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📌 Read in : Français (French)
As the year draws to a close, the time for twinkling Christmas trees and the scent of mulled wine arrives. Like other major European cities (📺 watch our video, in French), Paris, starting from mid-November, begins to see the emergence of Christmas markets, each more enchanting than the last. And it’s a good thing too: there was a time, not so long ago, when some markets didn’t have the best reputation – 👋 hello to the Champs-Elysées Christmas market… Nowadays, these gatherings of chalets are more intimate, and the products on offer are more artisanal (read more below), much to everyone’s delight. So without further ado, here are, in our opinion, the most beautiful Christmas markets in Paris for 2025.
🔝 And in France? Of course, the rest of France is not far behind, especially in Alsace. Here’s our selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the country.
But first: when were the first Christmas markets in Paris?
Originally, in the capital, these markets were primarily places of essential trade during the Advent period. They offered Parisians the opportunity to buy food products and artisanal items for the holidays. The first Christmas market in France was established in Strasbourg in 1570, known as “Christkindelsmärik”, but it took several centuries for this tradition to spread to Paris.
Over time, these markets have evolved into true places of festivity, incorporating playful elements. In Paris, they diversified and expanded, reflecting the cosmopolitan nature of the city. In the 19th century, these markets began to take their modern form, with decorated and illuminated stands, offering not only artisanal products but also attractions for children, such as carousels and shows.
Today, these Christmas markets are a unique blend of ancient traditions and modernity, reflecting the spirit and history of Paris. They have become an essential part of the end-of-year festivities, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world, eager to experience the magical Christmas atmosphere of Paris.
What are the most beautiful Christmas markets in Paris in 2025?
- La Magie de Noël at the (15 November to 4 January 2026) – Jardin des Tuileries, Place de la Concorde, Paris 1st. Located between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, it features around 80 chalets, an ice rink and various food stands. Open daily from 11:00 am to 11:45 pm.
- Abbesses Christmas Market (21 November to 4 January 2026) – Place des Abbesses, Paris 18th. Located on Place des Abbesses, this authentic market offers artisanal products and plenty of tasty treats. Open daily from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
- Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market (28 November to 25 December 2025) – Square René Viviani, 2 rue du Fouarre, Paris 4th. Located in Square René Viviani, this market offers French crafts, gastronomy and free activities for children. Exhibitors showcase handmade creations crafted in their workshops. Between us, it’s our favorite!
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Village (late November to 1 January 2026) – Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, Paris 6th. Located along Boulevard Saint-Germain, it features decorated chalets, gourmet and artisanal products, as well as activities for children.
- Christmas Village on the Parvis de La Défense (13 November to 28 December 2025) – Parvis de La Défense, 92. The largest Christmas market in the Île-de-France region, with around 180 chalets offering food, regional specialties, gifts and Christmas decorations. Entertainment and meetings with Santa are planned.
- Alsatian Christmas Market (28 November to 14 December 2025) – Parvis de la Gare de l’Est, Alsace side, Paris 10th. This Christmas market, which showcases Alsatian crafts and gastronomy, is a must-visit.
- Alésia-Leclerc Christmas Market (December 2025, to be confirmed) – Place Victor et Hélène Basch, Avenue du Général Leclerc, Paris 14th. Usually set up along Avenue du Général Leclerc, this Christmas market is only open for a few days in December.
- Foire des Savoir-Faire in Saint-Denis (mid-December 2025 – dates to be confirmed) – Parvis de la Basilique de Saint-Denis, 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Saint-Denis. This is an unusual market, showcasing the skills of local artisans with a focus on responsible production.
- Eco-Friendly Christmas Villages (late November and early December 2025 – weekends, dates to be confirmed) – La REcyclerie, 83 boulevard Ornano, Paris 18th. Christmas-themed weekends organised in this emblematic eco-responsible venue – and they definitely won’t “trash the planet”.
- Christmas Markets at the Pavillon des Canaux (12 to 14 December 2025) – Le Pavillon des Canaux, 39 quai de la Loire, Paris 19th. Here again, themed weekends are organised around Christmas.
- Salon Idées Japon – Japanese Christmas Market (21–23 November 2025) – Bastille Design Center, 74 boulevard Richard-Lenoir, Paris 11th. Far from the traditional image of Christmas in Europe, this is an unusual market with products coming from very far away. Definitely worth a try – a guaranteed change of scene.
- English-Style Christmas (29 November 2025) – St George’s Anglican Church, 7 rue Auguste Vacquerie, Paris 16th. To celebrate a truly English Christmas, with British specialties and pudding galore, head to St George’s Anglican Church.
- Féeries d’Auteuil Christmas Market (6 to 14 December 2025) – Apprentis d’Auteuil, 40 rue Jean-de-la-Fontaine, Paris 16th. This is the key event for Apprentis d’Auteuil to prepare for Christmas, in support of the young people welcomed and trained by the Foundation.
- Christmas Markets at Le Hasard Ludique (the three weekends from 29 November to 14 December 2025) – Le Hasard Ludique, 128 avenue de Saint-Ouen, Paris 18th. Three themed markets, including an Afro-inspired one, to celebrate Christmas differently.
- Swedish Christmas Market (28 to 30 November 2025) – Swedish Church, 9 rue Médéric, Paris 17th. Want to experience a real Scandinavian Christmas? Head to the Swedish Church for a magical weekend.
- Hôtel-de-Ville Christmas Village (mid-December to early January 2026 – dates to be confirmed) – Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville de Paris, Paris 4th. This is undoubtedly the most magical Christmas market, thanks to its setting (the square in front of City Hall) and the many illuminated fir trees surrounding it. However, there are relatively few chalets.
- Lions Club Paris Île de la Cité Christmas Market (28 to 30 November 2025) – Halle des Blancs-Manteaux, 48 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 4th. The Christmas Market at Halle des Blancs-Manteaux, right in the heart of the Marais, is organised by the Lions Club Paris Île de la Cité.
☃️ And around Paris? Spending Christmas in the Paris region guarantees a variety of activities that rival those in the capital. Here are 10 magical places around Paris.
Are all the products at the Christmas markets in Paris authentic?
This is an additional question we’re adding to this article, as it often comes up among visitors.
Firstly, we must acknowledge that despite some lingering bad practices, there has been a real improvement in the Paris Christmas markets. Indeed, the prevalence of “made in China” products has decreased, although they can still be found. And then, there’s always the chance of encountering a dishonest merchant, like the one who tried to sell a “100% cashmere” scarf that was anything but, to a TV crew.
Often, it’s the same artisans who return year after year, sometimes to the exact same spot. The Christmas markets in Paris are also becoming more specialized, adding a bit more authenticity to the products on display: the English market at St George’s Anglican Church, for example, offers genuine British fare. The same goes for the Swedish Market.
Generally, the smaller and more intimate the market, the more likely you are to find handmade, even local, products. And then, try the solidarity Christmas events organized here and there in Paris. It’s hard to get more authentic than that…