Winter in Paris brings a sophisticated charm, with the city’s famous landmarks serving as a backdrop to vibrant Christmas markets that line the grand boulevards and neighbourhood squares.
If you’re planning to explore the Paris Christmas markets in 2024, here’s a quick guide to the best ones, each with its own unique charm:
- Tuileries Christmas Market – The city’s most popular winter event.
- Notre Dame – Along the Seine in front of the famous cathedral.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés – A chic Parisian experience on the Left Bank.
- La Defense – Largest in Île-de-France with more than 180 wooden chalets.
- Montmartre – Bohemian atmosphere near Sacre Coeur.
- Hôtel de Ville – At the beautiful Town Hall in the Marais.
- Alsatian Market – Vendors from Alsace at Gare de l’Est.
- Saint-Michel – Bustling with activity on the Left Bank.
- Caumartin – Luxury shopping near the Opera.
For dates, opening hours and specific details about each market, simply click on their names above or continue reading.
Paris Christmas Markets 2024
The Tuileries Garden is a highlight with its beautiful central location, huge range of stalls and Ferris wheel. If you can only visit one Christmas market in Paris, make it this one.
The smaller but equally pretty market at Notre Dame Cathedral is also not to be missed, known for its artisan goods and historic setting.
Almost every Parisian neighbourhood or arrondissement has its own holiday market. These are the most notable.
1. Tuileries Christmas Market
Paris Christmas Market dates: 17th November 2024 to 6th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Jardin des Tuileries at Place de la Concorde.
District: 1st arrondissement.
Metro: Concorde.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Iconic locations, diversity of markets, exceptional French crafts and cuisine.
Recommended tour: This popular food tour in Montmartre is one of the best in Paris.
Specialities: Vin chaud, pain d’épices; roasted chestnuts; raclette on baguette; traditional Bûche de Noël.
Where to stay: Hôtel Molière is a highly-rated hotel near the Palais-Royal.
Where to Stay
Staying in the 1st arrondissement places you right in the heart of Paris, with easy access to many of the city’s sights, including the Louvre Museum, Tuileries Garden and the Garnier Opera House.
For a lovely stay in this neighbourhood, I recommend the Hôtel Molière for its excellent location, high ratings and value for money.
Location Map
Recommended Tours
A vintage sidecar tour is a great way to see the highlights of Paris, particularly if you’re making your first trip to the city. It’s a unique tour that’s exceptionally well-rated.
You might also consider this popular bike tour that takes you through the incredible Latin Quarter and Marais districts. Even in winter, this is a great option.
As far as food tours go, this is the one I recommend in Paris as it takes place in the historic Montmartre district.
But this Saint Germain food tour might be a better option if you’re staying around the more central Left Bank area.
For an overview of festive events in France and to help plan your trip, I’ve listed the best French Christmas markets in the country.
2. Notre Dame
You’ll find a cosy atmosphere at the stalls along the quai in front of Notre Dame Cathedral with regional gastronomic specialties like local sausages and cheeses to the irresistible macarons.
Art enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful calligraphy and paintings available.
With Santa Claus in attendance, it’s a fun spot for families, featuring children’s activities like drawing competitions and storytelling sessions.
Notre Dame dates: Friday 7th to Sunday 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Quai Montebello and Square Viviani.
District: 5th arrondissement.
Metro: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
Santa: Yes, you can take a photo with Santa.
3. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
This market in the Left Bank has around fifty stalls extending into the church garden.
At this location, you’re steps away from cultural icons like the Abbey of St-Germain-des-Prés and renowned literary cafes such as Cafe Flore and Brasserie Lipp.
For an even grander experience, venture to the Place Saint-Sulpice for more stalls, stages and tents. This area is popular for its high-end boutiques and shopping.
Christmas Village dates: 24th November 2024 to 7th January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Place St-Sulpice and Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
District: 6th arrondissement, Left Bank.
Metro: Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Mabillon.
Opening times: 10am to 9pm.
4. La Defense
In Paris’s modern district, La Defense is one of the city’s largest Christmas markets, with over 180 chalets.
Amidst striking contemporary architecture and the Grande Arche, you’ll find a mix of artisan gifts, diverse food options and unique decorations.
La Defense dates: 15th November to 26th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Parvis de la Défense.
District: La Défense.
Metro: La Défense.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
5. Montmartre
The artistic Montmartre Christmas Market at Place des Abbesses is not far from the iconic Sacre-Coeur Basilica.
Here you’ll find market stalls selling items 100% Made in France. Appearances by Santa Claus add to the festive experience.
Montmartre dates: 22nd November 2024 to 2nd January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Place des Abbesses.
District: 18th arrondissement, Montmartre.
Metro: Abbesses.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
6. Hôtel de Ville
The Hôtel de Ville is a place I fondly remember from my time living there. Right by the Seine and in front of Paris’s stunning Town Hall, this market combines a vintage feel with its antique carousel and a festive atmosphere.
Hôtel de Ville dates: 27th November 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Hôtel de Ville de Paris.
District: 4th arrondissement, Marais.
Metro: Hôtel de Ville.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
7. Alsatian Market
Located in front of Gare de l’Est in Paris’s 10th district, the Alsatian Christmas Market is a celebration of Alsace’s important culinary heritage.
All vendors here hail from the Alsace region, ensuring an authentic experience that gives you an opportunity to indulge in and take home a variety of Alsatian foods and drinks.
Alsatian Market dates: 30th November to 16th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Gare de l’Est Train Station.
District: 10th arrondissement.
Metro: Gare de l’Est.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
8. Saint-Michel
Saint-Michel dates: 26th November 2024 to 3rd January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Place Saint-Michel.
District: 5th arrondissement, Left Bank.
Metro: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Odéon.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
9. Caumartin
Caumartin dates: 7th November to 23rd December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Rue de Caumartin, near Galeries Lafayette.
District: 9th arrondissement, Opera.
Metro: Havre – Caumartin.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm.
Christmas in Paris
French Specialties
Oysters: Parisians have a long-standing tradition of including oysters in their holiday feast. Harvested from France’s coastal regions, typically served raw on the half shell, often with a squeeze of lemon or a touch of shallot vinaigrette.
Bûche de Noël: Known in English as the Yule Log, Bûche de Noël is a classic French Christmas dessert. Made from a light sponge cake rolled around a cream filling, it’s then covered in chocolate ganache to mimic the look of a log. Some variations may include different types of cream or even ice cream.
Gratin Dauphinois: This heavy side dish is made by layering thinly sliced potatoes in a baking dish, drenching them in a mixture of cream and milk, and then baking until the potatoes are tender and the top has a nice, golden crust.
Raclette: Although not exclusive to Christmas, raclette is a popular winter dish. Originating from the mountainous regions of Savoie and Switzerland, this semi-hard cheese is melted and scraped onto potatoes, pickles, and onions.
Food Stalls
Vin Chaud: A Christmas market favourite, vin chaud, or hot mulled wine, warms you from the inside out. It’s a combination of red wine heated with spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, along with a bit of sugar and slices of citrus fruit.
Gaufres: Otherwise known as waffles, gaufres are a street food favourite. These are made fresh at the market, served hot and often generously dusted with icing sugar. They can be topped with everything from whipped cream to hot chocolate sauce or fresh fruit.
Crêpes: Another classic French treat you can expect to find across the city is crêpes. Thin and delicate, they can be filled with sweet or savoury fillings. The Nutella-filled crepe is a favourite, but don’t miss trying one filled with melted cheese and ham.
Pain d’épices: This honey-spice bread is a seasonal favourite in France. Personally, I’ve never liked it but you might like to give it a try.
Chestnuts: Roasted chestnuts are a winter classic. You’ll find vendors on the streets and at the markets.
What to Buy
French Linens: Stalls sometimes sell high-quality French linens from the regions. These could include tablecloths, tea towels and aprons, often made in traditional Provencal patterns.
French Wine and Spirits: France is renowned for its wines. Full-bodied reds from Bordeaux or sparkling Champagne would be an excellent gift.
Regional Specialities: Many stalls at the markets sell regional French delicacies that can make wonderful gifts. These could include items like Calissons from Aix-en-Provence, pink biscuits from Reims, or Brittany’s famous salted caramel.
French Perfume: Small-scale French perfumeries often set up shop at festive markets.
Handmade Toys: Look out for small figurines, puzzles, or dolls that have an old-world charm that makes them a standout gift for children.
For trip planning specifically for Paris, the local tourist office, Paris Je T’aime, has several excellent guides to the city. For example, this list of the top 10 things to do in Paris is a great place to start planning your trip.
Sustainability
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Paris.
Reducing Food Waste: As you enjoy the culinary delights of Paris, be mindful of your food consumption to limit waste. Order only what you know you can eat and consider sharing larger dishes.
Green Hotels: One way to reduce your carbon footprint is by staying in a hotel that prioritises renewable energy. Several hotels in Paris are committed to sustainable practices, including using renewable energy sources like solar and nuclear power.
Ethical Consumption: Be mindful of the sustainability of the products you buy. Many stalls feature local artisans selling eco-friendly and ethically produced goods. Also, consider if you really need to buy an item and if it will be used. Don’t feel obligated to buy anything!
Sustainable Diets: Choose plant-based meals or dishes with locally sourced ingredients to minimise your carbon footprint.
Sustainable Transport: Navigate the city using its excellent public transportation system, including the metro, buses and trams, to reduce carbon emissions. For shorter distances, consider walking or using the Velib bike-sharing system, allowing you to take in the beauty of Paris at a slower pace while being environmentally friendly. Paris has made enormous progress in recent years to provide safe cycling paths. Take advantage of them!
Paris in winter has a unique charm that’s different from any other time of the year. The fairy light-covered trees along the Champs-Élysées are extraordinary, and the crisp air and the cosy atmosphere at the markets make Paris a special destination.
Don’t forget to check out the department store window displays at Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps in the 9th district.
If you want to leave a review of Paris Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Paris, France. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
Miles Smith
Hello Andrea, we are planning to book a trip to Paris from November 19-23rd. Do you know if the market dates have been released and where to find those details? If not, do you know which markets might be open during that time? This was an incredible article, thank you!
Andrea Anastasakis
Each district has its own market and organiser and none of the markets have been announced yet. They’re very slow to update in France. I would think the market near Galeries Lafayette might be open and possibly the market at the Tuileries (which is the best one in my experience). Given your dates, you might miss out unfortunately. I will update here as each of the dates are released.
Randi Heinrichsen
Do both Christmas Markets mentioned above start on November 19, 2023? Are there any others that start earlier?
Andrea Anastasakis
The Rue de Caumartin Christmas market possibly starts earlier but it’s too early to say. The dates won’t be confirmed for a while.