Christmas Markets in Paris 2021 Guide (Events & Dates)

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!

Which Christmas Markets in Paris are still going ahead in 2021?

In spire of the ongoing health crisis, most Christmas Markets in Paris are scheduled to go on, albeit in slightly different formats. A health pass is required to access most of the events. Since the situation is changing so rapidly, these events could be cancelled at any moment.

Things to know before visiting the Paris Christmas Markets

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, while the largest Christmas market in all of Europe is situated at la Défense.

Situated at the end of metro line 1, it’s just 20 minutes away from the Parisian city centre. The largest Christmas Market inside the Paris Peripherique itself  is that of Jardin des Tuileries, in the 1st arrondissement of Paris. For several years now, there’s been no market along the Champs Élysées due to a dispute between the organiser and the city of Paris.

Otherwise, it’s worth noting that other festive fun to be had in Paris includes checking out the window displays of the ‘Grands Magasins’ or going in search of some of the biggest and most decorated ‘Sapins de Noël’ (Christmas Trees) in the city.

While traditional Christmas Markets typically make you pay a deposit fee of €1 to rent a plastic cup (and more for a mug) for your vin chaud, none of the Christmas Markets in Paris that I’ve been to have required this. Though some stalls accept card, it’s always good to bring some extra cash along, just in case!

Christmas Markets in 1st Arrondissement, Paris

Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market

Christmas market dates: Saturday November 20th 2021 to Sunday January 2nd 2022

If you’re looking for a truly French Christmas Market experience, then the festive event at the Jardin des Tuileries is the perfect place to begin. Situated in the 1st arrondissement and not far from the Louvre Museum, the Jardin des Tuileries Christmas Market event is held where the summer funfair is held during the warmer months of the year.

The largest market inside the Paris peripherique, in 2019 the 500 metre squared area hosts a selection of stalls selling everything from handcrafted goods to traditional Christmas market food (raclette, vin chaud, hot cider, and the like). There’s also a wide selection of funfair rides, including a giant ferris wheel where you can enjoy views onto the Tuileries Gardens, and all the way to the Eiffel Tower.

Canopée des Halles Christmas Market

Christmas market dates: In 2021, it wouldn’t appear that there’s a Christmas market being held at Les Halles.

A smaller Christmas market is held at the largely underground complex of Les Halles shopping complex. Situated on the right bank of the River, the Bavarian-style chalets at this Christmas market number just a few dozen.

Visit the Canopée des Halles Christmas Market during opening hours and you can expect to find a wide array of gifts and souvenirs for sale, as well as several food stalls selling various winter-themed food.

Though the Canopée des Halles Market is a delight to pass through if you’re in the area (particularly considering the oversized Christmas tree in the middle of Les Halles), I would personally prioritise other Parisian Christmas over this one. Nearby, rue Montorgueil annually hosts some of the best Christmas illuminations that the city has to offer.

Christmas Markets in 4th arrondissement, Paris

Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market & Village

Christmas market dates: December 4th 2021 – 2nd January 2022

Though one of the smaller events in the city, the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Village is organised by the City of Paris and is one of the more magical events in Le Marais district of the city.

Featuring a multitude of carousels and Christmas trees, there are also a select handful of stalls selling products specifically made in Paris! Please note that while once upon a time there was an ice skating rink at Hôtel de Ville, this has since been replaced with the Christmas Village.

Christmas Markets in the 5th arrondissement, Paris

Notre Dame de Paris Christmas Market

Christmas market dates: December 10th – December 26th 2021

One of the prettiest public squares in Paris is that of Square René-Viviani. Situated in the Latin Quarter and not far away from the world-famous Shakespeare and Co English language bookshop, in 2019 this is where the annual Notre Dame Christmas Market is to be held.

Overlooking the grand ecclesiastical building itself (which sadly can’t currently be visited due to a terrible fire in April 2019), around a dozen artists and creators stalls will be set up. Selling everything from handcrafted jewellery to macarons, pretzels, and plenty of vin chaud, the festive event is widely regarded to be one of the best Christmas Markets in Paris.

Christmas Markets in the 6th arrondissement, Paris

Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market

Christmas market dates:  20th November – 26th December 2021

Situated in the 6th arrondissement of the city and under the shadow of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Abbey (i.e. the oldest church in Paris), there’s no denying the magic of this smaller Parisian Christmas market, particularly come nightfall when the entire area is illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.

In total, there are a few dozen Bavarian style chalet stalls selling all kinds of goods from eat-on-the-spot foodie products (think tartiflette, churros, crêpes, and vin chaud), as well as a whole host of artisanal and luxurious gifts and handcrafted goods. Read more: How to visit the Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market

Christmas Markets in the 7th arrondissement, Paris

Eiffel Tower Christmas market (Village de Noël du Champ-de-Mars)

Christmas market dates: 19th December 2021 to 4th January 2022

One of the most iconic Christmas markets in Paris is that held beneath the Eiffel Tower, i.e. La Tour Eiffel. Taking place right up until the beginning of January each year, this fun and festive event can be found along Quai Branley, in the shadow of the famous Parisian monument. Winter chalets can be found selling everything from traditional Christmas market foods to unique and unusual gifts.

Christmas Markets in the 10th arrondissement, Paris

Le Marché de Noël en Alsace à Paris at Gare de l’Est

Christmas Market dates: December 1st – December 17th 2021

Steps away from the entryway to Gare de l’Est train station, in the 10th arrondissement of Paris, the very first Alsace-themed Christmas market outside of the Alsace region has been held annually for well over thirty-five years.

Set underneath a covered marquee (making this the perfect rainy day Christmas Market), just over a dozen stalls sell all kinds of foodie related produce originating from Eastern France are present at the Gare de l’Est Christmas Market in Paris.

Included in this is Munster cheese, plenty of gingerbread, as well as a whole host of other sweet delights. Other highlights include plenty of stalls selling Alsatian wines and other liqueurs. It’s worth noting that while there are plenty of foodie gifts for sale, there’s no hot food for sale, nor is there little by way of products to buy that aren’t food or drink!

Christmas Markets in the 14th arrondissement, Paris

Alésia-Leclerc Christmas Market

Christmas market dates: Friday 3rd December – Sunday 5th December 2021

One of the most charming and off the beaten Christmas Markets in Paris is that of Alésia-Leclerc, which is tucked away in the very heart of the city’s 14th arrondissement. Known as Marché de Noël Alésia-Leclerc, the event takes place over just one weekend, typically the first weekend of December.

Christmas Markets in the 18th arrondissement, Paris

Place des Abbesses Christmas Market

Christmas market dates: Friday 26th November 2021 – Sunday 2nd January 2022

One of the smallest Christmas Markets in Paris takes place on the Place des Abbesses, directly in front of the garden where the I Love You Wall is located. The annual event takes place from the end of November to the end of December and sees around 15 stalls erected around a central carousel.

As well as food stands, there are a number of wooden chalets selling ‘Made in France’ products such as jewellery and clothing. Discover more about the Abbesses Christmas Market here.

La REcyclerie

Christmas market dates: December 4th, December 11th & 12th, December 18th

Those who enjoy eco-friendly and sustainable Christmas Markets will be delighted to discover La REcyclerie, a festive event which takes place on the former railway tracks of La Petite Ceinture (an abandoned railway system that once looped its way around Paris).

In the festive period, La REcyclerie offers a few different themed weekends where you can buy cool and quirky gifts and souvenirs. The first weekend is on the first weekend of December and will cover a themed event, the second weekend is a Japanese themed market, while the third weekend of December will see an eco-feminist event hosted at La REcyclerie.

Christmas Markets in Île de France (close to Paris)

La Défense Christmas Market

Christmas market dates: 25th November – 29th December 2021

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 close to Paris. The la Défense Christmas market has everything.

From Canadian maple syrup goods to Hoverboard testing to small jewellery gifts, there’s no shortage of unique gift ideas. There’s even a Quebec themed chalet selling Canadian foodie stuff such as poutine and beavertails!

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!

And if you’re looking to experience some truly unique vin chaud or traditional Alsatian food while at the Market, there’s plenty of opportunities to eat at the market itself (including chic mulled wine and Cuban mulled wine)!

Foires de Saint-Denis (Saint-Denis Christmas market)

Christmas market dates: 13th December – 22nd December 2021

Lying in the shadow of the illustrious Saint Denis Basilica, where many Kings of France are now interred, the Foires de Saint Denis is a traditional Christmas Market. There are dozens of stalls selling unique and handmade gifts, as well as an ice skating rink.

Provins Christmas Market

Christmas market dates: Unfortunately, the medieval Provins Christmas Market is cancelled for 2021. With this being said, there are still festivities taking place in the lower town, including an ice skating rink, Christmas illuminations, and artisanal stalls selling unique wares.

One of the most magical Christmas Markets in the Île de France region is that of the Provins Christmas Market. The town of Provins itself is one of the most magical towns close to Paris and is characterised by its timber-framed houses and medieval architecture.

Every December (typically on the second week of December), there is a Christmas Market held in the town. The Christmas Market is for only one weekend and, once there, you’ll discover a number of food and drink chalets, as well as stalls where you can purchase unique gifts and souvenirs.

Enjoyed reading about the best Christmas Markets in Paris? Pin this article now, read it again later:

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