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Paris Christmas Markets in 2026: Food, Wine & Gifts

Last Updated: 1 July 2026
4 Comments

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.

Dates header.

Paris Christmas Markets 2026

Dates

  1. Tuileries: 14th November to 3rd January 2027 (unconfirmed).
  2. Notre Dame: 27th November to 25th December 2026 (unconfirmed).
  3. Hôtel de Ville: 25th November to 31st December 2026 (unconfirmed).
  4. Montmartre: November to January 2027 (unconfirmed).
  5. Saint-Germain: November to December 2026 (unconfirmed).
  6. Caumartin: 5th November to 22nd December 2026 (unconfirmed).
  7. Alsatian Market: 29th November to 14th December 2026 (unconfirmed).
  8. Saint-Michel: 24th November to 2nd January 2027 (unconfirmed).
  9. La Defense: 12th November to 28th December 2026 (unconfirmed).

Last checked: July 2026

Update: Dates are usually finalised in November. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified of changes.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from each event organiser’s website, typically the local council. We continually update our site with the latest information, so check back often or subscribe to stay informed.

Plan your visit header.

Click on any of the links below to find detailed information for each event:

  1. Tuileries – The city’s most popular winter event.
  2. Notre Dame – Along the Seine in front of the famous cathedral.
  3. Hôtel de Ville – At the beautiful Town Hall in the Marais.
  4. Montmartre – Bohemian atmosphere near Sacre Coeur.
  5. Saint-Germain – A chic Parisian experience on the Left Bank.
  6. Caumartin – Luxury shopping near the Opera.
  7. Alsatian Market – Vendors from Alsace at Gare de l’Est.
  8. Saint-Michel – A neighbourhood market on the Left Bank.
  9. 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.

Hotels header banner.

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.

City tours header.

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.

Markets Header

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, discovering handcrafted French gifts, gourmet foods, and a Ferris wheel offering stunning views of Paris. Try raclette on a baguette, a mini Bûche de Noël, or some craft chocolate in this iconic location.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 14th November to 3rd 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. Charcuterie, cheeses, chocolate, macarons and other gourmet foods that 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: Expected, based on previous years
When: 27th November to 25th 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.

When: 25th November to 31st December 2026 (unconfirmed).
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 Sacre-Coeur Basilica. Items are claimed to be 100% Made in France.

When: November to January 2027 (unconfirmed).
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 fifty stalls extending into the church garden. While in the area, visit cultural icons such as the Abbey of St-Germain-des-Prés and renowned literary cafés such as Café Flore and Brasserie Lipp. Continue to the Place Saint-Sulpice for more stages and tent stalls.

Christmas Village: November to December 2026 (unconfirmed).
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.

When: 5th November to 22nd December 2026 (unconfirmed).
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 produce at the stalls celebrates Alsace’s rich culinary heritage. All vendors here hail from the Alsace region, ensuring an authentic experience and lovely foods to take home.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 27th November to 14th December 2026
Location: Gare de l’Est Train Station.
District: 10th arrondissement.
Metro: Gare de l’Est.
Opening times:
Monday to Saturday: 9:30am to 7:30pm.
Sunday: 10am to 7pm.
Final Sunday: 10am to 6pm.
Source: Facebook

8. Saint-Michel

You’re sure to come across this small market when wandering around the beautiful Left Bank.

When: 24th November to 2nd January 2027 (unconfirmed).
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 district of La Défense, 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 has been quite some time since I last visited, this may have changed.

Status: Expected, based on previous years
When: 12th November to 28th December 2026
Location: Parvis de la Défense.
District: La Défense.
Metro: La Défense.
Opening times:
Sunday to Wednesday: 11am to 8:30pm.
Thursday: 11am to 10pm.
Friday: 11am to 11pm.
Saturday: 10am to 11pm.
Source: Paris La Défense

Christmas header banner.

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.
Market stalls header.

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.
Notre Dame de Paris at sunset from the Seine.

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!

Comment below if you want to leave a review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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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.

Author: Ben Nela
Published: 9 April 2026 Filed Under: France

Plan Your Winter Holiday

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Previous Post: « Montpellier Christmas Market 2026: Hivernales Winter Event
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Miles Smith

    September 22, 2023 at 10:07 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Andrea Anastasakis

      September 23, 2023 at 1:37 am

      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.

      Reply
  2. Randi Heinrichsen

    August 28, 2023 at 4:32 pm

    Do both Christmas Markets mentioned above start on November 19, 2023? Are there any others that start earlier?

    Reply
    • Andrea Anastasakis

      August 28, 2023 at 10:42 pm

      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.

      Reply

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After 20 years of living and travelling in Europe, I created these comprehensive guides to the Christmas markets. Find dates, locations and destination guides for 300+ markets, all checked, verified and updated monthly.

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Ultimate Christmas Markets
A guide to Christmas in Europe and beyond.

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