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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 2023.
🔝 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?
- The Magic of Christmas at the Tuileries (November 18, 2023 to January 7, 2024) – Jardin des Tuileries, place de la Concorde, Paris 1st. Located between the Louvre and the Concorde, it offers around 80 chalets, an ice rink and various gourmet stands. Open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
- Doo Moments: The Artisanal Christmas Festival with Wecandoo (December 9 and 10, 2023) – La REcyclerie, 83 boulevard Ornano, Paris 18th. This festival at the REcyclerie presents artisanal creations and workshops. It is free and open to all.
- Abbesses Christmas Market (November 25 to December 31, 2023) – Place des Abbesses, Paris 18th. Located on Place des Abbesses, this authentic market offers artisanal products and many delicacies. Open every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market (December 8 to 25, 2023) – Square René Viviani, 2 rue du Fouarre, Paris 4th. Located at Square René Viviani, this market offers French crafts, gastronomy and free entertainment for children. Exhibitors present handmade creations in the workshop. Between us, it’s our favourite!
- Christmas village in Saint-Germain-des-Prés (November 25, 2023 to January 1, 2024) – Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, Paris 6th. Located on Boulevard Saint-Germain, it presents decorated chalets, gourmet and artisanal products, as well as activities for children.
- Christmas village on the Parvis de la Défense (November 16 to December 27, 2023) – Parvis de la Défense, 92. The largest Christmas market in Île-de-France, with around 180 chalets offering catering, local products, gifts and Christmas decorations. Activities and meetings with Santa Claus are planned.
- Alsatian Christmas Market (December 1 to 17, 2023) – Gare de l’Est square, rue d’Alsace side, Paris 10th. This Christmas market, which gives pride of place to Alsatian crafts and gastronomy, is a must.
- Alésia-Leclerc Christmas Market (December 2023, subject to reservation) – Place Victor and Hélène Basch, avenue du Général Leclerc, Paris 14th. Generally located on Avenue du Général Leclerc, this Christmas market is only open for a few days, during December.
- Know-How Fair in Saint-Denis (December 2023, subject to reservation) – Courtyard of the Basilica of Saint-Denis, 1 rue de la Légion d’Honneur, Saint-Denis. This market is atypical, because it presents the know-how of local artisans, in a responsible approach.
- Christmas Eco-Villages (November – December 2023, subject to reservation) – La REcyclerie, 83 boulevard Ornano, Paris 18th. Christmas weekends organized in this emblematic place of eco-responsibility, and which will not “kill the planet”.
- The Pavillon des Canaux Christmas Markets (December 2023) – Le Pavillon des Canaux, 39 quai de la Loire, Paris 19th. Here again, thematic weekends are organized on the theme of Christmas.
- Salon Idées Japon: Japanese Christmas Market (November 23 to 25, 2023) – Espace Cinko, 12-18 passage Choiseul, Paris 2nd. Far from the traditional image of Christmas conveyed in Europe, here is an atypical market, with products coming from very far away. To be tested, a change of scenery guaranteed.
- English Christmas (November 25, 2023) – St George’s Anglican Church, 7 rue Auguste Vacquerie, Paris 16th. To celebrate a true English Christmas, with British specialities and pudding galore, head to St George’s Anglican Church
- Féeries d’Auteuil Christmas Market (December 4 to 12, 2023) – Les apprentices d’Auteuil, 40 rue Jean-de-la-Fontaine, Paris 16th. This is the meeting of the Apprentis d’Auteuil to prepare for Christmas, for the benefit of the young people welcomed and trained at the Foundation.
- Christmas markets at Le Hasard Ludique (December 2023) – Le Hasard Ludique, 128 avenue de Saint-Ouen, Paris 18th. Three thematic markets, including an afro, to celebrate Christmas differently.
- Swedish Christmas Market (December 2023, subject to reservation) – Swedish Church, 9 rue Médéric, Paris 17th. Do you want to experience a real Scandinavian Christmas? Head to the Swedish church for a magical weekend.
- Hôtel-de-Ville Christmas Village (December 14, 2023 to January 6, 2024) – Paris City Hall square, Paris 4th. It is undoubtedly the most magical Christmas market, due to the location (the square in front of the Town Hall) and the many illuminated fir trees that surround it. On the other hand, there are quite few chalets.
- Lions Club Paris Ile de la Cité Christmas Market (December 2023, subject to reservation) – Halle des Blancs-Manteaux, 48 rue Vieille du Temple, Paris 4th. The Christmas Market at the Halle des Blancs Manteaux, in the heart of the Marais, is organized by the Lions Club Paris Ile de la Cité.
- Christmas market Made in 17th (December 2023, subject to reservation) – Hoba – Martin Luther King park, 147 rue Cardinet, Paris 17. This market, nestled between the walls of the Hoba gourmet hall, gives pride of place to local artisanal creations.
☃️ 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…
