The best Christmas markets in Paris in 2026 are the Tuileries (November 14 to January 3), La Défense, the largest (from November 12), Notre-Dame at Square René Viviani (November 26 to December 27), Saint-Germain-des-Prés (November 27 to January 6) and the Champs-Élysées (November 22 to January 4). Entry to all of them is free.
Paris's Christmas markets are smaller and more scattered than those of Alsace or Germany, so combine them with the city's other December rituals: the animated windows and giant tree at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps on Boulevard Haussmann, the lights on the Champs-Élysées and Avenue Montaigne, and the ice rinks that pop up around town. Expect wooden chalets selling vin chaud (mulled wine), crêpes, raclette, gingerbread and gifts. Dates below are as announced by the organizers in autumn 2026; check before you go, as they can change. For the real thing, Strasbourg is under two hours away by TGV — see our best Christmas markets in Strasbourg.
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1. Tuileries Christmas Market — Tuileries (1st)
The most central market, with chalets, food stalls and fairground rides by the Louvre.
Best for Families · First-timers
The Tuileries market fills part of the garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde with wooden chalets, food and drink stalls and fairground rides. It is announced from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027.
It is the easiest market to combine with sightseeing, and the Ferris wheel and rides make it a good choice with children.
Good to know: Go on a weekday evening, when the lights are on and the crowds are lighter.
2. Paris La Défense Christmas Market — La Défense (Puteaux)
The biggest Christmas market in the Paris region, among the towers.
Best for Shoppers · Families
The market on the esplanade of Paris La Défense is the largest in the Paris region, with hundreds of chalets selling gifts, crafts and regional food among the business district's skyscrapers. It is announced from November 12 to December 31, 2026.
It is less charming than the old-town markets but has the widest choice, and it is quick to reach on Métro line 1.
Good to know: Combine with a look at the Grande Arche; take Métro line 1 or RER A to La Défense.
3. Notre-Dame Christmas Market — Latin Quarter (5th)
A small, atmospheric market facing Notre-Dame across the Seine.
Best for Couples · First-timers
The Notre-Dame Christmas market sets up in Square René Viviani, the little park on the Left Bank opposite the cathedral, with chalets of food, drink and crafts. It is announced from November 26 to December 27, 2026.
It is small, but the view of Notre-Dame — reopened since December 2024 — makes it one of the most memorable.
Good to know: Visit Notre-Dame and Shakespeare and Company on the same walk.
4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Village — Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th)
A chic Left Bank Christmas village beside the oldest church in Paris.
Best for Couples · Shoppers
Saint-Germain-des-Prés sets up a Christmas village of chalets along Boulevard Saint-Germain by the abbey church, with gifts, crafts and food. It is announced from November 27, 2026 to January 6, 2027.
It suits a stroll combined with the neighborhood's cafés and boutiques.
Good to know: Warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate at one of Saint-Germain's cafés.
Chalets in the gardens at the bottom of the Champs-Élysées, under the Christmas lights.
Best for Families · First-timers
A Christmas market returns to the gardens of the lower Champs-Élysées, announced from November 22, 2026 to January 4, 2027. The avenue's famous lights are switched on in late November.
Walk up the avenue toward the Arc de Triomphe afterwards for the full illuminated view.
Good to know: Come after dark for the lights, starting at Place de la Concorde.
6. Alsace Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est — Gare de l'Est (10th)
A taste of Alsace on the station forecourt, with bredele and vin chaud.
Best for Foodies
Each December the forecourt of the Gare de l'Est — the station for trains to Alsace — hosts an Alsatian Christmas market with regional producers selling wine, bredele cookies, gingerbread and charcuterie. It is announced from December 2 to 18, 2026.
It is the closest you'll get to Strasbourg without the train ride.
Good to know: A good stop for edible gifts to take home.
7. Eiffel Tower Christmas Village — Eiffel Tower (7th)
A seasonal village at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, expected for December.
Best for Families · First-timers
A Christmas village on the Quai Jacques-Chirac at the foot of the Eiffel Tower was expected from December 5, 2026 to January 3, 2027, though not yet confirmed in autumn 2026.
If it goes ahead, it pairs naturally with an evening visit to see the tower sparkle.
Good to know: Check that it has been confirmed before planning around it.
La Défense opens first, on November 12, followed by the Tuileries on November 14, the Champs-Élysées on November 22, Notre-Dame on November 26 and Saint-Germain-des-Prés on November 27. Most run until late December or the first days of January.
What is the biggest Christmas market in Paris?
The one at Paris La Défense, the business district just west of the city, with hundreds of chalets on the esplanade. Take Métro line 1 or RER A to La Défense.
Are the Paris Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?
Some are and some aren't, and many close early on December 24. Check each market's hours for December 24 and 25 before you go.
What else is there to do at Christmas in Paris?
See the window displays and giant trees at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, walk the Champs-Élysées lights, skate at a pop-up ice rink, and visit the Christmas markets in the evening, when the chalets are lit.
Is it worth going to Strasbourg for the Christmas market?
Yes, if you have a day: the TGV takes under two hours from Paris Gare de l'Est, and Strasbourg's market (November 27 to December 24, 2026) is far bigger and older than anything in Paris.