The Best Christmas Markets in Paris 2025

Although the tradition of Christmas (or Advent) markets dates back to medieval times in places such as Germany and Alsace, in Paris, Christmas markets only started appearing in the mid-1990s, picking up more steam after the turn of the millennium. Today there are Marchés de Noël in almost every arrondissement of the city and each season it seems at least one more is added to the list. So, in the spirit of Christmas, we say, “The more the merrier!”

Before proceeding, it’s worth noting — stipulating even — that at virtually every Parisian market there will be mulled wine (vin chaud), mulled cider (cidre chaud), hot chocolate (chocolat chaud), roasted chestnuts (marrons chauds), lots of gooey and delicious melted cheese (fondue, raclette), charcuterie, crêpes, gaufrettes and a bounty of sweet seasonal confections.

It should come as no surprise that the best-known and most-frequented Parisian Christmas markets are located at or near the city’s most prominent landmarks, starting with…

Le Jardin des Tuileries

Stretching from the northern end of the Louvre to Place de la Concorde, the Tuileries Gardens could not be a more magical location for la Magie de Noël or, the Magic of Christmas. The market itself is a delightful hodge podge of classic with a sprinkling of kitsch. 

Throughout the summer, the Tuileries is home to an expansive family amusement park, and when it transforms in late November into a full-fledged Christmas market, many of its rides are still open. Dominating the scene is the Grande Roue, a nearly 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel that offers an awe-inspiring  panoramic vista of the city of Paris. Other rides range from milder: a Christmas carousel for kids, Santa’s little train, to wilder: a ginormous  toboggan, bumper cars, a thrilling chair swing (and, of course there are more). Just below the Ferris wheel is a large skating rink (rental skates available).

There are roughly 80 wooden chalets, some for crafts and other wintry goods, and some for food and drink. The Marché Gourmand is noteworthy for serving oysters, foie gras and champagne. One chalet specializes in pretzels and frogs’ legs. Others stand out for their  imaginative decor — a few Alsatian storks perching on the roof of a spot offering choucroute garnie, or a ski-themed chalet stocked from roof to counter with enormous wheels of cheese. Most eye-catching might be the towering Christmas pyramid bar where people can gather for a warmup glass of vin chaud or other seasonal favorite.

Jardin des Tuileries – place de la Concorde, 1st arrondissement

November 15, 1925 to January 4, 2026

Notre-Dame de Paris

Within the cozy  surrounds of Square René Viviani, the Marche de Noël Notre-Dame offers a refreshing contrast to the concept of bigger-is-better found at many of the city’s other markets. Romantically positioned directly across the Seine from the newly resurrected Notre-Dame Cathedral, the market feels Parisian rather than an import from points east. Instead of wooden chalets, white-tented stands form a partial circle around the central bronze fountain dedicated to St. Julien-le-Pauvre, creating a kind of village feel. 

A distinguishing feature of this market is that everything sold is made in France and no two stalls sell the same merchandise. Artisans and vendors have been selected by L’Art et la Seine. There are Christmas carols and seasonal music, storytelling, drawing and other family entertainment, and lots of chances to see and meet Santa Claus.

Historical-trivia buffs take note: Square René Viviani is also the site of the oldest tree in Paris, a black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), planted in 1601. It is believed, though not 100- percent confirmed, that the original seed pod was imported from the Appalachian Mountains in America.

René Viviani Square, Quai Montebello, 5th arrondissement

November 28 to December 25, 2025

The Eiffel Tower

Visitors to Paris will be pleased to hear about the Village de Noël du Champ-de-Mars,  just steps from the Eiffel Tower, which is likely on their not-to-be missed list. The best time to go is clearly after dusk when the lights are turned on. It takes 20,000 bulbs to fully illuminate the tower and on the stroke of the hour they begin to sparkle and flash for an exhilarating five minutes. The Champ de Mars itself, the broad avenue that leads from the Seine to the tower, is brightly lit as well.

As for the Christmas Village, its actual location is on the Quai Jacques-Chirac. It’s comprised of around 60 wooden chalets and pretty much follows the pattern of other Alsatian-inspired Christmas markets in Paris — certainly in terms of food, drink and many of the items for sale. There are some children’s workshops and Christmas music. In other words, there may not be a whole lot of novelty, but oh, that Eiffel Tower!

Champs de Mars/Quai Jacques-Chirac, 7th arrondissement

December 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Does a Christmas market have to be tucked away off the street in its own designated enclosure to draw the crowds? Not judging by the popularity of the Village de Noël de Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Rows of wooden chalets decked with lights and greenery  are tightly packed along the northern side of boulevard Saint Germain. Since this is one of the chicest streets in one of the chicest quartiers on the Left Bank, it’s not surprising to see caviar and truffles side by side with fine handmade leather goods, jewelry, decorative items for the home, and other luxurious items.

The market is set against the backdrop of the historic Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the oldest church in Paris, consecrated in the year 543. A restoration of the colorfully painted walls, structural beams and ceilings that were famously added during the latter part of the 19th century has been underway for several years and it is well worth a visit inside to admire the work already completed.

Boulevard Saint Germain, 6th arrondissement

November 25, 2025 to January 1, 2026

Hôtel de Ville

And the winner of Paris’s most charming, tasteful and ecologically-responsible Christmas market this year is… La fôret enchantée, set in the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville (at least in this reviewer’s opinion). Is it the most colorful? Hardly. The only traditional Christmas red to be seen is on Santa Claus in his wooden cottage where he welcomes the youngest visitors.

Otherwise, with the exception of the softly glowing blue façade of Hôtel de Ville, the market is illuminated exclusively by warm white LED bulbs in decorative pendants and strings of lights threaded across the Christmas trees and shrubbery of the “enchanted forest.” In keeping with city’s commitment to sustainability, these trees will be replanted or used as mulch after the market closes in January.   

There aren’t a large number of market stalls, but only articles Made in Paris are being offered for sale. Food and drink stands are stocked with traditional French seasonal favorites.

It gets better. Rather than an all-too-common soundtrack of modern-day Christmas music heard at most other markets, here the air is filled with the strains of actual Christmas carols—Adeste Fideles, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, Oh Holy Night, et al.—well-rendered instrumental versions only. 

December 5, 2025 to January 4, 2026

Parisian Christmas markets can  also be found in neighborhoods less known to tourists…

Le Marché de Noël en Alsace

As the gateway to Alsace for almost as long as there’s been train travel in France, the Gare de l’Est  is the logical home for the Marché de Noël en Alsace. This market is undeniably the place in Paris to stock up on (and sample) the region’s traditional Christmastime specialties.

There are bottles and cases of Alsatian whites, crémants, eaux de vie and, yes, whisky; savory choucroute, an abundance of charcuterie, foie gras, potato galettes, and Munster. Sated yet, because there are still pretzels, gingerbread, kougelhopf, Alsatian Christmas cookies known as bredele, and for St. Nicholas Day on December 6, miniature brioches called Mannele, similar in shape to gingerbread men, in honor of the saint and the season.

While food and drink may dominate the market stalls, they’re only part of the story.  Those in search of more lasting mementos can choose among handmade Christmas decorations for tree and home, kitchen linens, Advent wreaths, et al.

Gare de l’Est (forecourt), rue du 8 Mai 1945, 10th arrondissement
November 28 to December 14, 2025

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Parc de la Villette

Newcomer Noël la Villette, at the Fontaine-aux-Lions in Parc la Villette, is themed as a Swiss Christmas village. Unlike other Christmas markets in Paris, its many little chalets are scattered about on pathways, not lined up in straight rows facing each other, which really does lend it a village feel.

Quite a few of the products for sale come from well-known Swiss designers and brands, but there’s plenty to do besides shop. Rides include a Ferris wheel, a carrousel, and one where kids (and parents) spin around gently while seated inside hollowed-out Christmas tree balls. The skating rink rents more than just skates. There are children’s reindeer-shaped skating  trainers and ice sleds for parents to push their little kids around the ice.

One corner of the market is all about street food. In addition to raclette and other Swiss favorites, there’s a wide range of tempting international bites — Austrian Kaiserschmarrn, American BBQ from MELT, Mexican tacos, Tibetan momos, and plenty more. And, speaking of raclette, there’s an Indian version where it’s served on naan. For a more leisurely dining experience, the spacious Zurich Fondue Chalet fits the bill.

Lastly, kudos to the designers for providing ample seating — not a given in a Christmas market. In addition to outdoor benches, there are quaintly furnished huts with comfortable couches and chairs where visitors can shelter from the cold. Several spherical fire pits for warming hands are strategically positioned around the edge of the fountain.

Place de la Fontaine-aux-Lions, 19th arrondissement

November 20 to December 28, 2025

La Défense

The Marché de Noël la Défense is well known as the largest Christmas market in the Ile de France region, but even more interesting is that it almost certainly the first Christmas market in Paris, having opened back in 1995. Set against the rather austere backdrop of the monumental Grande Arche de la Défense and its surrounding skyscrapers, the originators of what went on to become an annual event, saw it rather as a “magical urban landscape” and did their best to create an atmosphere of warmth and welcome for visitors. 

With more than 300 chalets filled with the usual Christmas-market goodies, it’s a good place simply to stroll, shop for gifts, and sample all manner of seasonal food and drink. For a more active visit, skates are available for rent at the brightly lit outdoor ice rink. And there is definitely plenty to do for kids and families. Children can personally meet not just le Père Noël, but also la Mère Noël, i.e. both Santa and Mrs. Claus. There are craft workshops led by elves, a carousel and other carnival rides, and costumed characters parading about or performing magic tricks, juggling, etc. It’s a good idea to consult the events calendar to find just the right experience. 

Esplanade de la Défense, 92400 Courbevoie

November 25 to December 28, 2025

Certain Christmas markets in Paris only run on a single weekend…

Le Petit Marché Médiéval de Noël

Rue Montorgueil is hands-down one of Paris’s best shopping streets for all things culinary. It is at its most bustling and active on Saurdays and Sunday mornings. On the weekend of December 6-7, right around the corner on rue Etienne Marcel, a small medieval-themed Christmas market is being held at the Tour Jean Sans Peur.

It’s certainly an appropriate venue. The tower dates from the late 14th century and passed into the possession of Jean sans Peur (John the Fearless), Duke of Burgundy, not many years later. 

This is the second year for  this Christmas market. Though it’s quite small scale, it’s unlike any other one in the city and features six craftswomen whose creations are representative of the arts of the Middle Ages, including illumination, embroidery, jewelry, leather, and illustration.

If time allows, it is also possible to tour the Tour, which is particularly well-known for its historic staircase and vegetable-carved vault at the top of the tower.

Tour Jean Sans Peur, 20, rue Étienne Marcel, 2nd arrondissement

December 6 to 7, 2025

A trio of Christmas Markets at le Hasard Ludique 

Hugging the periphery of the 18th arrondissement, le Hasard Ludique began life as a train station in the year 1863. After going through various metamorphoses, it has emerged in recent years as a combination neighborhood cultural center and dining in-spot. This winter it is hosting three stand-alone, themed Christmas markets on three consecutive weekends along its adjacent railway platform.

 November 29-30 : Vegan Christmas Market

The name says it all. Aside from plant-based edibles — both fresh  and fabricated —the market sells ethically crafted items such as resin jewelry, upcycled accessories, 3-D printed items using recycled plastic, candles from vegetable-base wax, teas, spices. The list goes on. 

December 6-7: Latino Christmas Market x LOLAB

This multicultural market is a celebration of Latin-American tradition mixed with French creativity. Artisanal clothing, accessories and decorations from Central and South America  and France are all for sale. Sunday features coffee-painting  and lantern-making workshops (reserve in advance). Probably no raclette here, but maybe some churros! 

December 13-14: GRRRRANDE Christmas Market

So what is Grrrrande exactly? The short answer is that it’s a design market with lots of color and glitter. Or, as its creators put it: “Artisans, illustrators, ceramists, crocheters, clothing up-cyclers, hackers and free spirits: the best of the local emerging scene awaits you for a Christmas that is not too serious and 100% grrrrrrrrr!”

128 Av. de Saint-Ouen, 18th arrondissement

 

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And for those who want still more, here is this year’s list from Paris je t’aime, the official tourism website of the Ville de Paris.

Joyeux Noël 🎄 Merry Christmas