Christmas Markets 2025: Key Opening Dates Across France

Planning a festive trip in France? Discover the key opening dates for major Christmas markets in 2025, including Strasbourg, Colmar, Lille, Paris and nearby Alsace towns

From mid-November, France starts to switch into Christmas mode: illuminations are switched on, wooden chalets appear in town squares, and the first glasses of vin chaud are poured. For many families, expats and visitors, planning a visit to the marchés de Noël is now part of the winter calendar. Knowing when the main markets open in 2025 helps you avoid the rush and make the most of the season.

Below is an overview of key opening dates for some of the best-known Christmas markets, along with links to more detailed local coverage already on CHB44.

Major Christmas Markets in 2025 – At a Glance

City / Area	Region	Opening Date 2025	Closing Date 2025	Good to Know
Strasbourg – Capitale de Noël	Alsace / Grand Est	26 November 2025	24 December 2025	Historic Christkindelsmärik across multiple squares; one of Europe’s most famous markets. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Colmar	Alsace / Grand Est	25 November 2025	29 December 2025	Six markets in the old town, canals and half-timbered houses under lights. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Lille – Village de Noël	Hauts-de-France	19 November 2025	30 December 2025	Compact market on Place Rihour with ferris wheel and strong UK/Belgium visitor base. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Paris – Marché de Noël des Tuileries	Île-de-France	15 November 2025	4 January 2026	Large central Paris market with fairground, ice rink and food stands in the Jardin des Tuileries. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Near Strasbourg – First market of the season	Alsace / Grand Est	15 November 2025	See local programme	One of the earliest Christmas markets in the area. Read our article.

Alsace and the Grand Est: Strasbourg, Colmar and Beyond

For many, Christmas in France means Alsace. Strasbourg’s market, which runs from 26 November to 24 December 2025, remains the reference point, combining centuries of tradition with large-scale decorations and events. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

A little further south, Colmar’s markets stretch from 25 November to 29 December 2025 and are spread across the historic centre, with canals, half-timbered facades and smaller themed squares. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} For 2025, the wider region is particularly active, with many villages publishing their own dates early in the autumn. You can find a detailed overview in our piece “Alsace: All the Dates of the 2025 Christmas Markets Revealed”.

Strasbourg itself is also in the spotlight this year, with new features and highlights for its 455th edition. We take a closer look in “Strasbourg: The 455th Edition of the Christmas Market Unveils its New Products”, as well as in our coverage of the Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg illuminations, which mark the start of the festive season in the city.

Paris and the North: City Break Christmas Markets

For those staying closer to Paris or travelling in from abroad, the Marché de Noël des Tuileries offers a central, easy-to-access option. Running from 15 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, it combines a traditional market with a fairground atmosphere, ice rink and food stands.

Further north, Lille’s Village de Noël runs from 19 November to 30 December 2025, transforming Place Rihour into a festive square with chalets, a big wheel and decorations that attract visitors from across northern France, Belgium and the UK.

In the Île-de-France region, local authorities and town halls are also rolling out their own programmes. For example, in Seine-Saint-Denis, first information on the 2025 Christmas markets is already available; see our preview article “Seine-Saint-Denis: The First Information about the 2025 Christmas Markets” for what to expect there.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips

Check dates before travelling: While national press and tourism sites give a broad overview, always confirm via the official city or tourism websites before booking accommodation or transport – dates and times can change at short notice due to security, weather or local decisions.
Aim for midweek where possible: Fridays and weekends are often extremely busy, especially in Strasbourg, Colmar and Paris. A midweek visit usually means smaller crowds and easier parking or public transport.
Dress for the cold: Even in milder regions, evenings can be damp and windy at this time of year. Layering, waterproof shoes and gloves make long evenings at outdoor markets far more comfortable.
Combine markets with local visits: Many of the best experiences come from pairing the market with museums, local walks or day trips in the surrounding countryside.

As the season progresses, we will continue to update CHB44 with local Christmas market stories, illuminations, and travel ideas across France. For more background on the history and traditions behind these events, keep an eye on our guides section and related features on festive life in France.