I lived in Paris long enough to learn that every arrondissement does winter its own way. The Paris Christmas Market scene is scattered across dozens of neighbourhoods, from enormous installations along the grand boulevards to intimate village-style markets tucked into quiet squares, and the whole city joins in with illuminated street trees and decorated shop windows from late November onward.
Paris Christmas Markets 2026
Dates
- Tuileries: 6th November to 8th January 2027 (unconfirmed).
- Notre Dame: 26th November to 27th December 2026 (confirmed).
- Hôtel de Ville: 4th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027 (unconfirmed).
- Montmartre: November to January 2027 (unconfirmed).
- Saint-Germain: November to December 2026 (unconfirmed).
- Caumartin: 5th November to 22nd December 2026 (unconfirmed).
- Alsatian Market: 2nd to 18th December 2026 (unconfirmed).
- Saint-Michel: 24th November to 2nd January 2027 (unconfirmed).
- La Defense: 12th November to 31st December 2026 (confirmed).
Last checked: October 2026
Update: Dates are usually finalised in November. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.
Source: Verified by Ultimate Christmas Markets via Paris je t’aime.
Click on any of the links below to find detailed information for each event:
- Tuileries – The city’s most popular winter event.
- Notre Dame – Along the Seine in front of the famous cathedral.
- Hôtel de Ville – At the beautiful Town Hall in the Marais.
- Montmartre – Bohemian atmosphere near Sacré-Cœur.
- Saint-Germain – A chic Parisian experience on the Left Bank.
- Caumartin – Luxury shopping near the Opera.
- Alsatian Market – Vendors from Alsace at Gare de l’Est.
- Saint-Michel – A neighbourhood market on the Left Bank.
- La Defénse – The largest in Île-de-France.
Before discussing each market in detail, here are some convenient hotel options and recommended tours to help you make the most of your visit to Paris.
Convenient Hotels
Paris can be costly, but these two options are of great value for money.
Right Bank: Stay near the Louvre, Tuileries Garden and the Garnier Opera.
Recommended: Hôtel Molière.
Left Bank: Stay in the Latin Quarter between Notre Dame and the Luxembourg Garden.
Recommended: Hôtel Pilgrim.
Recommended Tours
Vintage sidecar tour: A unique way to see the highlights of Paris.
Bike tour of central Paris: Be safely guided around the Latin Quarter and Marais districts.
Saint Germain food tour: Sample cheeses, charcuterie, wine, pastries and chocolate in the Left Bank.
1. Tuileries
If you can only visit one Christmas market in Paris, make it this one. Set in the picturesque Tuileries Garden, you can browse stalls with a mug of vin chaud, discover handcrafted French gifts and gourmet foods, and take in stunning views of Paris from the Ferris wheel. Try raclette on a baguette, a mini Bûche de Noël, or some craft chocolate in this iconic location.
Status: Expected
When: 6th November to 8th January 2027
Location: Jardin des Tuileries at Place de la Concorde
District: 1st arrondissement
Metro: Concorde
Opening times: 10am to 9pm
Christmas Day: Closed
2. Notre Dame
Stalls specialising in regional gastronomic specialties line the quai in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral. You’ll find charcuterie, cheeses, chocolate, macarons and other gourmet foods France is known for. Art enthusiasts will appreciate the calligraphy and paintings on display, while Santa Claus makes it a fun spot for families.
Status: Confirmed
When: 26th November to 27th December 2026
Location: Quai Montebello and Square Viviani
District: 5th arrondissement
Metro: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm
Santa: Yes, you can take a photo with Santa
Source: L’Art et la Seine
3. Hôtel de Ville
I fondly remember the Hôtel de Ville from my time living in the neighbourhood. Probably the happiest time in my life. Right by the Seine and in front of Paris’s stunning Town Hall, this market has a vintage feel with its antique carousel and traditional stalls.
Status: Expected
When: 4th December 2026 to 3rd January 2027
Location: Hôtel de Ville de Paris
District: 4th arrondissement, Marais
Metro: Hôtel de Ville
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm
4. Montmartre
The artistic atmosphere at Place des Abbesses is not far from the iconic Sacré-Cœur Basilica. Items are claimed to be 100% Made in France.
Status: Expected
When: November to January 2027
Location: Place des Abbesses
District: 18th arrondissement, Montmartre
Metro: Abbesses
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm
5. Saint-Germain-des-Prés
Head to the Left Bank for 50 stalls that extend into the church garden. While you’re there, visit cultural icons such as the Abbey of St-Germain-des-Prés and renowned literary cafés like Café Flore and Brasserie Lipp. Continue to the Place Saint-Sulpice for more stages and tent stalls.
Status: Expected
Christmas Village: November to December 2026
Location: Place St-Sulpice and Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés
District: 6th arrondissement, Left Bank
Metro: Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés or Mabillon
Opening times: 10am to 9pm
6. Caumartin
Stop by the stalls in Paris’s famous shopping district.
Status: Expected
When: 5th November to 22nd December 2026
Location: Rue de Caumartin, near Galeries Lafayette
District: 9th arrondissement, Opera
Metro: Havre – Caumartin
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm
7. Alsatian Market
Located in front of Gare de l’Est in Paris’s 10th arrondissement, the stalls’ produce celebrates Alsace’s rich culinary heritage. All vendors here hail from Alsace, ensuring an authentic experience and delicious food to take home.
Status: Expected
When: 2nd to 18th December 2026
Location: Gare de l’Est Train Station
District: 10th arrondissement
Metro: Gare de l’Est
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 9am to 7:30pm
Sunday: 10am to 7pm
Final Sunday: 10am to 6pm
Source: Facebook
8. Saint-Michel
You’ll come across this small market while wandering around the beautiful Left Bank.
Status: Expected
When: 24th November to 2nd January 2027
Location: Place Saint-Michel
District: 5th arrondissement, Left Bank
Metro: Saint-Michel Notre-Dame or Odéon
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 9pm
9. La Défense
In Paris’s modern La Défense district, one of the city’s largest winter markets features over 180 chalets. Amidst striking contemporary architecture and the Grande Arche, you’ll find a mix of artisan gifts, diverse food options and unique decorations. To be honest, this is my least favourite market, as products are often imported. Although I admit it’s been quite some time since I last visited, that may have changed.
Status: Confirmed
When: 12th November to 31st December 2026
Zone Festival: 1st January to 3rd January 2027
Location: Parvis de la Défense.
District: La Défense.
Metro: La Défense.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 9pm
Friday: 11am to 11pm
Saturday: 10am to 11pm
Sunday: 11am to 9:30pm
Christmas Eve: 11am to 6pm
Christmas Day: 3pm to 11pm
Christmas Eve: 11am to 6pm
Source: Paris La Défense
What to Expect
Read our complete French Christmas Markets guide.
At the Food Stalls
- Vin Chaud: Hot mulled wine is especially tasty when made with French wine.
- Gaufres: That’s waffles to us English speakers; gaufres are delicious in all their forms. Often made to order, served hot, and generously topped with icing sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, and/or chocolate sauce.
- Crêpes: Another classic French street food you can expect to find across the city. Thin and delicate, they can be filled with sweet or savoury fillings. The Nutella-filled crepe is always popular, but don’t miss the melted cheese and ham version.
- Pain d’épices: This honey-spiced bread is a seasonal favourite for many. Personally, I don’t see the fuss, but you might like to give it a try.
- Chestnuts: Roasted chestnuts are a winter classic, found both at the markets and street vendors.
- Oysters: Parisians have a long-standing tradition of including oysters in their holiday feast. Harvested from France’s coastal regions, typically served raw with a squeeze of lemon or a touch of shallot vinaigrette.
- Raclette: Originating in the mountainous regions of Savoie and Switzerland, this semi-hard cheese is melted and scraped over potatoes, pickles, and onions. At the markets, it is often served on a baguette.
- Bûche de Noël: Found in most bakeries, the Yule Log is a famous Christmas dessert made from a sponge cake rolled around a cream filling, covered in chocolate ganache, and decorated to resemble a log.
Gifts and Souvenirs
- French Linens: Some stalls sell high-quality French linens from the regions. These can include tablecloths, tea towels, and aprons, often featuring traditional Provencal patterns.
- French Wine and Spirits: We are all familiar with France’s reputation for its wines. Reds from Bordeaux or sparkling Champagne would be excellent gifts.
- Regional Specialities: Calissons from Aix-en-Provence, pink biscuits from Reims, Brittany’s salted caramel and Meert waffles from Lille are just a few examples.
- French Perfume: Small-scale French perfumeries often set up shop at festive markets.
- Handmade Toys: Look for small figurines, puzzles, or dolls that stand out from today’s contemporary gifts.
Sustainability Tips
- Reducing Food Waste: As you savour the gourmet foods Paris is renowned for, be mindful of your food consumption to minimise waste. Order only what you know you can eat, and consider sharing larger dishes.
- Green Hotels: One way to promote sustainability is to stay in a hotel that prioritises energy conservation and sustainable practices.
- Ethical Consumption: Be mindful of product sustainability when making purchases. Many stalls feature local artisans selling eco-friendly and ethically produced goods. Also, consider whether you really need to purchase an item and whether it will be used. Don’t feel obligated to purchase anything!
- Sustainable Food: Opt for plant-based meals or dishes with locally sourced ingredients whenever possible.
- Transport: Get around the city using its excellent public transportation system, including the metro, buses and trams. For shorter distances, consider walking or using the bike-sharing system. Paris has made significant progress in recent years in providing safe cycling paths. Take advantage of them!
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
Hello Andrea, we are planning to book a trip to Paris from November 19-23rd. Do you know if the market dates have been released and where to find those details? If not, do you know which markets might be open during that time? This was an incredible article, thank you!
Each district has its own market and organiser and none of the markets have been announced yet. They’re very slow to update in France. I would think the market near Galeries Lafayette might be open and possibly the market at the Tuileries (which is the best one in my experience). Given your dates, you might miss out unfortunately. I will update here as each of the dates are released.
Do both Christmas Markets mentioned above start on November 19, 2023? Are there any others that start earlier?
The Rue de Caumartin Christmas market possibly starts earlier but it’s too early to say. The dates won’t be confirmed for a while.