As winter settles in, it’s time for the French Christmas markets to brighten up the dark days. Alsace has some of the most traditional events, and Lyon has its Festival of Lights, but there are many other options. The following list can help you decide where to go this year.
French Christmas Markets
Starting with my top choices, this guide draws on my years of experience living in different regions. It also includes a list of other markets if you have a specific destination in mind.
2024 Dates – Partially confirmed
French Christmas market dates: 14th November to 29th December 2024 (specific dates vary by market – see below).
Expected Update: Dates will be updated here as they are finalised. Want to know when they are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.
Quick Guide to the Top 5 Markets
1. Strasbourg – Dates Confirmed
Strasbourg is often referred to as the ‘Capital of Christmas’. It hosts the renowned Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe’s oldest and most frequented winter markets.
Strasbourg dates: 27th November to 27th December 2024 (confirmed).
The event is popular thanks to its picturesque canals and half-timbered houses. Over 300 wooden chalets are spread out across the historic Grande Île district.
Place Kléber is the heart of the festival and home to the city’s Great Christmas Tree, which stands 30 metres tall and is adorned with lights and decorations. Nearby, Place de la Cathedral also teems with festive activity.
Read the Strasbourg Christmas Guide, which includes addresses and opening times.
2. Lille – Dates Confirmed
Lille’s market may be smaller, but its cosy charm and outstanding gourmet food make it popular with locals and regional visitors. This is one of my all-time favourites!
Lille dates: 20th November to 29th December 2024 (confirmed).
An iconic Ferris wheel in the Grand Place lights up the evenings and affords panoramic views of the illuminated city below.
I’ve compiled all the essential details in this Lille Christmas Guide.
3. Colmar – Dates Confirmed
Iconic half-timbered buildings, pretty canals, and cosy squares make visitors love Colmar. The warm atmosphere and delicious Alsatian food are why I recommend it.
While Colmar shares many characteristics with Strasbourg, I can’t help but include both in my top 5. They are worth visiting on the same trip if you can.
Colmar dates: 26th November to 29th December 2024 (confirmed).
As one of Europe’s oldest, Colmar is notable for its six unique markets, each strongly focused on independent makers and producers from the region.
The ‘Children’s Land’ offers younger visitors a memorable experience with classic toys, sweets and carousel rides.
There is lots to discover in my Colmar Christmas Guide. Click through for the latest updates.
4. Lyon
Lyon is a must-visit if you’re interested in French food and culture. It is one of my top destinations because you can experience the Festival of Lights at the same time as the Christmas market.
Lyon dates: 24th November to 24th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
This market stands out against the city’s Renaissance architecture, drawing crowds with nearly 140 wooden chalets filled with artisanal crafts and regional delicacies like Praluline brioche and so much more.
Read the Lyon Christmas Guide for more information.
5. Montpellier
Montpellier might seem like an unusual choice for my top five, but I lived there many years ago and still have a soft spot for the city.
Montpellier dates: 30th November to 30th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
The winter weather is mild, and the blend of medieval architecture in the historic centre of Écusson and modern architecture like Antigone is striking. The regional Languedoc-Roussillon specialties are also delicious.
The market is called Hivernales. It’s usually held at Esplanade Charles de Gaulle but moved to Place Royale du Peyrou last year. I’ll update you soon with this year’s location.
Follow my Montpellier Christmas Guide for updates.
Alphabetical List of the Rest
While the markets I’ve highlighted are some of the best, there are still plenty of other destinations to explore.
If you’re specifically interest in the Alsace region, this Alsace Christmas Markets List has you covered.
Also, consider travelling further afield. My Christmas Markets in Europe Guide, lists where I think are the best places to go this year and can help you build an itinerary.
- Amiens Christmas Guide – 130 chalets lining the shopping streets near the UNESCO-listed Notre-Dame Cathedral. The ‘Chroma’ light show on the cathedral is an interesting attraction.
- Avignon – Festive stalls with Provençal products are located near the Palais des Papes.
- Bordeaux Christmas Guide – One of France’s most picturesque cities.
- Dijon Christmas Guide – Traditional French culture and gastronomy at Place de la Libération. Enjoy specialties like pain d’épices and Bœuf bourguignon.
- Eguisheim – A medieval town in the heart of Alsace.
- Kaysersberg Christmas Guide – The town square is lined with historic timber-framed buildings, providing a unique atmosphere for indulging in authentic Alsatian crafts, local wines and gourmet specialities.
- Metz Christmas Guide – The market sprawls over five locations, each offering distinct attractions, from the illuminated 13th-century houses of Place Saint-Louis to the gastronomic specialties at Place de Chambre and activities at Place de la Comédie.
- Mulhouse Christmas Guide – The unique tradition of the Christmas cloth is interesting. A distinctive fabric design decorates facades and areas around Place de la Réunion.
- Nantes Christmas Guide – Unique Breton artisanal crafts and local producers come together.
- Nice Christmas Guide – With palm-lined streets and the azure backdrop of the sea, Nice is worth visiting for its distinctive Alpine Village, which has 60 chalets and a dense artificial forest of pine trees.
- Riquewihr Christmas Guide – The Alsatian town’s medieval architecture is beautifully illuminated at this time of year.
- Reims Christmas Guide – Near the iconic Reims Cathedral you can sip Champagne as you wander around the stalls.
- Rouen – In the heart of Normandy, stalls are stocked with artisanal crafts and delicious regional food.
- Paris Christmas Guide – There are many excellent markets to choose from here. The Tuileries is probably the best and most convenient.
- Toulouse Christmas Guide – Enjoy the terracotta architecture of the ‘pink city’ while at the festive market at Place du Capitole. The Garonne River Light Show and innovative Nativity scenes add to the distinctive atmosphere.
What to Expect
Depending on the city and region you visit, here are some ideas about what you can expect to find at the Christmas markets in France.
- Vin chaud à la française – French mulled wine that incorporates a splash of Cognac or Calvados.
- Bredele – Originating from Alsace, bredele are small, spiced biscuits baked during Advent.
- Flammenkueche – A thin-crust pizza-like dish from the Alsace region, flammenkueche, or tarte flambée, is topped with sour cream, onions and smoked bacon.
- Marrons glacés – A sweet chestnut treat that dates back to the 16th century, often packaged in pretty tins or boxes.
- Santons – Unique to southern France. Crafted from clay, santons are hand-painted figurines that depict the Nativity scene’s characters, animals, and daily life in Provençal villages.
- Savon de Marseille – Savon de Marseille is a traditional soap made from vegetable oils. It’s a timeless and authentic product from the South of France.
- Bûche de Noël – While Yule logs are found in various cultures, the French Bûche de Noël’s intricate designs and flavour combinations stand out.
- Crêpes – Though crêpes are a staple year-round, winter variations often include festive fillings like chestnut cream or spiced apples. Crepes from Brittany are particularly delicious, particularly savoury varieties made with buckwheat flour.
- Pain d’épices – A type of gingerbread hailing from Alsace, spiced with aniseed and often sweetened with honey.
Sustainability Tips
- Eco-Friendly Accommodation: When booking your stay, prioritise hotels that are adopting green initiatives such as water, energy, and biodiversity conservation.
- Mindful Eating: Minimise food waste by ordering portions you can finish and take leftovers with you when possible. Choose plant-based or vegetarian dishes that have a lower climate impact.
- Ethical Consumption: Purchase souvenirs and gifts you genuinely need or have a deep connection to.
- Travel Sustainably: France has an excellent, efficient and widespread public transport system. Opt for trains over short-haul flights, such as the TGV or regional TER services. Or if you can, enjoy the crisp winter air with a bike ride along the Seine in Paris or the canals of Strasbourg.
Further Information
Have a read of Explore France, the country’s official tourism website. It has reliable and extensive information on visiting all regions. You’ll also find destination guides and trip-planning tips tailored to winter excursions.
Reviews
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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