We all hear about how terrific it is to visit Paris in the spring. While that may be true, Christmas is also a great time to see the city.

Paris really lights up during the holiday season and this is largely due to its fantastic holiday markets. They fill the streets with an air of nostalgia that simply can’t be denied. They are great for finding unique items and engaging in delightful seasonal activities.

If you plan on seeing the city during the holiday season, here are some Christmas markets you won’t want to miss.

Paris Market at Hotel De Ville

The Paris Market at Hotel De Ville is known as one of the most beautiful markets in the city. Projections create a light show of falling snowflakes against the blue background of the building’s façade. The 30 - - 40 chalets are placed among an enchanted forest creating a magical experience as you stroll through.

Kids can enjoy carousel rides and other family-oriented activities and adults can find delicious seasonal goods like mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, Nutella drizzled crepes, raclette and more. Santa will be on hand as well.

Paris Christmas Market at Canopee des Halles

Canopee des Halles was once known as the largest Christmas market in Paris, but it has since shrunk in size containing only 20 stalls. However, it makes a great addition to the Forum des Halles shopping mall that it sits directly in front of. It’s an ideal place to find sausages, Belgium waffles, mulled wine and other seasonal specialties. It also boasts an enormous, sparkling Christmas tree.

The Magic of Christmas (La Magie de Noel) at Tulieries Garden

The Magic of Christmas Market is located next to the Louvre and is an extension of the former Champs – Elysees Christmas Market. It stretches along the north side of the garden from Rue des Pyramides to Place de la Concord making it the biggest in the city. It’s half carnival, half market. Beyond being the biggest in the city, it’s also the most popular attracting about 10 million visitors every year.

The market features a huge Ferris wheel, bumper cars, fun houses and a small ice-skating rink. It also offers a Champagne Bar and specialty foods like onion soup and milled wine. It’s a terrific place to find artisan gifts.

True to its name, the market is spectacularly decorated with plastic reindeer, Santa and glittering lights.

Paris Notre Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani

The Paris Notre Dame Christmas Market may be the most picturesque in the city. It’s located across the Seine from the famous cathedral in Square Viviani on the Left Bank’s Quai Montebello. It is set against the backdrop of Notre Dame’s medieval towers making the atmosphere truly magical.

The market is a great place to find gourmet foods, hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and artisan arts and crafts. There are occasional music performances and frequent appearances by Santa.

Place de Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmarte

The Place de Abbesses Christmas Market is located next to the Place des Abbesses Metro Station, one of the most scenic locations in Paris. It contains 15 – 20 chalets in total, so it is rather small, but it is quite charming.

It’s a great place to find mulled wine, hot chestnuts and traditional fare like escargot, sauteed mushrooms and raclette. There are also plenty of artisan goods. Adults can enjoy the Champagne Bar while children can ride on the carousel and visit with Santa.

The market is ideal for those who want to get the authentic holiday experience while avoiding big crowds.

Saint Germain Des Pres Christmas Market

The Saint Germain des Pres Christmas Market is located next to the St. Germain des Pres Church. It contains about 40 chalets. Its an ideal destination for luxury items like fine leather goods, upscale jewelry, scented candles, gourmet chocolates and gastronomy products.

La Defense Marche de Noel

This Christmas market runs along the Esplanade at La Defense and boasts around 350 chalets. The nearby holiday decorations on the Esplanade provide a festive ambiance. It’s a terrific destination for everything from trinkets to high quality jewelry and leather goods. It many food booths serve Alsatian fare and Spanish style paella.

While browsing the stalls, you’ll find many unique goods that aren’t available at other markets. These include Santa costumes, stuffed animals, seasonal fruits, French candies, freshly baked gingerbread, antique, books, fine paintings, Christmas decorations and finely details nativity figures. The market is also terrific for kids as there are several Santas who will pose for photos and a small petting zoo.

Trocadero Christmas Market

The Trocadero Christmas market starts at the foot of the Eiffel Tower so you can gaze upon the spectacular French landmark as you shop. This is especially delightful considering the façade of the building serves as the site of an hourly light show hosted especially for the Christmas season.

Les Feeries d’Auteil

This Christmas market is a great place to find local artisan goods. It even contains a flea market where you can find all sorts of trinkets. Shoppers will have a chance to purchase, jewelry, hats, bags, books, home décor items, nativity figures and tree decorations while browsing through an array of lovely street displays. Children will have fun seeing the magic shows, riding the fairground rides and checking out the nativity performances.

Paris is a great city to visit, but you really can’t go wrong when you stop by in time to see its many Christmas markets. Now that you know which ones to hit, you’re ready for your trip. What will you be purchasing during your holiday getaway?

Read more of A Christmas Blog or Shop Now at Schmidt Christmas Market