The city of Paris welcomes visitors with thousands of lights and decorations in its most beautiful winter season. Paris Christmas markets give shoppers the traditional atmosphere that plunges them directly into the holiday season. Sometimes starting in mid-November, these attractive fairs have everything a shopper needs, from drinking to dining, but also crafts, beautiful gifts, and creative products. 

In the city, more than 125 squares and streets are decorated with garlands, Christmas trees, multicolored Christmas bulbs, and lights of all kinds. Among the most beautiful illuminations, you will find the Champs-Elysées, Montmartre, Boulevard Saint-Germain, rue de Richelieu, Place Vendôme, Forum des Halles, and the Eiffel Tower.

In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Paris Christmas markets and events. Here are the events that you should not miss if you’re in town!

Our Favorite Christmas Markets of 2019

Christmas Market in the Tuileries gardens, Paris 1st district

After being on the Champs-Elysees for years, the biggest Christmas market of Paris has moved to the Louvre’s Tuileries gardens. Mulled wine, cotton candy, and handmade crafts will be the most eye- (and tastebuds!) pleasing attractions.

Stroll through one of the most beautiful gardens in Paris while savoring Christmas treats.

Opening: November 15, 2019 – January 5, 2020
How to get there: Tuileries gardens, 75001 Paris / Metro: Concorde or Tuileries (both on metro line 1).

Christmas Market Notre-Dame, Paris 5th district

The charming Notre-Dame Christmas market celebrates France’s creative artisans and is made up of 30+ exhibitions dedicated to arts and crafts. It is located right next to the cathedral of Notre-Dame, on the square Viviani (quai de Montebello), which houses the oldest tree in Paris (400+ years).

In a warm and authentic Christmas atmosphere, you can wander among artisans while drinking mulled wine and your children can write their letter to Santa Claus (free workshop).

Opening: December 13 – December 29, 2019
How to Get There: Square René Viviani – 2 rue du Fouarre, Paris / Metro: Maubert-Mutualité

Eiffel on Ice, Paris 7th district

At the foot of the Eiffel Tower, an icy activity awaits you. The Christmas skating ring will take place again under the fairy-tale decoration of the Iron Lady and offer you a calm break near the chalet’s terrace. Animations and tastings – roasted marshmallows and tartiflettes – are also on the menu.

Opening: December 20, 2019 – January 5, 2020
How to get there: Parc du Champ-de-Mars, Paris 7 / Metro: Ecole Militaire

Christmas Market at the Hotel de Ville, 4th district

This is the second year of the Hotel de Ville Christmas market! Before 2018, there used to be a huge ice rink in front of this beautiful monument. It was eventually shut down for ecological reasons and replaced with an equally festive event. You will also see a Christmas village and you will be able to purchase typically Parisian and “Made in France” products. Be there or be square!

Opening: December 2019 – January 2020
How to get there: Hôtel de Ville / Closest metro station is Hotel de Ville (line 1 & 11)

Alsatian Christmas Market – Gare de l’Est, Paris 10th district

Another lovely Paris Christmas market. This year, all the Alsatian Christmas traditions are celebrated in this typical Alsatian Christmas market. On the square of the Gare de l’Est, you can savor wines from Alsace, cakes, gingerbread, sausages, sauerkraut, and many other Alsatian gastronomic products.

Opening: December 4 – December 20, 2019
How to get there: Parvis of the Gare de l’Est / Place du 11 novembre 1918, 75010 Paris / Metro: Gare de l’Est

Christmas Market in Saint Germain des Près, Paris 6th district

Located at the foot of Saint Germain des Près church, this Christmas Market is made up of a series of ephemeral boutiques (roughly 30) offering unique and original products made in France. It’s a small one but worth a stroll!

Opening: November 30, 2019 – January 5, 2020, every day from 11am to 9pm
How to get there: Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 75006 Paris / Metro: Saint Germain des Près

Other Paris Christmas Markets opened in 2019:

• Christmas Market in La Defense (from November 21 to December 29, 2019)
• Christmas Market at the Féeries d’Auteuil (from December 7 to December 15, 2019)
• Christmas Market around Abbesses (from the end of November 2019 to beginning of January 2020)
• Christmas Market Beaubourg at Place Georges-Pompidou (from December 2019 to January 2020)

Other Christmas Events

Christmas Disneyland Paris (Eurodisney)

Like every year, Disneyland Paris will celebrate Christmas spectacularly. You will find many events such as horseback riding, Royal Christmas wishes at the Castle Theater, Mickey and the magic of Christmas lights, meetings with Santa Claus and much more!

Opening: November 9, 2019 to January 6, 2020 / Disney’s Magical Fireworks & Bonfire will be held on November 4, 6, and 8 around Disney Lake
How to get there: Disneyland Paris / RER B: Marne la Vallée – Chessy

Our goal at Meet The Locals is to provide tours during which you truly explore and discover the city from a local’s perspective. Have a look at our Paris Christmas Tours to make the most of this festive period!