Paris Christmas Markets 2024-2025
Get into the holiday spirit surrounded by famous landmarks
Dates: mid-November–early January
Christmas markets became popular in Paris in the 1990s. Now it's hard to imagine Christmas in Paris without them. Wooden huts create a cozy atmosphere and offer decorations, festive food, and other holiday essentials. Markets like Notre-Dame and Champs de Mars are especially popular among tourists due to their location next to the landmarks. Christmas Village at La Défense is perfect for a visit with children to get them into the Christmas spirit.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market (late November 2024 – early January 2025)
St Germain des Prés Christmas Market opens in December near the famous St Germain des Prés Church. It features about 25 chalets specializing in luxury goods: leather pocketbooks, jewelry, and handcrafted gifts. It's also an excellent spot to shop for scented candles and chocolates. And don't forget to bring your little ones along as there will be Santa Claus to take photos with!
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market or La Magie de Noël Christmas Market (mid-November 2024 – early January 2025)
The Christmas market on the Champs-Elysées used to be the most popular in Paris each year, welcoming 15 million visitors. It was later moved from the central street of Paris to the Tuileries Gardens, right in front of the Louvre. The abundance of Christmas-themed rides and games contrasts with the quieter Paris Christmas markets, which focus more on food and gifts. However, La Magie de Noël also offers snacking, dining, and drinking options, such as a Champagne bar and French-produced specialty food products.
Alsatian Christmas Market Gare de l’Est (December 2024)
If you want to check out traditional Alsace Christmas, head to the Gare de l'Est. Make sure to taste some pretzels, gingerbread, and other Alsatian Christmas specials. You'll also be able to taste traditional potato pancakes, Munster, brioche, you name it!
Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market (November 29 – December 25, 2024)
The Notre-Dame Christmas Market, located at Square René Viviani, across the river from the famous cathedral, is undoubtedly the most beautiful and historic location for festive shopping. French artisans and craftsmen offer unique creations and accessories made in Paris or in the provinces in small workshops. Prices are more than reasonable because there are no intermediaries.
Visitors can enjoy a traditional, authentic, and friendly Christmas atmosphere, with Santa Claus and a free drawing workshop for children, a barrel organ or accordion, regional gastronomy products, and an exceptional view of Notre Dame. The square is also home to the oldest tree in Paris, which is 400 years old. The Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market is open from 10 am to 8 pm every day and until 9 pm on weekends.
La Défense Christmas Market (November 14 – December 29, 2024)
The huge Christmas Village along the Esplanade at La Défense is the largest holiday fair in Paris. It also is one of the first ones to open—in late November. Over 200 chalets are offering a vast selection of gifts like high-quality jewelry and leather. The delicious Alsatian food at the village is a must-try.
In this magical cityscape, discover a festival of twinkling lights, gourmet delights, and traditional crafts. Visitors have wonderful opportunities to admire the sparkling Christmas decorations and let themselves be captivated by the enchanting scents of cinnamon and hot chocolate.
Trocadéro Christmas Market (December 2024 – January 2025)
With the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower, Trocadéro Christmas Market is especially popular and scenic. It's an excellent place to shop for Christmas souvenirs and gifts.
Montmartre Christmas Market (late November – late December 2024)
The Montmartre Christmas Market is a cozy, uncrowded spot where you can enjoy the view of a magical Christmas tree while sipping spiced mulled wine and savoring traditional French dishes such as foie gras from Périgord, tapenades from Provence, and a variety of delicious cheeses. Meanwhile, children can have fun on the brightly lit carousel."
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market (late November 2024 – early January 2025)
The Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market is worth visiting just for the dazzling light show across the building's neo-Renaissance facade. In addition, the Christmas market is adorned with evergreen trees lit up with Christmas lights, adding to the magical atmosphere. At the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market, you can buy traditional French gifts and, of course, enjoy hot mulled wine with roasted chestnuts or other treats. You can also always find a brightly lit traditional carousel at the market and visit Santa.
Eiffel Tower Christmas Market (December 2024)
The Eiffel Tower Christmas Market likely offers one of the best selections of gourmet food and local cuisine. Additionally, the view of the Eiffel Tower, along with Christmas trees and lights, makes this market a treasure for those looking to capture magical photos of winter in Paris.
Practical info
External resources
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés & other Christmas Markets (Official website)
- Alsatian Christmas Market Gare de l’Est (Official website)
- Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas Market (Official website)
- La Défense Christmas Market (Official website)
- La Magie de Noël Christmas Market | Paris Discovery Guide (Official website)