Strasbourg – Capital of Christmas
The most iconic Christmas market in France, with historic squares, lights, traditions and more than four hundred years of market history.
Official information: Strasbourg Capital of Christmas
Christmas markets in France are first and foremost about Alsace and Grand Est – but Paris, Reims, Metz, Lille and smaller towns also offer lights, crafts, food and festive pre-Christmas atmosphere.
Strasbourg is often called the capital of Christmas, Colmar is fairy-tale-like, Reims combines its market with champagne, and Metz is one of the most underrated Christmas cities in eastern France.
Dates vary from year to year and are often announced closer to the season. Use this guide as a planning page, and always check the official market websites before booking flights, trains and hotels.
The best Christmas markets in France are close enough together that you can put together a small round trip by train. Strasbourg and Colmar can be combined, Reims is an easy trip from Paris, and Metz is a good choice if you want plenty of atmosphere with slightly fewer Nordic visitors.
It pays to book early. Weekends in December fill up quickly, especially in Alsace. Travelling midweek can mean lower hotel prices and more room to breathe.
This page is designed as a practical seasonal guide. It combines travel suggestions, regular events and advice on when to book, where to stay and what to look out for.
Here are the events that make this period especially interesting for travellers. Some dates are fixed, others change from year to year. Always check the organiser's own website before booking your trip.
The most iconic Christmas market in France, with historic squares, lights, traditions and more than four hundred years of market history.
Official information: Strasbourg Capital of ChristmasSeveral small markets in the old town, canals, half-timbered houses and a very high festive factor. Combine it with Eguisheim, Kaysersberg or Riquewihr.
Official information: Colmar Christmas MarketLarge market squares, lights, food and a more local Grand Est atmosphere. Metz works well as an alternative or an addition to Alsace.
Official information: Metz Christmas MarketThe champagne city combines its Christmas market with the cathedral, lights and champagne houses. An easy train ride from Paris.
Official information: Reims Christmas MarketParis has several smaller markets and winter villages. It is not as traditional as Alsace, but works well combined with shopping, museums and a restaurant weekend.
Official information: France.fr – Bastille DayFrance is a big country, and the right destination depends on the weather, opening times, your interests and how much you want to move around. These suggestions are particularly well suited to the period.
The classic first choice. Best if you want the full Christmas market experience, historic squares and easy train connections.
More fairy-tale-like and compact than Strasbourg. Perfect for couples, photography and a quieter base – but very popular at weekends.
A good choice if you want to combine a Christmas market with champagne, the cathedral and a short journey from Paris.
An underrated Christmas city with spectacular light displays, local food and a short hop to Luxembourg and Lorraine.
Best if you want a big city, shopping, museums and a bit of Christmas market on top – not necessarily the most traditional Christmas market trip.
If you want to make the trip more concrete, you can search for guided tours, tickets, excursions and activities for the period in question. Use this as a supplement to hotels, trains and your own itinerary.
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Strasbourg is the best known, while Colmar is often considered the most fairy-tale-like. Reims and Metz are good alternatives.
Many open in late November and run until Christmas or the days between Christmas and New Year, but dates vary from city to city.
Yes, especially at weekends. Book early or travel midweek for better prices.
Events can change their dates, programmes and opening times. Use these links as a final check before publishing or booking.
Christmas markets in France are about more than mulled wine and stalls. The best places combine city history, lights, food, crafts and regional identity. Choose the right base and book early, and a pre-Christmas trip to France can become one of the most atmospheric journeys of the winter.