The Christmas bells will ring again for the happiness of all! This is your complete guide to Christmas in Paris 2026: the best Christmas markets, the most beautiful illuminations, festive activities and practical tips to help you plan your year’s end holidays in Paris 2026. From the Tuileries Christmas Village to the Grand Marché de Noël at Vincennes, discover where to go, what to eat and when each market typically opens. Also read about the best things to do in Paris for Christmas.
They are ready to serve every necessary ingredient for a magical holiday season like waffles, pancakes, mulled wine, typical French food …
You’ll find all goods to prepare a special French meal. You can also opt to go to one of many Parisian Gourmet Restaurants for a Xmas Eve dinner
Best Christmas illuminations in Paris
Christmas Illuminations at Champs Elysées
This is certainly one of the most famous Xmas decorations in the world. The Champs Élysées Christmas lights are switched on every year by a French celebrity.
>>Book your illuminations Tours in Paris
Place Concorde Christmas decorations
Those decorations are very impressive on this huge roundabout, close to the Louvre, the Champs Élysées avenue and Place Vendôme.
Decorations at Bercy Village
Charming decorations line this pedestrian street in Bercy Village.
Christmas Tree and lights at Notre Dame de Paris
Each year a great Xmas tree stands in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral. You can also visit inside and see the nativity crib. It is a unique experience that gathers many Parisians and tourists.
Christmas Tree and decorations at Galeries Lafayette
This department store is packed during the year’s end period. Many Parisians and tourists gather there to see the wonderful Christmas decorations.
Christmas dinner in Paris
There are many restaurants that offer a typical French Christmas dinner. Depending on your mood, you can opt for a gourmet restaurant, a traditional brasserie, a sightseeing spot or a special Xmas dinner cruise.
Read our selection of restaurants for Christmas dinner in Paris
>Find a selection of best affordable hotels in Paris
Christmas in Paris at Disneyland
Disneyland Paris offers a unique experience for Christmas. It is one of the favorite places for European kids during the year’s end celebrations. Special shows, Christmas lights, magical parades and fireworks will make your visit to the park unforgettable.
More info about Christmas celebrations in Disneyland Paris
Best Christmas Markets in Paris 2026
Below is our full list of the best Paris Christmas markets 2026. Exact 2026 opening dates are usually confirmed by city halls and organizers in September or October — we’ve given you the typical period each market runs so you can start planning now, and we’ll update this guide as soon as official 2026 dates are announced.
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT JARDIN DES TUILERIES
Usually mid-November to early January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
The most popular Christmas Market in Paris is the Christmas Village on the Jardin des Tuileries. You’ll find many typical food stalls, waffles, French pancakes, mulled wine and other regional products.
There is a great outdoor ice-skating rink and a carousel for kids. You can also do your Christmas shopping here, with handmade items, decorations, jewelry and other accessories. This market used to be on the Champs-Élysées; it has since moved to the Tuileries.
Jardin des Tuileries – 1st arrondissement Metro : Tuileries / Concorde
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT NOTRE DAME DE PARIS
Usually early to mid-December (2026 dates to be confirmed) – 10am-7pm
The authentic Christmas Market near Notre-Dame is back at Square René Viviani. There are plenty of typical products here, and the market is especially interesting thanks to the stalls selling handmade accessories, fashion or design.
Read more about Notre-Dame Christmas Market
CHRISTMAS MARKET ON SAINT-GERMAIN DES PRES
Usually late November to early January (2026 dates to be confirmed) – 10am-9pm
Many merchants and large retail areas are involved, with animations for young and old alike looking for gift ideas and gourmet specialties.
Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés de Paris – 6th arrondissement Metro : Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Read more about Saint Germain des Près quarter
ALSATIAN CHRISTMAS MARKET AT GARE DE L’EST
Usually early December, for about two weeks (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Alsatian Christmas markets are always popular in France, and the one near Gare de l’Est train station is one of the most famous. You’ll be able to taste many typical products from the East of France, like wine, kougelhopf, delicatessen and bread.
Gare de l’Est – 10th arrondissement Metro : Gare de l’Est
AUTEUIL FAIRY CHRISTMAS MARKET
Usually the first half of December, 11am-7pm (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Auteuil, an upmarket area, also organizes its own Christmas market with fine grocery and typical products. This event is organized by Apprentis d’Auteuil and is very much appreciated by Parisians.
Fondation d’Auteuil – 75016 Paris 16 Metro : Jasmin
CHRISTMAS MARKET AT TROCADÉRO
Usually late November to early January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
With the Eiffel Tower as a backdrop, the Trocadéro Christmas Market is one of the most scenic in Paris and a favorite spot for photos. Expect wooden chalets selling gifts, decorations, mulled wine and seasonal treats, right on the esplanade facing the tower.
Esplanade du Trocadéro – 16th arrondissement Metro : Trocadéro
>>Experience the magic atmosphere of Paris with a Special Christmas activities and Illuminations Tours
Christmas Villages in Paris
Usually mid-to-late December, a few days before Christmas, at Place de la Bourse (2026 dates to be confirmed)
A gastronomy showcase featuring the talent and expertise of the best artisans in France, in the wonderful setting of the Palais Brongniart. Over a few days, you’ll discover many sophisticated French products and regional specialties to prepare your Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner. Foodie experts will recommend the best products to prepare a meal in the gourmet French tradition.
Place de la Bourse 75002 Paris Metro : Bourse
CHRISTMAS ARCH AT LA DEFENSE
Usually mid-November to late December (2026 dates to be confirmed)
A Christmas market on the parvis de la Défense, the largest business district in the Paris area. Mulled wine and hot chocolate, typical sausages, waffles, cheese and regional products are all on offer.
Parvis de la Défense – 92 Métro : La Défense
LA VILLETTE CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Usually mid-November to late December (2026 dates to be confirmed)
Set up in front of the Grande Halle in Parc de la Villette, this Christmas village combines twinkling lights, artisanal chalets, festive treats and family-friendly activities including an ice-skating rink. It’s one of the more recent additions to the Paris Christmas market scene and a great option if you’re staying in the north-east of the city.
Parc de la Villette – 19th arrondissement Metro : Porte de la Villette
GRAND CHRISTMAS MARKET AT BOIS DE VINCENNES
Usually early December to early January (2026 dates to be confirmed)
One of the biggest Christmas markets in the Paris area, with over 100 wooden chalets, fairground rides, a big wheel and an ice-skating rink, all set up on the esplanade near the Château de Vincennes. It’s an easy day out for families, combining the market with a walk in the Bois de Vincennes.
Esplanade du Château de Vincennes – 12th arrondissement Metro : Château de Vincennes
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN MONTMARTRE
The most romantic spot in Paris. A wonderful holiday atop Montmartre Hill (the highest point in Paris) in front of the beautiful Basilica of Sacré-Cœur. Discover the unforgettable and beautiful illuminations in this village-like district of Paris. In the Montmartre Christmas village, you’ll find 50 wooden chalets where local shopkeepers and producers sell their regional products, alongside handicrafts, local products and gift ideas.
read more: Montmartre neighborhood
Practical tips for Christmas in Paris 2026
When do the Christmas markets open in Paris in 2026?
Most Paris Christmas markets open between mid-November and early December 2026, staying open through the New Year, with a few closing right after Christmas Day. Official 2026 dates are usually confirmed by city halls and organizers in September or October, so bookmark this guide and check back closer to the season.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Paris?
Yes. December is one of the most magical times for Christmas in Paris, thanks to the illuminations, Christmas markets, ice rinks and festive window displays, especially along the Champs-Élysées and inside Galeries Lafayette. Expect cold weather, typically 3-8°C (37-46°F), shorter daylight hours, and bigger crowds around Christmas week, so book restaurants and hotels ahead.
Which is the biggest Christmas market in Paris?
The Grand Christmas Market at the Bois de Vincennes and the Christmas Village at La Défense are among the largest in the Paris area, each with over 100 chalets, fairground rides and ice-skating rinks.
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