The best French Christmas markets: where to go and what to eat, drink and buy

What makes French Christmas markets special? 

French Christmas markets combine the wooden chalets, fairground rides and festive atmosphere you’d expect from a European Christmas market trip with a special Gallic twist: gourmet French foods and plenty of regional delicacies. If you like your Christmas markets with plenty of French winter dishes, oysters and Champagne, incredible sweet treats plus authentic regional souvenirs, then France should be top of your festive wish list. 

Where are the best Christmas markets in France?   

For some of France’s best Christmas markets, head to Alsace. This small region in northeastern France is known for its magical markets. Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates back over 400 years. The historic city centre (nicknamed the 'Capital of Christmas’) transforms into a winter wonderland from late November until Christmas Eve. Expect winding, fairy-lit streets and hundreds of wooden chalets selling crafts and gourmet gifts.  

Nearby, the medieval town of Colmar is home to six enchanting Christmas markets. Head to the Gourmet Market (Marché Gourmand) where you can try Alsatian specialities cooked by local chefs. From Colmar, take a Christmas shuttle bus to chocolate-box towns and villages like Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé for small, traditional markets.

Paris is packed with Christmas markets in December. The biggest is at the Tuileries: boasting a towering ferris wheel, ice skating and hundreds of chalets. Other Paris markets include Montmartre – notable for gourmet food stalls and its Champagne bar, Hotel de Ville and Notre Dame. 

Elsewhere, Lille Christmas market is perfect for foodies. Its offerings include oysters, foie gras, and a wine bar where you can nibble on caviar. Meanwhile, Reims’ large Christmas market boasts 150 stalls set below the city’s splendid cathedral, including bars from some of the area’s major Champagne houses.   

What to eat and drink at a French Christmas market 

A steaming cup of mulled wine (Vin Chaud) is a French Christmas market essential. Red wine mulled with fruits and heady spices like cinnamon and star anise is the most popular, but you’ll also come across mulled white wine and cider. Do as the locals do and return your reusable cup: you’ll get a few Euros back towards your next treat.  

Warm up with a portion of aligot. This decadent, cheesy mashed potato is served by the ladleful at many Christmas markets. Other classic French winter warmers to seek out include raclette – melted Raclette de Savoie PGI cheese scrapped onto potatoes, charcuterie and crusty baguettes. Tartiflette is a creamy bake with layers of sliced potatoes, bacon, caramelised onions and creamy Reblochon PDO cheese. It hails from the Alps but you’ll find tartiflette at festive markets across France.   

Bretzels are a mainstay in Alsace – warm pretzels served with butter, or toppings like bacon and cheese. Tarte Flambée is another local favourite. These crisp flatbread slices topped with velvety crème fraîche, onion and smoky French lardons. 

Among the most popular sweet treats at French Christmas markets are traditional roasted chestnuts, gingerbread (pain d’epices), waffles (gaufres), crêpes and beignets – sugar-dusted, fried pastries. If you’re not sipping mulled wine of Champagne, warm up with a mug of hot chocolate (chocolat chaud).  

What are the best edible souvenirs and gifts to buy at a French Christmas market?  

Save room in your luggage: edible souvenirs from a French Christmas market make perfect holiday gifts. Look for regional treats and delicacies. In Alsace, seek out beribboned packages of gingerbread or bredele, the region’s beloved Christmas cookies. Chocolates from Strasbourg or bottle of local plum brandy are fine gifts. A well-wrapped wedge of Munster cheese will make the perfect addition to your festive cheeseboard. 

For a taste of Paris, look for macarons in chic boxes, or truffles from one of the city’s excellent chocolatiers. You’ll also find stalls selling more unusual souvenirs, like Paris rooftop honey.  In Reims, it has to be delicate pink Rose de Reims biscuits and a bottle of Champagne, of course.  

French Christmas markets, particularly in Paris, often showcase producers from other French regions. Look for iconic products that travel well: jars of tapenade from Provence, tins of butter caramels from Brittany or chestnut cream from the Ardeche. 

Wrap them beautifully and pop under the tree for a fabulous, French-inspired Christmas! Joyeux Noël! 🎄