Christmas Markets in France 2025: A Regional Guide to the Country’s Best Festive Experiences

Discover France’s Christmas Markets 2025 with our regional guide to Strasbourg, Paris, Lille, Lyon, Toulouse and more. Dates, traditions, travel tips and the best markets to visit this December.

Across France, Christmas markets have begun to open their doors for the 2025 festive season, filling towns and cities with lights, music, wooden chalets and the unmistakable scent of mulled wine. Whether you live in France or are visiting from abroad, December’s markets are more than shopping destinations — they are cultural landmarks, rooted in regional traditions that differ dramatically from Alsace to Provence.

This guide maps out the key markets across France, region by region, with opening dates, specialities and links to deeper coverage already published on CHB44. It is designed as an evergreen reference that can be updated each year.

Alsace: The Heart of France’s Christmas Tradition

Strasbourg — “Capital of Christmas”

No market in France has the international reputation of Strasbourg, now in its 455th edition, and already open for the 2025 season. With more than 300 chalets spread across the city centre, the atmosphere here is unmatched.

Opening Dates 2025: Already open — runs until 24 December.

Colmar

Often considered the most picturesque Christmas market in France, Colmar hosts several themed mini-markets throughout its old town. Lights play a major role here—every historic façade is illuminated.

Mulhouse

Known for its annual Christmas fabric, produced each year by local textile designers. Ideal for decorations and gifts you won’t find elsewhere.

See all 2025 Alsace dates here.

Île-de-France: Paris and the Surrounding Region

Paris — Multiple Markets Across the City

Paris has no single “official” market; instead, dozens appear across various districts. For travellers and families, the most popular remain:

La Défense Christmas Village — The largest in Île-de-France, running until late December.
Tuileries Garden Market — Market + funfair, popular with children.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés — Smaller but high quality, ideal for artisan gifts.

Seine-Saint-Denis: Early Openers

The département’s markets started early this year, including the first wave of 2025 openings.

Read about Christmas markets in Seine-Saint-Denis.

Grand Est (Beyond Alsace)

Metz

A spectacular market with a giant Ferris wheel, traditional chalets and Germany-inspired food stands.

Reims

Set beneath the cathedral’s gothic towers, ideal for champagne tasting and local gourmet gifts.

Hauts-de-France: Northern Markets with British Influence

Lille

One of the most convenient markets for UK visitors arriving by ferry or Eurostar. The city square transforms into a festive hub with a large Ferris wheel and regional specialities.

Arras

Often voted one of the most beautiful markets in France, held in the UNESCO-listed Grand’Place.

Amiens

The largest Christmas market in northern France by number of chalets.

Brittany, Loire-Atlantique & Western France

Nantes

One of the earliest-opening markets in western France, with two large sites: Place du Commerce and Place Royale.

Rennes

A family-friendly market offering regional food (crêpes, kouign-amann) and local crafts.

West Coast Bonus: UK Travellers Take Note

For visitors from the UK, western markets are easily accessible via ferry crossings into Saint-Malo, Caen or Roscoff.

Check Brittany Ferries options here for smooth access to Brittany and the Loire regions.

Rhône-Alpes / Auvergne

Lyon

The Lyon Christmas Market has grown significantly and pairs beautifully with the city’s Fête des Lumières in early December.

Annecy

Fairytale alpine scenery plus chalets along the lakefront — one of France’s most atmospheric markets.

Occitanie (Toulouse, Montpellier, Carcassonne)

Toulouse

A major regional market in Place du Capitole, mixing traditional stands with high-quality artisanal products.

Montpellier

A modern “Hivernales” market, popular for creative crafts and local wines.

Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur

Avignon

Known for its Provençal crib scenes (“santons”) and local Christmas food traditions.

Nice

A coastal Christmas with palm trees and lights — unique in France.

Travel Tips for 2025

Book early — especially for Strasbourg and Colmar, which are already at 70–80% capacity for mid-December weekends.
Use multi-currency accounts to avoid bank exchange fees when travelling. UK travellers can keep GBP and EUR side-by-side for spending in France.
Wise is an efficient option for avoiding poor currency rates.
Expect security checks at larger city markets.
Weekdays are significantly quieter — perfect for families and older visitors.

Conclusion

With hundreds of markets now open across France, December 2025 offers something for every visitor — from Strasbourg’s historic chalets to the modern Parisian villages and the coastal markets of Brittany. This guide will be updated as new dates and announcements come in.