASSONNE CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 6 – 31 December 2023
- Where to Stay in Carcassonne
- Carcassonne Christmas Market Website
No 14 – Riquewihr Christmas Market 2023 (Alsace)
As the inspiration for Belle’s hometown in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Riquewihr is like stepping into the pages of a fairytale book.
And during the festive period, it gets even better by giving you a glimpse into a real Alsatian Christmas.
The traditional Christmas market is set against a backdrop of medieval half-timbered buildings and snowcapped mountains.
Every Friday and Saturday night the old buildings are illuminated in a fabulous display of colour, showcasing the town’s historic architecture.
And don’t forget to taste some of the local produce, especially the Bredelas, a selection of lovely little biscuits.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE RIQUEWIHR CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 25 November to 21 December 2023
- Where to Stay in Riquewihr
- Riquewihr Christmas Market Website
No 15 – Arras Christmas Market
Arras rolls out the red carpet for their Christmas market quite literally, as it’s carpeted in red and held on the beautiful Grand’Place.
The flemish-style buildings are lit up with thousands of lights, and the 140+ stalls, are surrounded by hundreds of Christmas trees.
The traditional carousel shares the stage with the ice rink and sledge run, providing amusement for the whole family.
And if you love oysters, the Winter Bar serves them a glass of champagne to wash them down.
On Place des Héros, the light show floods the belfry, and you can see Father Christmas climbing down to deliver his presents, it’s quite a sight.
And a favourite for the kids is Elves’ Village on the Place du Théâtre.
THE IMPORTANT DETAILS OF THE ARRAS CHRISTMAS MARKET
- 24 November to 30 December 2023
- Book your train tickets to Arras
- Where to Stay in Arras
- Arras Christmas Market Website
The Christmas in France Guide
The Oldest Christmas Market in France
The oldest Christmas Market dates back to 1570 and is in the beautiful city of Strasbourg, the capital of Christmas.
The market, known as Christkindelsmärik, began as a one-day event to allow citizens to stock up on supplies for the harsh winter.
Over the centuries, it has grown in size and duration, transforming into the month-long celebration it is today.
Despite challenges such as the plague in the 17th century and World War II in the 20th century, the market persisted and evolved, becoming an integral part of the city’s cultural identity.
What makes French Christmas Markets so special
In France, Christmas Markets have become an institution that marks the start of Advent.
They spring up all over the country in the last week of November and are like little self-contained twinking villages.
They make December in France a wonderful month.
