Paris Christmas Market – The Top 10 Must-Visit Spots For 2024

Paris, the City of Light, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with its famous Christmas markets, or Marchés de Noël, being a major attraction.

These festive markets offer a unique and magical experience, showcasing the best of French culture, cuisine, and craftsmanship. From traditional Alsatian delicacies to handmade crafts and decorations, Paris Christmas markets have something for everyone.

In this article, we'll guide you through the best Christmas markets in Paris, providing you with insider tips and recommendations to make the most of your holiday season in the French capital. Here, then are our top-rated Christmas in Paris experiences.

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Our Top-Rated Christmas in Paris Experiences

1. Holiday VIP Dinner Cruise… View the Paris lights from the Seine

2. Christmas Day Lunch Cruise on the Seine… Very likely to sell out

3. New Years Eve Dinner Cruise & Party… Don't miss the party! Book now!

4. Nureyev's The Nutcracker at Opera Bastille… Tchaikovsky's classic holiday ballet

The 10 Best Christmas Markets In Paris

Handmade decorations at a Paris Christmas Market

Traditional Christmas markets are found in every quartier of Paris – and they're usually open from the end of November to the beginning of January.

The signature feature of Paris Christmas markets are wooden chalets, lined up in rows, where all things Christmas are sold – decorations, regional products, arts & crafts, roasted chestnuts, mulled wines, and the other seasonal charms like garlands and decorated trees and Santa's workshops.

Notre Dame Christmas Market

The Christmas Market near Notre Dame

The magic of Notre-Dame comes alive again this holiday season!

Just across the Seine from the historic Notre Dame cathedral, artisans from around France gather at this annual event. Discover beautiful paintings, decorative items, pottery, jewelry, tableware, and of course, plenty of delicious French sausage, cheeses, and foie gras.

Have your picture taken with Père Noël and shop knowing that all of the artisanal items at the fair have been fait en France (made in France) by craftspeople. Meet you at the cheese booth!

  • Square René Viviani
  • 5th Arrondissement
  • December 9 to 26
  • Metro – Maubert-Mutualité
  • Information

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Romantic Dinner Cruises In Paris

VIP Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
This romantic dinner cruise includes champagne, wine & a classic meal. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.
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Dinner Cruise by Maxim's of Paris
The legendary Parisian restaurant takes you on a dinner cruise complete with champagne and wine. Choose the 2-hour cruise for a stellar evening in Paris.
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VIP Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
This romantic dinner cruise includes champagne, wine & a classic meal. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.
Reserve your table…

Le Village de Noël at Les Halles

Christmas Village at Les Halles in Paris

The Christmas Village at Les Halles is one of the biggest holiday markets in Paris, featuring sixty chalets that display seasonal crafts, decorations, and delectable food. A beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the Christmas Village at Les Halles contributes to the festive atmosphere.

There are also workshops, including a letter-writing session to Santa. Look for the Enchanted Forest where the kids can search for Père Noël's house. This market was an instant hit in its first season in 2017, following a multi-year renovation at Les Halles.

  • Fontaine des Innocents, Place Joachim-du-Bellay
  • 1st Arrondissement
  • Late November to late December
  • Metro – Les Halles

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Top-Rated Paris Museum Tours

The Louvre's Greatest Masterpieces
Skip the lines and see a lot of art on this professionally guided tour. Choose from a private tour or semi-private (max 6 people.) The top choice.
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Musé d'Orsay Guided Tour
Enjoy skip-the-line access and learn the stories behind the world's greatest Impressionist art at Musé d'Orsay.
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The Louvre's Greatest Masterpieces
Skip the lines and see a lot of art on this professionally guided tour. Choose from a private tour or semi-private (max 6 people.) The top choice.
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Abbesses Christmas Market at Montmartre

The Christams cabins high on the hill of Montmartre

Head up the hill to the place at Abbesses where you'll find the children's carousel and, at this time of year, the Christmas market of Montmartre.

Although it's one of the smaller markets, with only about twenty chalets, the variety and sheer charm make up for size. Plan to spend at least half a day here — and after browsing the market explore this famous quartier where so many artists lived and worked.

  • Place des Abbesses
  • Montmartre, 18th Arrondissement
  • End of November to early January
  • Metro – Abbesses

Made in the 18th Christmas Market

Hand-Made decorations in the 18th Christmas Market

Visit the abandoned railway track, Le Petit Ceinture, for its annual Christmas market.

Thirty exhibitors will be on hand proudly displaying their wares — jewelry, crafts, body care, and fashion — all made in the 18th Arrondissement of Paris.

  • Le Hasard Ludique
  • 128 Avenue de Saint-Ouen
  • 18th Arrondissement
  • December 19
  • Metro – Porte de Clignancourt
  • Information

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Experience the Splendor Of Versailles

Versailles with Priority Access + Gardens
Skip the long lines to experience the grandeur of Versailles on a guided tour. Stroll through the stunning gardens with your guide, then visit Marie Antoinette's estate.
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Half-Day, Skip-the-Line Tour of Versailles
If you don't have a full day, this popular half-day tour of Versailles includes priority access with an expert guide. The small-group ensures personal attention and includes transportation right from your hotel.
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Versailles with Priority Access + Gardens
Skip the long lines to experience the grandeur of Versailles on a guided tour. Stroll through the stunning gardens with your guide, then visit Marie Antoinette's estate.
More information…

Village de Noël at the Eiffel Tower

A young woman holds a candied apple in the snow at the Village de Noel at Champs de Mars

At the foot of the Eiffel Tower you'll discover one of the most-loved Christmas markets in Paris.

After your Santa shopping bags have been filled, hang around the Eiffel Tower for a nighttime glittering show of lights.

Another of our favorite things to do in the neighborhood is to visit nearby Rue St. Dominique, where the streets are lit with Eiffel-Tower-shaped street Christmas decorations.

  • Champs de Mars, Eiffel Tower
  • 7th Arrondissement
  • Mid to late December
  • Metro – Alma-Marceau, Bir-Hakeim

Village de Noël at La Défense

View over the lights of the massive Christmas Market La Defense

La Défense Christmas Market is the largest Christmas market in Paris, with a staggering 350 chalets.

If you've never been to La Défense the market gives you a reason to go, especially in the evening when the towering buildings are illuminated.

Plan to spend several hours — the variety and diversity of products sold is mind boggling. There's even a Canadian section where you can sample and purchase maple syrup from Quebec.

Also on sale are fresh oysters, regional sausages and a variety of cheeses and seasonal baked goods.

The market features an open-air ice rink and thematic displays celebrating Quebec's culture, creating an immersive holiday experience amid dazzling lights and decorations.

Getting there is easy, it's the last stop on Metro Line 1, under the Grande Arche.

  • Parvis de la Defense, Grande Arche
  • La Defense
  • End of November to end of December
  • Metro – La Défense;

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Delectable Food Tours in Paris

Discover the Food & Wine of the Marais
Visit the top food & wine shops in the historic Marais, tasting the best of French foods. There's plenty of sampling on this small-group tour.
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Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cellar
In the cheese-aging cellar of a Paris fromagerie you discover 7 classic French cheeses and the wines that pair with them. Lots of sampling!
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Cheese & Wine Tasting in a Paris Cellar
In the cheese-aging cellar of a Paris fromagerie you discover 7 classic French cheeses and the wines that pair with them. Lots of sampling!
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Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est

Alsatian kougelhopf at the Paris Christmas Market

Interested in a little kougelhopf? We're not being rude or suggestive.This is the famous Alsatian brioche cake with nuggets of raisins and almonds, made in a special mould, that was introduced to France by none other than Marie Antoinette. No wonder it's a staple at the two-week annual Christmas Market held at the historic train station, Gare de l'Est .

Now, kougelhopf by itself is a big draw for us, but this market is not only about the kougelhopf.

The Alsatian-themed Christmas market has an abundance of other seasonal culinary delights like gingerbread, brioche, galettes, funky munster cheese, tangy sauerkraut, rich foie gras, with some sweet Riesling wines to wash it all down with.

  • Place du 11 Novembre 1918
  • 10th Arrondissement
  • First two weeks of December
  • Metro – Gare de l'Est

Marché de Noel at Saint Germain des Prés

A cabin with handmade crafts at the Christmas market at Saint Germain des Pres

Just hop off the Metro at Saint-Germain-des-Prés (Line 4) to shop at twenty-five chalets selling a range of authentic arts, crafts, and local seasonal foods.

Once your stockings are filled, enjoy the attractions of Saint-Germain-des-Prés like the historic church that gives the area its name, Église Saint-Germain, or the literary cafes Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore.

  • Place Saint-Germain des Prés
  • 6th Arrondissement
  • Mid-December to early January
  • Metro – Saint-Germain-des-Prés

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The Best Evenings in Paris

Dinner & Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge
Take your seats at the world’s most famous cabaret – delight in the spectacular show while enjoying a traditional French multi-course dinner. Choose the Belle Epoque Menu for the best experience.
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VIP Dinner Cruise with Bateaux Parisiens
This romantic dinner cruise includes champagne, wine & a classic meal. Choose the Service Privilege option for the best seating, best meal, and the ultimate experience.
Reserve your table…

Dinner & Cabaret at the Moulin Rouge
Take your seats at the world’s most famous cabaret – delight in the spectacular show while enjoying a traditional French multi-course dinner. Choose the Belle Epoque Menu for the best experience.
Check Availability…

Marché de Noël, 15th Arrondissement

A woman views the offerings at a Paris Christmas Markets

Next to the mairie of the 15th arrondissement you'll find that district's neighborhood Christmas market.

Twenty chalets sell regional specialities, games, crafts, jewelry, and decorations. There will be Christmas carols, pony rides, sleigh rides and merry-go-rounds, as well as goodie bags for kids from Père Noël himself.

  • 31 Rue Peclet
  • 15th Arrondissement
  • December 15 to 24
  • Metro – Volontaires

Les Faeries d'Auteil

Traditional Santon figures at the market, Les Faeries d'Autei

This festive Christmas market in the 16th is filled with the bounty of the season — think mulled wine, foie gras, cheese and gingerbread. Also for sale are jewelry, decorations, and those traditional Christmas figures from Provence called santons.

Don't miss the nativity scenes, a flea market, concerts and the festive, decorated Christmas trees.

  • 40 Rue Jean de la Fontaine
  • 16th Arrondissement
  • Usually around December 2 to 10
  • Metro – Jasmin

A Japanese Christmas Market

handcrafted deocrations at the Japanese Christmas Market in Paris

Jipango, a Franco-Japanese association in Paris, hosts many events during the year. In December they stage their Christmas market, featuring forty stalls with an Asian flair and a zen attitude.

Artisans sell unique Japanese arts and crafts. As well, there are plenty of Japanese foods and teas to sample and purchase.

  • 10 Passage Choiseul
  • 2nd Arrondissement
  • November 28 to December 1
  • Metro – Pyramides

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Find Hotel Deals for Your Dates in Paris

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Other Paris Christmas Markets

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rows of booths at the Eiffel Tower Christmas Market

Les Fééries d'Auteuil Christmas Market

The Apprentis d'Auteuil Foundation invites you to Les Fééries d'Auteuil, its Christmas market. Discover eco-friendly leather goods, paintings, jewelry and other gift ideas. Each purchase helps young people in need.

  • 40 Rue Jean-de-la-Fontaine
  • 16th Arrondissement
  • December 4 to 12
  • Metro – Jasmin

Bastille Christmas Market

The Bastille Christmas Market is a popular destination for holiday shoppers and foodies alike.

Located in the heart of the Bastille neighborhood, this market offers a wide range of stalls selling everything from traditional French delicacies to handmade crafts and decorations.

Visitors can enjoy hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while browsing the stalls, which include local artisans, designers, and creators.

The market is open from late November to early January, making it a great destination for those looking to get into the holiday spirit.

Swedish Christmas Market

This Christmas market, a love song to Sweden, features a plethora of Swedish arts, crafts, and glassware as well as a smorgasbord of pickled herring, smoked salmon, tart cranberry jam, with authentic bread, cakes, and chocolates.

The event is brought to Paris by the Friends of the Paris Swedish Church, built in the early 1900s.

  • Église Suedoise, 9 rue Médéric
  • 17th Arrondissement
  • Early December
  • Metro – Sainte Sulpice

Père Noël Village at Place de Saint-Sulpice

Here's a good reason to visit the lovely fountain as well as Église Sainte-Sulpice. When you need to warm your hands, head inside the church to see Delacroix's masterpiece, Jacob Wrestling with the Angel.

  • Place de Saint-Sulpice
  • 6th Arrondissement
  • Metro – Courcelles

Ecological & Solidarity Christmas Market

This year give eco-friendly, ethical, and meaningful Christmas gifts offered at la marché de noël écologique et solidaire. Visit dozens of vendors offering gardening kits, organic wines, zero waste cosmetics, medicinal plants, crafts, clothing and 100% ethical fashion accessories.

  • 1 Carrefour de Longchamp, Bois de Boulogne
  • 16th Arrondissement
  • December 11 to 19

Place d'Italie

Although it's a petit market with about twenty chalets, there is a festive feeling in the 13th Arrondissement

  • Place d'Italie
  • 13th Arrondissement

Trocadero Christmas Market

With its great views of the Eiffel Tower, the Trocadero Christmas Market (photo above) is very popular with locals and visitors alike. Word has it there may also be a temporary ice rink set up for the season.

  • Place d'Italie
  • Metro – Trocadero

Greenwitch

What better occasion than Christmas to convince a family member or friend to become a feminist? On the weekend of December 18 and 19, the Terre-étoiles organization takes over the Recyclerie to offer you a fete of feminism. The Greenwitch Christmas village combines tales, herbalists, and workshops on the theme of ecofeminism.

  • 83 Boulevard Ornano
  • 18th Arrondissement
  • December 18 to 19
  • Metro – Porte de Clignancourt