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The most beautiful Christmas markets in France and Europe
Twinkling chalets, mulled wine, lights and crafts. Your independent guide to the 2026 season, from the Alsatian giants to village gems.
266+
Markets listed
22
Regions covered
46
Articles & guides
When the fairy lights come on and the air smells of cinnamon, we're ready
Every winter, hundreds of markets open their chalets all over France. The great Christmas tree in Strasbourg, the half-timbered lanes of Colmar, the cathedral light show in Reims, the santons of Aix, Saint Nicholas in Nancy... each has its own story, its own scent, its own little gems.
Our job: helping you choose the one that suits you this season, without vague lists or rough figures. We check the opening hours, note down how to get there and share our favourites. And our eyes still light up with every glass of mulled wine.
The must-sees
France's most iconic markets, worth seeing at least once
Opens in 50 days
Prague Christmas Market
Prague
From 28 November to 6 January 2027
Worth the trip
Dates to be confirmed
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg
Worth the trip
Opens in 45 days
Colmar Christmas Market
Colmar
From 23 November to 29 December 2026
Worth the trip
Dates to be confirmed
Reims Christmas Market
Reims
Worth the trip
Opens in 42 days
Lyon Christmas Market
Lyon
From 20 November to 24 December 2026
Worth the weekend
Opens in 42 days
Nancy Christmas Market
Nancy
From 20 November to 3 January 2027
Worth the weekend
Opens in 49 days
Annecy Christmas Market
Annecy
From 27 November to 27 December 2026
Worth the weekend
Dates to be confirmed
Paris Christmas Market
Paris
Worth the weekend
All the markets on the map
Click a marker for a quick preview, or open the full map with filters by atmosphere and size.
Explore by region
Every region has its own traditions, specialities and signature markets
Alsace
The historic capital of Christmas markets
Grand Est
Reims, Metz, Nancy and the festive spirit
Hauts-de-France
Flemish tradition and Ferris wheels
Île-de-France
The Tuileries and neighbourhood markets
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Lyon, Annecy and the spirit of the mountains
Burgundy-Franche-Comté
Beaune, Dijon and the Montbéliard area
Christmas parks and activities
Disneyland Paris, Europa-Park, Parc Astérix and the Écomusée d’Alsace each run their own Christmas season. They aren't markets, but they pair well with a visit to the chalets nearby.
Opens in 63 days
Event
Christmas in Gouda: Gouda by Candlelight
Gouda
From 11 to 11 December 2026
Day out · Event
Opens in 60 days
Event
Christmas in Delft: the Festival of Lights
Delft
From 8 to 8 December 2026
Local favourite · Event
Opens in 64 days
Event
Christmas in Deventer: the Dickens Festival
Deventer
From 12 to 13 December 2026
Worth the weekend · Event
Dates to be confirmed
Event
Christmas in Greccio: the living nativity
Greccio
Day out · Event
Opens in 43 days
Event
Christmas in Gubbio: the giant tree and the markets
Gubbio
From 21 November to 6 January 2027
Day out · Event
Each listing gives the dates of the park's Christmas season, a “from” price noted on the date shown, the journey from France and what sets the programme apart: a parade, an ice rink, a built-in market or a light trail. Parks are flagged throughout the site with a gold pin and a “Park” label, so you never mistake them for a free Christmas market in a town centre.
To plan a full day out, the magazine suggests market-plus-park combinations, such as Strasbourg and Europa-Park from Alsace, or Lille and Bellewaerde from the Nord.
Our picks
Hand-picked markets to match your mood
Practical guides
Everything you need to plan your visit
Magazine
Christmas traditions, recipes and stories
Christmas markets worth the trip
The sixteen Christmas markets worth the trip, in France and just across the border: dates, transport and accommodation to plan your weekend.
Read the article
A family Christmas near Lille: Bellewaerde, Plopsaland, Pairi Daiza
Bellewaerde, Plopsaland or Pairi Daiza for a family Christmas near Lille: 2026-2027 dates, journeys, prices checked and budget to pick the right park.
Read the article
The Origins of the Christmas Market, from Bautzen to Strasbourg
Bautzen 1384, Dresden 1434, Strasbourg 1570: the verified origins of the Christmas market, from the Protestant Reformation to its spread in France.
Read the article