There are many markets in Paris all year round, but only in December do they turn into something truly magical. Christmas markets fill the city with the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon, sparkle with garlands, and echo with laughter. Here, people don’t haggle – they celebrate life!
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The most important thing is to book a hotel close to the city center so that your journey to this festive wonderland doesn’t turn into a marathon.
To help you navigate through the lights and festive stalls, we’ve created a map of all the Christmas markets in Paris. It will help you plan your walk, from the bustling markets in the center to smaller fairs hidden in cozy neighborhoods.
Market in the Tuileries Garden – La Magie de Noël
If you want to visit the Christmas market in Paris that looks straight out of a movie, head to the Tuileries Garden. This beautiful park stretches between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, and as soon as the wooden chalets and Ferris wheel are set up, it transforms into a true winter amusement park.
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There’s much more here than just mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. In 2025, you’ll find an open-air ice rink, dozens of attractions for both children and adults, and, of course, plenty of shopping arcades with souvenirs and local delicacies. You can buy cheese directly from farmers, enjoy waffles and pancakes, and then take a ride on the Ferris wheel to see the city lights from above.
The main advantage of the Tuileries market is its central location. Whether you are strolling around the Louvre or exiting the Concorde metro station, you’ll find yourself right at its entrance. While the market can be noisy and crowded with tourists, it remains one of the most enchanting places to experience December in Paris.
During the holidays, Paris runs on a special schedule. Some museums close, many shops shorten their hours, but cafés and restaurants are almost always open. Keep this in mind so that your walk through the markets flows smoothly into dinner without unexpected surprises.
The market at Notre Dame Cathedral – Square Viviani
After a walk along the Seine, if you turn toward Notre Dame Cathedral, you’ll discover a charming Christmas market on Square Viviani. Though not as large as the Tuileries or La Défense markets, it’s one of the most picturesque.
The small rows of wooden stalls blend beautifully into the historic quarter, creating the impression that they’ve always been there. The focus here is on crafts and gastronomy. Handmade decorations, woolen goods, toys, sweets, and spices – every stall feels like a little village shop rather than a tourist attraction.
In the evening, the atmosphere becomes especially magical as the garland lights reflect off the river and the air fills with the aroma of mulled wine and fresh pastries.
» READ MORE – Notre Dame Cathedral: how to visit?
La Défense Market – Christmas Village
A Christmas market surrounded by skyscrapers? Only in Paris!
La Défense transforms into a sparkling «mini-city» with hundreds of white chalets, twinkling lights, live music, and the delicious smell of fresh pretzels. As evening falls, the reflections in the glass towers make you feel like you’ve been transported somewhere between New York and Strasbourg.
The festivities begin at the Grande Arche de La Défense, and the sheer scale of the market is breathtaking – perfect for those who want to see a modern take on Parisian holiday traditions.
French Christmas markets have their roots in Alsace, with Strasbourg being the first «Christmas capital.» Fairs have been held there since the 16th century, and today, cities all over France continue this beloved tradition. Paris adds its own glamour and style to the mix.
» READ MORE – Sights of Strasbourg: what to see in one day?
Montmartre Market – Place des Abbesses
Montmartre already looks like a Christmas card, and in December, the feeling intensifies. On Place des Abbesses, at the foot of the hill crowned by the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, you’ll find a compact, intimate market.
It’s delightful to simply wander here: stalls selling toys, local cheeses, and sweets are surrounded by street performers. Classic carousels and narrow streets with cafés create a setting that feels timeless. The market is especially charming after dark when garlands on the trees and warm lights in the windows make the scene resemble a movie set.
Market at the Paris City Hall (in 2025 – on the Place de la Concorde)
Traditionally, a Christmas tree and market are set up in front of the Hôtel de Ville. However, in 2025, this market will move to Place de la Concorde.
Known as the «Christmas Village of Place de la Concorde,» it will feature all the beloved elements: chalets with festive treats and souvenirs, an enchanted forest of fir and birch trees, and special holiday installations for children.
In the evening, visitors will enjoy a view of the illuminated Eiffel Tower – a beautiful bonus to the experience. Though not the largest, this market remains one of the coziest, capturing the charm that makes Parisian Christmas markets so appealing to both locals and tourists.
If you’ve already visited all the markets in the city, consider a trip to Disneyland Paris. During the holidays, the park organizes parades, dazzling light shows, and themed performances, creating a magical atmosphere where both children and adults feel like they’ve stepped into a storybook.
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Place Saint-Michel Market
The Christmas market at Place Saint-Michel has a distinctly intimate feel. A few dozen stalls appear at the foot of the fountain and along the boulevard, filling the Latin Quarter with light and music.
While the selection here isn’t as wide as in the Tuileries or La Défense, you’ll still find handmade ornaments, goods from local artisans, and delicious holiday treats.
Its cozy atmosphere makes this market a favorite among local residents and Sorbonne students, for whom it becomes a regular meeting place throughout December.
» READ MORE – New Year’s holidays in Paris: a break for those tired of everything
Saint-Germain-des-Prés Market
In the heart of the Left Bank, near the Saint-Germain-des-Prés church, you’ll find one of the most elegant Christmas markets in Paris. Here, you can browse for designer jewelry, unique toys, and gourmet delicacies.
Nearby, you’ll also find charming bookshops and traditional cafés. As evening falls, the boulevard sparkles with lights, making a stroll here the perfect way to experience the intellectual side of a Parisian Christmas.
» READ MORE – How to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2026 in Paris?
Alsatian market at the Gare de l’Est
In front of Gare de l’Est, there’s a special gastronomic market dedicated to Alsace, the birthplace of many Christmas traditions. Here, you can sample sausages, pretzels, gingerbread, and wine straight from regional producers.
This is a favorite spot for Parisians who want to experience an authentic Alsatian Christmas without leaving the city. If you’re catching a train from Gare de l’Est, stopping by for a cup of mulled wine or picking up a box of gingerbread for the journey is almost a ritual.
«Swiss Village» in La Villette Park
In 2025, Paris will debut an Alpine-inspired market for the first time. A «Swiss Village» will appear in La Villette Park, located in the northeast of the city.
This market will stand out from the traditional ones: its chalets will resemble mountain huts, and the menu will feature fondue, raclette, and rich Swiss-style hot chocolate. Garlands and lanterns will create the feeling of being transported to Geneva.
La Villette is already known for its cultural venues, and now a winter festival will join the lineup. A visit here can easily be combined with a concert or movie night nearby.
Christmas in Paris is enchanting, but winter magic in France extends beyond the capital. Some travelers head to Nice for sunshine, others to the Alps or Courchevel for snow. And if you want to continue the holiday spirit, hop on a train to Strasbourg, where Christmas festivities last even longer.
The market at the Eiffel Tower – Quai Jacques Chirac
At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, a Christmas market opens each December, becoming an attraction in its own right.
The setting is spectacular: wooden chalets are arranged so that the Eiffel Tower rises majestically behind them, and the garlands reflect in the Seine. This is one of the most photogenic markets, perfect for those iconic holiday pictures.
Wherever you are in Paris, the Eiffel Tower will seem to lead you straight to this festive spot.
» READ MORE – The 10 best hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower
Market on Place de la Bastille
In December, Place de la Bastille takes on a new character. Instead of protests and rallies, it hosts a lively fair. Stalls are arranged around the July Column and stretch toward the Opéra Bastille.
Though not among the largest, this market has a distinctly local vibe. Handmade jewelry, vintage books, pancakes, and mulled wine create the charm of a neighborhood gathering place.
Bastille is perfect for those who want to combine their visit with a stroll through the Marais or a leisurely walk along Canal Saint-Martin.
Christmas markets give Paris a unique festive glow, but they are only the prelude to the season’s grand finale. A walk among the lights and music gradually leads to the moment when souvenirs no longer matter – only how and where you’ll celebrate Christmas and New Year in the heart of Paris.
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