The winter holiday season in Paris would feel degrees less cheerful and inspired without the traditional Christmas markets that spring up each year around the city. The markets, with their iconic clusters of wood chalets offering custom holiday treats like mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages and specialties from various regions of France, are an essential part of celebrating Christmas in Paris. They also make an ideal outing with kids in Paris. Visit one of Paris's many Christmas markets for a scenic winter stroll, or stock up on traditional foodstuffs or handcrafted toys, clothing and other items for gifts.
The History of Paris Christmas Markets
Christmas markets in Paris and elsewhere in France have their origins in the northern Alsace region, which has belonged to Germany at various junctures in history and therefore draws on German Christmas market traditions stretching to as early as the 14th century. The most famous-- and largest-- marché de noël in France is in Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace.Paris Christmas Markets in 2009
Note: Precise 2009 dates coming soon
- Christmas Market at La Défense
Open daily from the end of November through the end of December, from 11 am to 7:30 pm.
Location: Parvis de la Défense (near the Grand Arche)
Metro/RER: La Défense
- Christmas Market and Santa's Village at Saint-Sulpice
Open daily starting in December (precise dates tbd), 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Location: Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Sulpice
- Christmas Market and Santa's Village at place Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Open daily starting in December (precise dates tbd), 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Location: Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Paris 6th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
- Christmas Market at Place de la Nation
Open daily starting in December (precise dates tbd), 1:00 am to 8:00 pm
Location: Place de la Nation, 11th arrondissement
Metro/RER: Nation
- Christmas Market on the Avenue des Champs-Elysées
This is the largest Christmas market within Paris's city limits. The market stretches from the Champs-Elysées roundabout (Metro Champs Elysées-Clémenceau) to the Place de la Concorde (Metro Concorde). Open daily starting in late November through early January (precise dates tbd)
Location: Avenue des Champs-Elysées to the Place de la Concorde
Metro:Champs Elysées-Clemenceau or Concorde
- Christmas Market at the Place des Abbesses
This market, nestled in the heart of the quaint Montmartre neighborhood, will be open daily starting in December (precise dates tbd).
Location: Place des Abbesses, 18th arrondissement
Metro: Abbesses
- Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est
Open starting in December (precise dates tbd),Saturday 8:00 am to 8:00 pm; Sunday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: Gare de l'Est, 10th arrondissement
Metro: Gare de l'Est
- Christmas Market at the Montparnasse Tower
Open daily starting in December (precise dates tbd),10:30 am to 7:30 pm. This market specializes in regional French delicacies.
Location: In front of the Gare Montparnasse, facing the tower.
Metro: Montparnasse Bienvenue
