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If you’re traveling around France during this year’s holiday season, be sure to plan your itinerary around the cities that have the best Christmas markets in France! Christmas markets are magical places where the whole family can sip on warm beverages from hot chocolate to mulled wine, eat traditional French snacks and purchase artisan products, all while listening to holiday music and exploring each unique stall. When it’s cold, this collection of best French Christmas markets are really fun to attend all bundled up with friends or loved ones.
If you’re staying in Paris for the holidays, read our article on how to spend the best Christmas in Paris!
STRASBOURG, BAS-RHIN
Photo credit: Forbes
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is the oldest Christmas Market in France. It features 300 wooden houses all throughout the city center with a stunning and massive Christmas tree next to the magnificent cathedral of Strasbourg. Because the market is so large, it is divided into many themes in different areas, such as the wine maker’s district, children’s district and Foie Gras district, to name just a few popular ones. This market attracts people from all over Europe and can become very busy close to Christmas Eve (the last day it’s open). So if you’re planning on staying in Strasbourg, book your accommodation in advance! Strasbourg can also be reached by high-speed train from Paris, making it an easy day trip. Upon exiting the train station in Strasbourg, you will see that the market begins in the square just outside the station and continues into the city center.
- Strasbourg Christmas Market open from November 22nd – December 30th, 2019
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2 hours and 30 minutes by TGV train
COLMAR, HAUT-RHIN
Photo credit: The Good Life France
In Colmar, there is not one but five spectacular Christmas Markets! One of the best parts of these markets includes the “Little Venice” district, which is the most family-friendly area with a merry-go-round and animated nativity scene. To purchase Christmas related souvenirs, you should shop around Place de l’Ancienne Douane and Place des Dominicains. And lastly, for tasty treats during your visit to the Colmar Christmas Market, enjoy delicious specialties from the area at Place Jeanne d’Arc.
- Colmar Christmas Market open from November 22nd – December 29th
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2 hours and 30 minutes by TGV train
KAYSERSBERG, HAUT-RHIN
Photo credit: Visit Alsace
Only 12km from Colmar, the Kaysersberg Christmas Market is one of the most traditional Christmas Markets you can find in France today. The town itself is very charming and architecturally interesting with traditional medieval Alscian houses. The main Christmas Market located in Kaysersberg is located in Cour de l’Arsenal, behind the Sainte-Croix Church. The best food-related products from local producers are located in front of the Town Hall. These stalls have some of the yummiest cheese, honey and bread!
- The Kaysersberg Christmas Market is from November 29 to December 23, 2019
- Travel time from Paris by train: 2 hours and 30 minutes by TGV train
REIMS CHRISTMAS MARKET, MARNE
Photo credit: Grape Escapes Europe
Reims is not only a must for Champagne lovers! It is an equally a beautiful city in its own right with a jaw-dropping Christmas Village on the Town Hall’s main square….. with hundreds of stalls to shop at! For a special Christmas Market, accessible in 45 min by train from Paris, we highly recommend visiting the Reims Christmas Market to not only sample local foods but combine your treats with top-notch champagne produced in the area. While you’re in this area, be sure to visit Epernay, the world capital of Champagne.
Read more about Champagne Tasting in Reims
Think about taking a Road Trip in Burgundy and visiting the wine routes!
- The Reims Christmas Market is from November 22nd – December 29th, 2019
- Travel time from Paris by train: under 1 hour by TGV train
ARRAS, PAS-DE-CALAIS
Photo credit: Jewels Tours
There is no Christmas without Santa! In the beautiful city of Arras on December 6th, you can watch Saint Nicolas come down from the high and stunning belfry. The whole city of Arras is decorated, animated if you will, with concerts, balls and activities of all kinds. The main square of Arras is typical of northern France and really charming, the whole city is well-worth the visit around Christmas time!
The whole city is animated with concerts, ball and activities of all kind. Arras is a very charming city with a main square which is typical from the big northern city of France. On the holiday season it is really worth stopping by!
If your children want to meet Santa Claus in Paris, read our article: Where to find Santa Claus in Paris
- The Arras Christmas Market is from November 30th to December 30th, 2019
- Travel time from Paris by train: 1 hour and 30 minutes by TGV train
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