Saveur Marché
← Christmas markets in France 2026: a visitor’s guide
Updated on
France has hundreds of Christmas markets, but a handful are worth planning a trip around. This guide is for visitors from abroad: where to go, when, and how to get there by train from Paris or from across the border. Dates come from official sources and are checked against our market map.
The essentials
- Season: late November to late December; a few run into early January.
- Best region: Alsace (Strasbourg, Colmar and the wine villages).
- Easiest from Paris: Strasbourg (1 h 50 by TGV), Reims (about 45 min), Lille (about 1 h).
- Entry: free almost everywhere.
Alsace: the classic choice
Strasbourg
27 November 2026 to 24 December 2026
Eight market sites across the old town and the oldest Christmas market in France.
Colmar
23 November 2026 to 29 December 2026
Six small markets in a compact old town, and the gateway to the wine villages.
Also in Alsace: Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Obernai, Sélestat, Mulhouse, Haguenau.
Paris
Paris has several Christmas markets but none on the scale of Alsace; combine them with the year-round food markets. See the best markets in Paris and the Paris Christmas market dates.
Other cities worth the trip
Lille, Reims, Metz, Nancy, Lyon, Montbéliard, Arras, Amiens, Nice, Marseille.
Markets near you
Already in France? Open the market map and allow location to see the markets around you today, Christmas and weekly markets alike.
Getting around
- Trains: book TGV seats on SNCF Connect as early as possible for December weekends.
- From Germany: Strasbourg is 20 minutes by tram from Kehl. Weihnachtsmärkte im Elsass (Deutsch).
- From Belgium and the Netherlands: Lille is the closest big market; Strasbourg is reachable by direct TGV from Brussels.
- From Switzerland: Colmar is about 45 minutes by train from Basel.
Where to stay in Strasbourg
Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you (Stay22). The map only loads when you scroll to it.
Useful French phrases
| English | French |
|---|---|
| Hello / Good evening | Bonjour / Bonsoir |
| A mulled wine, please | Un vin chaud, s'il vous plaît |
| How much is it? | C'est combien ? |
| Can I pay by card? | Je peux payer par carte ? |
| I'd like to return my cup | Je rends mon gobelet |
| Thank you, have a nice day | Merci, bonne journée |
All Christmas market guides by city and region
Frequently asked questions
When do Christmas markets open in France in 2026?
Most open in the last week of November. Colmar opens on 23 November 2026 and Strasbourg on 27 November 2026.
Which is the best Christmas market in France?
Strasbourg is the oldest and biggest; Colmar is smaller and often called the prettiest. They are 30 minutes apart by train, so you can see both.
Can I do Strasbourg as a day trip from Paris?
Yes. Direct TGVs take about 1 hour 50 minutes each way.
Are French Christmas markets free?
Yes, entry is free almost everywhere.