Christmas Markets In Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar: My Review

Last December I spent a few weeks in France because I wanted to visit the Christmas markets in Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar. After seeing so many Marchés de Noël, I have recommendations on some of my favourites and ones that you might decide to skip.

If you’re interested in seeing the Christmas markets in France, don’t just do Paris. It’s so easy to just hop on a train and head east to the Alsace. You’ll be there in under 2 hours!

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1. What You’ll Discover At The Christmas Markets In Paris, Strasbourg, And Colmar?

At a French Christmas market, you’ll see lots of Christmas decorations and be able to indulge in foods that are not just for the festive period, but are also regional favourites.

Night time at the markets was the busiest time to visit, yet the most picturesque and enjoyable time. In fact, during the day, some of the markets didn’t open until noon.

Will there be crowds? Yes. The first Christmas market I visited in the Alsace was at Place Kléber in Strasbourg and when I arrived at about 4:30 pm, there were a ton of people. But the atmosphere was very friendly and because it was outside, it didn’t feel claustrophobic or too crowded.

I felt this way with all the Xmas markets. Even lining up for food at the chalets, it wasn’t that bad. Everyone was in a happy mood and relaxed. No pushing. No impatience. Even the servers were friendly after dealing with hundreds of customers.

This post only focuses on the Christmas markets. You can read about my other interesting experiences during my entire trip here: Trip #38 To France—Paris And Strasbourg In December or my experience at the Festival Of Lights in my post here: A Little Winter Magic At The Festival Of Lights In Paris.

2. Christmas Market Dates For 2024

(a) Christmas Markets In Paris

• Jardins des Tuileries Christmas Market: November 16, 2024-January 5, 2025
• Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market will actually be held at Place de la Concorde from December 14-January 5, 2025
• La Défense Marché de Noel de Paris: November 14-November 29, 2024
• Eiffel Tower Christmas Village (Quai Branly-Jacques-Chirac): November 22, 2024-January 10, 2025
• Alsatian Christmas Market (Gare de l’Est): November 29-December 15, 2024
• Notre Dame Christmas Market (Square René Viviani): November 29-December 25, 2024
• Marché de Noel St. Michel: December 19, 2024-January 15, 2025
• Marché on Blvd Saint-Germain: November 27, 2024-January 7, 2025
• Abbesses Montmartre Marché de Noel: November 22, 2024-January 6, 2025
• La Villette Christmas Market: November 23-December 29, 2024

Christmas Markets In Strasbourg

• November 27-December 29, 2024         

Christmas Markets In Colmar

• November 26-December 29, 2024

3. Foods At French Christmas Markets

I went crazy for the vin chaud and gingerbread and was surprised how much I loved the various types of pretzels (Bretzels). As they say, “when in Rome……”. The following is a list of some of the foods you really shouldn’t miss when you visit a Christmas market in France.

Foods Not To Miss At Christmas Markets In France

• Bretzels-you can get plain ones, but there are so many types such as chocolate (dark, milk, white), Guyère cheese, olives, chorizo, mushroom, and my favourite, lardons (thick pieces  of bacon ) and cheese.
• Gingerbread-people, hearts, all shapes of gingerbread can be found at the markets and there is even a store in Strasbourg called Fortwenger that ONLY sells gingerbread.
• Mannele (or Manala)-is a small brioche in the shape of a little man. Very similar to a gingerbread man; however, it is more bun-like whereas a gingerbread is more like a soft cookie. Both are delicious.
• Vin Chaud Rouge (red mulled wine)—with the option to add rum
• Vin Chaud Blanc  (white mulled wine)
• Cider
• Sausages and sauerkraut
• Spaetzle—traditional Alsatian egg noodle pasta or dumplings often served as a side dish
• Kougelhopf-an Alsatian brioche that has a distinctive shape, like a bundt cake
• Tartiflette-think lardons, potatoes, onions, and Reblochon or another semi-soft cheese all mixed together. It’s from the Savoy region of France.

Other Foods You’ll Find

• Barbecue meats-in addition to sausages, you’ll find chicken, turkey legs, hamburgers, and ribs
• Unique foods-snails, frogs legs, chestnuts
• All types of cheese, crêpes, and waffles
• Hot Chocolate
• Cheese fondue
• Nougat-so many different flavours including gingerbread
• Pralines

5. Christmas Markets In Paris

Click on the map or on this link “Location Of Christmas Markets In Paris” and you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all the places in this post.

(a) Jardins des Tuileries Christmas Market

The Jardins des Tuileries Christmas Market (Marché de Noël des Jardins des Tuileries) is a very large Christmas market and one of the most popular. There are amusement rides and many booths selling food within the “Marché Gourmand” area. The area runs throughout the Tuileries gardens starting just west of the Pyramid at the Louvre and heading east towards Place de la Concorde.

Don’t get here early or even at 10 am. Even though the organizers say the market is open at 10:00 it was pretty quiet and not many booths or rides were open. Things picked up closer to noon and certainly became busy at night. It’s open until 11:45 pm.

(b) Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market

The market at Hôtel de Ville (Marché de Noël de l’Hôtel de Ville) is possibly the most well known as it is centrally located by rue de Rivoli. The illuminated “Paris 2024” sign was promoting the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics hung on the front of city hall.

The Christmas market at Place de l’Hôtel de Ville was beautifully decorated with many illuminated Christmas trees, greenery, and displays.  There were picnic tables scattered around the area with chalets selling hot drinks, beer, crepes, and waffles. It was a real family atmosphere with a carousel and activities for the kids.

(c) La Défense Marché de Noel de Paris

The market at La Defense (La Défense Marché de Noel de Paris) is huge. Located in the business district west of the Arc de Triomphe, chalets are situated all over the esplanade (Parv. de la Défense) and I was very impressed with the variety of foods and goods offered, ranging from cheese, crepes and escargots and foods from Brittany to classic hot drinks like vin chaud rouge and blanc and hot chocolate.

Artisans

There were artisan markets, including large collections of hand-crafted Santons de Provence by Atelier Marcel Carbonel and Santons Escoffier, both from Marseille, and Santons Didier, from Aubagne, which is just east of Marseille. There were thousands of santons on display and the prices ranged from 8.5 Euro to 49.50 € each. If you’re not familiar with Santons, check out this post to learn about their importance: The Christmas Tradition Of Santons de Provence.

Oh Canada!

At the Canadian village, Canadian specialties like poutine, maple syrup and, hockey teams were highlighted. There were also some indoor restaurants available on site if you didn’t want to eat outside.

Christmas Market Lunch

It was hard deciding what I would eat for lunch and decided on a sausage in a baguette. There were smoked sausages, beef sausages, Beaufort sausages, vegan sausages, and hot dogs. And you could have yours with potatoes or raclette. I indulged in vin chaud blanc and a smoked sausage in a large baguette. I have to admit I prefer vin chaud rouge. If you want to learn more about vin chaud, check out this post (which includes a recipe): Vin Chaud (French Mulled Wine) Recipe.

(d) Eiffel Tower Christmas Village

On Quai Branly (also known as Quai Jacques Chirac), the Eiffel Tower Christmas Village (Village de Noël de la Tour Eiffel) was one of the last markets to open before Christmas— on December 16—-and it was packed at night. The chalets formed a long rectangle and in the centre were picnic tables where you could eat.

In addition to artisan chocolate treats (like 36 € chocolate Santa Clauses), there were barbecued turkey legs, ribs, sausages and sauerkraut, pretzels, roasted chicken and french fries. I was very impressed with the food here.

(e) Notre Dame Christmas Market

The market near Notre Dame Cathedral (Marché de Noël de Notre-Dame) is actually located just south at Square Viviani. It was crowded as it’s in a small area, but the chalets form a circle. It was nice visiting at dusk as the chalets were individually decorated with Christmas lights. They were beautifully done.

In the centre are Christmas displays and you can see Notre Dame in the distance. The chalets offered the same sorts of goods and foods found at the other markets.

(f) Alsatian Christmas Market

Just in front of Gare de Paris East on rue d’Alsace is a tent where Christmas foods and goods representative of the Alsace region of France are sold (Marché de Noël en Alsace). It was a nice introduction to some of the foods I’d be seeing during my next stop in Alsace. Foods traditionally found in the region included sausages, pretzels, and gingerbread.

(g) Marché de Noel St. Michel And On Blvd Saint-Germain

At Place St. Michel and along part of Boulevard Saint-Germain there were chalets selling crafts, scarves, jewelry and foods such as raclette and nougat. I woudn’t make a special trip to visit this market and no doubt you’ll pass by Marché de Noël St. Michel as this is in a very popular area.

(h) Abbesses Montmartre Marché de Noel

As soon as you exit the Abbesses Metro station, you’ll be at Place des Abbesses and in the middle of the Montmartre Christmas market. The chalets pretty much surround the Metro entrance and the market isn’t that big but has a few chalets selling sausages and sauerkraut, vin chaud, all types of pretzels, waffles (gaufres), and crepes.

6. Christmas Markets in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the 8th largest city in France (based on population, 2019) and it is considered (or calls itself) the “Capital of Christmas”. The Strasbourg Christmas markets and celebrations run from November 24 until December 24. They even have a booklet called, “Strasbourg Capital de Noël”.

It gets dark quite early (ie. 4:30 pm); however, this is a plus as the city sparkles with all the Christmas lights. En route to different markets I walked through interesting sections of the city, like La Petite France, which is like a small Venice, with colourful old houses along the waterfront.

I walked everywhere and never felt I had to go too far to visit a market. I only ate at a restaurant once because I really wanted to sample the foods at the markets. Keep in mind that the chalets (selling food, drinks, and goods) are typically open from 10:30 am to 9:00 pm. I felt very safe walking through Strasbourg at night, probably because there were always lots of people out visiting the markets.

My apartment/hotel was located near the largest of the markets, Place Kléber and I would pass through it often. I think it was the best market in Strasbourg…because of the grand Christmas tree.

The organizers have worked really hard to make it eco-responsible, so reusable cups are used. When you get your first drink (ie. Vin chaud, hot chocolate, cider, etc), you pay an extra fee for the cup, but you continue to use this cup when you visit the other markets in town. If you don’t want to keep it, you can return it to collect your deposit (1€ ) or drop it off as a donation.

Here are the 8 Christmas markets in Strasbourg that I visited:

Click on the map or on this link, “Location of Christmas Markets in Strasbourg” and you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all the places in this post.

(a) Place Kléber: Grand Sapin

There is a large fir tree—un grand sapin—that is 30 metres tall. Every night on the hour, between 4 pm and 9 pm, the tree sparkles with a light show accompanied by Christmas music. At 10 pm and 11 pm the tree still has its light show, but without music. Everyone just stands still and watches the show. It is VERY well done.

There were lots of booths selling food and Christmas goods and my favourite purchases included gingerbread, pretzels with cheese (Munster and lardon bretzel), pretzels with chocolate, and mulled wine. The market was crowded but everyone was friendly and I felt very safe. The entire venue is family-oriented.

(b) Place de la Cathédrale et du Château

When you visit Strasbourg, you can’t miss the Cathédral nor the market located right in front. For sale were regional crafts, clothing, Alsatian specialties like spaetzle, which is an egg noodle or dumpling and served with a sauce or cheese as a side dish. Of course don’t miss going inside the Cathedral to see the Astronomical Clock or to go up to the top to get panoramic views (I suggest going at night as the lights from the Christmas market makes it magical). Check out my post about the Cathedral here:  Strasbourg’s Cathedral-Don’t Miss The Famous Clock Or Views.

(c) Places Benjamin Zix et Saint-Thomas: La Petite France

Lots of half-timbered buildings are in this area with the frequently photographed Maison des Tanneurs, which was built in 1572 and today is a historic monument. It’s also a Winstub Alsatian restaurant that specializes in choucroute (sauerkraut).

Be sure to grab a famous Meisenthal Christmas ornament! They’re sold mornings at the chalet on Place Benjamin Zix, with people lining up an hour before opening. Inventory changes daily, and once they’re gone, sales are done until the next day. Check the opening time at the tourist office near the cathedral. I’ve also heard that the church in Sélestat has these ornaments on display and you can explore the nearby museum for past collections!

(d) Place Grimmeissent: Le Marché Off

Le Marché Off was not your typical Christmas market with wooden chalets. Instead, crafts, second-hand clothing, and organic and fair-trade foods were sold from shipping containers. The emphasis is on promoting an environmentally-friendly economy. They also held wine and music events and workshops. It’s pretty low-key when there aren’t events going on. I didn’t stay long due to this reason.

(e) Place Broglie: Christkindelsmarik

The Christkindelsmarik market (Market of the Christ child) is one of the oldest markets, located in Place Broglie. It dates back to 1570. It also has one of the prettiest illuminated entranceway arch with lights overhead as well. I found this market had lots of food chalets and it’s located just 500 metres from the Cathedral. Don’t miss this Marché de Noël.

(f) Square Louise Weiss: Le Village de l’Avent And Le Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace

I visited Le Village de l’Avent, located at Louise Weiss Square twice: once during the day and again in the late afternoon (when it was dark). The atmosphere was so different each time. I especially enjoyed the live entertainment as it got dark. There was seating on benches and fire pits to keep you warm.

The wooden chalets at the Le Village de l’Avent line the pathway with the Quai de la Petite France in the background. Farmers and craftsmen sell unique goods and food called “Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace”. These are local products made 100% in the Alsace.

(g) Place du Temple Neuf: Le Marché du Carré d’Or

You can’t help but take your time walking around Le Carré d’Or area of Strasbourg. Walking down some of the major streets in the area, such as Rue des Orfèvres, Rue du Chaudron, Rue du Temple Neuf, you can’t help but keep looking UP at all the displays.

Jewelry stores, patisseries, restaurants, boutiques and candy stores are adorned not just with lights but also gigantic Christmas displays with Santa Claus, teddy bears, large sparkling baubles, and reindeers.

7. Christmas Markets In Colmar

Click on the map or on this link, “Location of Christmas Markets in Colmar” and you’ll be directed to a Google Map indicating all the places in this post.

As mentioned in my Itinerary #38, I took a short train ride from Strasbourg to Colmar just for the day so I could visit the Christmas markets, which were outstanding. Had I known they were so good and that the town was so quaint, I might have stayed a few nights, rather than 4 nights in Strasbourg. An excursion to Colmar is definitely worth it. Here are the 6 areas where there were Marchés de Noël.

(a) Petite Venise

The Petite Venise area of Colmar is THE place to visit. Colourful half-timbered buildings which are on both sides of the La Lauch River. You can take a boat trip along the river; however, it’s a delight to walk along the roads and cross over the lovely bridges. One of the bridges is at rue des Tanneurs, which is the oldest street in the city.

(b) Place des Dominicains

In the centre of Colmar is the Dominican church, Eglise des Dominicains, which was constructed beginning in the late 1200s, but much of the reconstruction occurred in the 1980s and 1990s.

Right beside the church, numerous chalets fill the Place des Dominicains area and besides the mulled wine, gingerbread, sausages, choucroute, and crafts that are sold, you can find a lot of Santa hats and beards, too!

(c) Place Jeanne d’Arc

Walking from the Schwendi fountain (with a statue of General Lazarus Schwendi) along Grand Rue, you pass by more half-timbered buildings—hotels, shops, and restaurants and arrive at Place Jeanne d’Arc where there are more chalets selling foods, wine, and crafts.

(d) Koïfhus Indoor Market At Place de l’Ancienne Douane

The Koïfhus indoor market is located in the oldest public building in Colmar and was a former customs house (L’Ancienne Douane). During the Christmas season, local artisans sell arts and crafts like leather products, jewelry, and also food products.

(e) Le Marché Gourmand Noël-Gourmet Market

Along rue de la Montagne Verte are some chalets, a ferris wheel and a gourmet market under an open tent. There were about a dozen vendors who had really interesting dishes; hence the “gourmet”.

I decided to have lunch here and ordered 2 galettes de pommes de terre (potato pancakes) with smoked salmon and sour cream and a glass of Crémant d’Alsace—sparkling wine. Everything was delicious. Total cost for lunch: 19 €.

(f) Marché Couvert

The covered market in Colmar dates from 1865 and it continues to be the place where where you can purchase meats, cheese, fish, breads, fruits, and vegetables. You can also grab a bite….perhaps a pretzel, meat pie, or pizza.

8. December Weather And What To Pack

Be sure to check out my itinerary and my clothing recommendations. As I mention in my post, the weather was unpredictable in early December ranging from 8°-13° C.

December In Paris And Strasbourg: Weather And Clothing [Link: https://www.francetraveltips.com/paris-and-strasbourg-in-december/#h-d-paris-and-strasbourg-weather-in-december-and-what-to-pack   ]

Have you been to any Christmas markets in Paris, Strasbourg, or Colmar? Or perhaps other cities in France? Do you have any favourites? Please share!

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