Four Magical Christmas Markets in Paris in 2025-2026
Every winter, Paris turns into a glowing maze of lights, wooden chalets, and festive scents. Markets pop up across the city from mid-November to early January, filling squares and gardens with holiday cheer.
Some feel like entire amusement parks, others like small village fairs inside historic corners. Here’s where to go if you want to experience the best Marchés de Noël in Paris this season.
1. La Magie de Noël – Jardin des Tuileries (1ᵉʳ arr.)
The Jardin des Tuileries market is the largest and liveliest in the city. It takes over the garden between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, allying classic Parisian scenery with the energy of a winter fair!
Hundreds of chalets line the alleys, selling regional specialties, handmade gifts, and decorations from across France. You’ll find raclette melting on giant wheels, steaming tartiflette, sausages from Savoy, waffles, and sweet crêpes. The air smells of vin chaud and roasted chestnuts.
A Ferris wheel rises above the garden, giving sweeping night views of Paris. There’s also an ice rink, bumper cars, and rides for kids.
Families, couples, and tourists all mix under the lights. Even locals drop by for a glass of mulled wine after work.
Dates for 2025–2026: November 15 to January 4
Nearest metro: Tuileries or Concorde
Visit early in the evening if you want to avoid crowds, or come later for the full sparkle. Weekdays are of course calmer than weekends. Warm clothes are essential as Paris evenings in December often hover around 0–5 °C.
2. Marché de Noël de La Défense (Hauts-de-Seine)
The La Défense market is massive, one of the biggest in the Paris region. It spreads out under the Grande Arche, surrounded by modern skyscrapers. A very different Christmas atmosphere from central Paris.
Here, you can browse over 150 chalets offering crafts, jewelry, fashion items, and food from all over France and beyond. You can grab an Alsatian pretzel, taste Provençal nougat, or pick up handmade leather goods and candles.
It’s also less crowded than the Tuileries market, especially on weekday afternoons. Many people come after work for a drink.
The reflections of the lights on the glass towers create a unique backdrop. Some years include an ice rink or a small Ferris wheel.
Dates for 2025–2026: November 13 to December 28
Nearest metro: La Défense–Grande Arche (Line 1)
Try to visit after sunset for the full effect of the lights on the modern skyline. If you’re into photography, this market gives some of the most striking night shots in the city.
3. Marché de Noël de Notre-Dame (5ᵉ)
Set in Square René Viviani, just across from the Notre-Dame Cathedral, this market is smaller but full of charm. It focuses on craftsmanship and quality rather than entertainment.
Artisans display handmade jewelry, ceramics, hats, scarves, and decorative pieces, while food stalls sell foie gras, honey, chocolates, and other French delicacies.
The market also highlights sustainable and locally made products, giving it a more traditional and authentic touch.
With the cathedral’s restored façade in the background, it feels like a postcard scene. Choirs often perform nearby, and the market is surrounded by cafés and bookstores of the Quartier Latin.
Dates for 2025–2026: November 28 to December 25
Nearest metro: Saint-Michel or Maubert–Mutualité
Because it’s compact, you can explore it in less than an hour and then walk along the Seine or through Île de la Cité afterward. It’s one of the best stops for visitors looking for handmade gifts to take home.
4. Marché de Noël de Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6ᵉ)
The Saint-Germain-des-Prés market on Boulevard Saint-Germain reflects the elegance of the Left Bank. It runs along Boulevard Saint-Germain, surrounded by chic boutiques and old literary cafés.
Small white chalets sell artisanal products, fashion accessories, candles, chocolates, and gourmet items. It’s less noisy than the larger markets and attracts more locals than tourists.
The decorations are understated but stylish with soft lights and garlands that fit perfectly with the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
Stop at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots before or after browsing. The area also has independent bookshops and art galleries that stay open late during the holidays.
Dates for 2025–2026: November 25 to January 1
Nearest metro: Saint-Germain-des-Prés
This market is ideal for an evening stroll after dinner or a relaxed weekend visit. It’s the most refined of all, and the food stands, especially those serving local chocolate and truffle-based specialties, are excellent.
Final Tip
If you want to see several markets in one day, start at Notre-Dame or Saint-Germain, then head to the Tuileries for the lights, and end your evening at La Défense. Metro lines 1 and 4 connect most of these easily.