Picture this: You’re standing in a two-hour line to climb the Eiffel Tower, shivering in the cold Parisian winter. Been there, done that! But what if I told you there’s a way to experience France that’ll warm your heart faster than a cup of vin chaud? Forget the tourist traps – it’s time to dive into the enchanting world of French Christmas markets!
When I first moved to France a decade ago, I landed in a city I couldn’t even pronounce (hello, Clermont-Ferrand!). Talk about a leap of faith! But you know what? It was in those lesser-known corners of “la région” – as Parisians call anything outside their beloved capital – where I discovered the true magic of French culture. And let me tell you, experiencing a French Christmas market for the first time? It hits different!
Did you know that the Strasbourg Christmas market, dating back to 1570, is one of the oldest in Europe? It’s like stepping into a real-life fairy tale! So, grab your coziest scarf and let’s embark on a journey to plan the ultimate French Christmas market adventure. Trust me, by the end of this guide, you’ll be saying “au revoir” to those Eiffel Tower queues and “bonjour” to the festive wonders of France’s heartland!
Choosing Your Christmas Market Destinations
First thing first ! You might already know, but the French country is made of many, many small reagions that have their own soul, tradition and… Christmas markets! To be sure that this trip will be perfectly suitable for you, it’s a must to consider factors like market size, local specialities and unique attractions. There are a diversity of French Christmas markets: from the Alsatian charm (the ones you find on the first page of google), to the Provençal traditional ones. Usually people choose the must-visit markets, the ones that are the most known, like Strasbourg, Colmar or Lyon but hidden gems are just waiting to be found in smaller towns.
I think the best way to go is to balance popular markets with off-the-beaten-path options, for a well rounded experiece. Let’s dive in, keep reading to get the full tips on how to creat a route that maximeizes your Christmas market adventure !
When to Go: Timing Your French Christmas Market Trip
Christmas markets are opening in late November and usually stay open until Christmas day. Most of them will close on the day in question (25th of December) because the french higly value family time. Here, Christmas is entirely a family moment, so for most of them it would be unimaginable to work during this day ! In the big cities, like Strasbourg, you can find markets that stay open until early January. The peak ‘season’ would be in between the 10th of december and until the Christmas day. This is the moment that not only tourists go on gingerbread hunt, the french people are present too!
That being said, the pros of visiting during peak time would be, obviously, that you get to enjoy that Christmas feeling right at the good moment, just days before the actual Christmas time. It’s perfect, right? The downside would be the crowds and the stretched timing. If, for example, you prefer waiting for this trip to get your christmas presents, things could get really complicated if you couldn’t find that perfect gift at your favourite Christmas market and would have to improvise to get something fast, before the season it’s on. I am talking from experience ! This gets us to the cons of visiting during the quieter periods, when not only you get the place (almost) for yourself, but you actually feel that you get an early Christmas ! Because you can actually sing All I want for Christmas…. on your way to a french Christmas market !
Visiting in late november or early december has other benefits, like being able to plan around special events and festivals that take place at this time of the year.
Lyon’s Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) is an annual event held in early December, usually around the 8th of the month, and it spans four days. This magical celebration transforms the city into a luminous spectacle with stunning light installations and projections across landmarks, streets, and squares. The festival began as a religious tradition honoring the Virgin Mary and has evolved into a world-famous cultural event attracting millions of visitors.This year, the Fête des Lumières is scheduled for December 5–8, 2024.
The “Harry Potter: Forbidden Forest Experience” takes place in Montauban, France, from October 17, 2024, to December 15, 2024. This immersive event allows visitors to explore a magical forest filled with enchanting creatures and interactive elements from the Wizarding World. The experience is family-friendly, accessible to people with reduced mobility, and designed with minimal environmental impact by using existing trails. Tickets are available via the Fever app and must be purchased in advance (you can find them here : Forbidden Forest Experience).
Transportation: Navigating Your Way Through Festive France
To plan the perfect Christmas market voyage, there are a lot of options for getting around: trains, buses, rental cars and guided tours.
The train might be the best one, if you choose to visit outisde the peak season. One thing that is know in France is that the train company, SNCF, is always on strike at Christmas ! So I would not recommend taking a train with them after the 20th of December. Anytime before, or after the Holidays, the train is your perfect bet! Just be sure to reserve well in advance! You can find their website here.
Another great way to travel around France is Flixbus or Blablacar. Both are largely used. I use them every now and then and I never had any problem. In fact, if you do the Toulouse to Orlean route, we might cross roads as I often propose a blablacar trip!
I use these tools to compare fares and find good travel options:
If public transportation is not an option for you, you can rent a car or opt for group tours. Renting a car is not a truble during summer, but if you are comming in winter, you absolutly need to pay attention to the weather forecast. Just the idea of snow makes the french people panic ! So if there is even the smallest hint of snow on the roads, you need to be prepare with patience!! Really, not joking.
Top 10 Christmas markets across France
with accommodation options
Strasbourg Christmas Market (Alsace)
The most famous and one of the oldest in Europe, the “Christkindelsmärik” in Strasbourg dates back to 1570. It features over 300 chalets across the city’s historic center, with a focus on traditional Alsatian decorations, food, and crafts.
Dates: November 22 – December 24, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Hôtel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery
This hotel is located within walking distance of the Christmas market (just in case you forgot your best boots!). It’s a perfect combination of traditional Alsatian architecture (with that cosy Christmas feeling) and modern comfort. A nice choice !
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Hôtel Cathédrale
Located just steps away from the famous Strasbourg Cathedral and market, this 3-star hotel offers a cozy stay with rooms starting under €130 per night.
Colmar Christmas Market (Alsace)
Colmar transforms into a fairy-tale town with its picturesque half-timbered houses and canals. This market is divided into five themed areas, each offering unique crafts, local wine, and gourmet food.
Dates: November 22 – December 29, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Hôtel le Colombier
Situated in the heart of Colmar’s old town, this boutique hotel is perfect choixe if you wish to be right in the middle of a Christmas fairy tale !
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Ibis Styles Colmar Centre
A budget-friendly option in Colmar’s historic center, this hotel offers modern rooms with breakfast included, for under €130 per night.
Lille Christmas Market (Nord-Pas-de-Calais)
Located near the Belgian border, Lille’s market is known for its warm atmosphere and over 90 wooden chalets offering a mix of French and international products. A giant Ferris wheel provides panoramic views of the city’s festive decorations.
Dates: November 22 – December 30, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Grand Hotel Bellevue
Overlooking the Grand Place, this hotel is a short walk from Lille’s Christmas market and offers a stylish, classic French setting.
The one that doesn’t break the bank: ibis Lille Centre Grand Place
This one checks a lot of boxes: affordable, good location, comfortable rooms and easy access to the Christmas market.
Reims Christmas Market (Champagne-Ardenne)
In the heart of the Champagne region, Reims’ Christmas market hosts 140 chalets offering regional specialties, including Champagne tastings and gingerbread. Its market is set near the city’s stunning Gothic cathedral.
Dates: November 22 – December 30, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Domaine Les Crayères
This luxorious château hotel located near the market is a dream come true, especially if this is your first time in France. Perfect blend of Christmas and french taste.
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Hôtel Cecyl Reims Centre
This art deco hotel is centrally located, just a short walk from the Reims Christmas market, and offers rooms starting under €130 per night.
Lyon Christmas Market (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Held in the Place Carnot, Lyon’s market offers a mix of regional products and international crafts. Lyon is also home to the spectacular Fête des Lumières in December, where the entire city is illuminated with artistic light displays.
Dates: November 23 – December 24, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Villa Florentine
A five-star hotel in the heart of Lyon’s old town, it offers incredible views over the city and easy access to both the market and the Fête des Lumières.
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Campanile Lyon Centre – Gare Part-Dieu
Offering affordable rooms in a convenient location near the Part-Dieu train station and a metro ride away from the Christmas market, this hotel is a great option under €130 per night.
Paris – La Défense Christmas Market (Île-de-France)
Ah, Paris! If the city of lights it’s not a good option for Christmas, then I don’t know what is! Paris hosts several Christmas markets, but La Défense’s is the largest. With over 300 chalets, it features crafts from around the world and plenty of food options, from raclette to roasted chestnuts.
Dates: November 27 – December 29, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Hotel Eiffel Trocadéro
If you are looking for that perfect Paris experience with an Eiffel Tower morning (who say’s we can’t admire it even if we come for Christmas purposes?), this is the right place for you. Just look at that view!
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Aparthotel Adagio Access La Défense Léonard de Vinci
This aparthotel offers budget-friendly accommodations with kitchenettes, ideal for a longer stay. It’s located close to the La Défense Christmas market, with prices under €130 per night.
Annecy Christmas Market (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes)
Known as the “Venice of the Alps,” Annecy offers a magical Christmas setting with its canals and mountain backdrop. The market features local artisans, ice skating, and regional food like fondue and tartiflette.
Dates: November 30 – January 5, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Hôtel des Alpes
A cozy hotel close to Annecy’s old town and market, offering charming accommodations in the picturesque city center.
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville
This budget-friendly hotel offers easy access to Annecy’s old town and Christmas market, with rooms starting under €130 per night.
Montbéliard Christmas Market (Bourgogne-Franche-Comté)
This lesser-known market is one of France’s most charming. Known for its warm ambiance and beautifully lit streets, Montbéliard offers local crafts and regional specialties, with a focus on artisanal products.
Dates: November 30 – December 24, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Hôtel Bristol Montbéliard Centre
This elegant hotel in the center of Montbéliard is a short walk to the Christmas market and the town’s main attractions.
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Ibis Budget Montbéliard
Looking for a no-fuss, budget-friendly spot to crash after a day of festive fun? This hotel has you covered! Cozy, simple rooms at wallet-friendly prices—typically starting from €60 to €90 depending on how lucky you are with the dates. It’s super close to Montbéliard’s Christmas market, so you’ll be sipping hot chocolate and buying artisanal goodies in no time. Plus, you won’t have to blow your holiday budget just to get a good night’s sleep. Ideal for anyone who loves a good deal and wants to be in the heart of the festive action!
Aix-en-Provence Christmas Market (Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)
Known for its traditional Provençal Christmas figures, “santons,” Aix’s market showcases crafts and culinary delights like calissons (a local almond-based confection). Its tree-lined Cours Mirabeau is beautifully illuminated during the holiday season.
Dates: November 20 – December 31, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Renaissance Aix-en-Provence Hotel
A modern, five-star hotel that combines comfort with proximity to the city’s historic district and the Christmas market.
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Hôtel Artea Aix centre
A charming, affordable hotel located in the city center, offering easy access to the Christmas market, with rooms starting under €130 per night.
Toulouse Christmas Market (Occitanie)
Held in the Place du Capitole, Toulouse’s Christmas market offers a cozy atmosphere with a mix of French and Spanish influences. You can sample traditional Occitanie delicacies, mulled wine, and browse local crafts.
Dates: November 29 – December 26, 2024
Best Place to Stay: Grand Hôtel de l’Opéra
Situated in the famous Place du Capitole, this elegant hotel offers a prime location right next to the Christmas market and right in the heart of the city.
The one that doesn’t break the bank: Hôtel Albert 1er
Centrally located near Place du Capitole, this hotel offers affordable rooms with breakfast included, starting under €130 per night.
What to Pack: Dressing for Festive Success
First of all, you might picture France like a warm and nice place (and maybe have in mind the French Riviera seaside). Trust me, winter in France is cold. Make sure you pack thermal base layers. I never leave without them! Something like these would be perfect for layering and staying cozy in cold outdoor conditions.
Secondly, when you say “Christmas Market” you say at least 10 000 steps a day! You will make those without even thinking, so a pair a sturdy shoes it’s a must. Options like Columbia Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Hiking Boot or Skechers On-The-Go Joy Boot are great for walking around all day. Pair them with a good pair of wool socks, essential for keeping your feet warm. You can consider Merino Wool Socks or Darn Tough Hiker Socksfor durability and warmth.
To keep your hands warm, a pair of touchscreen gloves would be nice for using your phone without freezing your hands. I recommend these ones for their deisgn or these ones if you prefer a knitted version.
And least but not last, a lightweight, insulated jacket that packs down small is always a good idea, to be able to layer up or down. I love this one because it takes no space in the luggage, , yet it feels like carrying your own warmth wherever you go. Here is one for men, too.
Items you can skip packing and buy at local Christmas markets instead
Winter Hats and Scarves! Instead of packing bulky items, leave space for locally made scarves or hats.
Shopping Smart: Finding the Perfect French Market Treasures
Christmas Markets in France ar the perfect place to find authentic products, made by local artisans. The french are quite proud of the “fait à main et local” (handamade and locally made). Most of the products you’ll find are worth the expense, if you want to indulge in Christmassy goodies, this is the right place for you ! Many artisans are happy to share the history or technique behind their products, from handcrafted ceramics to hand-knit wool scarves. Knowing the backstory can make a gift more meaningful.
Look out for seasonal specialties such as: mulled wine (vin chaud) spices, festive pastries like gingerbread (pain d’épices), and special christmas teas. Many stalls offer limited-edition products that reflect local traditions and are perfect for gifting. For example I onced bought a perfect cherry jelly form a market, I absolutely loved it. The woman who sold it gave me her card so I was able to find her website. She only sold 5 types of jellies and syrups, and she was based 20 km from the market itself! Really small production, but definitely made with love!
The French are also pionniers of sustainable shoppin. You can easily find eco-friendly products at the markets, such as reusable decorations, natural beauty products, or locally-sourced ingredients, which are not only unique but also support sustainable practices. These are always made in small workshops or factory, never at a big scale. You won’t find them on the known internet markets, which make them unique. Look for regional certifications like “AOC” (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) or “Label Rouge,” which ensure the authenticity and high-quality standards of local foods or crafts.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey through the festive wonderland of French Christmas markets, I hope you’re feeling as warm and fuzzy as I did after my first sip of vin chaud in Clermont-Ferrand. Planning a Christmas market trip to France isn’t just about ticking off tourist boxes – it’s about immersing yourself in centuries-old traditions, savoring flavors that dance on your tongue, and creating memories that’ll last long after the last Christmas light dims.
Remember, the true magic of France lies beyond the shadows of the Eiffel Tower. It’s in the twinkling lights of a small-town market, the smile of a local artisan sharing their craft, and the joy of discovering a hidden gem in “la région.” So go ahead, book that trip, pack your sense of adventure (and maybe an extra suitcase for all those market treasures), and prepare to experience France in all its festive glory.
Who knows? You might just find yourself, like me, falling head over heels for a part of France you’d never even heard of before. And isn’t that the best kind of travel magic there is? Joyeux Noël et bon voyage!
Hello! I’m Ersilia, a passionate traveler with an insatiable curiosity for discovering new places, cultures, and traditions. My love for travel goes beyond just visiting destinations; it’s about immersing myself in the essence of each location and truly experiencing the world from diverse perspectives. Read my blog to craft your next travel or let me design it for you!
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Thank you so so much! This guide has really help me plan my next Christmas markets trip to France! I had no idea there was a Harry Potter exhibition!
When I think about European Christmas markets, I usually am thinking about Germany. So great to learn about so many options in France. And that they have some of the oldest ones! Such a great way to get in the holiday spirit. And perfect if we visit a little early in the season and enjoy some other special festivities too.
I like the Strasbourg Christmas market most of all, but I would love to visit some southern regions during the Christmas time. I suppose the vibes will be different.
The only one of these I have been is the one in Annecy. It’s been a few years, but luckily it was open over the New Year’s too so we could visit! I didn’t realise so many of them close at Christmas.