Heading to the City of Lights for the festive season? Well, you’re in for a treat because there are some incredible Christmas markets in Paris for you to experience a magical winter atmosphere. Sip on mulled wine, feast on French cheese and get cosy in your warm winter gear as you wander the market stalls for a spot of Christmas shopping. Glowing fairy lights, crepes, French pastries, Christmas tree decorations, the smell of fresh sausages and silky smooth chocolat chaud. There’s nothing like a Christmas market to get you into the festive spirit. We’ve rounded up the best Christmas markets in Paris so you know exactly where to head on your winter break to the French capital this year…
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Village de Noël at Champ de Mars
This charming Christmas market is located at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and it’s popular with locals and tourists alike. Cute wooden cabins line the Champ de Mars where you can shop for Christmas trinkets, decorations and enjoy some traditional French Christmas food such as roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, sausages and cheese. Featuring 100 stands, there’s something for everybody at this market whatever your age. There’s also an ice rink at Champ de Mars and its location is pretty unbeatable. Can you think of anything more magical than gliding around the ice with the sparkling Eiffel Tower as your backdrop? We can’t either. Skate away to Christmas tunes after browsing the market and don’t forget to take photos!
Nearest station: Trocadero
Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre
Montmartre is one of our favourite neighbourhoods in Paris. While most people come to the area to see the beautiful Sacre Coeur, they often forget to explore the rest of the neighbourhood which is a big mistake as Montmartre is simply stunning with its narrow cobbled passages, quaint French bistros and beautiful views. During the festive season, the Abbesses Christmas Market opens up in Montmartre which has much more of a village feel, perfect for those looking for something a little more authentic to escape the crowds. Treat yourself to some vin chaud, get to know some locals and really embrace the real Paris away from the tourist track. The market is right next to Place des Abbesses metro station which is famous for being one of the prettiest streets in Paris. Totally Instagrammable.
Nearest station: Place des Abbesses
Tuileries Garden Christmas Market
One of the more famous Christmas markets in Paris, the Tuileries Garden goes big every year and transforms into a magical winter wonderland for the festive season. Previously held on the famous Champs Elyees, the colourful market has been moved to the beautiful Tuileries Garden, a beautiful public park near the Louvre so you can fit some Christmas fun into your day of sightseeing. Boasting over 100 stalls, plenty of rides and an ice rink, this Christmas market is all about the fun and it certainly feels like you’re in a Christmas bubble when you’re there with all of the lights, decorations and beautiful chalet-style huts. If you’re looking for an epic Christmas atmosphere with a buzzing vibe, then this is probably the market for you.
Nearest station: Concorde
Under the Canopy of Forum des Halles
The market at Forum des Halles is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the French capital where you can enjoy the festivities in a magical setting. Located in front of the Westfield shopping centre (also known as Forum des Halles), enjoy 75 charming market stalls, Christmas entertainment, festive foods and a buzzing atmosphere under the giant canopy (perfect shelter on a rainy day). Running from 14th November to 29th December, this is the second Christmas market to be held at the Forum des Halles so it’s a pretty new market on Paris’ festive scene. Here, you can indulge in Christmas food, admire the 20-metre Christmas tree, buy original handmade gifts and soak up the joyous atmosphere. Foodies can sample festive French cuisine from terrines, salted nuts, raclette, foie gras, onion soup, regional sausages and cheeses. Afterwards head indoors for some Christmas shopping as there are 125 shops inside the mall.
Nearest station: Les Halles
Marché de Noël at Saint Germain des Prés
One of the smaller Christmas markets in the city is in the upmarket Saint Germain neighbourhood next to the oldest church in Paris, St-Germain-des-Près Church. With 25 chalet-style lodges to browse, this is a cute little market where you can buy more luxury gifts such as leather-bound notebooks, scented candles, jewellery, bags and fine chocolate. The perfect presents to take home for your loved ones. You can also feast on delicious festive foods and tasty treats like macarons or candied chestnuts. Saint Germain is a cool area to explore because it has a history of writes, creatives and artists from the Impressionist era who used to live there and frequent the local coffee shops and cafes such as Cafe de Flore. Pop in for a hot chocolate and be a little part of history.
Nearest station: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Notre Dame Christmas Market
Despite the devastating near-destruction of the Notre Dame Cathedral earlier this year, the Notre Dame Christmas market will still be taking place as normal. This beautiful Christmas market specialises in high-quality arts and crafts which are all handmade, so if you want to pick up something special for a loved one, you’ll definitely find something unique here. You’ll also find clothes, The market is located in Square Viviani, just across the river Seine on the other side of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral (you can see the cathedral towers from the market). Enjoy vin chaud and roasted chestnuts as well as live music on some days. While you’re in the Latin Quarter, make sure to explore the rest of the area as the architecture is simply stunning.
Nearest station: Saint Michel
Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de L’est
If you’re in love with food, then take your tastebuds on a journey to Alsace at the Alsatian Christmas Market in the 10th arrondissement. Located at Gare de L’est, this market is all about food from the Alsace region, which makes sense since Alsace is famed for being the Home of Christmas (check out the Christmas market in Alsace’s capital, Strasbourg and you’ll see why). The Christmas market is being held from 4th December to 20th December 2019 and it’s celebrating its 24th year. At the Alsatian Christmas market, enjoy a gourmet selection of Christmas foods from Alsace such as pork shoulder, potato galettes, brioche, muenster cheese, fresh gingerbread and much much more. You’ll get a real flavour for Alsace cuisine and the best part is, there will also be free tasting samples! This is the perfect place to buy traditional Alsation Christmas foods for your family dinner on Christmas Day. There will be plenty of French jams, spreads, foie gras, cheese, brandy and wines to bring back home for your own Christmas table spread.
Nearest station: Gare de L’est