Jingle all the Way to Nöel

As you head towards the Christmas season, there are many traditions that you will uphold without even thinking twice, such as a customary conifer, delicately wrapped presents and copious amounts of mulled wine. Before you begin to adorn your home with your eclectic assortment of decorations that you’ve accumulated over the years, along with unknown Christmas-themed ornaments that your children have made, consider adding a new tradition to your Christmas list.

Christmas Markets are growing in popularity and are becoming an essential festive event throughout Europe, particularly in France. Known as Marchés de Noël, Christmas Markets are the perfect winter break or an excuse to explore a new region near your home in France. Wrap up warm, take a deep breath in and soak up the atmosphere that each Market has to offer, unique shopping opportunities, festive food that is filled with flavour and let’s not forget replenishing your wine collection for the Christmas season.

Although most French towns and cities host Christmas Markets during this festive period, we have selected the most popular Markets this Christmas.

Strasbourg, the Capital of Nöel

Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and largest Christmas Markets in France, featuring an enchanting backdrop. The Market sits in front of the famous Strasbourg Cathedral. Attracting over 2 million visitors each year, you can spread your time between strolling around the endless chalets, gazing up at the spectacular tree that sits proudly in Place Kléber, and elegantly skating around the Place du Château. During Advent, the capital of Alsace awakens its charms as its cobbled streets are transformed for a Yuletide party that dates back to 1570. Take home some traditional ‘bredele’ (biscuits) to decorate your tree before you can devour the tasty treats on Christmas Day.

Reims Christmas Market

Located in the historical city of Reims, the magical village at the Place d’Erion comes alive with more than 100 chalets offering seasonal gifts, decorations, and festive delicacies. Enjoy all that the Christmas Market has to offer, including street artists, magicians, jugglers and singers.

Reims also embraces its rich noble heritage as the coronation place of French kings, and is reported to have hosted the first French Christmas celebration in 496, when three thousand warriors were baptised on Christmas day. To add some sparkle to your celebrations, you can visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites that link these royal occasions or fuel your festivities by purchasing genuine Champagne from local makers, G.H. Mumm Champagne House.

Marché de Nöel de Lille

The Place Rihour is transformed into a winter wonderland, inviting over 80 wooden chalets to bring you gifts and goodies to complete your authentic market experience. With excellent links to the Eurostar as well as a fun fair and regular visits from Father Christmas, the Lille Christmas Market is fun for the whole family.

Enjoy some Christmas shopping in the 3900 shops that are spread throughout the city as you wait your turn on the giant Ferris wheel that takes over the main square. Take advantage of the views from the 50-metre-high Big Wheel as you gaze across the artistic and historic city. Just an hour away from London, the city of Lille has something for every taste and budget, and a trip to its perfectly formed Market will ignite your Christmas spirit.

Christmas Market in Mulhouse

The Mulhouse Christmas Market is the most colourful and vibrant on our list, as the textile industry hub of Alsace, Mulhouse, pays tribute to its proud heritage and creates the most extravagant Christmas fabrics to mark the occasion. Located in Place de la Réunion near the church of Saint-Etienne, the streets, huts, and town centre are all beautifully decorated with this luxurious material. The atmosphere here embodies the town’s overall feel throughout the festive period. Tantalise your taste buds with culinary specialities of foie gras, gingerbread and bredeles. Take a walk underneath the fairy lights that lead you through the streets as you explore this historic town.

Marché de Nöel de Nice

A Christmas village is held every day throughout December in Nice’s central square, Place Massena. Festivities include an enchanted forest, a Christmas parade, and concerts, all enjoyed in a wintry setting that sets the tone for your whole visit. Ideal for the whole family, the Market also presents breathtaking views of the French Riviera on the Big Wheel, a large ice-skating rink and a children’s play area in the Albert 1er gardens. Decked with pine trees and lightly dusted with artificial snow, the Market offers a variety of stalls selling handcrafted gifts, local cuisine, and mulled wine. During your time in Nice, you can also explore the narrow streets, Baroque churches and historical buildings in the old town.

These festive Markets can be enjoyed with friends, family, or as a romantic weekend in the lead-up to your favourite time of year. Your home in France invites you to be seduced by your local Christmas Market while you discover a new love for Christmas during each visit.