The Ultimate Guide to Paris Christmas Markets: Must-Visit Spots, Events, and Tips

Paris is an undisputed haven for foodies, but its line-up of Christmas markets will open you up to a totally different side of the French capital’s culinary scene. Although most of us know it as a city of elegance and sophistication, the Parisians go all in on their holiday festivals.

The tasty wines and hot chocolates I rave about on my Paris food tours are still available at the city’s Christmas markets, but you’ll find them alongside classics like sausages and raclette. In short, these Paris Christmas markets combine everything I love about the festivities and French food.

Here is my complete guide to the top Paris Christmas markets and the unique experiences you can enjoy at each one!

Top Paris Christmas Markets

Marché de Noël Paris 

Photo credit: Marché de Noël Paris 

Among the largest of all the Paris Christmas markets, Marché de Noël Paris in La Défense provides endless fun and food for visitors of all ages.

It’s the ultimate place for a festive day out; the youngsters can meet Santa Claus and hit the ice rink while the grown-ups can pick up some gifts at the stalls, selling everything from handcrafted jewelry to adorable ornaments.

There’s no shortage of delectable food from the almost 200 stands, with sections dedicated to the flavors of Alsace, Burgundy, and Savoyard.

La Magie de Noël

La Magie de Noël in the Tuileries Garden is a Christmas market like no other. In fact, it’s more of a winter wonderland than just a marketplace!

The sparkling Ferris wheel, over-the-top decorations, towering Christmas trees, and carnival-style attractions will set the scene from the moment you step onto the grounds. Aside from the expansive entertainment area, there are dozens of stalls selling handicrafts and artisanal products.

In terms of food and drink, you can expect to find countless French favorites like roasted chestnuts, aligot, steak frites, crêpes, and so much more.

Marché de Noel Notre Dame

There’s plenty to keep all the family busy at Marché de Noel Notre Dame, a beautiful market along the Seine overlooked by the legendary cathedral from which it gets its name.

Despite being a relatively upscale market with high-end clothing, jewelry, accessories, and homeware for sale, it’s still very much child-friendly. Meets and greets with Santa and storytelling sessions are just some activities the little ones can look forward to.

The food stalls are all about premium and regional French fare, with fine wines, macarons, foie gras, and cheese being some of the most sought-after treats.

Marché de Noël de Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Marché de Noël de Saint-Germain-des-Prés is an elegant market in the stylish neighborhood with which it shares its name.

Its Swiss-style chalets, selection of luxury goods, and compact size make it appealing for visitors looking for something chic and a little more low-key. French-made products are in high demand, including leather accessories, Christmas decorations, and artwork.

The food is just as good, ranging from tartiflette and caviar to sausages and pretzels.

What to Eat and Drink at Paris Christmas Markets

The mix of local and international delights at the Paris Christmas markets is astounding; unfortunately, sampling them all is pretty much impossible! Of all the delicious treats, these are the ones that I think you should prioritize during your trip.

Mulled Wine: Known locally as vin chaud, mulled wine is synonymous with Paris’ Christmas markets, and sipping on some while browsing the stalls is a quintessential holiday activity.

Hot Chocolate: If you’d prefer something slightly heartier and non-alcoholic, you can’t go wrong with a hot chocolate. Throw on some whipped cream and marshmallows for the full experience.

Tartiflette: Tartiflette is a Christmas market staple in Paris. It consists of potatoes, bacon lardons, reblochon cheese, and onions, which come together to create a nourishing dish that’s sure to warm you up on even the chilliest of evenings.

Pommes Frites: French fries are old reliables, but I find that the kind available at the Paris Christmas markets are always that bit tastier than the standard varieties. In many cases, you’ll have your pick of sauces and toppings to choose from.

Cheese Fondue or Raclette: Whether you prefer dipping your bread into wine-infused fondue or scraping raclette on your chosen dishes, you have to try at least one melted cheese specialty while you’re here. 

Onion Soup: This traditional French soup is an ideal winter warmer and will keep you toasty as you stroll around the markets. The mix of cheese, onion, croutons, and beef stock is so rich and satisfying.

Oysters: Oysters may seem like an odd inclusion on this list, but they’re a feature in some of the city’s more gourmet markets. More often than not, you’ll notice oysters are served alongside fresh lemon wedges and mignonette sauce made from shallots and vinegar.

Roasted Chestnuts: Nothing says Christmas in Paris quite like the scent of roasted chestnuts. Earthy, buttery, and super soft, these make for the perfect seasonal snack.

Crêpes: Crêpes are among the most iconic French desserts, so it’s no surprise that these ultra-thin pancakes are widely available in most of these marketplaces. Keep it light by adding lemon and sugar, or make it extra indulgent with Nutella or chocolate sauce.

Galettes: Galettes are the savory cousin to typically sweet crepes. They’re usually made from buckwheat flour and pair wonderfully with eggs, cheese, spinach, tomato, and bacon.

Beignets: A must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth, beignets are deep-fried morsels of dough dusted with icing sugar. Similar to doughnuts, beignets are gently crisped on the outside, and so pillow-like on the inside.

Macarons: Macarons, one of the most renowned French snacks, are also easy to come by at many of the Paris Christmas markets. The combination of the crunchy yet chewy meringue and creamy filling is a winner every time.

Tips for Visiting Paris Christmas Markets

• There’s nothing quite as captivating as seeing the Christmas lights in full swing at any of the Paris Christmas markets. Of course, most of these markets fill up once the sun has gone down and the lights are switched on, so it’s always a good idea to get there before sunset. This will allow you to see the lights turn on before the crowds descend.
• Paris has a fantastic public transport system. By utilizing the metro and bus, you’ll avoid searching for parking spaces and dealing with traffic jams.
• We all want to look our best in a fashion-focused city like Paris. However, when you’re planning your festive fits, keep in mind that the City of Love becomes rather chilly in November and December. Therefore, it’s important to dress accordingly and choose comfortable, warm clothing.
• I recommend choosing accommodation in a location well-served by public transport, making getting to and from the Christmas markets much more accessible and straightforward.
• If you’re planning to visit multiple markets during your trip, make sure you check the schedules for each, as opening days and times can vary significantly.
• Some additional festive activities in Paris to make time for include Christmas-themed Seine River cruises and admiring the decorations at Place Vendome and Galeries Lafayette.

Conclusion

For sumptuous culinary delights and wholesome, family-friendly activities, there’s nothing quite as magical as a visit to some of the Paris Christmas markets. Not only can you get on top of your Christmas shopping with the incredible gifts on offer, but you’ll do so while sampling Parisian-style holiday fare!

Sources:

Eating Europe. (n.d.). Paris food tours and activities. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.eatingeurope.com/paris/

La Défense Christmas Market. (n.d.). Xmas Paris La Défense. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://xmasparisladefense.com/

Paris Discovery Guide. (n.d.). Tuileries Garden Christmas market in Paris. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.parisdiscoveryguide.com/tuileries-garden-christmas-market.html

Marché de Noël Paris Notre Dame. (n.d.). Notre Dame Christmas market. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.marche-de-noel-paris-notre-dame.fr/index.php?lang=en

Sortir à Paris. (n.d.). Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market 2024: Handcrafted objects & delights at the foot of the church. Retrieved December 12, 2024, from https://www.sortiraparis.com/en/news/christmas-and-holidays/articles/46509-saint-germain-des-pres-christmas-market-2024-handcrafted-objects-delights-at-the-foot-of-the-church