The 8 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets In France

The 8 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets In France


Mulled wine with spices, Christmas carols, chestnuts, wooden toys, chalets… Let’s go for a month of magic. Here are the 8 most beautiful Christmas markets in France.

December is marked by the arrival of winter and the holidays, but it is also an occasion to celebrate Advent at the Christmas markets. 

Most of them start on the first weekend of December, but we have just inaugurated those in Strasbourg and Colmar. Even if Alsace is on the top of the Christmas market podium, other regions deserve a look. 

Besides the magical atmosphere of these markets, you will have the opportunity to enjoy magnificent Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, and shows. 

Not sure which Christmas market to visit this year? This is normal; there are more than 300 in France. You are lucky; we give you some ideas with our top 8 for this winter 2021.

The 8 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets In France

1. Strasbourg: The Biggest Christmas Market

Discover the largest Christmas market in Alsace in Strasbourg. You have until December 30 to enjoy the various activities planned for this occasion. Nicknamed “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to more than 300 chalets. 

The city has been separated into four types of Christmas markets, suitable for both young and old. Whether you are “In the heart of Christmas,” “Secret Christmas,” “Magic Christmas,” or “Christmas differently,” you will live an unforgettable experience. 

Salmon cooked with flame at the Finnish chalet on Place Grimmeissen, Christmas decorations and teddy bears at the foot of the Cathedral, large Christmas tree on Place Kléber… 

The magic of Christmas will undoubtedly be at the rendezvous.

2. Lyon: The Scent of Mulled Wine and International Atmosphere

Meet your friends and family at Place Carnot in Lyon for a moment of guaranteed relaxation during the Christmas holidays. Lyon welcomes over 130 chalets from November until the end of December for its huge Christmas market. 

Mulled wine, Nutella pancake, chestnuts cooked in embers… The month of December will be synonymous with enchantments. 

Admire the decorations from the winter garden and enjoy the beauty of the various shows organized throughout this event. 

If you want to do everything at once, go to Lyon during the Festival of Lights, from December 6 to December 9, 2018.

3. Riquewihr: The Darling Little King of Beauty and the Beast

Known for its famous fountain that inspired the producers of Beauty and the Beast, the village of Riquewihr is also the place to be during winter and Christmas. 

When visiting Riquewhir, do not miss the famous shop “Féérie de Noël” and its original decorations for your tree. 

Eat a pretzel accompanied by a hot apple juice with 7 spices and get lost in the small streets illuminated at nightfall.

4. Reims: The Must-See of Winter

This is one of the favorite Christmas markets of the French. This winter, we will meet until December 28 for a magical Advent month in Reims. Fair, Ferris wheel, free entertainment… 

Young and old will be conquered. You will even find a “Kingdom of Children” courtyard of the Tau Palace. As for shops, the market hosts more than 130 chalets, from the Parvis de la Cathédrale to the Place d’Erlon. Creators, artisans, and artists will be there to make you dream.

5. Colmar: The Little Venice of Christmas and Its Colorful Squares

Visiting Colmar during the Christmas holidays also means enjoying one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace. This year, four markets will welcome you until December 30th. 

Between Christmas decorations, gourmet markets, local products, and local crafts, you will not be disappointed. You should taste the cheese at place Jeanne d’Arc before leaving place des Six Montagnes Noires to fulfill all your children’s magical dreams. 

We advise you to stay there for a morning before visiting Riquewhir, Eguisheim, or Kaysersberg, located a few kilometers away.

6. Metz: The Big Winner in Terms of Gastronomy

Until January 6, the streets of Metz are transformed to give way to the Christmas market, a long-awaited event of the winter season. Hundreds of thousands of tourists attend each year. 

In addition to seducing the most greedy thanks to its stalls of local products, the city of Metz attracts children thanks to its ice rink located at Place de la République. 

Marvel at the Lantern Trail on the Place de Préfecture and climb to the top of the Ferris Wheel, Place d’Armes.

7. Kaysersberg: The Magic of Christmas At Any Time

The youngest in Alsace of our 8 most beautiful Christmas markets in France: Kaysersberg. It is one of the great Christmas must-sees. 

We love it for its gingerbread and mulled wine but especially for its Christmas decorations and magical atmosphere. 

Eat some bredalas (Christmas cakes) as you stroll through the alleys of the village and buy your souvenirs and gifts in one of the 30 chalets in the market. Be careful; the market is open until December 30 compared to many others.

8. Montbéliard: The Authentic of Burgundy Franche-Comté

Every year, the Montbéliard Christmas market offers entertainment and hosts more than a hundred chalets. Visiting Montbéliard in December also means enjoying Christmas decorations from Württemberg Castle to St. Martin’s Temple. 

There is something to give you ideas and make you dream. The town of Montbéliard is also renowned for its market that is both authentic and gastronomic. 

In a warm atmosphere, families gather around a good glass of wine and hot chestnuts before getting lost in the illuminated alleys of the city center. The market is open until December 29th; enjoy it quickly!

Al Amin Sagor

Hi, I'm Al Amin Sagor. Join me as I share travel tips, personal insights, and amazing experiences that have shaped my adventures. Let's explore together and make lasting memories.

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