Expectations vs. Reality: Christmas Markets in Paris

We often hear about how you should visit Christmas markets in Berlin, Nuremberg, and Strasbourg, but what about Paris? Surely, the famed City of Lights must have magical Christmas markets, too, right?

Well, I hate to burst your bubble right away, but if you’re traveling to Paris solely for the Christmas markets, you might end up disappointed as I did.

However, this doesn’t mean you should skip Paris during Christmas. Just set your expectations right, and consider making a day trip to truly fulfill your Christmas market wishes.

I’ll explain precisely why the Paris Christmas markets left me underwhelmed, but I’ll also share everything I loved about visiting Paris in December.

Plus, I’ll tell you about the place 2 hours from Paris where you can find that magical Christmas market experience you’re looking for! 

2nd Best Christmas Market in Paris

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Marché de Noël Notre-Dame

📍 Square René Viviani, 75005 Paris

• Dates & Times: November 28 – December 25, 2026; 10am-8pm (9pm on Friday, Saturday, Sunday.
• Closest Metro: Saint-Michel (Line 4, RER B and C)

If I were to rank the Christmas markets in Paris, the second best would definitely be the Marché de Noël Notre-Dame.

Located just outside the Notre-Dame Cathedral, this market is quite small but brimming with local artisans selling handcrafted goods, local specialties, and seasonal treats.

If you’re a cheese lover, you’ll want to stop by for a cheese plate paired with glühwein. This market is also dog-friendly. I spent about 30 minutes here before moving on.

Additional Christmas Markets in Paris: 

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Eiffel Tower Market

📍 Quai Jacques Chirac, 75007 Paris

• Dates & Times: December 6 – January 4, 7th arr. (based on 2024 dates)
• Closest Metro: Trocadéro (Lines 6 and 9)

Set in a picturesque location, this market was, unfortunately, a bit underwhelming. The decorative wooden houses were somewhat lackluster, and the food was typical market fare.

The glühwein was disappointing—perhaps I was just unlucky, but it was the worst I had during my trip.

Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est

📍 Place du 11 Novembre 1918, 75010 Paris

• Dates & Times: Likely to run from early December to mid-December, based on 2024 dates. Typically open from 9 AM to 8 PM.
• Closest Metro: Gare de l’Est (Lines 4, 5, and 7)

This Christmas Market, next to Gare de l’Est Train Station, is officially known as Le Marché de Noël Alsace. It was housed under a large tent and featured about ten food and wine vendors.

It is dubbed as the “foodie Christmas market” and primarily offers artisanal wine, cheese, and charcuterie.

This isn’t the kind of Christmas market you’d visit for festive ambiance and vibes; it’s more a place to come if you want to buy high-quality, gourmet products.

Variety of Market Stalls around the City

In my research before visiting Paris for Christmas, I found mentions of markets in famous neighborhoods like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

What I encountered in Saint Germain des- Prés were merely rows of stalls selling glühwein, cheese, and other small goods—not the full-fledged Christmas markets you might find in places like Heidelberg or Bamberg.

Apparently, there is a Christmas market in Le Marais in front of the Hotel de Ville, but in 2024, the area was under construction, and the market was moved.

We expect it to return next year, but there have been no announcements yet.

Abbesses Christmas Market in Montmartre

📍 Place des Abbesses, 75018 Paris

• Dates & Times: Expected to run from early December to New Year’s Day, usually from 10 AM to 8 PM.
• Closest Metro: Abbesses (Line 12)

I had high expectations when I heard there was a Christmas Market in my favorite neighborhood in Paris! The neighborhood itself is so idyllic that I assumed the market would be equally as charming.

It did have a champagne booth, which is a nice touch since most markets only offer hot mulled wine, punch, and the like. Actual champagne was a welcomed bonus.

And while the Montmartre square near the Sacré-Cœur church is definitely worth exploring, this market, which is in a different location, could be missed if you don’t have the time.

Why You SHOULD Visit Paris in December

Now, I know my overview of the Christmas markets in Paris might not have set high expectations, but trust me, Paris in December is absolutely magical. 

I’d go back in a heartbeat and plan to host a small group trip here in early December!

If you’ve been to Paris before, you know it’s enchanting, even without the holiday trimmings. But the decorations? 

They truly bring the dream of a Parisian Christmas to life. The only thing that could have made it better would be a light dusting of snow, which, sadly, didn’t happen this time.

The most decorated areas of the city, known for their spectacular festive displays, include:

Christmas Market Day Trip From Paris

If you’re planning your days in Paris, consider setting aside time for a day trip to Strasbourg, especially if you have at least two full days in the city—maybe even three if it’s your first visit.

The fast train from Paris to Strasbourg whisks you there in just 2 hours, a much better option than the 5-hour car journey. I recommend booking your tickets online for convenience; I used the Omino app and paid about 30€ each way, which is a bit pricey but definitely worth it.

Upon arrival, it’s only a short 10-minute walk from the main train station to the heart of Strasbourg, where the Christmas markets exceeded my expectations. 

You’ll find several markets within easy walking distance of each other. My favorite was just along the river behind a historic building. 

This spot offered unique winter ales and, at last, some GOOD glühwein. Nearby, a vendor sold artisan spreads alongside the flatbread he was baking—absolutely worth trying.

I suggest arriving in Strasbourg by noon so you can leisurely explore and visit every market. However, the real magic happens after dark. 

My photos hardly do justice to the stunning light displays that truly make the evening spectacular.

If you have the time and it’s within your budget to stay overnight, I highly recommend it. 

If not, ensure you book your return train ticket in advance to avoid the rush, as Strasbourg is a popular destination in December.

Christmas Themed Experiences in Paris

If you come to Paris from mid-November through December, there will be a bunch of Christmas-themed activities that you can book.

Some of these tours are perfect for first-timers because you will get to see so much of the city.

• Private Christmas lights tour in Citroën 2CV 2h
• Paris Christmas Lights Walking Tour with Local Guide
• Christmas Market Guided at Notre Dame & Food Tasting
• Paris: Christmas Gourmet Tour of St-Germain-des-Prés
  

Where to Next

After Paris, there are several destinations you can visit to keep the Christmas spirit alive! One of my favorites is Bordeaux, just a three-hour train ride away.

Bordeaux exudes a storybook fairytale charm with a modern twist. I recommend spending at least 2-3 days there to fully enjoy its festive atmosphere.

Or perhaps you’re eager to experience those famed German Christmas markets? Fortunately, there’s now a brand new, direct train line from Paris to Berlin!

Berlin hosts some of the best Christmas markets, offering a variety of themes. Having visited them multiple times, I can attest that they’re definitely worth the trip!

Still have questions? Feel free to contact me here, and I can help you plan an epic Christmas journey through Europe!