The 10 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets of France
Originally named “Marches St Nicolas”, then “Marche de L’Enfant Jesus”, Christmas markets started back in the 14thC in Alsace and Germany. In France, during many centuries, these markets took place 8 days before Christmas, animated by a religious character; they only existed in North-East regions. They were generalized only by 1990. Nowadays, every town has its own Christmas market, the commercial side taking over its religious spirit. The main French towns now compete in terms of decoration and animations, to offer their visitors a true Christmas spirit. Traditional, renowned, huge in size or frequentation, here is a selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets you can visit.
Strasbourg market
One of the first Christmas markets since the Middle Age, it is the most famous and impressive one. It used to be a celebration of St Nicolas, with a distribution of presents to children. The Place Broglie hosts the main market, but almost every street participates in this amazing celebration. From Christmas trees, to decorations, presents, mangers, santons, sweets, hot wine… It also offers the highest European Christmas tree, rising up to 30 meters. Its lights, decorations, and Christmas dishes offer a fairy moment, which seduces every generation. The Child village will guide children into the Christmas world, with its imaginary atmosphere, inspired from Alsacians stories and legends.
Montbeliard market
Renowned for its Christmas lights, it offers impressive decorations. Its fabulous lights are what make this market so special. Over 400 000 visitors come every year. The most remarkable buildings are underlined by many beautiful lights. Just in front of the St Martin Temple, the market offers a wide range of presents, decorations and amazing food. An entire “village” was built, which was an amazing playground for the children while their parents buy presents!
Amiens market “Parfum d’hiver”
Created in 1998, it now attracts more than a million visitors per year. Its 130 chalets and 15 animations last for around 37 days. This market has special themes, being different every year; last year’s theme was Jules Verne, as the writer used to live in Amiens. It offers a wide range of animations and presents, but also special offers, such as a Hermit crab seller, a fortune-teller and also a forty meters tall ferris-wheel.
Reims market
Its warm and welcoming atmosphere makes this market fabulous. It takes place on the place d’Erlon, Condorcet Street, l’Etape and Buirette streets. It comprises of 125 chalets, but also comes with surprising animations, such as artificial skiing slopes, a PLC cottage on the theme of Noah’s Ark and a crèche played by actors. Musicians also play jazz, followed by a parade of Giants fluffs that will delight children. Children also have their “kingdom”, with the Santa chalet, and many creative activities.
Paris market
The market of La Defense comprises of 350 chalets on 10,000sqm. Its size and structure makes it closer to a show than a traditional market. It offers an impressing variety of potential Christmas presents and offers various ranges of dishes.
Avignon market
This market is different from North of France markets, as it emphasis on the Provencal religious culture. Over 60 chalets present traditional regional products as well as Christmas presents, such as decorations, jewelery… It also offers an amazing Christmas crèche. A walk will guide you through different crèches and atmospheres. It also comprises of various shows of folk groups, clowns, giants fluffs…
Nantes
What makes it different from other markets is that this one focuses on the creativity of the offered products. A wide range of creators offer various products, in original materials, or promoting sustainable development or trade… With more than thirty gastronomic chalets and ninety artisanal chalets, offering Christmas presents. This market also offers a wide range of animations, such as puppet shows, music, …
Metz market
This market offers 5 different themes to its visitors. With amazing decorations, you will not only have the impression of travelling between countries but also between fairy tales. From traditional products, up to the “Children kingdom”, with its small train, pixies and candy houses. A giant crèche is also presented, and under stars village, dedicated to Christmas decorations.
Lille market
This market exists since 1989, it now offers eighty chalets. It carries an amazing Christmas atmosphere, with its lights and decorations. A wide range of animations are taking place, such as pony riding, photo activities, fun make ups, and gospel and jazz concerts.
Colmar market
It is considered as one of the most famous Alsacian market, for the quality of its products, its decorations but more importantly, its respect of traditions. What makes this market even more amazing is that every citizen participates in it, transforming the entire city into fairy tales. This market comprises of five different markets, each one with its own identity. Fifty small houses, especially conceived by an architect to fit the town, offer a warm atmosphere. From these fifty chalets, thirty are dedicated to traditional food dishes, while the rest of them offer Christmas presents, decorations…. Traditional artisanal objects are also exposed. An entire neighbourhood is dedicated to children, with clowns and animated crèches.
Enjoy your Christmas market!