Reims Christmas Market

The cathedral as a backdrop

Few Christmas markets in France can claim a setting like this. Notre-Dame de Reims, a 13th-century Gothic masterpiece where 33 kings of France were crowned, towers over the city in all its splendour. Once night falls and the Regalia show floods its façade with colour, the effect stops you in your tracks.

The market sets up on the Hautes Promenades. 140 chalets sell crafts, food and gifts along almost a kilometre of walkway. The dates of the 2026 edition have not yet been published by the city or the tourist office: check before you book.

The champagne capital

Reims is the unofficial capital of champagne, and the Christmas market makes the most of it. A dedicated food village offers tastings of local cuvées, glasses served straight from the chalet, and champagne and food pairings. A pink Reims biscuit dipped in a glass of rosé is the local classic you should try at least once.

Regalia: the light show

Since 2011, the Regalia sound and light show has turned the cathedral façade into an animated fresco. For 25 minutes, the Gothic sculptures regain the colours they wore in the Middle Ages. It is free and runs every 30 minutes from 5.30pm to 9pm. One of the finest light shows in France.

A full weekend in Reims

Reims has one big advantage: it is 45 minutes from Paris by TGV. A weekend gives you time to pair the market with a tour of the underground cellars (Taittinger, Veuve Clicquot, Pommery) and the city's Michelin-starred dining. Reims has 3 Michelin-starred restaurants, which puts it among France's top food destinations.