For us, the end of November may barely be the beginning of winter, but in Europe and the Christian world in general, Christmas celebrations begin then – which will last until the last week of December. And of course, there are no Christmas celebrations without Christmas markets.
During this period, markets are set up in the main squares of major European cities – selling Christmas decorations, handicrafts, cookies and pastries, hot drinks and local wines. The city of Paris holds a place of honor in terms of Christmas markets, and I’m here to tell you about them, and provide you with the most comprehensive guide to Christmas markets in Paris 2025 (and a little bit of 2026).
The Christmas markets in Paris continue an age-old tradition that began in Strasbourg. It is a tradition that combines celebration, culture, commerce and, of course, culinary delights. The origins of the Christmas markets date back to the Middle Ages, when winter markets served as a platform for merchants to sell their wares during the cold winter season. Over the years, the markets have become centers of culture and tourism, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Markets in Paris are now spread across the entire city and offer a magical and unique experience. Stalls decorated in a medieval style offer a variety of products, from souvenirs and traditional crafts, through jewelry and toys to local foods and delicacies. The most famous markets are located on the Champs-Élysées, Place de la Défense and the Tuileries Gardens, where you can also find children's activity areas and live entertainment.
All Christmas markets in Paris run throughout December, but some start operating as early as the end of November, so if you are planning to come toParis in winter, you have an excellent window of time to enjoy these markets.
Personally, I believe in the saying, “You’ve seen one Christmas market, you’ve seen them all,” but since some of you are interested in variety, I have collected for you the most beautiful and interesting markets that you can visit in 2025. You can combine a visit to these markets with your visit to Paris, which becomes especially magical during this period – everything is glowing and sparkling, the trees and street lamps are decorated with tiny lights and it is painted in red-gold-green.
So dress well, take a glass of hot punch with you and let's get going!
Christmas markets in Paris
Tuileries Gardens Christmas Market
In recent years, more and more traditional Christmas markets have opened in Paris. There are large and small markets, set up especially for the holiday, where you can find special gingerbread, sausages, Cheeses, the famous Karambo, as well as holiday gifts, toys, gloves and scarves, souvenirs, jewelry and more.
The most famous Christmas market in Paris is located inTuileries Gardens. It is actually an entire village of holiday spirit. It contains over 100 stalls and stretches for several hundred meters – from the Grand Palais to the Place de la Concorde. It is recommended to come to the hungry market and taste the produce displayed at the stalls, drink some mulled wine, and nibble on a piece of cake or French creme brulee.
In addition to the stalls, the market also has playgrounds, trampolines, an ice skating rink for children and other attractions. At the end of the market, in honor of the holiday, stands the sparkling Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheel has been coming to Paris for 20 years, providing a stunning view of the city and the boulevards while in motion.
It is recommended to stock up on hot chocolate (Hebrew: שוקו המאם), to warm up while waiting in line. The wheel spins for about 7 minutes, and the recommended time to get on it is before sunset. At the beginning of summer, the wheel returns again with the local amusement park and is in the gardens until the end of the summer vacation.
Tuileries Christmas Market: Opening times and directions
The market at the Jardin des Tuileries begins operations on November 15, 2025, and continues until January 4, 2026. Opening hours: daily from 11:00 AM to 23:30 PM (note: on December 24 and 31, the market closes at 19:30 PM).
The market can be reached via Metro Line 1 stops Tuileries, or Palais-Royal – Musée du Louvre.
La Défense Market
After you've finished visiting the Tuileries Gardens Christmas Market, continue west along the historic axis of Paris towards La DéfenseAlong the historical axis, which begins inThe Louvre MuseumYou will encounter many monuments such as the boulevard Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, Boulevard Charles de Gaulle, and of course the great arch of La Défense (La Grande Arche de la Défense), at the foot of which is held the largest Christmas market in Paris. The market contains about 300 stalls and it is recommended to walk around it in daylight, in order to be impressed by the iron and glass buildings and the innovative, almost futuristic architecture, which creates one of the interesting suburbs of Paris.
In this market you can find literally everything: bags, watches, hair straighteners, special jewelry and more. If you are tired of the market and want to feel like a local for a moment, take a short break, buy a nice snack to eat, and sit on the steps of the Great Gate, from where you can look out over the surrounding landscape. Usually the steps of the Great Gate are never empty and you will always find people from the area sitting there taking a short break.
If the market has made you feel a little bit of a shopping tingle, you can go into the 4 Seasons Mall right next door and find large chain stores there.
La Défense Christmas Market – opening times and directions:
The market will be open from November 12 to December 31, 2026 (the “Summit” area, with the festive activities, will remain open until January 3, 2027). Traditional market opening hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00-21:00, Friday 11:00-23:00, Saturday 10:00-23:00 and Sunday 11:00-21:30. Special hours: December 24, the market is open 11:00-18:00, December 25, 15:00-23:00, and December 31, 11:00-18:00.
The market can be reached by metro line 1 (get off at Esplanade de La Défense station).
Christmas market Montmartre
In Paris, there are over 125 locations where decorations, lights, and trees are scattered, and one activity or another related to the upcoming holiday takes place. Another market of many but special is in Montmartre, in the streets surrounding the Sacré-Cœur Church.
Up this special hill were once the homes of tormented artists, poor philosophers and sad prostitutes. Today, you can only imagine them wandering this sweet market, comforting themselves with a chocolate crepe or a cashmere scarf and looking out over Paris from the most beautiful vantage point in the city.
The market offers stalls from gourmet producers from all over the world. France, which sells jars of homemade foie gras, a large variety of sausages, jams in dozens of flavors, real nougat, chocolates, cheeses, wines and ciders, along with traditional holiday gifts and souvenirs.
Montmartre Christmas Market – opening times and directions:
The market will be open from November 22 to December 29, 2025 (these dates have not yet been finalized for this year).
Arrival: Metro line 12 Abbesses station.
Christmas Market – Notre Dame
In the fifth arrondissement of Paris, is located Notre Dame Church (Notre-Dame de Paris) and if you stand facing the Seine you can even see the church's spires sticking out.
Not far from the church you will find one of the most beloved markets of the French. The church burned down in April 2019 and reopened to the public in December 2024, after extensive renovations, but the plaza in front is still undergoing landscaping work that will continue until 2028, so the market continues to take place on the Rene Viviani Square, which overlooks the cathedral and which stars in the article. 17 Romantic Places in Paris.
Unlike other markets, this market is mainly dedicated to handicrafts by various artists, and you can get an impression of it by watching this video.
Notre Dame Market: Opening Days and Directions
Unlike other Christmas markets, which are open for many weeks, this Christmas market will be open from November 28 to December 25, 2025. It is recommended to take this into account when booking. Planning your trip to Paris.
Arrival: Metro line 4 or RER B. Get off at Saint Michel station.
Alsatian-style Christmas market
The tradition of Christmas markets originates in the region Alsace, so if you want to experience a typical Alsatian Christmas market, you will have to go to the Gare de l'Est train station, where, in a huge tent, an Alsatian-style Christmas market will be held.
The place was not chosen by chance, because trains to Strasbourg depart from there, and you will find typical Alsatian dishes there, such as Gugelhupf or fragrant Munster cheese.
The nearest metro station is Gare de l'Est (lines 4,5 and 7).
The market will be open from November 28 to December 14, 2025. Opening hours are daily from 09:00 AM to 19:30 PM (sometimes closing a little earlier on Sundays).
Christmas market at Hôtel de Ville
The Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market is a magical and unique experience, and some say it is the most beautiful Christmas market in Paris. The recommended time to visit this market is after dark, when you can enjoy a spectacular light show, which transforms the city hall into a stunning neo-Renaissance display. Hundreds of fir trees decorated with lights and colors create mini-forests, and you can wander among them. Festive music plays in the background, adding to the atmosphere.
In the market of Hotel de Ville You can find gifts made in France, and Christmas food like mulled wine, raclette, Nutella crepe, and more. There are also free activities for children like a vintage carousel and slides, as well as special displays of forest animals.
This market is smaller than Notre Dame or the Tuileries Gardens, and it doesn't have luxury goods for sale, but it is very fun and relaxed, and as mentioned - it is considered the most beautiful Christmas market in Paris.
There are no exact opening dates yet, but it will likely be open between early December 2025 and early January 2026. It is recommended to return to the article later for more accurate information.
Eiffel Tower Market
Christmas trees, fake snow and a close-up look at the most famous monument in Paris (and one of the most famous in the world), the Christmas market. Eiffel Tower Providing a fun experience that you will remember for a long time. The market specializes in gourmet food and local food served on site. The market is located along the Quai Jacques Chirac, at the foot of the tower, and is usually open from early December to early January (the exact dates vary slightly each year).
The Eiffel Tower Market is dotted with dozens of stalls and usually has a few food trucks, and it's a medium-sized market that's considered one of the best, and undoubtedly provides a unique photo opportunity. And of course, you can visit the Eiffel Tower along the way.
You can buy unique gifts such as handmade wooden ornaments, quality wool scarves and local art. It is recommended to come in the evening to enjoy the tower illuminated by Christmas lights, and to dress warmly, as it can be particularly cold. If you are looking for a quieter experience, visit the market midweek, when it is less crowded. And finally, don’t forget to try a glass of mulled wine – it is an integral part of the wonderful winter atmosphere of Paris during the holiday season.
Accommodation near Christmas markets
Although the Christmas markets can be easily reached by metro, some of you who are coming to Paris for a short time will be happy to stay overnight near at least one of the Christmas markets, in order to save yourself time. For you, I have created this part of the article, where you will find several recommended places to stay near the main markets of Paris.
Recommended holiday apartments near Christmas markets
An apartment in Paris has quite a few advantages, especially if you are traveling with children, so if you are looking for excellent apartments, let me recommend some of Audi's apartments, some of which are a short walk from the Christmas markets, all of which are wonderfully equipped and, most importantly, all of which are Israeli-owned.
Here are the apartments that will best suit you:
The apartment near Place de la Concorde
Great for large families as it has 2 bedrooms plus a huge living room that can also be converted into a bedroom. It is located next to Place de la Concorde, and as such is very close to the Tuileries Gardens Christmas Market. You can get more information about it and check its availability via This link.
Apartments near the Pompidou Center
Audi has 3 apartments in a building less than a minute's walk from the Pompidou Centre and a few minutes' walk from the Hôtel de Ville, where there is a Christmas market. In fact, the Tuileries and Notre Dame Christmas markets are all within walking distance of these apartments.
I have lived in two of these three apartments with my parents several times, and I return to them every time I am in Paris, these are the apartments I prefer to live in. So if one of these apartments is available, take them without a second thought.
The apartment near Boulevard Saint-Germain
The last apartment I recommend is the one on Rue des Anglais. This apartment is not far from Notre Dame and you can get to the Christmas market from there very easily. Like the rest of Audi's apartments, it is very well equipped, comfortable and suitable for a couple or a couple with a small child. For more information, go toLink this.
Hotels near Paris Christmas Markets
If you're in Paris for a limited number of days and want to stay near the main Christmas markets, I recommend looking for hotels in the following areas:
The western part of the 1st district
If you stay not far from the Tuileries Gardens, you will be close to the main Christmas market in Paris. Furthermore, the number 1 metro line runs through this area and will take you to the La Défense market, where another important Christmas market is held. An excellent, but not cheap, hotel that could suit you is Brighton, which overlooks the garden. Additional recommended hotels can be found in the article Hotels in 1st District.
Hotel de Ville area
This area has several advantages.
- It is located next to the ice rink of the Hotel de Ville.
- You can easily walk to the Tuileries Christmas Market or cross the Seine and reach the Notre Dame area, where another Christmas market is held.
- Metro Line 1 also passes here, which can take you directly to La Défense, where the second most important Christmas market in Paris is held.
If you want to live there, you should check out Nice Hotel, a chic hotel located right next to the Hotel de Ville. For more accommodation options, please visit the article about Recommended hotels in the 4st district And look for other hotels nearby.
The Latin Quarter (the part closest to the Seine)
If you live there, you can easily reach the Christmas market that will take place near Notre Dame, and if it's not cold, you can walk to the ice skating rink at the Hôtel de Ville and the Christmas market in the Tuileries Gardens.
One of the recommended hotels in the area is Royal Saint-Michel, located near the Saint-Michel metro station (a big advantage for those landing at the airport) Charles de Gaulle(because you can take a train directly to the hotel and save yourself a taxi). If you want to check out other hotels, we recommend reading the article Recommended hotels in the 5st district.
Still haven't found a hotel near one of Paris' Christmas markets?
If none of the hotels I recommended are available or don't suit you, you are welcome to take a look at the map below that contains all the Christmas markets I mentioned and all the hotels near them. All you have to do is enter the dates you plan to stay and you will see all the relevant hotels.
Open the map in a separate window
The storefronts and Christmas trees of the major department stores
And how can you have a holiday without the big department stores of Paris, namely Galeries Lafayette and Printemps?
The large and central department stores in Paris design their storefronts in a creative and special way for the holiday. It is always an exciting and magical experience to stand in front of their splendor and witness the marvel of design, and the music that emanates from the windows. Most of the windows are filled with families and children who come to witness a dancing rabbit, a doll that comes out and jumps from a farm, dancing cats and more.
The Galeries Lafayette windows are always some of the most impressive in the city. Some of the designs change weekly, and the variety of windows around the shopping center offer pyrotechnics, dancing dolls, and fairy-tale scenes, all combined with the brands sold there.
The interior of the department store is also decorated every year. In the center stands a giant fir tree that rises to a height of 20 meters and its decoration changes depending on the chosen theme.
Next to Galeries Lafayette is the department store "Frentan Haussmann", which also does not remain in debt, and also decorates its storefronts during the holiday season.
Another large department store participating in the Christmas celebrations is the Samaritaine, which opened after a 15-year renovation.
Addresses and directions to the major department stores in Paris
Galeries Lafayette address: Galeries Lafayette, 40 Boulevard Haussmann
Nearby metro station: Chaussee d'Antin – La Fayette Lines 7 and 9
Printemps Department Store Address: Printemps Haussmann, 64 Boulevard Haussmann,
Nearby metro station line 3 or line 9: Havre – Caumartin
The Samaritan's address: 9 Rue de la Monnaie.
Nearby metro station: Pont Neuf (line 7).
Since the same line goes to Samaritan and Galeries Lafayette, it is recommended to start at La Samaritan, from there take line 7 to Galeries Lafayette, and from there walk to Prentien. This way you can visit the three department stores efficiently and save you time.
Shopping in Paris during Christmas 2025
If you arrive in Paris towards the end of December and plan to stay until at least mid-January, you can enjoy not only the Christmas and New Year's atmosphere, but also the sales. You can read about them in the article about Sales in Paris.
Looking for what else to do in Paris during Christmas?
Have you visited all the markets, walked the streets of Paris during November or December, and still have some free time left? If so, you are welcome to enter the article Christmas and New Year's Eve in Paris – Everything You Need to Know And get quite a few more ideas about what to do at this time of year.
Merry Christmas!
fantastic!!!
Hello Gal
We are planning to travel to Paris in November (work trip).
And we are debating whether to return on the 11th or 12th of the month.
I read in a certain post that the celebrations officially start at 11.
Do you know of any markets that start on November 11th?
Greetings from Irit
Hi Irish, if it is not written, it means that there are no markets that start at 11. The fact that the festivities begin means that the lights on the avenue are turned on and the decorations are up, but it does not mean the markets, most markets start operating from mid-November 20 onwards for a month
Stay as long as possible
Hi, we are going to New Year's Eve. Where to be at 24? Where is the best place? What parties are there? What are the most recommended restaurants? Thanks
Hi Irish, the festivities start before the markets, which means that the lights on Sderot and the decorations in the city will be turned on according to the markets, but most markets start from November 22nd or 23rd onwards.
Thanks for the article, what's happening in the Moftrade market?
I don't know if there's anything special there.
Thank you very much for the detailed information.
What a beautiful, exciting and stunning city, Paris.
What a pity that it is also full of Muslims, some of whom are full of envy and hatred at a genetic level for the original European beauty!
After all, they are not ashamed to say in a flat tone that they would be happy to destroy everything and bring darkness to all of Europe and the Western world.
No matter which subway you ride, at night there is always a sense of hatred and danger from dark fanatics.
Enjoy what is still available in our era while it is possible.
Thanks for the wonderful article.
Is the market definitely held in Trocadero?
I haven't seen any mention of this on other sites.
Yes, we are talking about a market in Champs de Mars.
And another question –
Will the skating rink at Hotel de Ville actually open this year?
I haven't found any further mentions of this either.
Excellent article, thank you very much! I noticed that many of the markets are closed in the area of 12/25-12/28, we are planning a trip from 12/26 to 12/31. Do you know of any other things that are closed besides the markets? Is it possible that the museums and other attractions will be closed during this period?
Most things stay open except on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
Thanks for the wonderful article! It really makes me want to fly.
My partner and I are planning a trip from 12/27 – 1/3/18
I am aware that it is after the evening of the holiday season and the experience of the Christmas lights and trees and decorations and atmosphere is very important to me.
Do you have any idea whether the Christmas atmosphere will last until at least New Year's Eve? Or is the atmosphere diminishing these days?
Hi Jordan.
Most of the decorations and lights are supposed to stay up until New Year's Eve.
Best regards,
deer
Hi Gal,
In which market can you find the spinning top stand you mentioned in the article?
We are traveling this year and are always looking for interesting spinning tops.
Thanks in advance!
Hello, my question is: are the shops and markets as well as Galerie Lafite open on December 25th? Thank you for the answer.
The stores are closed on December 25th.
Thank you very much
We will be in Paris from December 3-11, 2019. I especially wanted to go for Christmas, so I would really enjoy the information and application.
In October we are in France but not in Paris.
Thanks for all the recommendations.
Esti
Thank you very much
Hello, I'm planning a 5/6 night trip to Paris in December with my partner - first time!!
Recommended dates? Is there a preference for 25.12 or 31.12? Is there a school holiday and will it be busier then?
Thank you, Yoav.
Hi Yoav, please contact me to build a route.
Hi Gal,
Will the tree at Galeries Lafayette be there on January 5th?
Hi Yael, indeed 5.1 is the last day when the tree will be available.
The Hôtel de Villas Market is not taking place this year. Extensive renovations are taking place on the City Hall plaza.