The 10 Best Paris Christmas Markets In 2023

See in the festive season in style at the best Paris Christmas Markets in 2023!

The magic of Christmas has descended across Paris, with glittering festive lights, decorated fir trees and enchanting Christmas windows popping up across the city. 

However, nothing says Christmas in the ‘City of Lights’ quite like when the Paris Christmas Markets roll into town across November and December! 

Spanning all the way from the 1st to the 20th arrondissement, Paris Christmas markets add so much to the magic of the holiday season, with each market offering a distinct and unique visitor experience. 

2023 sees the return of many Paris Christmas markets that didn’t operate over the previous few years, as well as all of the beloved visitor favourites. 

Our guide to the 10 best Paris Christmas markets in 2023 is a must-read! 

Dates were correct at time of publishing this piece. As dates are subject to change, always check directly with the market organisers before paying a visit.

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1. Tuileries Garden Christmas Market 

When: November 18 2023 – January 7 2024

Where: Tuileries Gardens.  

Nearest Metro: Concorde or Pyramides. 

Once located on the Champs-Élysées and now nestled in its permanent home of the Tuileries Garden, this Paris Christmas market is the city’s largest and an experience you have to tick off your bucket list this festive season. 

La Magie de Noël, as it’s known, is both the largest Christmas market in Paris as well as a fun carnival, and attracts millions over its annual residence. Expect pop-up ice skating rinks, lots of Christmas lights, visits from Santa, rides, games and endless market stalls serving up Christmas delicious food and drinks, crafts and gifts.

Perfect for: Picking up French-made gifts and good products. The majority of products sold here are made in France! 

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2. Notre Dame Christmas Market 

When: December 8 2023 – December 25 2023.

Where: Square Viviani, Outside Notre Dame Cathedral.

Nearest Metro: Saint-Michel Notre Dame. 

Located in Square Viviani, outside of the grand Notre Dame Cathedral, the Marché de Noel Notre Dame is one of the most popular Paris Christmas Markets, and for good reason. 

This is a chic and intimate Christmas market with something for everyone. There’s dozens of cute market chalets selling wares from French artisans, including vin chaud, gingerbread and gifts. There is often live entertainment as well. 

Don’t miss: Pick up some local French fare to impress your guests with this Christmas, including foie gras, French cheeses and more.  

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3. La Défense Christmas Village 

When: November 16 2023 – December 27 2023

Where: La Défense.

Nearest Metro: La Défense.

La Défense Christmas Village has always been a beloved Paris institution, and one of the largest Paris Christmas markets. The Christmas village truly is like a large village, with hundreds of market chalets selling everything under the sun over a site spanning 13,000 square metres! 

La Défense Christmas Village is a magical winter wonderland, with row after row of surprises and fun for the entire family. Buy handcrafted gifts, food and decorations, visit with Santa and simply revel in this iconic Paris Christmas market. 

Don’t forget to: Stock up on traditional handmade Christmas goodies here, including gingerbread, eggnog and French desserts! 

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4. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market

When: November 25 2023 – January 1 2024.

Where: Next to St Germain des Prés Church.

Nearest Metro: Mabillon. 

Head down to Paris’ trendiest neighbourhood and immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market. For decades this market has thrilled Parisians and visitors to the city alike, and 2022 is no exception.

Located outside the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church, this market features row after row of decorated Christmas cabins, selling handcrafted gifts, decorations and a smorgasbord of quality French fare. Support local artisans and retailers and head down to experience the joy of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market. 

Top tip: Wander around the market with a cup of vin chaud and a fresh crepe! 

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5. Montmartre Christmas Market 

When: November 25 2023 – December 31 2023.

Where: Place des Abbesses, Montmartre.  

Nearest Metro: Abbesses. 

The hilltop village of Montmartre is magical any time of the year, but maybe none more so than at Christmas, when snow may be falling, the streets are glittering with lights and the Montmartre Christmas Market arrives! 

Located in the Place des Abbesses near Sacré Cœur, this market is a small and friendly destination, with 15-20 cute as a button chalets selling handcrafted goods, fresh produce and warming treats.

Make sure to: Support local creatives by purchasing a hand-knitted scarf or beanie that will keep you toasty all winter long! 

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6. Eiffel Tower Christmas Market 

When: November 29 2023 – January 1 2024.

Where: Champ de Mars. 

Nearest Metro: Bir Hakeim, Dupleix, École Militaire. 

No Parisian landmark is more recognisable than the Eiffel Tower, and at Christmas time, the lively area surrounding the tower is a winter wonderland that draws in hundreds of thousands over the month the Eiffel Tower Christmas Market comes to town. 

Over 60 stalls set up on the Champ de Mars, selling everything from artisanal French foods to Christmas decorations and handmade crafts, all with the “Iron Lady” as a grand backdrop. 

Insider tip: An evening visit to this iconic Christmas market is simply magical, with the hourly Eiffel Tower light show glittering behind you. Not to be missed!

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7. Alsatian Christmas Market 

When: December 1 2023 – December 17 2023.

Where: Outside Gare de l’Est station.  

Nearest Metro: Gare de l’Est. 

Experience a traditional Alsatian Christmas with a visit to the Alsatian Christmas Market in 2022! Conveniently located outside Gare de l’Est railway station, this market may be compact, but it’s a unique experience you want to be a part of.

15 retailers sell items that originate from the Alsace region, renowned for its mouth-watering produce due to its location on the French-German border. Head here to stock up on Christmas fare that will be bound to impress your friends and family this Christmas. 

Stock up on: Vendors at the Alsatian Christmas Market sell Christmas essentials like sauerkraut and German chocolate, so buy up big! 

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8. Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market

When: December 1 2023 – January 1 2024.

Where: Rue de Rivoli, outside the Hôtel de Ville.  

Nearest Metro: Hôtel de Ville. 

The Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market is often called the most beautiful Christmas market in Paris, and you’ll be spellbound by what awaits you too! Market chalets, Christmas fir trees and festive music abound. 

Vendors here sell everything from handcrafted gifts to locally produced food. At night, this market comes alive with a dazzling light show set against the market backdrop, the historic Hôtel de Ville. The kids will love the annual luge and carousel rides the market is famous for. 

Head down here for: A laid-back, fun and family friendly Paris Christmas market in the hip central Marais district, right by the Seine.

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9. Les Féeries d’Auteuil

When: December 2023.

Where: 40 rue Jean-de-La-Fontaine.

Nearest Metro: Jasmin. 

One of the lesser known Paris Christmas markets, but highly recommended, the Les Féeries d’Auteuil market is located in the grounds of the Apprentices of Auteuil Foundation in the 16th arrondissement. 

Some of the highest-quality Christmas wares are sold at this cute and compact market, so if you are searching for a unique and thoughtful gift that is French-made, Féeries d’Auteuil is for you. 

What you can buy here: One-off Christmas gifts (or a present for yourself), including leather bags, artwork and jewellery. 

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10. Christmas Market at the Hasard Ludique

When:  Ubuntu Christmas Market on Dec 2-3, 2023; Made in the 18th Arrondisement Market on Dec 10, 2023 and Big Christmas Market Market on Dec 16, 2023.

Where: Le Hasard Ludique – 128 avenue de Saint-Ouen.

Nearest Metro: Porte de Saint-Ouen. 

The Christmas Market at the Hasard Ludique is a unique experience, usually spanning various annual themes and held on select weekends throughout December. 

In the past this market has covered themes like veganism, “Made in the 18th” and ethnic produce and wares. The 2023 season is bound to be just as impressive as preceding years.

Why you should make a visit: The 30 vendors at the Hasard Ludique Market sell produce and wares that benefit the local community, small creatives and important causes. 

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Which Paris Christmas markets will you be visiting this year?

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