Paris Christmas Markets 2026: Dates for Every Major Market
Paris this Christmas in the 2026 season is especially exciting, with the return of the Champs-Élysées Christmas Market after nearly a decade away. Other favourites, including the Notre-Dame Christmas Market and the large Christmas village at La Défense, are also preparing to welcome visitors.
If you're planning a festive trip, the most important thing to know is that not every market has published its confirmed 2026 dates yet. Here's a guide to the major Paris Christmas markets, their locations, the dates currently available, and how to plan a festive walking itinerary around them.
Paris Christmas Markets 2026: Dates at a Glance
Here are the major markets to know about this season.
1. Champs-Élysées Christmas Market
- Dates: November 22, 2026–January 4, 2027
- Location: Lower Champs-Élysées, between Place de la Concorde and the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées
- Best for: Festive lights, seasonal food, crafts, and iconic Parisian views
2. Notre-Dame Christmas Market
- Dates: November 26–December 27, 2026
- Location: Square René-Viviani, opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Best for: French crafts, local artisans, and a historic riverside setting
3. Paris La Défense Christmas Market
- Dates: November 12, 2026–January 3, 2027
- Location: La Défense forecourt, just outside central Paris
- Best for: A large Christmas village, food stalls, gift shopping, and family-friendly activities
4. Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est
- Dates: December 2–18, 2026
- Location: Forecourt of Gare de l'Est
- Best for: Alsatian specialities, regional food, and traditional Christmas treats
5. Tuileries Christmas Market
- Dates: To be confirmed for 2026
- Location: Jardin des Tuileries, between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde
- Best for: A lively Christmas village, seasonal food, shopping, and family entertainment
6. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
- Dates: To be confirmed for 2026
- Location: Around Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church and Boulevard Saint-Germain
- Best for: A smaller market in one of Paris's most atmospheric neighbourhoods
7. La Villette Christmas Village
- Dates: To be confirmed for 2026
- Location: Place de la Fontaine-aux-Lions, Parc de la Villette
- Best for: A themed festive village and a different atmosphere from the central Paris markets
Dates can change, and the remaining markets may publish their schedules closer to the season. Check the official organiser or Paris Tourist Office before finalising your plans.
1. Champs-Élysées Christmas Market: November 22, 2026–January 4, 2027
The Champs-Élysées Christmas Market is one of the most anticipated additions to Paris's 2026 festive season. After nearly ten years away, the market is returning to the famous avenue, bringing festive chalets back to one of the city's most recognisable locations.
The market will occupy the lower stretch of the Champs-Élysées, between Place de la Concorde and the Rond-Point des Champs-Élysées. Its opening coincides with the launch of the avenue's Christmas illuminations, making November 22 a particularly exciting date for visitors.
You can read more about this market in our Champs-Élysées Christmas Market Returns After a Decade: What to Know blog.
2. Notre-Dame Christmas Market: November 26–December 27, 2026
For a Christmas market with a distinctly historic setting, head to Square René-Viviani, just across the Seine from Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Notre-Dame Christmas Market is scheduled to run from November 26 to December 27, 2026. The market will bring together 40 selected French exhibitors, with an emphasis on artisans, crafts, and French-made products.
The published opening hours are 10 AM–8 PM from Sunday to Thursday and 10 AM–9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Entry is free. Find all the official information here.
3. Paris La Défense Christmas Market: November 12, 2026–January 3, 2027
Located in the modern business district of La Défense, just west of central Paris, this Christmas market offers a very different setting from the historic markets in the city centre.
The 2026 edition is scheduled to run from November 12, 2026, to January 3, 2027. The forecourt transforms into a large festive village, with chalets, seasonal food, gift ideas, decorations, and activities for visitors of different ages.For any extra information, check out their official website.
4. Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est: December 2–18, 2026
If your idea of Christmas includes regional French specialities, the Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l'Est deserves a place on your itinerary. Scheduled for December 2–18, this market celebrates the traditions of Alsace, a region in northeastern France known for its distinctive Christmas markets and festive cuisine. Check all the updating information here.
Visitors can look forward to regional products and traditional treats, with specialities such as bredele biscuits, kougelhopf, and other Alsatian food products associated with the season. The market is set up near the Gare de l'Est railway station, making it convenient for visitors travelling through the station or exploring the nearby 10th arrondissement.
5. Tuileries Christmas Market: Dates to Be Confirmed
The Tuileries Christmas Market, often presented as a Christmas village, is one of the best-known festive attractions in central Paris. Set in the Jardin des Tuileries between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde, it combines traditional market stalls with seasonal food and entertainment. Although the 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed, the market has traditionally opened around mid-November and continued into early January. Its previous schedule should be treated as a guide only, not as confirmation of this year's opening dates.
When it returns, visitors can expect the appeal of a lively Christmas village in a central location, with opportunities to browse gifts, sample festive food, and enjoy the gardens during the winter season. The exact attractions and programme for 2026 should be confirmed before visiting.
6. Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market: Dates to Be Confirmed
For a more intimate Christmas market experience, Saint-Germain-des-Prés is worth watching for updates.
Located around the historic Saint-Germain-des-Prés Church and Boulevard Saint-Germain, this market traditionally features wooden chalets selling gifts, crafts, seasonal treats, and food. The surrounding neighbourhood is known for its cafés, bookshops, galleries, and literary history, making it an enjoyable place to explore even beyond the market itself.
The 2026 dates have not yet been confirmed. In previous seasons, the market has operated from late November into early January, but visitors should wait for the new schedule before making specific plans.
7. La Villette Christmas Village: Dates to Be Confirmed
In northeastern Paris, Parc de la Villette offers another festive option for visitors looking to explore beyond the city's most famous landmarks.
The La Villette Christmas Village has previously used a themed format, including a Swiss Christmas Village, with seasonal food, festive decorations, and activities. However, the theme, dates, and full programme for 2026 should be confirmed before visiting.
The location makes it an interesting choice for travellers who have already explored central Paris and want to discover a different part of the city. Parc de la Villette is also known for its cultural venues and open spaces, giving the area a different feel from the historic centre.
Discover Paris Beyond the Christmas Markets
Christmas markets are a wonderful reason to visit Paris in winter, but they are only part of what makes the city special during the festive season. The illuminated avenues, historic neighbourhoods, riverside walks, and cafés all offer their own version of Christmas in Paris. If you want to make the most of your visit, consider exploring with a local guide. TipWalk offers tip-based walking tours with no upfront booking fees, giving you a chance to discover the stories behind Paris's famous landmarks and neighbourhoods. Book your free and unforgettable walking tour now!
