Paris has 9 Christmas Markets worth visiting – including the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market, returning after 10 years! Each with its own character and charm, but you don’t need to visit all of them, especially if you have limited time in Paris and your interests go beyond Christmas shopping.
After 15 years living here, I’ve filtered and mapped the very best Christmas Markets so you can choose the right markets for you. Here’s what to see, what to eat, and which markets are worth your time.
Last update: October 2026
Paris Christmas Market Dates 2026
When do Christmas Markets open in Paris?
Paris Christmas Markets 2026 dates are being announced through October – November. Typically, the Christmas Markets usually open from the third weekend of November until the end of the year or the first week of January.
The Tuileries Christmas Market is usually the first to open in Paris, this year from 6 November 2026. It’s also the last market to close, this year on 8 January 2027.
If you’re looking for the dates of a specific market, keep coming for the latest updates.
Which Christmas Market is Right for You?
If You Like… | Choose… |
|---|---|
Iconic Paris | Tuileries, Champs-Elysées (NEW 2026!) |
Serious Christmas shopping, biggest selection | |
Most picturesque photos, local goods, intimate | |
Local vibe, artisan goods, Parisian neighborhood feel | |
Regional French food (charcuterie, wine, cheese) | Alsace Market (Gare de l’Est), La Défense (different French regions) |
Most Instagrammable | |
Avoiding crowds, exploring lesser-known places | |
Most kid-friendly |
NB. This guide covers the markets within Paris and the surrounding neighborhoods only. I If you’re interested in Disneyland Paris Christmas celebrations, see my complete Disneyland Paris Christmas guide →
Paris Christmas Markets Map
Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Paris 2026
If you visit Paris at Christmas time, I can’t think of anything more quintessentially wintery than a stroll through a Christmas Market. Here, I list the very best Christmas Markets in Paris 2026 for festive food, Christmas decorations, and last-minute gifts.
For things to do before or after visiting these Christmas Markets, check out my guide to the Arrondissements of Paris →
1. Tuileries Christmas Market, Paris 1
The Tuileries Christmas Market, also known as La Magie de Noël, is my favorite Paris Christmas Market. Located inside the Tuileries Garden, it replaces the Champs Elysées Christmas Market.
From Place de la Concorde to the Louvre Museum, you will find 100 wooden chalets, or so offering French products. There’s also a 20-meter Christmas tree, an ice skating rink, a Ferris wheel, and fun activities for children.
Full guide to the Tuileries Christmas Market →
Tuileries Christmas Market Dates 2026: 14 November 2026 to 8 January 2027
How to get there: Metro station Tuileries, line 1; Metro station Concorde, lines 1, 8, and 12.
Elisa’s Tip: This is the best Christmas market Paris has to offer, thanks to its central location, size, food stalls, and entertainment for both kids and adults. So, if you only have time to visit one market, make it this one.
2. Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market, Paris 4
Located just in front of the Hotel de Ville, this Paris Christmas Market always has fairytale decorations, with a magical forest, a lovely ancient carousel, and free activities for kids.
There are also a few stalls selling local products and handicrafts, as well as food stalls for quick eats and hot drinks.
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market Dates 2026: not published yet.
How to get there: Metro station Hôtel de Ville, lines 7 and 11.
3. Notre Dame of Paris Christmas Market, Paris 5
The Notre Dame Christmas Market is located on the Square René Viviani, by the Seine River, offering a spectacular view of Notre Dame Cathedral in the background. With the reopening of Notre-Dame, it’s now easy to combine a visit to the market with a visit to the Cathedral and its Towers.
Here, you can find regional products, handicrafts, performances for children, and the oldest tree in Paris (400 years and still counting!). The view of Notre Dame Cathedral in the background is always special, especially at night.
Full guide to the Notre-Dame Christmas Market →
Notre Dame of Paris Christmas Market Dates 2026: 26 November – 27 December.
How to get there: Metro station Saint Michel – Notre Dame, line 4; RER B and C, station Saint Michel – Notre Dame.
Elisa’s Tip: Climb the Towers of Notre Dame after sunset for a magical view of this Christmas Market, beautifully illuminated against the evening sky.
4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market , Paris 6
Located along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, in the iconic neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this market has the honor of being the smallest Christmas Market in Paris! There are 20 chalets or so where you will find regional products, handicrafts, performances for kids and adults, and even Santa hanging around!
You can also find a few vendors selling inexpensive, practical items such as warm hats, scarves, gloves, and even umbrellas, which can come in very handy if you travel to Paris unprepared! The Saint-Germain-des-Près Church and its lovely square are the perfect backdrop for this Paris Christmas Market.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market Dates 2026: not published yet.
How to get there: Metro station Saint Germain-des-Prés, line 4.
5. Champs Elysées Christmas Market, Paris 8
After a decade away, the famous Champs-Élysées Christmas Market is making an unexpected return to Paris! The last edition took place in 2016, before the city ended its contract with the former organizer and called for a more local and sustainable offering.
This year, the lower section of the avenue, near Place de la Concorde, will light up with wooden chalets, artisans, independent creators, and plenty of festive treats.
Unfortunately, most of my Christmas content was published after the last edition of this market, so you’ll have to wait until it opens this year to see some photos!
Tuileries Christmas Market Dates 2026: 22 November 2026 to 4 January 2027
How to get there: Metro station Concorde, lines 1, 8, and 12.
Elisa’s Tip: Meanwhile, the Christmas market in the Tuileries Garden is here to stay. That means you can visit two major Christmas markets just a short walk apart!
6. Alsace Christmas Market, Paris 10 Gare de l’Est
If you don’t have time to go to the Christmas Markets in Alsace during your trip to Paris, don’t worry – you can always stop by the Gare de l’Est Christmas Market. 100% Alsatian, it features regional specialties and offers free tastings to enjoy on the spot.
This is the oldest Alsatian Christmas Market out of Alsace. In this place, 20 or so Alsatian artisans offer charcuterie, regional wines and cheese, and delicious Christmas sweets like gingerbread, Männele, and bredele. You can also try smoked pork, sauerkraut, and the famous tarte flambée without leaving Paris!
Alsace Christmas Market Dates 2026: not published yet.
How to get there: Metro station Gare de l’Est, lines 4, 5 and 7.
7. Montmartre Christmas Market, Paris 18
This small but picturesque Christmas village is set up very close to the Sacré Cœur Basilica, on the iconic Place des Abbesses in Montmartre.
French artisans and local producers showcase their craftmanship: embroidered pashmina, Christmas decorations, lamps, and other French artisanal products that make lovely Christmas gifts.
For kids, there’s a brightly lit carousel, and Santa usually makes an appearance on the weekends. Adults will appreciate the Champagne Bar, which is typically set up here during the holiday season.
Montmartre Christmas Market Dates 2026: not published yet.
How to get there: Metro station Abbesses, line 12.
Elisa’s Tip: While you’re there, don’t miss Saint-Jean de Montmartre Church, an architectural gem that combines pioneering reinforced-concrete construction with brick and Nouveau influences (pictured above, in the background).
8. La Défense Christmas Market
La Défense Christmas Market is the biggest Christmas market in the Parisian region! It is located at La Défense, Paris’s business district.
At the foot of La Grande Arche, you will find 400 wooden chalets or so, offering French handicrafts and food delicacies. There’s also a Christmas tree, an ice skating rink, activities for kids, and two food courts. You can also meet Santa Claus in his illuminated chalet – the perfect occasion to say hello and hand him your Christmas letter.
Full guide to La Défense Christmas Markets →
La Défense Christmas Market Dates 2026: 12 November to 31 December 2026
How to get there: Metro station La Défense-Grande Arche, line 1; RER A station La Défense-Grande Arche.
Elisa’s Tip: This is my favorite market for trying specialties from other regions in France. Avoid visiting at lunch break (12 to 2 pm) and right after work (5-6 pm), when people working in La Défense usually come to this Christmas Market.
9. Swiss Christmas Market in Paris, Paris 19
Launched for the first time in 2024, the Swiss Christmas Market is one of Paris’s newest festive additions. Set in the heart of Parc de la Villette, just in front of the Grande Halle, this market brings together twinkling lights, artisanal stalls, festive treats, a skate rink, and other family-friendly activities, all in a vibrant cultural setting.
If you’re looking for a more local holiday experience, La Villette’s Swiss Christmas Market offers a fresh and festive atmosphere worth exploring.
La Villette Christmas Market Dates 2026: not published yet.
How to Get There: Metro station Porte de Pantin, Line 5.
Elisa’s Tip: If you’re visiting with kids, don’t miss Little Villette, where they can enjoy a variety of activities, from circus to visual arts, performances). It’s locaded just a few meters northwest of the Christmas market, in front of La Grande Halle.
Optional: Guided Tours of the Christmas Markets
Visit the Paris Christmas Markets with a local guide to discover the city’s most atmospheric, festive spots, taste seasonal specialties, and learn more about the Christmas traditions in France.
TOUR | DURATION | AREA | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
1.5 hrs | Central Paris | ||
3.5 hrs | Montmartre | ||
3 hrs | St Germain |
Christmas Markets Food Guide
All the Christmas Markets in Paris have food stalls serving classic Christmas treats and comfort food usually for just a few euros. They’re a great place to stop for a quick and tasty bite while exploring the city.
Popular choices include crêpes, cheese, sausages, hearty soups, and savory tarts, along with regional specialties from Savoie and Alsace, which are especially popular during the holiday season.
Raclette is a dish of melted cheese, usually served with potatoes, meat, and other vegetables. It’s traditionally a Swiss dish and is also popular in the French Alps and all the ski areas in France.
Tartiflette is another winter dish from the Savoie region in France. It is a gratinated potato dish with Reblochon cheese, onions, bacon, and white wine, baked in the oven until the cheese browns and melts. Believe me, it tastes better than it smells!
Tarte Flambée (also known as FlammeKueche) is a kind of Alsatian pizza with a savory flavor. The dough is similar to pizza dough, but thinner. Then, on top of the dough is a layer of creme fraiche which is similar to sour cream but is not actually sour cream. Finally, the top is sprinkled with onion and bacon.
You’ll also find sweet treats like chocolate, candies, gingerbread, and cotton candy (we call it barbe à papa in France).
Along with beer (normal draft beer or spicy beer), vin chaud (mulled wine) is the most popular beverage at any Christmas Market in Paris, and it is a spiced mulled wine served hot.
Christmas Markets Paris 2026 – Practical Tips
1. Have a look at my Christmas in Paris article to plan your trip. This hub organizes Christmas in Paris by category and links you to detailed guides for each. Start there, then dive deeper into what interests you.
2. My Christmas in Paris Map 2026 is your ultimate festive guide to Paris! Explore 70+ Christmas hotspots – markets, lights, cozy cafés, and hidden gems -all on a convenient Google Map. Save it to your phone or desktop and enjoy updates with new discoveries throughout the holiday season.
3. See my Paris in December guide for weather, packing tips, and other activities you can do during the last month of the year.
4. Beware that sunset time in Paris in December is very early, so plan carefully your time in Paris to get the most out of the city!
5. Beware of Pickpockets. Most of the Christmas Markets are touristy and attire crowds and pickpockets. Paris is a safe city to visit, but for peace of mind, I recommend using an anti-theft shoulder bag or an anti-theft backpack.
6. If Possible, avoid weekends when the locals visit the Christmas Markets and they can be very crowded.
7. It is good to have some cash with you for the small purchases (e.g. food, drinks). Some stalls serve drinks in reusable plastic glasses and charge a €1-€2 deposit (coins), which is refunded when you return the glass.
Click here for more Paris Attractions
Pin it now & read it later
