Looking for Christmas markets in Paris? During the festive season, Paris turns into a magical winter city filled with Christmas lights, festive stalls, French food and beautifully decorated squares. And there’s some exciting news this year: after ten years, the Christmas market on the Champs-Élysées is returning! There is also plenty to see and do beyond the Christmas markets. Take a look at our guides to Christmas in Paris and winter in Paris for more ideas. From the large Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries to the charming market near Notre-Dame and the impressive Christmas market at La Défense, there are plenty of festive places to discover.
In this guide, you’ll find the 10 popular Christmas markets in Paris in 2026, including dates, locations and opening hours where available. We’ll also explain which Christmas market is best for a first visit, where to go with children and which markets are easy to combine with a Paris walking tour.
Update: not all Christmas markets have announced their final dates and programmes for the 2026–2027 season at the same time. We regularly update this guide as new information becomes available.
• Christmas Lights Tour 2026: Tickets Paris Christmas Lights Open Bus Tour with Tootbus (1h30) →
• Read also: Best Paris Christmas Lights, Bus Tours & Decorations 2026 →
• Fun to do: Tickets Paris Seine River Cruise by Bateaux Mouches (1h) →
The best Christmas markets in Paris 2026
In 2026 you can find Christmas markets throughout Paris, from large festive markets to smaller neighbourhood markets. Below you’ll find the most popular Christmas markets, including their dates, locations, opening hours and what to expect.
Confirmed dates: Dates officially announced for 2026-2027 are shown where available. For markets marked TBC, the dates have not yet been officially confirmed and are based on expected opening periods.
| Christmas market | Dates 2026 | Location | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jardin des Tuileries | 6 november 2026 tot 8 januari 2027 | Tuileries | First visit & atmosphere |
| Champs-Élysées | November 22, 2026 to January 4, 2027 | Champs-Élysées | Iconic location & festive |
| Notre-Dame | 26 November to 27 December 2026 | Square René Viviani | Crafts & cosy atmosphere |
| La Défense | 12 November to 31 December 2026 | La Défense | Large Christmas market |
| Eiffel Tower / Quai Branly | Late November/early December 2026 to early January 2027 (exact dates TBC) | Quai Branly | Eiffel Tower & Christmas |
| Montmartre | Late November 2026 to early January 2027 (exact dates TBC) | Montmartre | Romance & atmosphere |
| Hôtel de Ville | Early December 2026 to early January 2027 (exact dates TBC) | Hôtel de Ville | Families & central Paris |
| Saint-Germain-des-Prés | Late November 2026 to early January 2027 (exact dates TBC) | Saint-Germain | French atmosphere & food |
| Gare de l’Est | Late November to mid-December 2026 (exact dates TBC) | Gare de l’Est | Alsatian specialities |
| Parc de la Villette | Mid-November to late December 2026 (exact dates TBC) | La Villette | Families |
| Place Saint-Michel | Early December 2026 to early January 2027 (exact dates TBC) | Quartier Latin | Central location |
1. Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market – 1st arrondissement
From mid-November 2026 to early January 2027, you can visit the famous Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries. The exact dates for the 2026–2027 season have not yet been announced.
Enjoy the festive atmosphere with fairground rides, a Ferris wheel, mulled wine, French specialities and a food market. You’ll also find handmade products, unusual Christmas gifts and activities for children.
The Christmas market is located next to the Louvre, making it easy to combine with a visit to the museum and a walk through the Tuileries Gardens.
• Address: Jardin des Tuileries – Place de la Concorde
• Opening hours: daily, 11:00 AM – 11:30 PM
• 24 December & 31 December: closes at 7:30 PM
• Metro: Tuileries or Concorde
• Nearby: Place Vendôme and Rue Saint-Honoré
2. Christmas Market on the Champs-Élysées – 8th arrondissement
After an absence of almost ten years, the Christmas market on the Champs-Élysées is returning to Paris in 2026. From November 22, 2026 to January 4, 2027, you can once again stroll past beautifully decorated Christmas stalls along the famous avenue. The market will be located on the lower section of the Champs-Élysées, between the Obelisk at Place de la Concorde and the Champs-Élysées roundabout.
The new Christmas market will focus on quality products, local and artisanal goods, and freshly prepared food and treats. The exact details, number of stalls, activities and opening hours will be announced at a later date.
The Christmas market is also easy to combine with the Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées, a walk towards the Arc de Triomphe, or a visit to Place de la Concorde and the Jardin des Tuileries.
• Address: Avenue des Champs-Élysées – 75008 Paris
• Dates: November 22, 2026 to January 4, 2027
• Opening hours: Not yet announced
• Metro: Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau, Franklin D. Roosevelt or Concorde
• Nearby: Place de la Concorde, Jardin des Tuileries and Arc de Triomphe
3. Notre-Dame Christmas Market – 5th arrondissement
From 26 November to 27 December 2026, the charming Christmas market near Notre-Dame takes place in Square René Viviani, right next to the cathedral.
Dozens of exhibitors offer French crafts, clothing, accessories and gastronomic specialities. There are also activities for children, live music and visits from Santa Claus.
This smaller Christmas market is known for its cosy and distinctly French atmosphere.
• Address: Square René Viviani – 2 Rue du Fouarre
• Opening hours: daily, 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Metro: Saint-Michel or Cité
• Nearby: Hôtel de Ville, Rue Galande and Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Tip: Combine this Christmas market with a walk through the Latin Quarter. From Square René Viviani, it only takes a few minutes to walk to Notre-Dame and the atmospheric Rue Galande.
4. La Défense Christmas Market – La Défense
From 12 November to 31 December 2026, you can visit the Christmas market in the heart of La Défense, Paris’ famous business district.
With more than 13,000 m² of Christmas festivities and hundreds of chalets, it is one of the largest Christmas markets in the Paris region. You’ll find gifts, jewellery, leather goods and traditional French specialities, including treats from Alsace.
La Défense is also a good choice for an evening visit. Walk among the illuminated Christmas stalls and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The festive area known as Le Sommet will remain open until 3 January 2027.
• Address: Esplanade de La Défense, 92800 Puteaux
• Opening hours: Monday–Wednesday 11:00 AM–8:30 PM; Thursday 11:00 AM–10:00 PM; Friday 11:00 AM–11:00 PM; Saturday 10:00 AM–11:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM–8:30 PM
• 24 December: 11:00 AM–6:00 PM
• 25 December: closed
• Metro: La Défense
5. Eiffel Tower Christmas Market – 7th arrondissement
From late November or early December 2026 to early January 2027, a Christmas market takes place near the Eiffel Tower along the Quai Jacques Chirac. The exact dates for 2026–2027 have not yet been announced.
Walk among the festive chalets and food trucks serving regional specialities, and enjoy a glass of warm vin chaud with a view of the Eiffel Tower.
Because of its location, this is an easy Christmas market to combine with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, Champ-de-Mars and Trocadéro.
• Address: Quai Jacques Chirac – Eiffel Tower
• Opening hours: daily, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM
• Exact dates: TBC
• Metro: Bir-Hakeim or Trocadéro
• Nearby: Champ-de-Mars and Trocadéro
6. Montmartre Christmas Market – 18th arrondissement
From late November 2026 to early January 2027, you can visit the cosy Christmas market in Montmartre. The exact dates for 2026–2027 have not yet been announced.
The market offers handmade gifts, jewellery, toys and French treats. There are also activities for children, including a carousel and visits from Santa Claus.
The market is located around Place des Abbesses, in the heart of Montmartre. Combine your visit with the Sacré-Cœur, the Wall of Love (Mur des Je t’aime) and a walk through the charming streets of the neighbourhood.
• Address: Place des Abbesses
• Opening hours: daily, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Exact dates: TBC
• Metro: Abbesses
• Nearby: Sacré-Cœur, Wall of Love and Rue des Martyrs
7. Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market – 4th arrondissement
From early December 2026 to early January 2027, the square in front of Paris City Hall becomes a festive Christmas village. The exact dates for 2026–2027 have not yet been announced.
At the festive village La Forêt enchantée, you can enjoy crêpes, waffles and other French winter specialities. There are also Paris-made gifts and activities for children, including a traditional wooden carousel.
Its central location makes this Christmas market easy to combine with Notre-Dame, Le Marais and Île Saint-Louis.
• Address: Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville
• Opening hours: daily, 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
• Exact dates: TBC
• Metro: Hôtel de Ville
• Nearby: Notre-Dame, Le Marais and Île Saint-Louis
8. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market – 6th arrondissement
From late November 2026 to early January 2027, you can visit the Christmas market along Boulevard Saint-Germain. The exact dates for 2026–2027 have not yet been announced.
The approximately 40 chalets offer mulled wine, roasted chestnuts and French delicacies such as macarons, candied chestnuts, smoked salmon, truffles and foie gras.
You’ll also find leather goods, jewellery and handmade Christmas gifts. Combine your visit with a walk through elegant Saint-Germain-des-Prés, known for its cafés, bookshops and art galleries.
• Address: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Opening hours: daily, 11:00 AM–8:00 PM
• Exact dates: TBC
• Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
• Nearby: Le Bon Marché, Rue des Cannettes and Rue du Bac
9. Gare de l’Est Christmas Market – 10th arrondissement
From late November to mid-December 2026, you can experience an Alsatian-style Christmas market in front of Gare de l’Est. The exact dates for 2026 have not yet been announced.
The market is particularly known for its selection of Alsatian specialities, including pretzels, gingerbread, chocolate, foie gras, charcuterie and other regional products.
It’s a good choice if you want to experience the flavours and atmosphere of Alsace without leaving Paris.
• Address: Rue du 8 Mai 1945 – Parvis Gare de l’Est
• Opening hours: daily, 9:00 AM–7:30 PM
• Exact dates: TBC
• Metro: Gare de l’Est
10. Parc de la Villette Christmas Market – 19th arrondissement
From mid-November to late December 2026, you can visit the Christmas market at Place de la Fontaine-aux-Lions in Parc de la Villette. The exact dates for 2026 have not yet been announced.
The square is transformed into a festive Christmas village with craftspeople, entertainment, concerts and activities for the whole family.
Admission is free on Mondays and Tuesdays and also free from Wednesday to Friday until 5:00 PM. At other times, admission costs €5 and includes a drink.
• Address: 211 Avenue Jean Jaurès
• Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday 5:00 PM–9:00 PM; Wednesday–Saturday 11:00 AM–11:00 PM; Sunday 11:00 AM–9:00 PM
• Exact dates: TBC
• Metro: Porte de Pantin
11. Place Saint-Michel Christmas Market – 6th arrondissement
From early December 2026 to early January 2027, you can visit the Christmas market on Place Saint-Michel, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter. The exact dates for 2026–2027 have not yet been announced.
Browse the festive stalls selling handmade products, Christmas gifts and winter treats.
Thanks to its central location near the Seine and Notre-Dame, this Christmas market is easy to combine with a walk through the historic centre of Paris.
• Address: Place Saint-Michel
• Opening hours: daily, 10:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Exact dates: TBC
• Metro: Saint-Michel
Which Christmas market in Paris is the best?
The best Christmas market in Paris depends on what you are looking for.
The Champs-Élysées or Jardin des Tuileries is a convenient choice for a first visit and combines a large Christmas market with a central location. Notre-Dame is a good option if you prefer crafts and a smaller, cosy atmosphere. For a large Christmas market with lots of stalls and entertainment, head to La Défense. If the location is most important to you, the Christmas market near the Eiffel Tower is hard to beat.
Our picks by interest
• Best for a first visit: Jardin des Tuileries or Champs-Élysées
• Most atmospheric: Notre-Dame
• Largest selection: La Défense
• Best location: Eiffel Tower
• Best with children: Jardin des Tuileries or Parc de la Villette
• Best for French delicacies: Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Gare de l’Est
• Best for a romantic atmosphere: Montmartre
Tips for visiting Christmas markets in Paris
• Visit on a weekday if possible. The most popular Christmas markets can become very busy in December, particularly in the evenings and at weekends.
• Go in the late afternoon. This allows you to explore Paris during the day and then enjoy the Christmas lights and festive stalls as it gets dark.
• Bring warm clothing. Paris can be cold and windy in December, especially if you spend several hours outdoors.
• Combine Christmas markets with sightseeing. Most markets are close to other major attractions. For example, combine Notre-Dame with the Latin Quarter, the Tuileries with the Louvre, or Montmartre with the Sacré-Cœur.
• Check opening hours before you go. Opening hours, admission prices and programmes can change from year to year.
Frequently asked questions about Christmas markets in Paris
• Are Christmas markets in Paris free?
Most Christmas markets in Paris are free to enter. Some markets or individual activities may charge an admission fee, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit.
• When do Christmas markets in Paris start?
Most Paris Christmas markets open from mid-November or late November. Some do not start until early December. Most close at the end of December, while some continue until early January 2027.
• What is the biggest Christmas market in Paris?
The La Défense Christmas Market is among the largest Christmas markets in the Paris region. In 2026, it takes place from 12 November to 31 December.
• Which Christmas market in Paris is best for children?
The Jardin des Tuileries and Parc de la Villette are good choices for families with children. The Notre-Dame Christmas market also offers activities for children.
• What can you eat at a Christmas market in Paris?
Depending on the market, you can find crêpes, waffles, mulled wine, raclette and French specialities. The market at Gare de l’Est focuses particularly on Alsatian regional products.
• Which Christmas market in Paris is the best?
For a first visit, the Jardin des Tuileries and Champs-Élysées are convenient choices. For a large Christmas market, visit La Défense; for an iconic setting, head to the Eiffel Tower; and for a romantic atmosphere, choose Montmartre.
• Which Christmas market is near Notre-Dame?
The Notre-Dame Christmas Market is held at Square René Viviani, directly next to the cathedral. Place Saint-Michel is also just a short walk away.
• When are the Christmas markets in Paris busiest?
Christmas markets are generally busiest at weekends and in the evenings. To avoid the crowds, visit on a weekday and go earlier in the day.
