The Finest Christmas Markets in France

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The Christmas markets are positively among the greatest – the decor, the meals, and the spirit are unimaginable! What I like is that the small cities get simply as into the season, perhaps much more so, than the bigger cities! From the over-the-top Alsacian markets to the Provencal markets, there’s one thing for everybody on the French Christmas markets.

Christmas in France makes an already beautiful place much more charming. France is a rustic typically characterised by its romance, and that enchantment is multiplied in the course of the Christmas season. The streets are adorned with twinkling lights, shops scent of pine and cinnamon, and particular vacation meals are ready on stoves throughout the nation.

However one among my favourite issues to do all through the Christmas season in France is to go to the various conventional, and generally not-so-traditional, vacation markets all through the nation.

Need to discover one of the best Christmas markets in France? I’ve bought beautiful markets and cities that may make you fall in love with this cute, charming nation.

Much like different European Christmas markets, French Christmas markets provide a smattering of Christmas spirit in a single picturesque locale. Wood huts show handmade gadgets from makers throughout the nation, vacation meals are bought scorching, and mulled wine warms these chilly procuring fingers.

Wherever you end up in France this vacation season, from Paris to the French Riviera and among the smallest villages in between, you’re assured to be close to a Christmas market. The next are the highest Christmas markets to go to in France.

Listed here are one of the best villages and cities in France for experiencing Christmas markets.

Suggestions on your journey & Map of the Christmas Markets in France

France is a big nation, so it is not potential to go to each single market. I extremely suggest that you simply go to the Alsace area of France. Right here, you possibly can go to lots of the prime Christmas markets like Strasbourg and Colmar. From right here, you possibly can simply enterprise into Germany, the place the unique Christmas markets happen.

You may see my picks for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe right here!

1. Strasbourg – the oldest Christmas market in France

If I used to be solely in a position to recommend one metropolis in France to go to this vacation season, it must be Strasbourg. Also called The Capital of Christmas, or Capital de Noel, Strasbourg overflows with vacation spirit, from the magical decorations on almost each window on the town to the towering Christmas tree within the city sq.. It is one of many largest in Europe!

Strasbourg is not only identified for its one Christmas market. It’s identified for 10 fantastical markets, that are all simply accessed on foot. These markets are all among the most conventional within the nation, bringing households collectively to have fun the meals, drinks, crafts, and decorations of the vacation season. Actually, the well-known Christkindelsmarik at Place Broglie is likely one of the oldest in all of Europe, relationship again to 1570.

Store the greater than 300 vendor stalls discovered all through the town, sip the new mulled wine, snack on conventional eats, and most significantly, benefit from the holidays with those you like. Strasbourg is the proper vacation spot for making new Christmas recollections.

Strasbourg Christmas Market dates: November twenty fifth by December twenty sixth, 2022.
See my full information to Strasbourg Christmas markets right here.

2. Colmar Christmas Market – Finest Christmas Market within the Alsace

Much like Strasbourg, Colmar is dwelling to a number of Christmas markets, however the primary Colmar Christmas Market is a vacation spot of its personal. Nestled amongst among the metropolis’s hottest architectural websites and beneath the glittering timber, you’ll discover stalls lining the streets, promoting spiced gingerbread, native artwork, handmade ornaments, and extra.

Along with the primary Colmar Christmas Market, you’ll discover roughly 60 extra stalls at Place des Dominicains and one other at Place de l’Ancienne Douane, lining the scenic Lauch River. Nevertheless, you received’t need to go away the town with out visiting Place Jeanne-d’Arc, the place you’ll discover an unimaginable number of conventional meals, together with native wine, cookies, and foie gras. I like to fill up on recent, native meats and cheeses to show on vacation charcuterie boards.

Colmar Christmas Market dates: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 29, 2022

3. Metz – One of many largest Christmas markets in France

If you end up within the north east of France this vacation season, make certain to go to Metz Christmas Market! I like the gorgeous metropolis of Metz! It is solely positioned an hour and a half from my favourite Christmas market in France, Strasbourg, so it is nicely value it to go!

Wander by the greater than 100 vendor stalls, that are arrange all through the town middle and in entrance of the gorgeous Metz Cathedral. Marc Chagall illumianted the cathedral and it is already a shocking, spectacular constructing.

However one of the best half? The gourmand and decadent meals. All through the town you possibly can have your fill of conventional French meals and Christmas specialties! Style the Tartiflette, raclette, escargot, and even foie gras. Prime it off with Vin Chaud (mulled wine) for the proper Christmas market journey!

Metz Christmas Market dates: November 18th by December 24, 2022

4. Ribeauvillé – Finest Medieval Christmas Market in France

On the lookout for a really magical and distinctive Christmas market expertise? Then you could go to the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market! This market is held in one of the stunning, medieval villages in all of France. However be aware- it is solely on ONE weekend!

Ribeauvillé is positioned in Alsace, which implies the village and market are stuffed with German influences. That is most evident within the Christmas market meals, which incorporates specialties like gingerbread (lebkuchen), spit-roasted pork knuckle (schweinshaxe), and flammenküche (tarte flambée).

The market stretches all through out the city, however what makes Ribeavillé so distinctive is that your complete city participates. You will see individuals dressed up with stilts, scary cosumes, and even reside animals. Lots of the markets do not settle for cash, you will must change your cash for picket beans as a substitute! There are enormous logs in the course of the road on fireplace for roadting meat s’mores, there are video games all through the village, and it is one of the entertaining markets you possibly can go to! The medieval themed market is all set to the backdrop of pastel half timebred homes. merely magical!

Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market dates: December third, 4th, tenth, and eleventh – as you possibly can see it is a tremendous quick season however so value it!

5. Kaysersberg – Conventional Alsatian Christmas Market in France

Nestled within the Vosges Mountains of north japanese France, Kaysersberg is really a hidden gem. This medieval city is dwelling to one of the stunning and enchanting Christmas markets in all of France.

The market is ready up across the imposing St. Mauritius Church, which is illuminated at night time so as to add to the general festive environment. There are over 80 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting every part from handmade ornaments and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and recent baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols will be heard within the distance.

Kaysersberg is the proper place to seek out distinctive items on your family members, whereas additionally having fun with a festive and charming environment. Should you’re in search of a really magical Christmas market expertise, Kaysersberg is the place for you!

Kaysersberg Christmas Market dates: November twenty sixth by December twenty fourth, 2022.

6. Eguisheim – France’s Finest Wine-Themed Christmas Market

Eguisheim is a quaint and picturesque wine-growing village positioned within the Alsace area of France. This village is dwelling to among the finest (and most original) Christmas markets in all of France. As you possibly can think about, the Eguisheim Christmas market is themed round wine!

There are stalls promoting every part from wine-themed Christmas decorations to handmade items and, after all, native wines. You may even get your individual customized bottle of wine on the market! Along with the various vendor stalls, there are additionally wine tastings and demonstrations all through the market.

Eguisheim is the proper place to take pleasure in a glass (or two) of wine whereas doing all your Christmas procuring. Should you love wine and are in search of a singular Christmas market expertise, Eguisheim is the place for you!

Eguisheim Christmas Market dates: November twenty fifth by December thirtieth, 2022

7. Riquewihr – A Timeless Christmas Market in France

Riquewihr is a medieval city positioned within the Alsace area of France. This city is dwelling to one of the stunning and timeless Christmas markets in all of France.

The market is ready up across the picturesque Dolder Tower, which is illuminated at night time so as to add to the general festive environment. There are over 100 vendor stalls all through the market, promoting every part from handmade items and toys to conventional French meals. The smells of gingerbread and recent baked items fill the air, whereas the sound of Christmas carols will be heard within the distance.

Riquewihr Christmas Market dates: November twenty sixth by December twenty first, 2022

Different cities within the Alscae area with nice Christmas markets: Mulhouse, Obernai, and Haguenau!

8. Lille Christmas Market

The town of Lille in northern France welcomes guests in the course of the vacation season with the smells of recent garlands and mulled wine. Though, it’s typically the spectacular gentle shows that draw guests this far north. Lille takes Christmas significantly, and the Lille Christmas Market can deliver the Christmas spirit out in anybody.

The market options greater than 90 stalls, which promote locally-crafted items in addition to gadgets from all over the world. Nevertheless, my favourite technique to see the market isn’t essentially on foot, as an enormous Ferris wheel presents magnificent views of the market stalls, shining Christmas tree, and extra from above. The Lille Christmas Market is smaller than some others within the nation, nevertheless it creates the proper backdrop for a romantic night out within the metropolis.

Lille Christmas Market dates: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 30, 2022

9. Bordeaux Christmas Market

This metropolis could also be extra well-known for its wines than its Christmas spirit, nevertheless it’s no secret that wine and the vacations pair properly collectively. The Bordeaux Christmas Market options greater than 100 totally different stalls, and naturally, it’s a perfect place to fill up on wine for the vacations, whether or not you’ll be having fun with it at your vacation desk or gifting it to mates. Different stalls provide handmade glass gadgets, gourmand sweets, perfumes, linens, and among the most original items handmade pottery.

The Bordeaux Christmas Market isn’t only for adults both. Households can discover a tour of the route that pilgrims as soon as traveled to Santiago de Compostela, go to Santa Claus, or hop aboard the vacation carousel. This market is a lot enjoyable that it could actually typically get busy, so that you’ll need to arrive early to seek out parking in case you’ll be bringing your individual car. The locals suggest visiting by practice.

Bordeaux Christmas Market dates: Nov. 25, 2022 to Dec. 25, 2022

10. Good Christmas Market

The French Riviera is legendary for its glitz and glam, and the Good Christmas Market shines simply as shiny. Right here, you’ll discover greater than 60 vendor stalls and an extended record of actions and occasions for guests of all ages. When you’re finished sipping on vin chaud (scorching wine) and purchasing for handmade vacation items, you possibly can head to the ice skating rink, go to Santa in his workshop, and revel in quite a lot of carnival rides and video games. You may even hop aboard the towering Ferris wheel and think about the Christmas market, in addition to the Mediterranean, from above.

One in all my favourite options of the Good Christmas Market is that this area tends to be hotter and sunnier than different areas of France this time of yr. Blue skies and mitten-less days make visiting the Good vacation market really feel extra like a trip than some other. But, the fir timber and vacation lights nonetheless present the Christmas attraction current at different markets throughout the nation. Carry the youngsters and revel in the entire out of doors actions the Good Christmas Market has to supply.

Good Christmas Market dates: Dec. 1, 2022 to Jan. 22, 2023

See my information to the French Riviera right here.

11. Rouen Christmas Market

Straight in entrance of the grand cathedral, you’ll discover the fantastical Rouen Christmas Market, yearly bringing vacation cheer to the capital metropolis of Normandy. The Christmas market, and the vacation occasions and performances accompanying it, rework this metropolis by the Seine right into a magical winter wonderland, full with 70 picket chalets for procuring and eating, an ice skating rink, road leisure, and naturally, particular visits from Santa Claus. Rouen is thought for going over-the-top with vacation decorations and pleasure, so that you received’t need to miss this scenic metropolis in the course of the holidays.

Rouen is one among my favourite cities in France, and the entire area of Normandy is value a go to.

Rouen Christmas Market dates: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 27, 2022

12. Paris – Metropolis of Lights Christmas Market

It is no shock that the Metropolis of Lights is dwelling to a couple of Christmas market, and that’s what makes visiting Paris this time of yr so particular. Guests can weave by the historic streets and iconic landmarks from Christmas market to Christmas market, sampling conventional vacation treats, listening to choirs, ice skating, and procuring.

The vacation market at Champ de Mars, with views of the Eiffel Tower, is a favourite for procuring picket handicrafts and different artisan-made gadgets. It’s additionally an ideal place to snack on locally-made meals gadgets, and Christmas cookies with mulled wine. One other must-visit market is the Noisy le Grand Market, well-known for its vacation decorations and horse-drawn carriage rides that information guests across the market sq.. Buying and eating on the streets of Paris is a vacation custom that many locals maintain pricey, and I feel it’s one thing each customer ought to expertise when visiting the town in the course of the Christmas season.

Paris Christmas Market dates: Nov. 19, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023

Discover the important information to Paris right here!

13. Chamonix Christmas Market

If you wish to totally embrace the winter climate and really feel such as you’re strolling by an precise snow globe, there is not any higher place than Chamonix. That is one among my favourite locations in France, not to mention Europe.

Chamonix is dwelling to Mont Blanc, the tallest mountain in Europe. Christmas is a superb time to go to. Together with the nice winter actions like snowboarding and sledding, the Christmas market is within the good setting on this idyllic village surrounded by the French Alps.

The easiest way I can describe Chamonix is sort of a classic postcard. You simply should see it to consider it! The dates for the Chamonix Christmas market are very quick, solely about two weeks in mid December. However with all of the actions and the gorgeous chalets make it one among my prime picks for Christmas in France.

Chamonix Christmas Market dates: Nov 24, 2022 to Dec 27, 2022

See my full information to Chamonix right here.

14. Grenoble Christmas Market

Rivaling Strasbourg as probably the most magical French locale in the course of the holidays, Grenoble presents a pleasant Christmas market with an much more spectacular backdrop. Nestled in a valley between the Chartreuse, Vercors, and Belledonne mountains, you possibly can’t assist however really feel such as you’ve traveled to a fairytale land when having fun with Christmas within the Alps.

Much more, the Grenoble Christmas Market is definitely 4 Christmas markets positioned in varied areas all through the town middle. The Place Grenette is thought for its Afro-Indian crafts and live shows, whereas the primary market at Place Victor Hugo is legendary for decent cider, scorching wine, cheese, salami, and different mouthwatering vacation eats (and drinks). Grenoble overflows with vacation cheer, actions, live shows, and occasions this time of yr, so permit your self loads of time to find all of them.

Grenoble Christmas Market dates and instances: Wed, Nov. 24, 2022 to Tues, Dec. 27, 2022

15. Les Hivernales (Montpellier Christmas Market)

Montpellier is a metropolis balancing between previous and new. Trendy trams cross by medieval streets and historic structure. The Montpellier Christmas Market, or Les Hivernales, additionally blends traditional Southern French Christmas custom with fashionable occasions and actions. Discovered on the Esplanade Charles de Gaulle and Comedie Sq., this market options greater than 160 retailers, promoting meals merchandise and crafts from all through the area. Oysters, sweets, and mulled wine are bought alongside toys, vacation decorations, and handmade jewellery.

Santa Claus all the time sits on the coronary heart of the Montpellier Christmas Markets, and guests also can take pleasure in Christmas parades, sleigh rides, an ice skating rink, workshops, and extra. For the adults, a nighttime market presents regional meals, wines, and different drinks inside a big heated tent. There’s one thing for everybody on the Montpellier Christmas Market.

Montpellier Christmas Market dates and time: Nov. 24, 2022 to Dec. 26, 2022

16. Amiens Christmas Market

The Amiens Christmas Market often is the last market on this, however that doesn’t imply it lacks something by way of attraction, crave-worthy meals, and vacation procuring stalls. Actually, as the most important vacation market in nothern France, the Amiens Christmas Market presents greater than 2 kilometers of distributors from all through France and all over the world. You may even discover gadgets from India and Canada right here.

That is actually a market the place you’ll find one thing for even probably the most tough particular person in your record. And whereas the adults take pleasure in procuring from stall to stall, children can hop aboard a practice by a winter wonderland or quite a few different vacation rides. Remember to time a minimum of one among your visits to the market round 7pm, when the Cathedrale Notre-Dame d’Amiens shows a spectacular gentle and sound present. I need to admit — this unforgettable gentle show pairs completely with a cup of scorching mulled cider.

Amiens Christmas Market dates: Nov. 25, 2022 to Dec. 31, 2022

Christmas Market Itinerary

You may’t go to all of the Christmas markets in France, however if you use my itinerary you can also make certain to see among the greatest and benefit from your time! The Alsace area has one of the best Christmas markets they usually simply really feel like a magical fairy story come to life!

Begin off in Strasbourg! That is the place I recommend you focus most of your time because it’s one of many largest and greatest Christmas markets in France. There’s a lot to do right here and a lot historical past. Ensure that to take a tour of the unimaginable Notre Dam Cathedral.

Subsequent, head south and focus on Obernai and Ribeauvillé – make certain to verify your dates to make sure you’re in Ribeauvillé on the dates of the Christmas market because it’s just one weekend!

You may simply see the markets of Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim in a day in case you’re feeling bold. Or, you possibly can stretch these out over a pair days.

Ensure that to go away your self one full day for Colmar because it’s such an exquisite market.

You probably have further time on your Christmas market journey by France, head to Mulhouse. I additionally suggest popping over to Germany and seeing the close by markets in Baden-Baden, Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and even the well-known tiny Ravenna Gorge Christmas market!

Incessantly Requested Questions About Christmas Markets in France

What are the dates for the Christmas markets in France?

There are numerous vacation markets, massive and small, held all through France this time of yr. Whereas the dates can range from a single weekend to almost two-months-long, most vacation markets happen from mid-November to late December. Some dates are prolonged into early January to accommodate New Yr’s Eve festivities.

What ought to I deliver to a French Christmas Market?

You don’t must be rather more ready to go to a French Christmas market than you’ll be to take pleasure in a traditional day of procuring in a French metropolis. Nevertheless, as a result of lots of the markets are totally outside, you’ll need to put on sufficient layers to maintain you heat for a number of hours outside. Gloves, a hat, and a shawl are equipment I virtually all the time put on to Christmas market (except I’m within the French Riviera).

It’s additionally essential to return ready with loads of money, or a debit card to have the ability to withdraw money. Many distributors want, or solely settle for, money funds.

What different international locations have Christmas Markets?

Christmas Markets are a standard European custom, and they are often present in quite a few European international locations, together with Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Croatia, and past. I like touring all through Europe, and all over the world, to various Christmas markets. Under, you’ll find quite a lot of weblog posts I’ve written on my favourite markets throughout the continent.

Final Information for The Finest Christmas Markets in Europe

15 Finest Christmas Markets in Germany

Finest Christmas Markets in Switzerland

What to Eat and Drink at a German Christmas Market

25 Photographs That Will Encourage You to Spend Christmas in Europe

Finest Facet Journeys for Christmas in Germany

Custom of Christmas in France

The Christmas markets in France are among the oldest conventional markets in Europe. It first appeared within the Alsace area in 1521. Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates again to 1570. Should you needed to decide a area, I recommend visiting the Christmas Markets within the Alsace region- these are one of the best!

In Strasbourg, one of many largest Christmas timber is within the metropolis middle at Place Kléber, and one of many largest Introduction wreath is within the Cathedral of Strasbourg.

The Christmas tree in French is named, “sapin de noël.” The tree, lined in purple apples and lights, symbolizes Jesus and, “The sunshine that illuminates the world.” Santa Claus is called “Père Noël” and is impressed by Saint Nicolas. Initially, he gave items to children in Germany and France on December sixth, Saint Nicolas day.

December twenty fourth, Rèveillion is when most French individuals have fun with households and have their massive meals. They bask in luxurious, conventional meals like oysters, truffles, cookies, and frog legs. Then, they may attend Midnight Mass.

Different issues to learn: