Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël) 2024-2025 in France

Getting into the holiday spirit is easy in France with its lavishly decorated streets and numerous Christmas markets all over the country. Most French Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël) operate from late November till the end of December. They offer lots of regional culinary specialties, festive decorations, crafts, and arts. All throughout France, from Colmar to Paris and Bordeaux, the cities spread festive cheer and celebrate Christmas for several weeks prior in the form of holiday markets.

Lille Christmas Market (November 20-December 29, 2024)

One of the largest French Christmas markets is located on Place Rihour, Lille. Also known as the Lille Christmas Village, the market features over 80 cozy chalets with gifts from artisans, local gingerbread, gauffres liègoises, foie gras, cheese de Savoie, and wines. Food and beverages are a must-try. Lille's main square hosts a huge Christmas tree and a Ferris wheel, offering a panorama of the market square. Consider checking out the carved nativity scene and beautiful ornaments decorating the square.

Schedule

The market is open from 11 am until 8:30 pm from Monday through Thursday and on Sunday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the grounds welcome customers from 11 am until 10 pm. On Christmas Eve, December 24th, and December 29th, the vendors close at 6 pm. On December 25th, market is closed.

Colmar Christmas Markets (November 26–December 29, 2024)

In Colmar on the northeast of France, there are six Christmas markets, which makes this city in Alsace a perfect holiday destination. Wooden chalets are offering festive food and gifts across the town. One of the main markets is located at Place des Dominicains near the beautiful Dominican church. Over 60 stalls surround large decorated trees. Place de l’Ancienne Douane Christmas market is located by the picturesque Schwendi Fountain.

Place Jeanne d’Arc Market is famous for its delicious foie gras, meats, cheese, and wine. If there is wind or rain, visitors can seek shelter at the Koïfhus indoor market. Families with children appreciate Petite Venise with many toy stalls and a large Nativity scene. There is also a Santa's letterbox. You can explore all the markets on your own in a span of few days, since they are all situated in a walking distance from each other.

Hours

Colmar Christmas markets are open from 11 am until 7 pm from Monday through Thursday and from 10 am to 8 pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. On December 24th, the markets operate from 10 am until 5 pm, while on December 25th-26th, they operate from 11 am to 7 pm.

Christmas in Strasbourg (November 27–December 27, 2024)

The first Christkindelsmärik of Strasbourg was held back in 1570, which makes it the oldest in France. Normally open from 11:30 am until 9 pm, the market hosts over 300 chalets located in 11 areas of the city. They offer arts, crafts, and Christmas decorations. Sipping mulled wine or vin chaud and snacking on pretzels, enjoy the views of the Christmas tree in Place Kléber and surrounding UNESCO sites.

Advent choirs sing Christmas songs, and live nativity scenes are impossible to miss. Strasbourg markets have different specializations. One is dedicated to local food, with farmers offering produce for sale; another is all about being environmentally friendly. At the same time, there are also markets with an emphasis on gifts and crafts.

Paris Christmas Markets (mid-November–early January, 2025)

Paris, during Christmas, hosts many beautiful markets near landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral or Champ de Mars. The latter offers a nice view of the Eiffel Tower and many stalls where artisans sell their crafts and handmade Christmas cookies. La Magie de Noël market is one of the biggest and offers magical attractions and storytelling against the backdrop of traditional market stalls. Some markets feature ice rinks, choirs, and Christmas trees, transforming the French capital into a winter wonderland. Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market draws in thousands of visitors every year to its huge display of Christmas-themed decorations, merry attractions, and delicious snacks and bites. You can read more about Christmas markets in Paris over here.

Christmas Market of Bordeaux (November 29–December 29, 2024)

The Christmas Market of Bordeaux, or Marché de Noël Bordeaux in French, is located at the Allée de Tourney Square, the city's main hub for shopping, gourmet food, and vibrant nightlife. With 130 wooden huts, the markets feature unique crafts of the Aquitaine region, handmade chocolates from Bayonne, and foie gras. Children can enjoy free sleigh rides across the square and visit Père Noël, while adults enjoy a glass of Médoc. The market features gift-wrapping workshops, face painting, a chance to take a picture with Santa Claus, and many other attractions.

The market's menu features exquisite foods made by local artisans. Consider treating your taste buds to cheesy mashed potatoes, local pizza counterpart, flammekueche, and huge chestnuts. The grounds are open from 11 am until 9 pm.

Christmas Village in Nice (November 28, 2024–January 1, 2025)

The Christmas Village, also known as Village de Noel, in Nice, offers incredible light decorations, which color the trees and buildings of the city. It features 60 stalls with crafts, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and carousels. The market is also famous for its wide selection of champagne and seafood. You also don't have to worry about winter weather, spoiling your shopping plans. The market spreads through some of the most iconic locations in the city, including Place Masséna, Promenade des Anglais, and Jardin Albert 1er.

Schedule & Hours

The market is normally open from 11 am until 9 pm from Sunday through Thursday, from 11 am until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 11 am until 7 pm on December 24th, Christmas Eve, and December 31st, New Year's Eve. Entrances close an hour before closing, so consider arriving earlier to enjoy the market to the fullest.