Jingle Bells has already been playing on the radio for a little while now and the smell of mulled wine is constantly in the air. If Europe is the place to head to for Christmas markets, then Paris is the crème de la crème. The name ‘city of light’ really lives up to its name come Christmas time: enter the best of Christmas Markets in Paris!

The city is decked out in all things Christmas to the extent that you half expect Santa to pop out from the interior of a Parisian café at any moment. Although there are multiple Christmas markets throughout the city, notably the one close to the Champs Élysées, the largest Christmas market in all of Europe is situated at la Defense. At the end of metro line 1, it’s just 20 minutes away from the Parisian city centre.

Champs Élysées

If you’re looking for a true tourist experience, then the Christmas market at the Champs Élysées is the perfect place to begin. In the intersection between the end of the shops lining the Champs Élysées and the park of Jardin des Tuileries, you’ll find what may well be the most touristic Christmas market in Europe.

La Défense

Cheers! Pick up a glass of mulled wine and portion of churros as the largest Christmas market in Europe and one of the best Christmas markets in Paris. The la Défense Christmas market has everything from Canadian maple syrup goods to Hoverboard testing to small jewelry gifts. In fact, with over 300 traditional wooden chalets providing all manner of gifts, foods, and experiences, I can almost guarantee that you’ll find something to interest you!

Marché de Noël des Abbesses

If you’re looking to visit a market where Parisians actually go, then why not try Montmartre? Forever the district with its own unique vibe, Christmas in Montmartre is no different. Unlike the Champs Élysées or La Défense, there are no tourists to spill spiced wine on you here. With offbeat locations come quirky creations. In the 20 or so stalls based outside the metro station of Abbesses you’ll find unusual gifts that are worlds away from the kind of products you’ll find along the Champs Élysées and La Défense.

Pin the best Christmas Markets in Paris

And if you want to brush up on your French, check out this French Christmas Vocabulary!