The Christmas markets start earlier than you think, starting in November. Or ? From what date and until when will chalets be set up near your city? All the details at a glance thanks to our interactive map.
Every winter, France lights up its garlands and traditions with the return of the Christmas markets. In large cities and villages alike, wooden chalets invade the squares, mixing local crafts, regional specialties and bright decorations. In Strasbourg, Colmar, Reims or Montbéliard, we find the spirit of yesteryear: handmade objects, mulled wine, choirs, and the smell of cinnamon floating in the air. These markets are not only places to stroll, they perpetuate know-how, a taste for sharing and a warm atmosphere which, every year, make December a special moment. But this year again, many Christmas markets start well ahead of time, from November.
This is particularly the case for the La Défense Christmas market, the largest in Ile-de-France, which is one of the first to get the ball rolling by welcoming its visitors around mulled wine, and even an ice rink, from November 13, followed by the Parisian Christmas market in the Jardin des Tuileries, which opens from November 14. Thus, in the weeks that follow, the markets gradually light up everywhere in France. In Strasbourg, the oldest and undoubtedly the most emblematic, the chalets will open their doors from November 26, just like in Colmar (November 25), renowned for its five decorated squares. In Lyon, the Place Carnot market will come to life on November 21, while that of Reims, located at the foot of the cathedral, will welcome visitors from November 26 to December 28, 2025.
Further north, Lille will launch its festivities on November 19, and to the east, Metz and Mulhouse will open the same weekend, November 21. If some Christmas markets wait until the end of November or the beginning of December to unveil their illuminated villages, such as in Bordeaux, Toulouse, Montpellier, Avignon or Nice, some also close late. Most pack up after Christmas, while others continue the festivities until early January. This is particularly the case of the Tuileries market in Paris which takes place until January 4, 2026, but also the Nancy Christmas market, that of Marseille and Nice, as well as the Dijon Christmas market, which ends on January 5. To find out the dates of Christmas markets near youat a glance, here is a map that brings them all together:
Here are the dates of the main Christmas markets in France:
- Paris – La Défense: from November 13 to December 28, 2025
- Paris – Tuileries: from November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Paris – Notre-Dame: from November 28 to December 25, 2025
- Strasbourg: from November 26 to December 24, 2025
- Colmar: from November 25 to December 29, 2025
- Kaysersberg: weekends of November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, 2025
- Ribeauvillé: the weekends of December 6-7 and 13-14, 2025
- Riquewihr: from November 28 to December 21, 2025
- Mulhouse: from November 21 to December 27, 2025
- Metz: from November 21 to December 30, 2025
- Nancy: from November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Reims: from November 26 to December 28, 2025
- Lille: from November 19 to December 29, 2025
- Amiens: from November 21 to December 30, 2025
- Rouen: from November 21 to December 28, 2025
- Bordeaux: from November 28 to December 28, 2025
- Toulouse: from November 27 to December 28, 2025
- Lyon: from November 21 to December 24, 2025
- Montpellier: from November 28 to December 31, 2025
- Marseille: from November 22, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Aix-en-Provence: from November 14 to December 31, 2025
- Avignon: from November 28 to December 28, 2025
- Nantes: from November 20 to December 28, 2025
- Montbéliard: from November 22 to December 24, 2025
- Grenoble: from November 21 to December 24, 2025
- Nice: from November 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026
- Sarlat: from December 3 to December 31, 2025
- Caen: from November 29 to December 28, 2025
- Dijon: from November 29, 2025 to January 5, 2026
This year again, the Christmas markets are focusing on conviviality and surprise. Some welcome new artisans from Europe, others add activities for children, creative workshops or light parades. Many also emphasize local and sustainable products, with recycled decorations or eco-responsible stands. One more reason to go with the family: Christmas markets are no longer just a few chalets and a glass of mulled wine, but become real places where young and old can marvel, stroll, taste and share the anticipation of the holidays together.
