Christmas Markets in Paris
A little bit of magic, colour, and warmth is brought to Paris when the Christmas markets return for another festive season. They are a long standing tradition in France, and Parisians like nothing better than getting into the spirit and celebrating the festive season at these enchanting Parisian Christmas markets. Beginning in December, they sell everything Christmas related, especially artisanal and unusual handcrafted goods as well as original and creative gift ideas. Furthermore, the air is perfumed with the intoxicating aroma of mulled wine, local food products, festive sweets and baked goods. Without further ado we would like to suggest our top three Christmas Markets in Paris.
Place St Sulpice Christmas Market- This enchanting Christmas market takes place from the 11th to the 24th of December outside the stunning St Sulpice church. With the huge fountain as a centrepiece it is one of the busiest markets in the French capital and is actually three fairs rolled into one grand event.
This “Village de Noel”,Christmas Village, opens in the month leading up to Christmas and is a beautiful artist’s showcase. Here many artists gather to sell their work, among them, local groups and charities who sell their art and produce, including reasonably priced hand-made cards and other artisanal Christmas products and objects.. Scrumptious French-Canadian products will also be available (try the maple syrup lollipops), so release your inner child and give your taste buds a treat in this blue and silver decorated Parisian Christmas Market, everyday from 10 am to 8 pm. (Metro: Saint Sulpice)
Trocadero Gardens Christmas Market- Taking place from the 12th of December to the 5th of January, this spectacular Christmas market in Paris is held in the Trocadero Gardens. What makes it particularly fabulous is not only the 120 charming wooden huts and the array of artisanal products, gift ideas, local and exotic food on offer, but the fact that it is located at the foot of the stunning Eiffel Tower on the banks of the River Seine.
If you so choose you can climb up to the Palais de Chaillot (Trocadero) and contemplate the stunning view of this world famous French icon from its balconies. Two gifts in one! Here you can browse the stalls of this christmas market in Paris, taste regional and national specialities, enjoy choirs, folk dances, photo workshops, ceramic workshops, and shows on the history of French gastronomy then once you have tired of the many stalls there you can retire to the ice rink situated at the foot of the Trocadero Palace to conclude your visit. (Metro: Champs de Mars)
La Defense Christmas Market- The last on the list but in our opinion by far one of the best Christmas markets in Paris. Taking place from the 27th of November to the 28th of December, La Defense Christmas Market located on the outskirts of Paris is well worth the visit, as not only is it one of the biggest, but also one of the most well established Christmas Markets in Paris.
Furthermore, other Parisian christmas markets would have a job topping the vast amounts of fairy lights and decorations that illuminate this festive event situated right next to the famous La Defense arch, plus if that’s not enough there is even an ice rink to help you get into the mood. Fabuleux!
Open everyday from 11 am to 7.30 pm weekdays, and 9:30 to 20:00 on Saturdays, the 350 chalets that usually comprise this stunning market are guaranteed to inspire you and give you some gift ideas with all the local hademade goods on offer, as well as the jewellery, craftwork, and other exciting regional products. Add to this, the local and exotic foods (the fruit kebabs dipped in melted chocolate are just to die for!)and the mulled wine and you will surely get into the festive spirit. Finally, children can meet Santa and have their photograph taken with him, so everyone’s happy! We advise you to make your way to the La Defense in the evening because that is when this magical market is all lit up and truly at its best, making it one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Paris. (Metro: La Defense or La Muette)
A perfect way of spending some of your Christmas in Paris!
Anna – Marketing Team
