If you want to see more than just a few wooden houses with souvenirs, but a real Christmas fairy tale, France is a great choice. Each city here celebrates Christmas in its own way: Strasbourg has an Alsatian atmosphere, Colmar resembles the set of a Christmas movie, Reims adds champagne to the holiday, and Nice generally welcomes December with palm trees and the sea.
In 2026, Christmas markets will be held in dozens of French cities. In this article, I have collected eight of the most interesting ones – from the famous Strasbourg and Colmar to the more unexpected Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice.
An important nuance: some of the programs for the 2026–2027 season have not yet been officially published. Therefore, where the city has not yet announced the final dates, I will explicitly state this, rather than replacing the official information with last year’s dates.
Overview of Christmas Markets in France 2026
| Town | Dates 2026 | Main feature |
|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg | official dates still awaited | the oldest and one of the most famous Christmas markets in France |
| Reims | November 25 – December 27 | Champagne, cathedral and a big fair in the center |
| Paris | different dates depending on the fair | the largest selection and combination of fairs with Paris attractions |
| Lyon | November 20 – December 24 | Lyon’s gastronomy and festive atmosphere |
| Bordeaux | November 27 – December 27 | Christmas market in the wine capital of France |
| Colmar | November 23 – December 29 | a fabulous old center and several Christmas markets |
| Nice | official dates still awaited | Christmas on the Côte d’Azur |
| Annecy | official dates still awaited | Alps, lake, old town and Christmas atmosphere |
Strasbourg – the Christmas capital of France
When: end of November – end of December 2026
If you were to go to France specifically for the Christmas market, I would put Strasbourg in first place.
The city itself has long been called the Capital of Christmas, and this is not just a tourist slogan. Christmas can be felt here literally on every street of the old town. The facades are decorated with giant bows, garlands and Christmas tree compositions, and in the evening the entire historic center turns into a huge Christmas decoration.
Where is the fair
There is no single Christmas market in Strasbourg. It is actually a whole system of markets in the city center.
One of the main locations is Place Kléber, where a huge Christmas tree is set up. Other markets are located around the cathedral, on Place Broglie, near the Palais Rohan and in the Petite France district. Officially, the city traditionally organizes several Christmas markets in different parts of the historic center.
Features of the Strasbourg fair
Strasbourg is a place where you should not only walk from one house to another, but also just walk around the city.
Be sure to see the Christmas decorations around Notre-Dame Cathedral. Also, go to Petite France, walk through Place Kléber and find the most beautifully decorated houses.
Taste typical Alsatian specialties: flammekueche – a traditional Alsatian thin cake, bredele – a local Christmas cookie, kougelhopf – a yeast brioche cake with raisins and almonds, pretzels – loop-shaped kalachi, hot mulled wine and local sausages.
A good reason to go here is the Alsatian Christmas cookie bredele. It is sold in an incredible number of shapes and flavors, and is one of the best gastronomic souvenirs from Strasbourg.
How to get from Paris to Strasbourg
The easiest way is by high-speed TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est. The fastest direct trains cover the distance in about 1 hour 45 minutes, the average travel time is about 2 hours.
So Strasbourg can be included in the Christmas route Paris + Alsace.
Where to stay in Strasbourg
- Hôtel De L’Ill – The location is very convenient and not as noisy as in the center. Breakfast is buffet style, good choice, and until 22:00 you can make coffee, get pastries or fruit. The staff is friendly and polite, so I didn’t find any cons here.
- Holiday Inn Express Strasbourg Centre by IHG – Quiet place, within walking distance of the center, good varied breakfasts, the room rate is very pleasant in relation to the hotel’s location.
- Hôtel le Grillon – Great location for our Interrail trip, very close to the station and easy to walk into the city from here.
Reims — Christmas with champagne
- When: November 25 – December 27, 2026
- Opening hours: From November 26 to December 21: Monday 2:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Tuesday-Wednesday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM, Thursday-Friday 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Closed December 25.
- Where: Around Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Place Drouet-d’Erlon
Reims is often overshadowed by Strasbourg and Colmar, but for good reason. If you want to combine a Christmas market with a beautiful city, a cathedral and champagne, this is one of the best options. It is the combination of the market with the majestic Gothic cathedral that makes Reims so beautiful after sunset.
Created in the 1990s, the Reims Christmas market has become an essential event during the festive season in the Grand Est region. Its wonderful location in the heart of the historic city center makes it the ideal place for a winter getaway that combines culture, heritage and the Christmas holidays.
The artisan village is the heart of the market. Here you can find handmade decorations, homemade Christmas toys, scented candles, wooden toys and many other treasures. As for gastronomy, visitors can enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread, fine chocolate, regional cheeses and champagne delicacies. Local producers highlight the terroir of the Marne and Champagne regions.
What to see and taste
The main reason to come here is the Reims Cathedral. And after a walk through the market, you can go for a champagne tasting.
In the Christmas houses, look for French cheeses, sausages, sweets, local products and gifts from regional producers.
Reims is a good choice for those who find the classic German-Alsatian format of the Christmas market too familiar. The atmosphere here is more French – less of a fairy-tale “medieval village”, but more gastronomy and champagne.
How to get from Paris
This is one of the easiest Christmas getaways from the French capital – a trip here can be planned as a 1-2 day trip from Paris.
A direct TGV from Paris Gare de l’Est to Reims takes around 45-50 minutes. SNCF Connect shows the fastest journey time at around 46 minutes.
Where to stay in Reims
- Jadart T3 avec balcon au pied de la cathédrale – Very nice apartment in the center of Reims. Great location of the apartments, equipped with most of the necessary things.
- L’EFFERVESCENT – Great apartment close to tourist areas within walking distance of the cathedral and most other tourist sites. Adequate secure off street parking in a gated courtyard with private entrance.
- Chambre d’hôte-abc – Great location, literally 5 minutes walk from the cathedral and the center. Well equipped apartment with a great sunny terrace, cozy but in the city center.
Paris – when you want lots of Christmas markets
Paris doesn’t have one main Christmas market that can be compared to Strasbourg. But there are several different markets, and that’s even more interesting.
Dates in 2026
In Paris, dates vary by location. The city’s tourist office has already published the program for the 2026 Christmas season, but some markets are still updating their information.
Among the traditional locations:
- Tuileries Garden;
- La Défense;
- Notre-Dame / Square René Viviani;
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés;
- Hôtel de Ville;
- Montmartre;
- Christmas villages and fairs near major shopping areas.
What is special about Christmas markets in Paris?
Paris at Christmas is an option for those who don’t want to dedicate their entire trip to one fair. In the afternoon, you can go to the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower or the Musée d’Orsay, and in the evening, stroll through the Christmas streets and visit the fair.
The Tuileries is especially interesting – the Christmas fair here is more like a winter amusement park with rides, food and holiday decorations.
But I wouldn’t go to Paris just for the fair. It’s worth going here for the combination of Paris, holiday lights, shops, Galeries Lafayette windows and Christmas markets.
What to taste at fairs in Paris
In addition to the classic mulled wine, look for crêpes – pancakes with various fillings, waffles, roasted chestnuts, cheeses, sausages and French desserts.
And if you want a truly French Christmas tradition – try the bûche de Noël, a Christmas dessert in the shape of a log.
Where to stay in Paris on holiday
- Le Village Montmartre – cozy hotel in Montmartre.
- Hotel Eugène en Ville – in the center of Paris, a 10-minute walk from the Opéra Garnier and 900 meters from Galeries Lafayette
- Hôtel Moderniste –hotel near the Seine in the heart of the Congress Quarter.
Lyon — see the festival of lights
- When: November 20 – December 24 2026
- Where: Place Carnot
Lyon is one of the most interesting options for a gastronomic Christmas trip. The main Christmas market is located on Place Carnot, next to Lyon-Perrache train station. It is a very convenient location: after the market, you can walk to Presqu’île or the old town.
Place Carnot is located in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district. It is transformed into a real Christmas village, illuminated and decorated for the festive season. This year, around 100 chalets will be set up on Place Carnot. The goal of the Christmas market remains the same: to showcase the skills and talents of local producers and artisans.
What’s special here?
While strolling through the Christmas village, you can enjoy delicious treats and find lots of ideas for gifts under the Christmas tree:
- Christmas decorations: garlands, balls, stars and other accessories
- Local products: fruit and flower jams, candied chestnuts and marrons, honey, gingerbread, foie gras, wine, liqueurs
- Original gifts: textiles, necklaces, retro jewelry, felt accessories
- Thousands of toys: puzzles, wooden and fabric toys, soft toys and magical felt to delight guests.
For the delight of both young and old, the fair will host a variety of events and activities.
But the main attraction of Lyon is the food. The city itself is considered one of the gastronomic capitals of France, so I wouldn’t limit myself to just the fair. After it, you should definitely go to a traditional restaurant bouchon lyonnais and try the local cuisine.
And December in Lyon is the time of the famous Fête des Lumières. It transforms the city into a huge light installation. The festival dates need to be checked separately each year (December 5-8, 2026). If your trip coincides with it, the impressions will be much more.
How to get from Paris
The TGV from Gare de Lyon takes around 2 hours to Lyon Part-Dieu station, and the fastest trains cover the route in less than two hours.
Where to stay in Lyon
- La Résidence – Nice hotel in the very center of Lyon, big room, has everything you need, very clean. Staff is nice.
- Hôtel Le Boulevardier – Fabulous retro decor and the lady at the bar/reception was really friendly. Great to be able to leave bags earlier than check-in. This is a very clean, comfortable but compact double room. Basic but suited us perfectly. Bed and towels changed every day, no a/c but a fan provided which was absolutely fine. Location is excellent for exploring Lyon.
- Studio chaleureux – Proche Presqu’île de Lyon – Very convenient for the river and old town. Quiet location. Nice linen.
Bordeaux – Christmas market in the wine capital
- When: November 27 – December 27 2026
- Where: Place des Quinconces
- Timetable: 11:00 to 21:30
Bordeaux is a good choice if you want a different France. It doesn’t have the “winter fairy tale” feel of Alsace. Instead, it has an elegant city, wines, gastronomy and a large square where the Christmas market takes place.
Here, they set up Christmas houses, stalls with food, gifts and local products. There are also children’s entertainment, workshops, attractions and festive events.
What to see and taste
Bordeaux is a must-see for its local produce and gastronomy.
This year, over a hundred exhibitors will set up shop in small wooden chalets on the market. These artisans and traders offer a wealth of original gift ideas. From scented candles and Christmas decorations to local produce, you’re sure to find something perfect to brighten up your home, your holiday table or to treat your loved ones!
Look for cheese, chocolate, sweets, local delicacies and artisanal products. After the fair, take a stroll to the Grand Théâtre, Place de la Bourse and along the Garonne.
And of course, Bordeaux is a place where it’s hard not to think about wine. In winter, wine tastings and trips to wineries around the city can be a great addition to your Christmas trip.
How to get to Bordeaux
The most convenient way is by high-speed TGV from Paris Montparnasse. The train to Bordeaux takes about 2–2.5 hours depending on the flight.
Therefore, Bordeaux is well combined with Paris for 2–3 days.
Where is to stay in Bordeaux
- Aparthotel Adagio Bordeaux Centre Gambetta – The location of the hotel is excellent – in 5 minutes you are in the old town, in 10 minutes you are on the embankment. There is an Auchan supermarket nearby, which is very convenient. The room has a kitchen, but if you are too lazy to cook, there is a cafe nearby and ready-made food in the supermarket. The room has a kettle, coffee maker, microwave, dishwasher, iron and everything you need for cooking.
- Quality Hotel Bordeaux Centre – The location of the hotel is in the very center of the city. There are many restaurants, cafes, shops nearby, and everything is within walking distance. Friendly staff. Clean room, large and comfortable bed (we took a room with a large double bed). Very warm and comfortable in the room.
- Bordeaux Traditions – The apartments are close to all historical places. There is everything you need for a comfortable stay: clean bedding, shower, kitchen.
Colmar is a city that looks like a Christmas card
When: November 23 – December 29
Where: near the Cathedral, Petite Venise, Place des Dominicains
Timetable: Monday – Thursday: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, December 24: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Thursday, December 25: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday, December 26: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
If Strasbourg is the Christmas capital, then Colmar is the Christmas decorations.
Even if you are not a big fan of markets, it is worth coming here just for the old town. The half-timbered houses, canals, narrow streets and an incredible number of decorations create the feeling that you have entered a Christmas card.
The city center, which is essentially a pedestrian zone, contains numerous architectural treasures such as monuments, churches, museums and alleys built for the most magnificent periods from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. Do not miss the opportunity to see and visit the Pfister House, the Koifhus, the Unterlinden Museum, the Little Venice, the House of the Heads and the Collegiate Church of St. Martin.
The decorations transform the old center into a real open-air theater, where a warm Christmas spirit envelops the heart of the city. Every year, the people of Colmar play an important role in creating a special Christmas atmosphere thanks to a decoration competition.
What’s special here?
Colmar is a place where the main thing is not shopping, but the atmosphere. It is especially beautiful in the evening, when the lights of the houses are turned on. Be sure to take a walk through the Petite Venise district, look at the decorated houses along the canals and go into the small shops of the old town.
The magic of Christmas in Colmar is, after all, also a multitude of culinary delicacies, including numerous sweets that fill the windows of specialized shops and delight in the stalls of Christmas markets.
When it comes to food, look for everything that Alsace loves: flammekueche, kougelhopf, bredele, pretzels, sausages, cheese and hot drinks.
And if you have time, from Colmar you can go to the neighboring Christmas villages – Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg. They are often the highlight of a trip to Alsace.
The gourmet market and the Ferris wheel are open until January 3: daily from 11:00 to 22:00. Exception: December 31: the gourmet market and the Ferris wheel will close at 17:00.
The Christmas market on Place Rapp will be open on the same dates and at the same time as the gourmet market and the Ferris wheel, that is, until January 3 inclusive.
How to get from Paris
The most convenient option is the TGV to Colmar with a transfer or a direct flight depending on the schedule.
An even better option is to first arrive in Strasbourg, spend 1-2 nights there, and then travel to Colmar. The distance between the cities is short, and they can be combined perfectly into one Christmas trip.
Where to stay in Colmar
- Les Bateliers – location close to the beautiful center of Colmar – in the heart of the small Venice district. Clean spacious apartment with all amenities, located on the second floor without elevator. Perfect place to stay during the Christmas market.
- Le Victor Hugo – Great apartment with all the amenities you could need for your stay. Owner provides clear instructions for self-check-in. Comfortable beds and pillows. Location close to the Old Center, parking nearby.
- Un petit Vintage à Colmar – The location is incredible. You are literally on the main street as soon as you step out the door, but it is quite quiet. One of the best places to stay in Colmar if you want to explore the city thoroughly.
Nice — Christmas, palm trees and the Mediterranean Sea
When: November 28 – 3 January
Where: Place Masséna and Jardin Albert Ier.
If you don’t like the cold, Nice could be your perfect Christmas city. Here you can stroll through the Christmas market, look at the Christmas tree decorations, eat French delicacies – and see palm trees and the Mediterranean Sea all at the same time. It’s a different Christmas.
Every winter, the Village de Noël Christmas Market transforms the beautiful Jardin Albert Ier in Nice into a festive Mediterranean fairytale, offering a unique combination of French Riviera charm and traditional Christmas magic.
This enchanting Christmas market features over 60 wooden chalets spread across four different themed areas, creating a captivating holiday unlike any other coastal destination.
Le Chemin de Caléna market showcases crafts and gourmet food, while Le Coin des Pichouï delights children with games and sweets. Le Monde du Père Noël invites families to visit Santa’s House, and Place aux Festins hosts live entertainment including dances, musical evenings and weekend puppet shows.
The fair’s Mediterranean atmosphere creates a charming contrast, where decorated Christmas trees stand next to palm trees, and the mild winter temperatures allow visitors to comfortably enjoy the festivities outdoors.
What’s special here?
In Nice, the Christmas market has a completely different character. There are wooden houses with gifts, gastronomic stalls, festive attractions, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel. And all this is literally a few minutes from the Mediterranean Sea.
At the fair, it is worth tasting local specialties of Provence and the Côte d’Azur. Food lovers can enjoy regional delicacies: socca – chickpea flour pancakes, fresh oysters and local Christmas beer, as well as traditional holiday treats.
The festive atmosphere extends to the neighboring Place Massena, where the impressive Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view of the illuminated city, and a large carousel in the shape of a Christmas tree adds charm. And after the fair – walk along the Promenade des Anglais, climb Castle Hill and be sure to visit Vieux Nice – the old town of Nice.
It is the contrast between the Christmas decorations and the Mediterranean landscape that makes Nice one of the most interesting alternatives to the classic Alsatian markets. Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the chalets, enjoying the entertainment and immersing yourself in the unique atmosphere of Christmas on the French Riviera.
How to get from Paris
The most convenient way is to fly to Nice Côte d’Azur. If you go by train, the TGV from Paris to Nice takes about 6 hours, so for a short trip, flying is usually more practical.
Where to stay in Nice
- Nice – Studette confort sur les toits au cœur du Vieux Nice≫ – Apartment for two in Old Nice, city center, beautiful view, clean, with air conditioning.
- Appartement Vieux Nice S≫ – Nice apartment in a great location, close to the main square but very quiet.
- Aparthotel AMMI Vieux Nice≫ – The location of the hotel is excellent and convenient on the edge of Old Nice, close to the beach, Place Garibaldi, Port Limpia and Massena. Very good transport links as trams stop a few blocks away. Very easy to get to/from the airport and train station by public transport.
Annecy — Christmas in the Alps
When: November 26 – 3 January
Where: the market stretches through the city center and the Gardens of Europe
Timetable: From Sunday to Wednesday, the kiosks are open from 11:00 to 21:00, and on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the opening hours are extended until 22:00.
Annecy is one of my favorites for a winter trip to France. Imagine: small canals, old stone houses, the snow-capped Alps on the horizon, a lake and Christmas lights. Even if the market itself is not the largest in France, the city creates an atmosphere better than many big Christmas capitals.
In Annecy, it is also not just one row of houses. The festive program is spread across different parts of the city and the surrounding communes. Noël des Alpes is a comprehensive Christmas program with markets, entertainment, concerts and other events.
What is special to see here?
The main reason to visit Annecy is not the fair itself, but the combination of Christmas and the Alps.
Stroll through the old town, see the Palais de l’Île, the canals and the lake. If the weather is good, you can go to the surrounding villages or to the Château de Menton-Saint-Bernard, where the Château du Père Noël – Santa Claus’s Castle – is traditionally held.
Tips for visiting Christmas in Annecy:
- Arrive early, especially on weekends, as the canal paths become quite popular.
- Sample local Savoyard cuisine and warm up with a traditional French mulled wine.
- Dress warmly in layers, as winter evenings by the alpine lake can be chilly.
- Use public transport or bicycles to easily reach the city center.
- Stay until dusk to see the magical glow of the holiday lights on the canals.
How to get from Paris
The most convenient is the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon to Annecy, usually with a change in Lyon or Chambéry.
The train should take about 4 hours, depending on the specific flight.
Where to stay in Annecy
- ibis Annecy Centre Vieille Ville -Perfect location, right on the canal and a few minutes walk from the old town and lots of restaurants. Breakfast is hearty and varied. The room is small but cozy and very clean.
- ROYAL Annecy Apparthôtel – Great location, steps from shops and restaurants on cobbled streets, and great value for money. Clean and very spacious rooms. Friendly staff. Very convenient parking.
- Hôtel du Château – Authentic family hotel in the heart of the Vieux-Ville-Annecy district. 5 minutes walk to the main shopping and restaurant area. Small but comfortable rooms, fans (no air conditioning), simple but tasty breakfast. Wonderful terrace with a view of the city, for breakfast and evening relaxation. There is free parking on site for 3 cars.
Which Christmas market in France should you choose?
If you’re going for the first time, I wouldn’t focus on the rating, but on what kind of Christmas you want to see.
- For the maximum Christmas atmosphere, Strasbourg. Here, the feeling is that the whole city has turned into a Christmas market.
- For fabulous photos, Colmar. Its old town is simply incredible in winter.
- For champagne, Reims. This is a great option for a short trip from Paris.
- For gastronomy, Lyon. Here, it is worth combining the fair with local restaurants and, if you are lucky with the dates, the Festival of Lights.
- For wine and French elegance, Bordeaux.
- For variety, Paris. You can visit several completely different Christmas locations in one trip.
- For warmth, Nice. A Christmas market by the Mediterranean Sea is a completely different experience.
- For mountains and romance, Annecy. Especially if you want not only a fair, but a beautiful winter trip.
This is how a Christmas trip turns out to be not a chase after souvenir stalls, but a real journey through France – with beautiful cities, local food, wines, old quarters, and the very atmosphere for which we go to Christmas markets in the first place.
Useful articles and links:
- 10 things to do in Paris to feel like a local
- Disneyland Paris – how to prepare for your visit, what you should know in advance
- Hotels near airports – where to stay overnight before a flight
- Paris – what to do in three days
Bus timetables and tickets– Omio.com
Rent a car– DiscoverCars
Medical insurance for travel – HotlineFinance
Hotels – Booking.com
