Reims Christmas Market Guide 2024 (+ Insider Travel Tips)
Last Updated on 22nd August 2024 by Charlotte Nadeau
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As the third largest Christmas Market in France, it’s fair to say that there’s no shortage of wonderful things to see, do, and eat at the Christmas Market of Reims. So whether you want to enjoy illuminations, warm up with vin chaud, or shop for Christmas gifts, here’s your ultimate guide to the Reims Christmas Market, including travel tips. In French, the market is known as Le Marché de Noël de Reims.
2024 Reims Christmas Market dates: Wednesday 27th November to Sunday 29th December
Market open times:
Monday 2 PM – 8 PM
Tuesday to Thursday 10:30 AM – 8 PM
Friday 10:30 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 10 AM – 9 PM
Sunday 10 AM – 8 PM
Contents
Introducing Reims
The beautiful city of Reims boasts timber-framed buildings, a myriad of museums, and of course, one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. It also happens to be home to a number of Champagne houses thanks to its enviable location as the gateway to the Champagne region.
So if you envision yourself sipping from Champagne flutes, cosying up in quaint hotels, and immersing yourself in over two millennia worth of history, then Reims is the place to visit.
I personally think that the best time to visit Reims is during the fall as this is when the vineyards are transformed into beautiful autumnal shades. With this said, the winter is pretty festive thanks to the Christmas market and various light installations dotted around the city.
Reims Christmas Market Locations
There is actually only one Christmas Market location in Reims, though it is supersized and so will take a couple of hours to explore (particularly if you want to peruse all of the stalls, enjoy a snack, and sip on a hot drink). Access to the Christmas Market is free and well behaved dogs are welcome on leads. Parking is available across the city.
Up until 2022, the Christmas Market was held in the shadow of the grand Gothic Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral. However, as the size of the market grew (there are now around 150 stalls selling everything from artisanal soap to baby clothes), the decision was taken to move the market to the park of Les Hautes Promenades.
Christmas Market food in Reims
If there’s one thing Christmas markets across Europe are known for, it’s the delectable smorgasbord of treats on offer, of both the sweet and savoury variety.
As with any Christmas Market, the food at Reims is simply delectable and you should be sure to keep an eye out on a particular French favourite: raclette. This melted cheese is served atop a fresh baguette and is best consumed together with wine!
So if you’re looking for even more drool worthy foodie inspiration, be sure to check out our Christmas market food guide, as much of the food listed can be found at the Reims Christmas market! As well as plenty of delicious food options, there’s also vin chaud (mulled wine), hot apple juice, and some other hot drinks options.
Things to pack for visiting the Reims Christmas Markets
It’s a good idea to bring along a universal travel adapter like this one so that you can keep your electronics charged wherever you go! When visiting the Reims markets, be sure to bring along a comfortable pair of walking shoes (heels are pretty but don’t mix well with cobbled lanes), not to mention a warm jacket to combat the cold. I personally love this coat as it’s ever so warm and vegan!
Last but not least, when it comes to Christmas Markets throughout Europe, cash is king! Though more and more market stalls are beginning to accept bank cards as a form of payment, this is not the norm and so ensure that you bring along enough cash (in this case, Euro) to enable you to purchase all the gifts, souvenirs, and foodie goods that your heart so desires.
Other winter activities in Reims
See Christmas Lights
Just like at many other Christmas Markets in Europe, and indeed Christmas Markets in France, the beautiful decor doesn’t stop as soon as you step out of the market. Instead, the entire city is decked out to be a veritable winter wonderland and so one of the best free Christmas activities in Reims is to enjoy all of the beautiful lights, all around the city.
Special Christmas Events in Reims
Those visiting the Christmas Markets in Reims with children will be delighted to note that there are a variety of special activities and animations for little ones. This includes two giant baubles with animated mice, Father Christmas in an igloo, and a Christmas train at various times throughout the week.
Chaussée Bocquaine Fairground
Much like Winter Wonderland in London, Reims too has its very own winter fairground with attractions such as merry-go-rounds, attractions, and fairground game stalls. In 2022, the fair took place from the 10th of December to the 8th of January 2023.
Big wheel
There is a large Ferris Wheel erected in the city to celebrate the Christmas period. Situated close to the Christmas Tree, a ride on the big wheel will reward you with amazing bird’s eye views of the market. The price is €8 for adults and €6 for children.
Visit the Nativity in Reims Cathedral
Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral is a must-visit for fans of the Gothic architectural style. Flying buttresses are to be found in abundance, as are high arches, and several rose windows. So important is this French ecclesiastical building that some twenty-five French kings were crowned in times gone by. During the winter, a Nativity scene is erected within the cathedral.
Where to stay in Reims
Thanks to the size and popularity of this city, there’s no shortage of wonderful places to stay for almost any budget. For a more affordable yet comfortable option, check out this hotel.
Otherwise, if you’re in Champagne to celebrate an extra special occasion, then consider booking a room at this luxurious hotel, which boasts amenities such as a spa and air conditioning, as well as a restaurant onsite.
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