Best Paris Christmas Markets 2025

A visit to a Paris Christmas Market gives you the fastest way to feel the holiday spirit when visiting the City of Light during November and December.  Although the sun sets early at this time of the year, these festive markets give the city a magical glow. 

With sparkling lights, Christmas trees full of bright decorations, and even occasional visits from Saint Nicholas - or Père Noël, as Parisian children call him - these festive street markets filled with Swiss-style wooden chalets bring a festive Alsacian and German tradition dating back to the Middle Ages to the French capital each year.

The beautiful displays of arts and crafts, festive Christmas decorations, regional food specialties, fine wines, and other gifts will dazzle you until well into the night.

See the glowing lights of holiday markets and decorations from the top of a double-decker open-top Christmas bus tour of Paris

I love visiting Paris's Christmas markets and usually stroll through at least one every evening - so I feel well-qualified to tell you that the best way to enjoy them is follow what Parisians do: sip hot mulled wine (vin chaud), munch on roasted chestnuts, and sample delicious sausages, cheese, and chocolates while you shop.   And don't miss the Champagne bars! 

This year, look for Christmas market opening dates from mid-November to mid-December. 

During a typical year, about 12-15 Paris Christmas Markets appear across the city, joined by additional "pop-up" markets lasting just a day, a weekend, or even a week or two. 

And that's not counting the small neighborhood holiday markets with perhaps a dozen or fewer chalets offering specialty foods and small gifts that appear on a seemingly ad hoc basis - sometimes returning to the same location year after year, but sometimes shifting to new locations.

Traditionally, these picturesque markets span the Advent season beginning four Sundays before Christmas.  

Most markets remain open through Christmas Eve and a couple continue through through the first days and nights of January. 

Here's what you'll find in this article: 

• My recommendations for the 10 biggest, best, & most unique Paris Christmas Markets
• Christmas Market schedule with dates
• Map showing locations for the biggest and best Christmas Markets
• Recommended Christmas Markets for specific experiences
• Where to stay near your favorite Christmas Market
• More holiday markets throughout the city

Top photo:  Paris Christmas Market across from Notre Dame Cathedral, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication.  When you buy through my links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.  Merci beaucoup for your support!

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10 Biggest, Best, & Most Beautiful Paris Christmas Markets 2025

1.  The Magic of Christmas: La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden Christmas Market

La Magie de Noël ("The Magic of Christmas") in Tuileries Garden next to the Louvre grew out of the former Champs-Élysées Christmas Market and is huge - by far the biggest Marché de Noël within Paris, stretching along the garden's entire north edge from Rue des Pyramides to Place de la Concord. 

Dates:  Mid-November through early January (check exact dates & times)

Half Christmas-themed carnival, half Christmas market, the Tuileries Christmas Market is also the most popular Christmas Market within Paris, attracting millions of visitors each holiday season.

What's the vibe at Jardin des Tuileries Christmas carnival/market?  Fun, entertainment, shopping, food, and beverages ranging from hot chocolate to Champagne. 

In particular, the large number of Christmas-themed amusement rides and games here make this market stand out from other more sedate Paris Christmas markets with their emphasis on food and gifts.

Look for an enormous ferris wheel, more than a dozen other carnival rides such as bumper cars and "fun house" amusements, an ice skating rink including a separate section for young children, a Champagne bar, steaming copper vats of traditional onion soup, and hot mulled wine. 

You can sample new food offerings this year including regional specialties from Alsace, Brittany, Savoy, Auvergne, and Francophone countries in the Caribbean.

In addition, the 80+ Swiss-style chalets offer French-produced specialty food products, artisan crafts and gifts from around the world, glittering lights, numerous larger-than-life-sized plastic Santas and reindeer - and much more!

La Magie de Noël truly is magic.  Come experience it for yourself!

Find out more about La Magie de Noël Christmas Market at Tuileries Garden

Getting to Tuileries Christmas Market

• Admission:  Free, plus whatever you spend on rides, food, and gift items; like all Paris Christmas markets, this one offers many tempting things to purchase
• Location:  North side of Tuileries Garden (Jardin des Tuileries), immediately to the west of the Louvre Museum
• Métro:  Concorde, Tuileries
• More to Do Nearby:  Need to do more holiday shopping?   Exit Tuileries Garden, cross Rue de Rivoli, and walk up Rue de Castiglione to Place Vendome, or turn left or right on Rue Saint-Honoré and explore the chic designer boutiques.  
  
  Check out the brightly-lit stores in the underground shopping mall Carrousel du Louvre (enter near the Palais Royal/Musée du Louvre Metro station).  Or walk across Place de la Concorde to explore all the stores lining both sides of Champs-Élysées, where sparkling lighted trees dazzle along the famous avenue.  Turn onto nearby Avenue Montaigne and check out the designer showrooms.  If you continue walking down Avenue Montaigne toward Place de l'Alma, you'll soon see the spectacularly lit Eiffel Tower framed by the avenue's ethereal white Christmas lights.

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Special Christmas & New Year's Eve Cruises

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2. Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani

Perhaps the most picturesque of the Paris Christmas Markets is the Marché de Noel Notre Dame, located across the Seine from the famous cathedral in Square Viviani on the Left Bank's Quai Montebello. 

Dates:  November 28 - December 25, 2025 (to be confirmed); 10am-8pm (9pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday

With Notre Dame's soaring medieval towers as a backdrop, this cheerful market offers the usual vin chaud (hot mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts. 

Occasional appearances by musicians add to the festivities.  The vibe here is always elegant, relaxed, and focused on the holiday spirit. 

However, the Marché de Noel's specialties are high-quality arts and artisan crafts made in France. 

You can usually find an especially nice selection of gift-worthy clothing and accessories here, as well as fancy gourmet foods including foie gras, many different kinds of sausages, and expansive arrays of fine cheeses.

In particular, look for cashmere and mohair scarves, sweaters, and gloves, jewelry made from silver and beautiful stones, handmade wooden toys, ceramics, candles, glass objects, and more.

For the little ones, Santa makes frequent appearances - sometimes with a glass of vin chaud in hand.

Getting to the Marché de Noel Notre Dame:

• Location:  Square René-Viviani on Quai Montebello, at the edge of the Latin Quarter in the 5th Arrondissement
• Métro:  Saint Michel, Maubert-Mutualité
• RER:  B and C, Saint-Michel - Notre-Dame
• Open:  Mid-December until (usually) Christmas Eve or later
• More to Do Nearby:  Visit the lovely medieval church next door, Église Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre, which dates back to 1160.  Or cross the bridge and check out the renovations underway at Notre-Dame.  For books, café fare, and perhaps some conversation, stop by Shakespeare & Company, an English-language haven adjacent to Square Viviani at 37 Rue de la Bûcherie

More places to see dazzling Paris holiday lights & decorations

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3.  Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre (near Sacre Coeur)

Located next to the Place des Abbesses Metro station on one of the most photo-worthy areas in Montmartre, the Place des Abbesses market is small (about 20 chalets in total) but charming, and features local artisans, designers, and creators. 

A large decorated Christmas tree and occasional visits from Santa and musicians welcome you.

Date:  Mid-November - early January (check exact dates)

Fortify yourself with a cup of warm spiced wine and a small packet of hot roasted chestnuts, straight off the grill - look for Vin Chaud and Marrons Chaud signs, or just follow your nose.  

This market is also a good place to sample traditional fare, such as escargot, small plates of sauted mushrooms, and raclette.  

You'll also find specialties to take home, such as foie gras from Périgord, tapenades from Provence, and speciality cheeses.

Alternately, you can also join the crowd at the Champagne bar!

The Montmartre Christmas market is a good place to stock up on hand-knit scarves, Christmas markets, honey from Paris, one-of-a-kind fashion and jewelry, and children's toys. 

For kids, there's a brightly lighted carousel, and usually appearances by Père Noël on the weekends.

This is a fun market to visit if you want to get a taste of the Christmas markets but avoid the crowds filling the larger markets.  With the friendly neighborhood vibe, it can't be beat!

Coming here is also a great excuse to explore the winding hills of Montmartre and make your way to Sacré-Coeur, just a few blocks away, to enjoy the sweeping city vistas. 

For an even more special experience, go inside the Basilica, find a seat, and spend a few minutes soaking up the beauty of the spectacular gold, blue, and white mosaic, the largest in France.

• Abbesses Christmas Market location:  Next to the Abbesses Métro station in Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement 
• Métro:  Abbesses 
• Open:  Mid-November - early January (check exact dates & times)
• More to Do Nearby:  Check out the "Wall of Love" (le mur des je t'aime) in Square Rictus next to the market while sipping a cup of hot mulled wine.  Explore Montmartre.  Visit the Sacre Coeur Basilica and see the magnificent mosaics inside; there's usually a lovely small nativity scene at this time of the year.  Savor Champagne and a show at Moulin Rouge.  And of course visit the boutiques along Rue des Abbesses, one of the great market streets in Paris.

If you're heading back into central Paris after your visit, walk down pedestrian-only Rue des Martyrs and enjoy the holiday lights stretching across the street and all the Christmas and New Year specialty foods offered in the dozens of gourmet shops lining this famous market street.

Find out about top Montmartre hotels & apartments

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4.  Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market

The Saint Germain des Pres' Christmas Market's 40 or so chalets line Boulevard St-Germain next to the famous St-Germain-des-Prés Church. 

Dates:  Late November - Early January (check exact dates)

This is one of the city's most appealing mid-sized markets, and specializes in luxury artisan items, such as fine leather pocketbooks, lovely jewelry, French gastronomy products, and handcrafted items.  Despite the high quality, prices are usually reasonable.

This is a good place to buy scented candles, glass Christmas ornaments, leather-bound notebooks and bags made in France (or Italy, depending on the vendor), and exquisite gift-worthy chocolates filled with liquor.

Fortify yourself with the usual hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts as you walk past mouth-watering displays of artisinal macarons, marrons glacés (candied chestnuts) from Southern France, and other gastronomic specialties such as caviar, smoked salmon, truffles, foie gras, and jewel-like jars of fruit jams. 

You can also find a few vendors selling inexpensive practical items such as warm hats, scarves, gloves, and even umbrellas - handy if you realize you should have dressed in warmer layers, or if you get caught in a surprise rain shower (which seem to be more common than usual this year).

Book a Christmas walking tour of markets & lights with a private guide

You'll also find specialty wines and liquors from other regions of France.

And of course, after you've had your fill of shopping and great food and drink at the Saint-Germain Christmas market, check out the boutiques in nearby neighborhood streets, where canopies of sparkling holiday lights create a festive ambiance. 

For a special treat, get tickets for a Christmas concert at the Saint-Germain Church next to the market.

• Location:  Blvd Saint-Germain, next to Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th Arrondissement
• Métro:  Saint-Germain 
• Bus:  39, 63, 70, 86, 96
• Open:  Late November through early January
• More to Do Nearby:  Walk a few blocks to the Cluny Christmas Market, (next to the Cluny Museum at the Saint-Germain/Boulevard de Saint-Michel intersection) where you'll find around a half-dozen stalls offering delicious prepared regional French food to eat on the spot, plus perhaps another 15 or so offering gift items.  Spend an hour or two at the Cluny Museum (free entrance with a Paris Museum Pass) - also known as the National Museum of the Middle Ages - and immerse yourself in medieval treasures including the famous Lady and the Unicorn tapestries, as well as the 3rd century Roman baths.
• Where to Stay Nearby:  Hotels & apartments near Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church in the 6th Arrondissement

More about things to see and do at Eglise Saint-Germain

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris at Christmas

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5.  La Défense Marché de Noël - The Biggest Christmas Market in the Paris Area

The huge Christmas Market along the La Défense Esplanade will have about 200 chalets this year, up from about 150 last year.  It's the largest Christmas market in the Paris region and dates back to 1995.  La Marché de Noel welcomes about 1.7 million visitors during the holiday season.

Dates:  Mid-November 13 - Late December (check exact dates)

The holiday decorations, lights, and displays next to it on the Esplanade are also fabulous.  

The market's spectacular setting in Paris's glittering business district make the 7-8 minute metro ride from the Étoile/Charles de Gaulle station well worth your time - plus you'll find a vast selection of gifts ranging from trinkets to high-quality jewelry and leather goods, and well-equipped kitchens and restaurants turning out steaming plates of delicious Alsatian fare and Spanish-style paella.

Look for lots of specialty items not seen in smaller markets - Santa costumes, stuffed animals, huge bins brimming over with clementines and other seasonal fruits, candies from the South of France, freshly baked gingerbread, antique books and fine paintings, and large pop-up stores filled with Christmas decorations.

One stall features many different varieties of exquisite nativity figures at surprisingly affordable prices - you may be tempted to fill your suitcase!

Several stalls offer gorgeous finely-tooled leather goods from Morocco, while others have large selections of fashionable scarfs and coats, candies, and tins of herbal teas. 

You'll also see special regional hams and sausages, foie gras, cheeses, and special brandies and other liquors.

Kids will also find lots to do and see here, including multiple Santas who happily pose for photos. 

For the after-work crowd from the surrounding high-rise office towers, there's even a rotation of popular DJs on a number of evenings.

You can easily spend an entire evening at this market.  And definitely plan to have a meal and glass or two of mulled wine or spiced eggnog here - this is one of the best Paris Christmas markets for dining.

• Location:  Esplanade de la Défense
• Métro:  Grande Arche de la Défense 
• RER:  A (from Étoile Metro Station)
• Open:  About 5 weeks from late November - late December
• More to Do Nearby:  Arrive in daylight hours and check out the 69 sculptures and monuments along the Esplanade.  Ice skate around the rink on top of the Grande Arche, which along with the Arc de Triomphe at Étoile and the Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel near the Louvre, forms the Historical Axis of Paris.  After you've explored the Christmas Market, check out the enormous Quatre Temps shopping mall next to the Esplanade.  Sports fans won't want to miss the gigantic Décathlon store on the other side.   During the evening, walk down the Esplanade toward Paris and enjoy the magical displays of Illuminations de Noel - Christmas lights.

Find out more about the La Defense Christmas Market

Check our December Events Calendar for exact Christmas Market dates, as they vary each year

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6.  Eiffel Tower Christmas Market near Quai Branly

With Christmas trees, fake snow, and close-up views of the famous "Iron Lady," the Eiffel Tour Christmas Village gives you a magical experience you'll remember long after your visit.

This market specializes gourmet foods and local cuisine ready to be served on the spot.  Look for the Alsatian and Savoyard stands with their yummy regional specialties, and sip hot mulled wine as you shop. 

With about 35 chalets and usually a few food trucks, this is one of Paris's best mid-sized Christmas markets, and perhaps the most photo-worthy.

• Location:  Quai Branly, near the foot of the Eiffel Tower (the exact location moves around a bit each year, so don't be surprised it it's not where you remember from a previous year)
• Métro:  Pont de l'Alma, Bir Hakeim
• RER C: Champs de Mars or Pont de l'Alma
• Open:  Early December until just after New Year's Day
• More to Do Nearby:  Get tickets to the top of the Eiffel Tower for spectacular views of Paris!

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7.  Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est

Located in front of the Gare de l'Est train station in the 10th Arrondissement, this popular market - the oldest Alsatian Christmas Market outside of Alsace - takes place under a big tent during the first half of December .  Stock up on tasty Alsatian traditional food, with daily free tastings. 

Dates:  November 29 - December 15

What specialties should you look for?  The Alsace region in northeastern France shares a border with Germany and Switzerland, so look for regional foods with a strong German or Swiss influence.

The 15-20 Alsatian artisans offer charcuterie, Munster, Gruyere, and other German and Swiss cheeses, regional wines and brandies, jams, goose and duck foie gras, kougelhopf, brioche Männele, potato galettes, gingerbreads, sweet and savory tortes, candy, smoked pork, and sauerkraut - all your favorite flavors of Alsace without leaving Paris.

This is the perfect market for shopping for food gifts, holiday foods, and even a tasty on-the-spot snack.  Judging by the large numbers of shoppers filling up their shopping bags here, this is a favorite location for serious Parisian foodies.

• Location:  Next to Gare de l'Est train station, 10th arr
• Métro:  Gare de l'Est
• Open:  Usually about 17 days, starting in late November or early December
• More to Do Nearby:  Walk over to nearby Canal Saint-Martin and admire the holiday decorations along Quai de Valmy on the west side of the canal; pop into one of the many neighborhood cafes such as Chez Prune for a drink or meal.

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Special Christmas & New Year's Eve Cruises

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8.  Paris Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville

The spectacular Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market usually wins the prize (if there were one) as "most beautiful" thanks to the gorgeous light show across the neo-Renaissance facade of Paris's City Hall (ie, Hotel de Ville). 

Although no announcements have been made yet this year about this Christmas market's location, it is expected to return to Hotel de Ville - so stay tuned for updates, hopefully coming soon1

This expectation is that year's market will retain most of its usual signature features:    an enchanted forest, the "snow mountain" slide and climbing wall for kids, the much-loved carousel, and chalets offering hot mulled wine, snacks, and artisan "Made in France" gift items. 

• Location for this year:  Expected to be Hotel de Ville, 52 Rue de Rivoli, across from BHV department store in the Marais
• Métro:  Hotel de Ville
• Open:  Early December through early January  (find exact dates)
• More to Do Nearby:  Admire the sparkling Christmas lights and do your holiday shopping along nearby Champs Elysses and Avenue Montagne, or walk to Place Vendome for even more spectacular lights and shopping along Rue Royale (be sure to detour into La Village Royal) and Rue Saint-Honoré - or perhaps even better, walk over to the much bigger and flashier Marché de Noël in the adjacent Tuileries Garden

Traditionally, one of the most spectacular aspects of the Hotel de Ville Christmas Market is the magical light show featuring cascades of golden "snowflakes" drifting downw from the building's peaks and dancing across a brilliant blue background.

The Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market usually offers an enchanting forest filled with evergreen trees decorated with silver ornaments and sparkling white lights, a few chalets offering "Made in France" gifts, and traditional market stalls offering offering hot mulled wine, raclette, freshly cooked crepes drizzled with Nutella, and the tantalizing smell of roasted chestnuts.

Although the assortment of free family-oriented activities varies a bit each year, you can always spot the brightly-lit traditional carousel on site. 

Other activities might include a "luge" for tubing, a vertical climbing wall, and even visits with Santa.

Look (usually) for about a dozen chalets featuring gift items made by French craftsmen or offering mouth-watering food and beverage favorites - crepes filled with nutella, raclette, onion soup, and of course, large copper vats of vin chaud (hot mulled wine.)

The light show, traditional Christmas music playing softly in the background, numerous sparkling lights, and tranquil ambiance makes this Christmas market especially charming at night.

• Location for this year:  Place de la Concorde (Normal location:  52 Rue de Rivoli, across from BHV)
• Métro:  Concorde
• Open:  mid-December - early January
• More to Do Nearby:  Admire the sparkling Christmas lights and do your holiday shopping along nearby Champs Elysses and Avenue Montagne, or walk to Place Vendome for even more spectacular lights and shopping along Rue Royale (be sure to detour into La Village Royal) and Rue Saint-Honoré.

Find out more about the Hotel de Ville Christmas Market

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9.  Bastille Christmas Market

The relatively new Bastille Christmas Market provides a bright spot of seasonal warmth at Place de la Bastille between the July Column commemorating the Revolution of 1830 and the Bastille Opera House.

Normally this rather barren swath of pavement gets used mostly for demonstrations, the occasional mountain of trash when sanitation workers go on strike, and random construction equipment in need of a place to park. 

So the Christmas Market not only provides holiday cheer, but also an alternate vision for how this space might be better used.

The Bastille Chrismas market features an enchanting forest of decorated and lighted evergreen and white bare-branched trees to soften the space (and incidentally highlight the beauty of the surrounding architecture), a festive carousel offering free rides to children, and an assortment of vendor stalls offering hot chocolate, mulled wine, snacks, and gift items.

With holiday musical classics playing softly in the background and occasional visits from Père Noël, this is a lovely, low-keyed market where you'll want to get a warm drink and stroll through the trees for a moment of relaxation.

• Location:  Place de la Bastille, 11th arr
• Métro:  Bastille (plus numerous bus lines have stops here)
• Open:  Early December until a day or two after Christmas
• Good to Know:  The Plaza has free public toilets - look for them on the west side close to Canal Saint-Martin
• More to Do Nearby:  Have lunch or dinner (make reservations in advance) at nearby Bofinger, one of Paris's beautiful classic brasseries; visit the adjacent Marché Bastille/Richard Lenoir, one of the city's best and biggest open-air markets (open Thursday and Sunday from 7am - early afternoon); enjoy an opera or ballet (you'll need to get tickets at least a week in advance) at the Bastille Opera House; go for a stroll along the elevated La Coulée Verte (Promenade Plantée) which you can access just beyond the Opera House where Rue de Lyon morphs into Avenue Daumesnil

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10.  Marche Noel at Rue Montorgueil/Les Halles

Although the twice-weekly Saint-Eustache Les Halles Market located between Saint Eustache Church and the Chatelet-Les Halles metro station isn't solely a Christmas Market, but around mid-November, it begins to feel like one as it shift from its usual twice-weekly schedule to opening daily.

The market itself is festive, plus all of the sparkling Christmas lights and decorations along the nearby Rue Montorgueil market street and the enormous decorated Christmas tree in the Forum des Halles shopping center add to the holiday ambiance. 

Look for a couple of dozen or more pop-up chalets offering sausages, candy, Belgium waffles, and other seasonal specialties, plus vin chaud (hot mulled wine) and assortments of gift items, many of which are quite nice. 

You'll see lots of Parisians stopping by for a treat or two as soon as they emerge from the nearby metro station.

Similar to the Christmas markets at Bastille, near Cluny, at Place des Abbesses in Montmartre, and in Saint-Germain, this is a neighborhood market - so no fancy decorations or amusements like you'll find at the enormously popular Tuileries Marche de Noel or in front of Hotel de Ville.

But quite honestly, if you're in the Les Halles/Rue Montorgueil/Eglise Saint Eustasche vicinity, stop by - it's festive, fun, and filled with appealing gift items and tasty treats.

Under the canopée covering the Forum des Halles shopping center across from the south end of Rue Montorgueil, an enormous sparkling Christmas tree reminds you that more shopping and dining opportunies can be found among the shops inside the multi-storied complex.

• Les Halles Christmas market location:  On the plaza between Saint Eustache church, the Chatelet-Les Halles metro station, and the starting points of Rue Montmartre and Rue Montorgueil, 1st arrondissement
• Nearest métro :  Chatelet-Les Halles
• More to Do Nearby:  Shop in Forum des Halles (the below-ground shopping complex surrounding the metro/train station), visit adjacent Église Saint-Eustache, or explore market street Rue Montorgueil to the right (as you face it) of the church, where you'll find lots of appealing cafes, creperies, bakaeries, and bistros along Rue Montorgueil.   For special holiday shopping, treat yourself - I mean, treat your loved ones - to gifts of fine knives, copper pots, and other cookware at nearby E. Dehillerin (18-20 Rue Coquilliere).

Dates:  Thursday (10am-8:30pm) and Sunday (7am-8:30pm), year-round, and daily from mid-November - late December

Find Christmas Market tours & other favorite Paris Christmas activities

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11.  Christmas Village at La Villette

The Noel La Vallette at La Grande Halle across from the Philharmonie concert hall (221 Avenue Jean-Jaurès) pops up in late November and remains open until Christmas Eve. 

Dates:  November 22 - December 28, 2025 

This Christmas market started small about a decade ago but has been growing in size and popularity each year, and you'll find all the essentials:  hot mulled wine, crepes filled with Nutella, and gifts - plus lots of fun carnival-type rides.

Unfortunately, we took the above photo in pouring rain - but normally, the market is filled with shoppers from the surrounding neighborhoods who stop by to enjoy a cup of vin chaud or steaming hot onion soup and to chat with their neighbors.

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12.  Christmas Chalets near Cluny Museum

The Cluny Museum Christmas Market consists of only about a dozen or so chalets located along Boulevard Saint-Germain next to the Cluny Museum in the Latin Quarter, with maybe a dozen more around the corner on Boulevard Saint Michel, although the market seems to expand a bit every year. 

Like many of Paris's other neighborhood Christmas markets, you probably wouldn't go out of your way to visit it but if you happen to pass by, it's definitely worth a visit.  As you can see in the above photo, the special cheeses alone gives you a solid reason to stop and make a few purchases. 

Most of the chalets offer mouth-watering regional food specialties such as sausages, cheeses, patés, jams, fancy nuts and fruits, and wine, although a couple feature arrays of artisinal chocolates in gift boxes. 

On chilly December nights, steaming containers of hot mulled wine and hot chocolates are a welcome sight to Parisians on their way home from work or school at the end of the day.

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13.  Saint Michel Christmas Market in the Latin Quarter

The Saint Michel Christmas Market, located in the Latin Quarter's Place Saint Michel, is another smaller market with maybe 25 or so chalets, and is highly popular. 

The chalet offering freshly-made crepes filled with nutella and other yummy ingredients always has a long line, but the wait is worth it.  The delicious aromas give you reason enough to stop by.  

If you visited even just a few years ago, you may rightfully have been unimpressed, but this market has become better and better each year.

In addition the crepes chalet, others offer delectible sausages, assortments of cheese, regional wines, and fine chocolates. The gift items here are also lovely.

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Paris Christmas Markets Schedule & Dates for 2025-2026

Please note:  As you'll see below, dates for quite a few Christmas markets for 2025 have been confirmed.  Other dates should be announced soon.

Please know that even after dates have been announced, last minute "changes" - in other words, delays and sometimes unexpected closures - can still happen because safety inspections must be conducted after set-up is complete, which usually happens immediately before the opening date.  

• La Défense Christmas Village (along the Esplanade at the Arche de La Défense - November 13 - December 28; take the Metro Line 1 to La Defense station - about 10 minutes from Etoile/CDG) 
• Tuileries Christmas Market: La Magie de Noël (The Magic of Christmas) - Located along the north side of the Jardin des Tuileries, near the Louvre Museum, 1st arr - November 15 - January 4, 2026; the market (including the popular ice skating rink) will be open every day during this period from 11am - 11:45pm except for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve when it closes at 7:30pm.
• Notre Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani in the 5th arrondissement (directly across the Seine River from Notre Dame), 5th arr - November 28 - December 25, 2026; 10am-8pm (9pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday
• Christmas Market at Place Saint-Michel (in front of the fountain in the Latin Quarter, 5th arrondissement) - December 5 - January 5
• Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre near Sacre Coeur, 18th arr  - November 20 - January 5
• Saint Germain des Prés Christmas Market next to the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abby Church across from Les Deux Magots; 6th arr - November 25 - January 6
• Christmas Market at Hôtel de Ville - December 5 - January 4, 2026
• Alsatian Christmas Market in front of Gare de l'Est - November 28 - December 14, 10th arr
• Christmas Market at the Feeries d'Anteuil (Rue Jean de la Fontaine, Paris 16) - December 6 - 14, 2025
• Eiffel Tower/Branly Christmas Market (across from Eiffel Tower on Quai Jacques Chirac) -  December 1 - January 8, 7th arr
• La Villette Christmas Market (Place de la Font aux Lions, the plaza directly across from the Port de Pantin metro station and next to Cité de la Musique, 19th arr) - Over 100 charming chalets with gifts and seasonal treats such as hot fondue and raclette, family entertainment, a small ice skating rink, concerts, crafts; this market gets bigger and better each year - November 20 - December 28, 2025

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Map Showing Locations for Paris's Major Christmas Markets

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Selected Pop-Up & Specialty Christmas Markets

•  Japanese Christmas Market - About 45 Franco-Japanese creators, designers, and artists present jewelry, ceramics, kimonos, papers, dolls, and other gift items, including specialty teas.  A must-visit if you're looking for original, authentic artisan creations.  Espace Cinko, 12-18 Passage Choiseul, Paris 2 - 11am-7pm, November 21-23, more info
• English Christmas - St George's Anglican Church (7 Rue Auguste Vacquerie, 16th arr) - November 29 
• Medieval Christmas Market - Tour Jean-sans-Peur (20 Rue Etienne Marcel, 2nd arr) - December 6-7
• Christmas Eco-Villages at La REcyclerie (83 Blvd Ornano, Paris 18; close to the big Les Puces flea market):  Dec 13-14
• Swedish Christmas Market - The Swedish Church (9 Rue Médéric, 17th arr, Metro: Courcelles) - Swedish specialites such as glasswear, candles, cakes, lingonberry jam, chocolates, and Swedish herring and salmon - Nov 28-30
• Klin d'Oeil d'Hiver Christmas Market featuring 70 designers of fashion and home decor; also look for DIY workshops and a coffee shop serving hot chocolate, chai lattes, mulled wine, and winter soups - Carreau du Temple (4 Eugene Spuller - 3rd arr) - December 13-14; free admission

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Which Christmas Market Should You Visit?  My Recommendations

With so many wonderful and diverse Paris Marches de Noël to choose from, which ones should you visit?

First, use the Christmas Market map above to find the one that's closest to where you'll be staying.  That's the perfect place to start.

If you want to visit more, here are my recommendations for different types of experiences:

Best Paris Christmas Market for Fun:  The Magic of Christmas (La Magie de Noël) at Tuileries Garden

Because, who can resist a Christmas-themed carnival with fantastic food offerings plus shopping opportunities for special gifts?

It's also a big favorite of families, teens, and kids (except for the youngest, as it can easily get over-stimulating).

More about the Tuileries Christmas Market 

Best Paris Christmas Market for Families with Younger Children:  Notre-Dame Christmas Market at Square Viviani

Friendly Santas make this market special for children, and a relaxed vibe (perhaps thanks to the steaming copper vats of hot mulled wine) keeps everyone smiling.  It's quite, low-key, and unlikely to stress (or over-stimulate) babies and toddlers.

Views of Notre-Dame Cathedral across the Seine are magical - especially if you walk across the bridge and admire the stately lighted Christmas tree in front of the Cathedral.

Best Paris Christmas Market for Upscale Gifts:  Saint-Germain Christmas Market

This market features vendors with high-quality goods (check out the leather items from Italy) and regional specialty foods and wine to appeal to discerning residents and tourists in this upscale neighborhood. 

Best (& Biggest) Christmas Market for 1-Stop Shopping (& Food):  The La Défense Christmas Market

Located just a 7-8 minute metro ride outside of Paris, the market's 300 stalls on the La Defense Esplanade probably could meet all of your holiday shopping needs, including gifts, specialty foods and wine, holiday decor, and Christmas tree ornaments. 

But with the Quatre Temps Shopping Mall sprawled out on one side of the Esplanade and the enormous Décathlon sporting goods store on the other, you're well covered for just about anything else you need for the holidays

The Christmas market's food offerings of freshly-made paella, couscous, raclette, tartiflette, crepes, and Bavarian sausage and peppers mean you can also dine very well here.  It's definitely my own favorite market for dining well while shopping.

In fact, if a "Best food at a Paris Christmas Market" award is ever given, the La Defense Market will win - probably (the Tuileries Market could be a close "second"). 

More about the La Defense Christmas Market

Most Beautiful Paris Christmas Market:  Hotel de Ville Christmas Market

Sparkling lights, a forest of Christmas trees, and white "snowflakes" falling at night across the dark blue façade of the ornate Paris City Hall (thanks to a magical light show) give a festive ambiance that capture the spirit of the holidays. 

This is the least-commercial of all the Paris markets, with just a half-dozen or so chalets selling "Made in France" artisan gifts - so come just for the pleasure of being here.

What's special:  The large plaza in front of Hotel de Ville has been transformed into an urban "forest" of real trees (which is why the market temporarily relocated in Place de la Concorde last year).

More about the Hotel de Ville Christmas Market

Best Paris Christmas Market with a Friendly Neighborhood Vibe:  Place des Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre

Look for the perfect combination of holiday foods and beverages, nice gifts, beautiful surroundings, and friendly local shoppers. 

Occasional performances by local musicians make this market extra-special.  And the roasted chestnuts are always especially fresh and good at this market.

Best Paris Christmas Market for Its Iconic View:  Eiffel Tower Christmas Village 

With lots of Christmas trees, fake snow, and tasty cuisine and regional specialties, this market offers an enjoyable experience - but the Eiffel Tower views make it memorable.

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Paris Hotels for Your Christmas Market Visit

Planning a trip to Paris during the holiday season?  Use this Paris hotel map to find hotels near your favorite Christmas markets: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

Also, check out my recommendations for the best places to stay in Paris in the winter.

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More Christmas Markets

Most of these are smaller markets.  Some appear faithfully every year and attract hoards of loyal fans, while others are less reliable but worth looking for if you're already nearby. 

Gare Saint-Lazare Christmas Market

Gare Saint-Lazare Marché de Noël, in front of the Saint Lazare train station in the 8th arrondissement, sports a modern look and feel - in fact, purists might not even consider it a Christmas market.  But it's fun and all in good cheer, especially if you like Disney and Legos, plus who can resist the Champagne bar?

This is an occasional market, and you probably wouldn't go out of your way to visit - but look for it if you're in the area.

Saint-Sulpice Christmas Market

The small Marché Noel Saint-Sulpice, near the St-Sulpice Métro station, Luxembourg neighborhood in the 6th Arrondissement, usually appears in early December through Christmas Eve; a pop-up Alpine ski rink sometimes also pops up here.

Christmas Market at the Feeries d'Anteuil

This small market is located at 40 rue Jean de la Fontaine in the 16th arr, and runs for about 9 days in early December.  

In addition to crafts, leather goods, jewelry, and even an oyster bar, you can enjoy magic shows, puppets, concerts, and other family entertainment.  The market is run by a charity that supports disadvantaged Parisian children, and profits go to this cause.   Find the event schedule here: https://www.apprentis-auteuil.org

Montparnasse Christmas Market

Look for a small number of chalets next to the Gare Montparnasse train station offering nice gift items and a few tasty things to eat and drink such as roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and spicy hot mulled wine. 

Don't go out of your way to visit this market.  It's mainly popular with the numerous commuters who pass through the train and metro station each day - a good place to buy a few gifts or a quick snack on the way home from work.

Bercy Village Christmas Market & Holiday Lights

Bercy Village, a charming cobblestone passage lined with 19th century wine warehouses now transformed into cute boutiques, amusements, bistros, and bars in Paris's 12th arrondissement, stages a spectacular light display created each year by a different artist or designer, along with at least one large brightly lit tree and other decorations.  (The adjacent 18-screen UGC Cité-Cine Bercy movie theater is another big attraction.) 

A few popup stalls join the permanent shops. 

Look for the light display from mid-November through mid-January. 

Location:  28 Rue François Truffaut, Paris 12

15th Arrondissement Town Hall Christmas Market

In the courtyard at the 15th district's Hotel de Ville (31 rue Péclet, near Vaugirard Metro Station), you'll see about 20 chalets offering regional specialities, crafts, jewelry, and Christmas decorations, plus plenty of free fun activities including a merry-go-round. 

The market is usually here for about 10 days leading up to Christmas

Place d'Italie Marché de Noel

About 20 chalets offer gifts and mouth-watering specialty food items at the Italie 2 shopping center at Place d'Italie (30 Avenue d'Italie, 13th arrondissement). 

The market usually takes place from early December through Christmas Eve.

See the glowing lights of holiday markets and decorations on an open-top Christmas bus tour of Paris

Pop-Up Stalls Selling Holiday Fare

What's a pop-up Christmas market? 

Usually these are smaller markets, sometimes devoted to a specific theme such as the Japanese Holiday Market and the Swedish Christmas Market. 

These markets typically open from one to several days each season. Sometimes they take place in the same location from year to year, but not always.

Neighborhood pop-up stalls also come and go in some areas, so you will most likely happen upon them. 

One area where this frequently occurs is near Galeries Lafayette, across from the main building on Blvd Haussmann.  Look for luxury goods, such as perfume, designer scarves, and fine leather gloves.

Even the regularly-held Paris street markets expand their offerings at this time of the year. 

For example, Marché Saint-Honoré (Wednesday afternoon/evening and Saturday until 3pm) in the 1st Arrondissement expands with stalls offering gift items such as lovely knit baby garments, fancy confits, and jewelry.

Where to (Maybe) Find a Pop-Up Market

Pop-up Christmas markets, by their nature, are ephemeral and hard to find if you don't know where to look for them. 

A place always worth checking is the spacious Halle des Blancs Manteau (48 Rue Vielle du Temple, 4th Arrondissement), an old covered market dating back to the early 1800s in the heart of the Marais. 

If you don't find a pop-up market underway, you'll find plenty of other shopping opportunities in this part of the Marais - or cross the Seine to Ile Saint-Louis, where appealing gift boutiques and galleries line both sides of the main street down the island's center.

Another excellent and reliable option (it has taken place in the same location for almost two decades is Salon Idées Japon, the Japanese Christmas Market that pops up for three days in late November-early December in Passage Choiseul in Paris's 2nd arrondissement.

More than 40 Franco-Japanese creators and artists present a variety of beautiful creations such as jewelry, calligraphy, decorative objects, clothing, dolls, teas, and books that make wonderful Christmas gifts.  

Check our December Events Calendar for more pop-up markets

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