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Paris, its lights, its Christmas markets: a never-ending fairy tale. From the end of November, the crème de la crème of Parisian indie creators gather and wooden chalets spring up along the capital’s boulevards and iconic squares. Amid the scents of cinnamon, hot chocolate, gingerbread and pine, Paris is transformed into a winter wonderland as the festive season approaches. Christmas trees and sparkling decorations add a magical touch to every corner of the city. Whether you’re alone, with loved ones or as a couple, it’s the perfect opportunity to make memories in a city that truly deserves its title as the City of Lights more than any other time of year.
To help you plan your magical holiday, here’s our selection of the best Christmas markets in Paris this year, from the trendiest to the most traditional. From the glittering Eiffel Tower to the iconic Tuileries Christmas Market, Paris offers a mix of larger and smaller markets that capture the true spirit of the season. Whether you’re looking for a grand celebration with Père Noël or a cosy corner to explore, there’s good things to be found at every market in the city from late November to early January.
Klin d’œil de Noël x Le Carreau du Temple
14th and 15th December 2024
In mid-December, the Klin d’œil pop-up store returns to Le Carreau du Temple in the heart of Le Marais, one of Paris’ trendiest neighbourhoods. This market is a must for lovers of handmade objects. More than 80 carefully selected creators will be offering unique pieces ranging from fashion and accessories to home décor, beauty and wellness. Fill your Christmas stocking with beautiful, original finds.
You can even take part in DIY workshops to create your own gift ideas.
And for those who want to soak up the festive spirit in Paris’ 4th arrondissement, there’s a food section with seasonal treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate.
Christmas market in Le Grand Quartier
14 December 2024
Located in the chic 10th arrondissement, inside the 4-star Le Grand Quartier hotel, this Christmas village offers an intimate, cosy atmosphere. Browse the carefully curated stalls of local artisans, discover unique creations ranging from fashion to decorative items, and even take part in creative workshops to personalise your own gifts. You can also create your own festive snack from the pastries and drinks available on site.
Alsace Christmas Market at the Gare de l’Est
29 November – 15 December 2024
If you dream of the warm, festive atmosphere of the traditional Alsatian Christmas market, you don’t have to leave Paris this year. The Alsace Christmas Market comes to the Gare de l’Est square, bringing you the best regional specialties from Alsace, all adorned with charming Christmas decorations that set the perfect seasonal mood.
Treat yourself to kougelhopf, männele, schiffelé, bredele, Munster cheese, and grumbeerekiechle — delightful regional specialties that will transport you to the heart of Alsace.
Browse the stalls, warm up with a cup of vin chaud (mulled wine), and savour the traditional flavours that will take you right to Alsace, all in the heart of Paris. With the Père Noël making special appearances, this market is an experience not to be missed — a true winter wonderland in a perfect location, celebrating the magic of the holiday season.
La Défense Parisian Christmas Village
14 November – 29 December 2024
The largest Christmas market in the Île-de-France region is set in the stunning urban landscape of La Défense, surrounded by skyscrapers and modern sculptures. With 200 decorated chalets, this market offers local crafts, regional products and delicious treats next to the iconic Grande Arche. Immerse yourself in a true festival of twinkling lights, with the scent of cinnamon and hot chocolate in the air!
A special treat this year: the city of Quebec is the guest of honour at the Défense Christmas village.
The Saveurs des Plaisirs Gourmands Fair
December 6-9, 2024
For food lovers and fans of French gastronomy, this fair at the Espace Champerret is the perfect opportunity to discover and sample refined delicacies and exceptional products from all across the country.
It’s a feast for the eyes and taste buds, offering great ideas to try out for your holiday meals. Wines, cheeses, charcuterie, and sweet treats will delight your palate and that of your loved ones.
The Christmas Windows at Paris’ Grand Department Stores!
While not technically Christmas markets, the windows of Paris’ grand department stores are an unmissable part of your Christmas visit to the city.
The meticulously arranged windows of Galeries Lafayette and Printemps Haussmann, on the prestigious Boulevard Haussmann, are a spectacle in themselves. Each year, they create increasingly surprising visual worlds. Other department stores, like Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, and BHV-Marais, also feature animated windows that plunge both children and adults into the magical world of the holidays.
2024: What is the best, biggest, most famous Christmas market in Paris, France?
These markets are certainly more touristy, but their magical settings reveal a Paris straight out of the most enchanting holiday movies. Wooden chalets, roasted chestnuts, animations, merry-go-rounds, ice skating rinks, Christmas decorations, tastings and local French products made by small-scale artisans and creators await you at some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the City of Lights, set against iconic landmarks at their most festive.
The magic of Christmas in the Jardin des Tuileries
- With 80 wooden chalets set in a green, car-free area, the Tuileries Christmas market next to the Champs-Élysées exudes a fairground atmosphere that gives it a truly magical aura.
- 16 November – 1 January
The Eiffel Tower Christmas Village – Champ-de-Mars
- On Quai Jacques Chirac, the Iron Lady invites you to stroll through 60 small designer chalets, street food stalls and a vin chaud kiosk, all with breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower.
- 7 December – 5 January
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
- Along the stylish Boulevard Saint-Germain close to the Latin Quarter, discover a truly enchanted village with activities for children, including a visit from Père Noël. A typically Parisian and charming neighborhood Christmas market!
- 26 November – 1 January
Notre-Dame Christmas Market
- At the foot of the recently reopened cathedral, in the Place René Viviani, enjoy the Christmas atmosphere with Santa Claus, activities for children and tastings of French specialities and vin chaud.
- 29 November – 25 December
Montmartre Christmas Market
- Near the Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, the Abbesses Christmas market features around 20 small wooden chalets line the streets around the butte. Here, the magic of Christmas is unparalleled: children can even meet Father Christmas and leave him their letters.
- 22 November – 7 January
