A Guide to the Best Festive Destinations
Christmas in France is a wonderful time of year when historic towns begin to twinkle with lights, the festive markets fill the streets with the aroma of cinnamon and mulled wine, and charming villages begin to come alive with Christmas traditions. Whether you are visiting the famous Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar, France, or enjoying the glamour of Paris, there are plenty of ways to experience the Christmas magic in France.
With its recommendations for the best destinations, tips on getting around, and ideas for memorable experiences, this guide will help you plan a perfect getaway to France for the holiday season. You’ll have plenty of ideas to help you decide where you want to go, how you’re going to get there, how to afford this trip, and how you’ll experience the holiday season like a local!
Getting older doesn’t mean giving up on our dreams. Sometimes, all it takes is a little planning, a suitcase and someone beside you to say, “Shall we go there?”
When better to have this attitude than at Christmas? Christmas in France is the ideal time to relax, explore stunning landscapes, enjoy memorable moments with loved ones and make new memories at any age. The enchantment of the French Christmas season is for everyone, whether traveling with a couple, friends, family or alone.
Christmas Markets in France: 2026 Dates and Opening Information
Christmas Markets in France: 2026 Dates and Opening Information
| Destination | Christmas Market Dates (2026) | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg | Opens 27 November; closing date to be confirmed | Alsace |
| Colmar | 23 November–29 December | Alsace |
| Reims | Dates not yet confirmed | Champagne |
| Arras | Dates not yet confirmed | Hauts-de-France |
| Mulhouse | 20 November–27 December | Alsace |
| Obernai | 27 November–30 December | Alsace |
| Kaysersberg | 27 November–20 December (Friday to Sunday) | Alsace |
| Paris | Dates not yet confirmed | Île-de-France |
Important: Market dates and opening hours may change. Please check each destination’s with our website before travelling, especially for markets operating only on selected days.
1. The Best Christmas in France Destinations: Strasbourg
The Christmas market in Strasbourg is one of the most popular in France. The city is situated in the region of Alsace, near the border with Germany, and is a blend of French culture and unique Alsatian traditions. In the holiday season, the historic area is transformed into a winter wonderland with lit up streets, timber framed houses and wooden chalets.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik) was established in 1570. One of the oldest Christmas Markets in Europe and visited by people from all around the world.
So what is so special about Strasbourg?
- Tour Place Broglie’s market.
- Look at the huge Christmas tree at Place Kléber.
- Stroll through Petite France with its half-timbered houses and canals, and enjoy a lovely winter scene!
- Shop at the handcrafted items and local crafts stalls and buy local treats for the holidays.
- Start off with a cup of vin chaud, the French version of mulled wine.
The historic streets are especially beautiful at night, when the lights illuminate them. But weekends and night hours are very busy, however, you may want to go earlier in the day to see if you can relax a little more.
Travel tip: Strasbourg is well connected with rail service, including TGV high-speed trains. Depending on the destination, travelling by train from Paris may be more convenient than by car. Reserve your hotel rooms early, particularly for weekends during December, when hotels are full.
Read our guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Markets for more in-depth information, routes and planning tips.
2. Colmar: A Fairytale Christmas Market in France
Colmar is a great place to spend Christmas if you want to see all the colourful houses, cobbled streets and romantic canals. Throughout the year this Alsatian town is a fairy tale, but it is particularly charming in winter with its festive decoration.
Typically, there are a number of Christmas markets in Colmar’s historic centre, each with its own unique character. Instead of paying your attention to a single square, you can take a stroll around the old town and find various festive areas throughout.
In Colmar, there are many sights and activities to experience:
- Parker up at Place des Dominicains.
- Visit the kiosks by Place de l’Ancienne Douane.
- Take a walk around Little Venice and its colourful buildings and canals.
- Search for handmade ornaments, locally made food and gifts.
- Taste some Alsatian specialities including bredele biscuits and kougelhopf.
Couples, photographers and travellers who love the walk will particularly like Colmar. Its small size ensures that you can spend a whole day exploring its decorated streets, cafés and markets.
Travel tip: Colmar is linked to the regional towns of Strasbourg and other towns by train. If you are travelling around several markets, then you might want to stay in one market and get to the others by public transport. This can be a more inexpensive option than frequent hotel room changes.
The town is particularly busy on weekends during December and it’s good to arrive early and book in accommodation well in advance so as to make the visit more comfortable.
3. Reims: Christmas Markets in France and the Champagne Region
Reims is another holiday destination with its own unique blend of Christmas festivities, notable architecture and Champagne region history. It has a Christmas market around the cathedral, which is a great sight to see for the shopping and strolling around in the winter.
It is the city of Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French kings were crowned. The surrounding streets give a great atmosphere to find local food, crafts and Christmas decorations during the festive season.
Reims Experiences:
- Go Christmas market and shop in the seasonal stalls.
- Enjoy the cathedral and its extraordinary Gothic structure.
- Taste local breads, such as the famous pink biscuit of Reims.
- Visit the city center’s cafes, bakeries and local stores.
- Have a winter stroll through the festively lit-up streets after dark.
For those who may not want to spend their entire trip in the busiest of the destinations in Alsace, Reims is a good alternative for experiencing the festivities. It is also a good place to stay for a short break from Paris.
Travel Tip: Paris and Reims are connected by high-speed train, so the city is an easy place to visit for a day or an overnight stay. Please visit the market’s official opening time and dates, as timings may be subject to change from year to year.
4. Arras: A Festive Market with Northern French Charm
For those who are thinking of visiting Christmas markets in France, Arras is another place that should be taken into account when planning the trip, which is in the northern region of France. Its historic square, beautiful buildings and friendly atmosphere make it a festive atmosphere quite different from the traditional villages of Alsace.
Usually the main market is around the Grand’Place and Place des Héros. In the run-up to Christmas the historic centre is filled with life through wooden chalets, decorations and seasonal entertainment.
Why visit Arras?
- Visit the old square Christmas chalets.
- Take in the Flemish style architecture.
- Try out some regional specialities and traditional winter treats.
- Explore stands and cafes off the beaten track.
- Take a holiday in the city in a place that you may not have heard about before.
Arras is an ideal destination for people who prefer exploring smaller cities and enjoying Christmas shopping and local culture.
Travel tip: Arras is served by train from several cities in the north of France, and is connected to Lille and Paris. Compare prices for transport and ensure you visit the official tourism website before making your booking, to check the current market programme.
5. Mulhouse: Christmas in France and Alsatian Traditions
A unique Christmas destination in France, the city of Mulhouse has an industrial and textile background. Specially designed fabrics are sometimes used to decorate its Christmas markets, which provide the city with a festive look, unlike other Alsatian markets.
The Christmas market is usually held near Place de la Réunion, near the historic Town Hall. There are festive decorations around the streets, making it a vibrant place to enjoy the season and shop.
Among the highlights of Mulhouse:
- People walking past the Christmas market at Place de la Réunion.
- Learning about the traditional Christmas material, which varies from year to year.
- Visiting the farmers’ market to buy local produce, handmade items and seasonal such as flowers or plants.
- Exploring the historic centre and its colourful architecture.
- Savouring Alsatian cuisine and drinking hot beverages during the winter months.
For those seeking an Alsatian Christmas experience in a different direction, Mulhouse can be good choice.
Travel tip: Mulhouse is accessible by train to other places in the region of Alsace and beyond. It may be added on a regional tour which can include Strasbourg and Colmar, but it is important to leave sufficient time between towns.ourg and Colmar, although you should allow enough time for travel between towns.
6. Obernai: A Cosy Christmas Market in Alsace
Obernai is one of the pretty towns on the Alsace Wine Route. Its traditional houses, historic centre, and cosy vibe make it perfect for visitors seeking a more intimate experience than a big city.
The town always holds a Christmas market in the holiday season with local crafts, food products and regional specialites. The streets are even more inviting on an evening stroll thanks to the decorations.
Things to do in Obernai:
- Take a walk around and check out some local gift ideas.
- Indulge in Alsatian treats and baked goods of the season.
- Stroll around the Old Town and take in the old town architecture.
- Have lunch or dinner at the café or restaurant for a hot winter meal.
- Discover other towns of the Alsace Wine Route from Obernai.
For couples and travellers, Obernai is a beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle. It is also a chance to find out what there is beyond the known tourist attractions of the area.
Travel Tip: Inquire about local transport before travelling, particularly if you’re going from one smaller town to another. Market options before your visit, especially if you plan to travel between several smaller towns. Market opening dates and hours may vary by day, so confirm the current schedule before setting off.
7. Kaysersberg: A Traditional Christmas in Alsace
Kaysersberg is one of the most picturesque villages of Alsace. Its ancient streets, its traditional houses and its countryside provide a beautiful setting for a seasonal getaway.
Kaysersberg’s traditional Christmas market is not available for sale every weekend in the Advent period, but only certain weekends. This is a special ambiance but it also means that it is crucial to check the calendar.
Why visit Kaysersberg?
- Visit the Christmas market and the artisan stalls of the market.
- Shop for handmade decorations and gifts made in the area.
- Take a stroll through the old town and enjoy the decorated buildings.
- Taste Alsatian biscuits, local cuisine and regional beverages.
- Take time to appreciate the surroundings especially on a cold winter’s day.
Kaysersberg is a special destination for those who appreciate the artisanal, traditional and relaxed feel of a smaller village. Alternatively, it may be used along with other nearby villages to make a festive road trip to Colmar.
Travel tip: The market may be available only at designated Advent weekends; be sure to schedule your lodging and transportation accordingly. If public transport is involved, be careful before deciding to make a late visit, as the way back to the starting point may be quite different.
8. Paris: Experience Christmas in France in the Capital
Christmas in France is experienced in Paris in a different manner. Instead of an all-encompassing Christmas market, you can find Christmas markets in various neighbourhoods or look for events that celebrate the season, lit up streets and several illuminated landmarks.
Major boulevards and historic squares really are the places to go, as the shop windows and public decorations will set a memorable winter mood.
Find the best activities in Paris during Christmas:
- Take in the seasonal displays at big department stores.
- Head to Christmas markets that are open during your travel period.
- Go for a night walk and discover the lit up streets and neighbourhoods.
- Savor French pastries, hot chocolate and seasonal restaurant menus.
- Enjoy a holiday shopping spree and visit local museums, galleries and tourist attractions.
For those who wish to enjoy the Christmas festivities while also seeing the city, eating, appreciating culture and shopping, Paris is a great choice.
Travel tip: Paris is a costly city during the holidays, but you can save some money by staying in a hotel close to a convenient Metro station, instead of right next to the main sights. Take advantage of public transportation to travel around the city and determine if a museum pass or attractions package is right for you.
Practical Tips for Planning Christmas in France
Planning ahead can make your festive trip more enjoyable and help you avoid unnecessary costs. Here are the main things to consider before travelling.
Check the Christmas market dates
Not every market opens on the same date or stays open until Christmas Eve. Some continue after Christmas, while smaller village markets may operate only on selected weekends.
Always check official tourism websites for confirmed dates, opening hours, security arrangements, and transport information before booking. Dates can change annually, and individual market areas within the same town may have different schedules.
Book transport early
December is a popular time to visit France’s best-known Christmas destinations. Trains and accommodation can become more expensive as travel dates approach.
If you are travelling from the UK, compare rail and flight options, including the cost of getting from the arrival station or airport to your accommodation. Travellers coming from elsewhere in Europe may find that regional trains make it easy to combine several destinations in one trip.
Choose your accommodation strategically
Staying in the centre gives you easy access to the markets, especially if you want to enjoy the evening lights. However, central accommodation can be costly during peak weekends.
Consider staying a little farther out if there is a reliable public transport connection. Before booking, check the distance to the station, the last return service, and whether local transport operates on public holidays.
Prepare for winter weather
December in France can be cold, damp, and occasionally snowy, particularly in eastern and northeastern regions.
Bring a warm, waterproof coat, comfortable shoes with good grip, gloves, and layers that you can adjust throughout the day. If you plan to spend several hours outdoors, a portable umbrella or waterproof jacket can be useful.
Plan a realistic budget
Your total cost will depend on your destination, travel dates, accommodation, and eating habits. The busiest cities can be expensive, but you can often keep spending under control with a few simple choices.
- Travel on weekdays when possible.
- Compare accommodation in nearby neighbourhoods.
- Book transport in advance.
- Set a daily budget for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
- Look for free experiences, such as illuminated streets, historic squares, and decorated neighbourhoods.
- Avoid buying every meal at the market; local bakeries and supermarkets can offer more affordable alternatives.
Remember: Entry to many outdoor Christmas markets is free, but transport, food, drinks, activities, and accommodation can add up quickly.
Make time for local people and traditions
A Christmas market is about more than shopping. Take time to speak with stallholders, discover regional products, visit independent bakeries, and learn about local traditions.
You might discover a family recipe, find a handmade decoration that becomes part of your Christmas collection, or stumble across a small café that becomes the highlight of your trip.
These moments often create the most meaningful travel memories.
Which Christmas Destination in France Should You Choose?
The best destination depends on the kind of trip you want.
- For a famous, lively Christmas market: Choose Strasbourg.
- For fairytale streets and romantic scenery: Choose Colmar.
- For architecture and a Champagne-region city break: Choose Reims.
- For northern French character: Consider Arras.
- For Alsatian traditions and textile heritage: Visit Mulhouse.
- For a cosy town atmosphere: Consider Obernai.
- For a traditional village market: Check the Advent dates for Kaysersberg.
- For festive shopping, sightseeing, and culture: Choose Paris.
If you have three or four days, consider concentrating on one region rather than trying to visit every destination. Strasbourg, Colmar, and nearby Alsatian towns work well together, while Paris and Reims can be combined depending on your interests and available time.
Experience the Magic of Christmas in France with Low Cost Vibes
Christmas in France can be a wonderful experience without requiring an extravagant budget. With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy atmospheric markets, regional food, historic towns, and memorable winter walks while keeping your spending under control.
At Low Cost Vibes, we believe that travelling well is about making smart choices, discovering authentic places, and spending money on the experiences that matter most to you.
Explore our Strasbourg Christmas Markets guide for more inspiration, and keep exploring Low Cost Vibes for practical travel tips and ideas for your next affordable adventure.
Pack your warmest coat, plan your route, and get ready to discover the festive charm of France.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in France
Strasbourg and Colmar are among the best-known destinations for traditional Christmas markets, with festive decorations, wooden stalls and Alsatian treats. Reims, Arras, Mulhouse, Obernai, Kaysersberg and Paris offer other experiences to consider. The best choice depends on the kind of Christmas break you want.
Opening dates vary by destination and year. Many markets begin in late November and continue through December, but some close before Christmas Day. Check the official tourism website for your chosen destination before booking your trip.
Yes. You can compare train, flight and ferry options depending on where you want to go. Paris and northern France may be convenient for shorter breaks, while visiting Alsace may require additional train connections or a longer journey.
December weather can be cold, especially in eastern France. Pack a warm coat, comfortable walking shoes, layers, a scarf and gloves. If you plan to spend several hours outdoors, warm socks and a hat can make your visit much more comfortable.
Payment methods vary between stalls. Many vendors accept card or contactless payments, but it is sensible to carry a little cash for smaller purchases or stalls that do not accept cards.
Yes. Many markets are enjoyable for families, with colourful decorations, festive treats and seasonal attractions. Some destinations also feature carousels or family activities. Check local event details in advance, and be prepared for crowds during busy periods.
Rules vary by market and venue. Some outdoor markets may allow dogs, while crowded areas or indoor attractions may have restrictions. Check the official visitor guidance before travelling with your pet, and consider whether the crowds and noise will be comfortable for them
Sources & Further Reading
Destinations
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/destinations/europe/france
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/destinations/europe/france/paris
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/destinations/europe/france/reims
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/destinations/europe/france/strasbourg
E-Books
https://ebooks.vibesgroupuk.com/books/mrze
https://ebooks.vibesgroupuk.com/books/Europe
Holiday Deals
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/christmas-deals
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/holiday-types/christmas-holidays
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/holiday-deals/the-capital-of-christmas-strasbourg-lcv2849
https://www.lowcostvibes.com/destinations/europe/france/paris
Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@LowCostVibes/search?query=france
https://www.instagram.com/lowcost.vibes?mdxt=Ynp2NTl4eWo2eHNs
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