Christmas Markets in Paris are one of the city’s most beautiful winter traditions. Each mid-November, Paris transforms into a festive dream of lights and beautiful window displays. Dozens of quaint markets appear—from the grand Champs-Élysées to hidden squares known only to locals.
After visiting Paris eleven times, twice during the holidays, I’ve learned how to enjoy the city at this time of year.
I’ll share where to find the best Paris Christmas Markets, with all the practical details—dates, locations, and what to expect at each, even which ones to skip. I’ll also show you where to see Paris at its most magical: the sparkling lights, elegant window displays, and cozy cafés that make winter here unforgettable.
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Best Christmas Markets in Paris
I’ll set the scene for you…
Under a bed of twinkle lights, tiny alpine wooden huts sell handmade gifts and delicious food and drink. The aroma of hot mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, melting cheese and chocolate floats through the air. You might even hear carolers or live music being played. Magical, right?
Here is where you’ll find each one. Generally speaking, markets open daily between 10 am to 11 am and shut down in the evening between 9 pm and 11 pm (depending on the market). They will close early on December 24, and will be closed on December 25 and January 1.
La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Garden – central and most famous
The Magic of Christmas or La Magie de Noël at Tuileries Jardin is one of the largest Christmas markets in the city. It’s half Christmas market and half Christmas-themed carnival. There are plenty of food & drink options at this market, and crowds.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 15 – January 5, 2025 |
| Location | Jardin des Tuileries, 1st arrondissement |
| Vibe | Grand and lively, filled with chalets, rides, and festive cheer |
| Perfect for | Families, first-time visitors, and anyone who loves the energy of Paris at Christmas |
| What’s nearby | The Louvre Museum, Place de la Concorde, Rue de Rivoli, and a scenic winter walk along the Seine |
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market – smaller, elegant, local
Located in one of Paris’s most refined neighbourhoods, this market reflects Saint-Germain’s sophisticated soul. Expect artisanal gifts, gourmet foods, and a slower, quieter market.
This was the market where I enjoyed my first Raclette sandwich— a large wheel of cow’s milk cheese is melted and scraped onto a crusty French baguette. C’est magnifique!
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 25 – January 1, 2025 |
| Location | In front of Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 6th arrondissement |
| Vibe | Elegant and cozy, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship |
| Perfect for | Travellers who prefer a refined, local feel and meaningful keepsakes |
| What’s nearby | Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, Saint-Germain church |
Notre-Dame Christmas Market – artisan gifts and French specialties
Set across from the iconic cathedral, this market is one of the most atmospheric in Paris. The focus here is craftsmanship — handmade gifts, local delicacies, and genuine Parisian charm.
This is the market I found to have the best selection of gifts, and even picked up a little something for myself to bring back home.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 28 – December 24, 2025 |
| Location | Square René Viviani, 5th arrondissement |
| Vibe | Intimate and traditional, with an emphasis on artisans and regional produce |
| Perfect for | Shoppers who appreciate handmade gifts |
| What’s nearby | Notre-Dame Cathedral and Shakespeare & Company |
La Défense Christmas Village – modern, grand, and easy to reach by metro
Just a quick metro ride from the city center, La Défense hosts one of Paris’s largest Christmas markets. Its modern skyline creates a striking contrast to the warm wooden chalets and festive décor.
On my first Christmas in Paris, I skipped this entirely. But on my return visit, I was determined to see what I’d missed. Over dinner with a Parisian local through Eatwith, I asked, “Is the Christmas Market at La Défense worth visiting?” She smiled and said firmly, “No, no, no, no… that market is not Paris. It’s not Parisian. It’s outside the city—it’s a spectacle.”
Her words stayed with me. As a slow traveller, I realized I’d been swept up in the social media hype, planning to go simply because I felt I should. In my heart, I knew she was right—I wouldn’t love it. So, I chose not to go.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | November 13 – December 28, 2025 |
| Location | Esplanade de La Défense |
| Vibe | Modern, spacious, and dazzling with over 150 chalets, mostly of food |
| Perfect for | Gift-hunters and those curious to see Paris’s contemporary side |
Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market – a past tradition
In front of the city’s grand town hall, there once was a market that captured that quintessential Parisian winter moment — festive, elegant, and beautifully lit.
A word of caution about the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market. On my first trip, it was lively and bright, and I loved seeing the lights and festive energy. But when I returned last year, the market was gone. I even asked the security guard at Hôtel de Ville, who confirmed there was no market and suggested I visit the one at the Champs-Élysées instead. As I search for 2025 dates, I still don’t see any official confirmation. Travellers, be wary of articles calling it a “must-visit” — this appears to be an outdated tradition.
Other Hidden or Local Markets – smaller neighbourhood finds
If you’re drawn to quieter corners, Paris rewards those who wander. The Montmartre Christmas Market (November 22 to December 28) at Place des Abbesses feels like a village fair that children will love. The Alsatian Market at Gare de l’Est (November 28 to December 14) brings a taste of Strasbourg to the capital that foodies will love.
Where to See the Best Christmas Lights in Paris
Paris doesn’t compare to the Christmas markets in German cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, or Dresden. But what it does do better is its beautiful holiday lights and window displays.
Every arrondissement has its own charm, but some streets, squares, and department stores are must-visits if you want to experience the city’s festive sparkle. I’ve walked these streets at dusk, when the lights first glow, and there’s nothing quite like it.
- Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement) – The iconic avenue is lined with thousands of golden lights. Start at Place de la Concorde and stroll all the way to the Arc de Triomphe. Don’t miss the side streets like Avenue Montaigne, where luxury boutiques add their own elegant displays.
- Avenue Montaigne and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré (8th arrondissement) – Known for high-fashion window displays. The lights here are subtle, chic, and utterly Parisian. Not to mention the fashion houses like Dior and Chanel, which put on elaborate window displays.
- Place Vendôme to Place de la Concorde Walking Route (1st arrondissement) – The jewellery quarter sparkles with understated elegance. Combine the lights along Rue Saint-Honoré, Place Vendôme, and Place de la Concorde for a continuous festive experience, ending with the Champs-Élysées. Each boutique adds festive lights, and the square itself glows with a sophisticated charm and a lovely carousel.
- Rue de Rivoli (1st/4th arrondissements) – Stretching along the Seine, it connects major landmarks like Hôtel de Ville and the Louvre. Its lights are both festive and consistent, perfect for a leisurely evening walk.
- Galeries Lafayette & Printemps (9th arrondissement, Boulevard Haussmann) – These department stores compete every year with incredible window displays. Step inside Galeries Lafayette to see the massive Christmas tree under the dome—it’s a Parisian classic. Printemps often features a themed animated display that’s perfect for photos.
- Boulevard Saint-Germain & Saint-Sulpice area (6th arrondissement) – Cafés and boutique windows twinkle, and the small streets radiating from Saint-Sulpice offer hidden gems of illumination.
- Rue Montorgueil (2nd arrondissement) – Lively pedestrian street, full of cafés and food shops, decorated with subtle festive lights. Perfect for those who want local flavour with holiday ambiance.
- Île Saint-Louis & Île de la Cité (4th arrondissement) – Quaint streets, bridges, and riverside views make the Christmas lights here intimate and reflective in the Seine’s waters. Not to mention the cozy, romantic restaurants found on the tiniest of the islands, Île Saint-Louis
- Rue Cler (7th arrondissement) – A market street near the Eiffel Tower; lights are smaller but charming, especially with local food shops glowing warmly in the evening.
- Jardin des Plantes (5th arrondissement) – This botanical garden takes on a whimsical display of “Illuminated Species”. You can visit for free during the day, but at dusk, you can expect online tickets to range from €12 to €15.
- Covered Arcades (1st and 2nd arrondissements) – The historic passages like Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne, and Passage Jouffroy are beautifully illuminated during the holidays. Their glass roofs and elegant architecture create a unique, cozy glow, perfect for a slow wander and window shopping away from the crowds.
One of my favourite stops during the holidays is Astier de Villatte. Known for its très cher candles and handcrafted china, I make it a point to bring a small piece home from every trip. At Christmas, their shop is filled with charming ornaments that now fill my tree.
Another one of my favourites is Merci, in the Marais neighbourhood. They have an eclectic selection of gifts for your home and every member of your family. Just look for the courtyard with the bright red Fiat car surrounded by Christmas trees.
One of the best ways to experience the magical atmosphere of Paris at Christmas is by taking an open-top bus tour. Admire Paris buildings and streets covered in sparkling lights. Get your cameras ready for this unbelievable experience!
Final Thoughts
Visiting Paris at Christmas is simply magical.
It just might be my favourite time of year to visit Paris. With very few tourists, you can see and experience Paris during the holiday season through its magical Christmas markets and holiday lights and decorations.
If you haven’t yet booked your stay in Paris, check out the places I’ve stayed and recommend:
- My insider connection to four gorgeous Paris vacation rental apartments in Saint Germain
- A review of my stay at this Marais vacation rental
- Splurge and stay at one of the most luxurious boutique hotels in Paris, Pavillion de la Reine on Place du Vosges
