In Paris for the holidays? Be sure to visit some of the dozens of festive and lovely Christmas markets throughout the city.
Below we cover what we think are the best, brightest and jolliest Marchés de Noël in the City of Light!
Besides the markets, there is so much more to do in Paris at Christmas.
Also, you may want to take a look at our posts, Tips for Visiting Paris in Winter and Things to Do in Paris in December.
BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN PARIS
Many of Paris’ most well-known Christmas markets typically open in mid-November and stay open through Christmas. Some may stay in place until early January.
Other smaller markets throughout the neighborhoods of Paris pop up for a week or two, and sometimes just a weekend.
The below Christmas markets are open for at least a few weeks and all are free to visit.
When possible we note the dates and hours for each market though at the time of writing, not all this information was available. Check back for updates.
So now…onto the list of best Christmas markets in Paris.
And whichever one you choose, be sure to try holiday foods like vin chaud (warm mulled wine), chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) and marrons chauds (roasted chestnuts).
La Magie de Noël at Jardin des Tuileries
Every year we are blown away by this Christmas market called “The Magic of Christmas”. It’s huge and extravagant, in the best possible sense of the word.
The lights are big and bright and the atmosphere is jovial.
Located in the Tuileries Garden, near the Louvre Museum, this is both a Christmas market and a Christmas-themed fairground. There is even an ice skating rink!
Giant reindeer and Christmas trees dot the landscape. And you can bet that Pere Noel (Santa Claus will be on hand for visits with kids.
For those who are looking to find artisan crafts and unique gifts, the more than 80 wooden chalets will not disappoint.
Food lovers will be happy to hear that many food vendors are selling French-produced gastronomic delights.
There are also Champagne bars, including one in an igloo-like enclosure.
For kids - and the kids in all of us - there are carnival rides including multiple carousels and a Ferris wheel with views of the Paris skyline.
- Dates: Open November 18, 2023, to January 10, 2024 (closed December 25)
- Location: Jardin des Tuileries (Tuileries Garden)
- Nearest Metros: Concorde, Tuileries
Notre Dame Christmas Market
There is no way we couldn’t fall in love with this Christmas market! You will too!
With a backdrop of the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral, this quaint market is a must-visit for a traditional Marché de Noel experience.
The atmosphere is festive, without being over-the-top when it comes to holiday lights.
If you are looking for artisan crafts and high-quality items made only in France, you will find them here.
Shop for apparel and accessories, ceramics and glassware, jewelry, and old-fashioned handmade wooden toys.
There are also vendors selling gourmet foods like foie gras and fine cheeses.
Occasionally there will be musical performers, adding to the holiday cheer. Santa Claus also appears for a children’s story-telling time.
- Dates: December 8 to 25, 2023
- Location: Quai Montebello, Square Viviani across the Seine from Notre Dame
- Nearest Métros: Notre Dame, St Michel, Maubert Mutualité
Marché de Noël à Montmartre
This small but charming Christmas market in one of the most scenic neighborhoods of Paris, Montmartre.
There are only about 20-30 chalets selling items made by local artisans such as unique jewelry, hand-knit winter accessories like scarves and hats, and toys.
What is unique about this market is that everything sold is made in France, including the food.
Try traditional French foods like escargot and raclette. Grab some specialties to bring back to your hotel like foie gras de Périgord and tapenade provençal.
While the shopping at the market may be limited due to its size, you can combine a visit here with an exploration of Montmartre and Sacre Coeur.
You might like to join our pay-what-you-wish guided Montmartre Walking Tour, or if you prefer to explore on your own, you can use our GPS-led audio tour or our free self-guided tour.
- Dates: 2023 dates not yet announced, but last year’s dates were Dec. 10-31.
- Location: Place des Abbesses
- Nearest metros: Abbesses Butte Montmartre
Eiffel Tower Christmas Market at Champs de Mars
This market is at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. Add Christmas trees and fake snow, and you know it’s Christmas in Paris!
If you were planning on visiting the Eiffel Tower when in Paris, stop by this market. While not as big as some of the other Christmas markets, it is incredibly photogenic!
With around 35 chalets and a few food trucks, the market focuses on artisanal foods and handmade crafts.
You can get a taste of France beyond Paris as many regional foods are available to buy such as food from Savoy, Corsica, Alsace, Brittany, and other areas.
Not only can you purchase gourmet foods, but you’ll be able to eat some right there from the chalets and food trucks.
Of course, the traditional mulled wine and hot chocolate will be there to warm you up. Plus there is an ice skating rink that adds to the atmosphere.
This market stays open past Christmas, so if you don't arrive in the city until after the holiday, you won't miss out!
- Dates: 2023 dates have not yet been announced but in 2022 they were mid-December until just after New Year's Day.
- Location: across from the foot of the Eiffel Tower
- Nearest metros: Pont de l'Alma, Bir Hakeim
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Village
This market is one of the most beautiful with the stunning backdrop of the neo-Renaissance Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).
Lights are projected onto the facade, like last year’s falling snowflakes against a dazzling blue background.
Evergreen trees wrapped with lights and ornaments give the feeling of walking in a winter wonderland.
There are of course chalets to purchase gift items “Made in France", but the emphasis of this market isn't on shopping but celebrating the season.
Free family-friendly activities are set up, like a vintage carousel, a luge and a climbing wall.
Santa will drop by to say hello to the children. There is also a small ice rink.
- Dates: 2023 dates have not yet been announced, but in 2022 they were December 2 to January 1.
- Location: Hôtel de Ville courtyard
- Nearest metros: Hôtel de Ville
Alsatian Christmas Market
Can’t make it to the Alsace region of France this year? Bring it to you!
At the Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est (the train station in the east of Paris), the emphasis is all about foods and wines from Alsace.
From December 1 to 17, you can discover regional foods like schiffelé (salted and steamed pork), sauerkraut, and other charcuterie and cheeses.
There will be plenty of sweet treats like bredele (holiday biscuits), mannele (brioche in the shape of a little man), and kougelhopf, (also brioche, put in a bundt cake form).
Plus chocolates, jam, and of course gingerbread! Best of all, free samples are given out with a different food or liquor each day.
Note that this market ends mid-December so don’t delay visiting.
- Dates: December 1 to 17, 2023
- Location: In front of the Gare de l'Est station
- Nearest metros: Gare de l'Est
La Défense Christmas Market
Though not as picturesque as other markets, this is the biggest Christmas market in the Paris area. It is just west of the city’s limits but very easy to reach by metro and RER trains.
Surrounding the market are attractive modern buildings which surprisingly do not detract from the Christmas-y atmosphere.
More than 300 chalets are selling just about every kind of item under the sun. Some gifts are unique while others are of the generic kind - think tourist souvenirs.
With so many chalets, you will likely find something to bring home. But there is more to do here than shop! The food options at La Defense are endless.
There are musical performances and Christmas carolers, a live DJ, toy shows with animated figures, and multiple Santas to take a photo with the little ones.
In years past, there has been an ice skating rink, though no announcement has been made yet for 2023.
- Dates: November 16 to December 27, 2023 (closed December 25)
- Location: Parvis de la Défense
- Nearest metros: La Défense
Other Notable Christmas Markets
Our favorite markets are listed above, but there are many others in Paris. Here are some other markets you might like to visit.
Marché de Noël de la Canopée des Halles
- Dates: November to December 2023 (check back for specific dates)
- Location: Les Halles
- Nearest metros: Les Halles or Chatelet
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
- Dates: Mid-December until early January (check back for specific dates)
- Location: Blvd Saint-Germain, next to Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Nearest metros: Saint-Germain
Bercy Village Christmas Market
- Dates: Mid-December to mid-January (check back for specific dates)
- Location: Bercy Village
- Nearest metros: Cour Saint-Émilion
