1. Reims, Champagne
Wooden chalets and sparkling illuminations spring up around UNESCO-listed Reims Cathedral and the Palace of Tau courtyard, selling festive treats and artisan crafts including glass, ceramic and embroidery works.
A magical Ferris wheel overlooks the market; don’t miss the chance to see the spectacle from a height.
When? 27 November to 29 December 2024
2. Mulhouse, Alsace
Mulhouse’s cloth-making heritage is celebrated in the city’s most important central square, Place de la Réunion, which dazzles during the festive period in what some applaud as Europe’s most colourful Christmas market.
Twinkling lights lead the way around the chalets, which sell French foodie goods like bredele (an Alsatian biscuit), cheese, wine and gingerbread.
When? 22 November to 24 December 2024
3. Strasbourg, Alsace
Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik is the oldest Christmas market in France, located nearby the city’s dramatic Gothic cathedral.
The market celebrates the intricate work of hundreds of skilled craftspeople, selling their handmade goods from a cosy huddle of wooden chalets. There’s plenty to eat and drink; try the sweet and spicy pain d’epices.
When? 27 November to 27 December 2024
4. Colmar, Alsace
The quaint medieval setting of Colmar appears to be designed solely to celebrate Christmas. Timber-framed buildings are decked with colourful bunting and fairy lights, swaddling the town’s six Christmas markets in warmth and festive cheer.
There’s a gourmet food market in Place de la Cathédrale, markets in Place des Dominicains, Place de l’Ancienne Douane and Place Jeanne d’Arc, a children’s Christmas market named La Petite Venise, and an indoor craft market at the town’s Renaissance Koïfhus building.
When? 26 November to 29 December 2024
5. Lille, Hauts-de-France
Home to Northern France’s largest Christmas market, Lille can be found on the city’s historic town square, Place Rihour.
More than 80 stalls sell festive delights, from regional sweets to handmade crafts from neighbouring countries, while a giant Ferris wheel takes you above the city rooftops. Better yet, Lille is one of the most accessible markets from the UK thanks to its direct Eurostar connection from London St Pancras.
When? 20 November to 29 December 2024
