Visiting the 4 Types of Paris Christmas Markets
Paris Christmas Markets are an amazing feast for the eyes, and something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. They’s found throughout the city, each featuring something pecial that makes them unqiue from all the others. Of all the Christmas Markets this year, we managed to group them into 4 main types:
- The Biggest
- The Smallest
- The Experiential
- The Magical
La Défense - Grande Arche, Le Parvis, La Défense 12, Quartier Boieldieu, Puteaux, Arrondissement of Nanterre, Hauts-de-Seine, Ile-de-France, Metropolitan France, 92800, France
Square René Viviani, 5th Arrondissement, Paris, Ile-de-France, Metropolitan France, 75005, France
Hôtel de Ville, Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Quartier Saint-Merri, 4th Arrondissement, Paris, Ile-de-France, Metropolitan France, 75004, France
Tuileries, Rue de Rivoli, Quartier Saint-Germain-l'Auxerrois, 1st Arrondissement, Paris, Ile-de-France, Metropolitan France, 75001, France
The Biggest Paris Christmas Markets
The biggest Christmas Market in Paris is located at La Defense, just outside the city centre. Even though it’s a bit further out, it’s still recommended that you get there by transit rather than drive. La Defense if an area where a lot of Parisiens work, so there’s a lot of traffic, and the market is conveniently located at the end of the #1 metro line under the Grand Arche.
La Defense isn’t just the largest in Paris, but it rivals other Christmas Markets across Europe! There are over 300 chalets tempting you with a huge variety of food and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, there are some indoor malls located nearby in case you need to warm up (which we definitely did).
The Smallest Paris Christmas Markets
There are plenty of smaller Christmas Markets around Paris, but one of our favourites had to be Marche de Noel en Notre Dame. As its name suggests, this market is located in a small park (Square Rene Viviani) right across the Seine River from Notre Dame Cathedral.
The focus of this Christmas Market is unique artisan gifts and having fun, so you won’t find a lot of pre-made food (though there’s always plenth of roasted chestnuts and vin chaud!). Really fun decor and a singing organ grinder make this market a can’t miss.
The Experiential Paris Christmas Markets
If you’re looking for the full Christmas Market experience, you’ll find it all at Jardin des Tuileries. This is the biggest Christmas Market within the Paris City Centre, and comes complete with its own midway!
This market is located in the Jardin des Tuileries, along Rue de Rivoli. If you’re looking for something great to eat or a treasured gift for someone, start exploring from the Louvre end. If you’re ready to test out some rides or go skating, then start your adventure at the Place de Concorde end. Either way, you’re in for a great time!
The Magical Paris Christmas Markets
Some Paris Christmas Markets go beyond the chalets and rides, and create something truly magical. Our favourite is located at Hotel de Ville.
This is a smaller market with a few dozen chalets, but you can easily spend hours wondering in the magical glow of the lights and beautiful decorations. Plus, I’m always a sucker for a beautiful antique carousel! If you get too cold or can’t find that perfect gift, BHV Marais is located right next door.
No matter what you’re looking for this holiday season, there’s a Paris Christmas Market out there just for you! What other Christmas Markets are some of your favourites that aren’t on my list?
What country or city is home to your favourite Christmas Market? Let me know in the comments, and maybe we’ll see you there next time!
Was this helpful for you? If so, please share it with a friend who you think would get value!
Be sure to comment below and let me know if you’ve been to any of these Christmas Markets!
P.S. If you’d LOVE to start Your Own Blog with “Just 3 Clicks”, check THIS out!
Was this valuable for you? If so I’d really appreciate your comments below and shares on social media.
Resources
Here is a list of the resources mentioned in this post:
La Defense Christmas Market – The largest Christmas Market in Paris
Marche de Noel en Notre Dame – A fun, small Christmas Market in Paris
Hotel de Ville Paris Enchantee – One of the most magical Christmas Markets you’ll find in Paris
I’ve been to a few Christmas markets here in the USA; but those overseas must make ours look shabby! These in Paris in particular look absolutely gorgeous and seeing them firsthand must put the photos to shame! Thank you so much for sharing this list with us!
So true Whitney! i was blown away the first time I saw a Paris Christmas Market, and they just kept getting better
I had no idea there were 4 types of Paris Christmas markets. Thanks for telling us about the differences.
There were so many markets I needed to categorize them for my own sanity!
This looks so magical, I would love to visit a Christmas market someday with loved ones 🙂
i would definitely recommend that, it’s fun for the whole family!
I told my family I want to visit the Christmas Markets next year. I’d love to see any one of them!
Definitely do it Rosey! I’d love to hear about your adventures!
I remember visiting the Christmas markets in France and they were wonderful! Specifically those in Paris! That was many years ago now, but they still give me a beautiful sense of nostalgia.
Something about them just stays with you, right??
I wish I could afford to visit Paris for the Christmas holidays. Looks so beautiful and fun. My daughter would have had a great time there.
There are lots of ways to make this kind of holiday happen without breaking any budget .. .hopefully you’re able to take your daughter soon!
Christmas is always so beautiful and magical and I love visiting Christmas markets in my area. These markets in Paris are so beautiful and yet different from each other.
I always love visiting local Christmas Markets wherever I happen to be around the holidays
Ok Paris at Christmas is now on my bucket list! It is gorgeous~
The whole city is decorated for Christmas … it’s definitely an amazing experience!
I never knew these markets even existed! I love Paris and this sounds like it would be a magical experience! Saving this to my must visit list!
You’ll love it Ebony!! Magical is a great way to describe it
I wish I can visit paris someday. My dream place.
Definitely visit! It’s lovely any time of year
I would love to spend time at the magical one. It may be small but I think the quality of the experience makes it more memorable. Looking forward to visiting next year.
So right Clarice … i think that was my favourite too!
I have no idea about a Christmas market as it’s not the main celebration in my country. Definitely this post will be a good guide for my next Christmas in Paris.
It’s something wonderful to experience even if you don’t celebrate Christmas!
Wow….Paris has Christmas markets? That’s massive. I would love to be at the Experiential Christmas Market!
There’s so much to do at that one! We made multiple visits 🙂
Wow, these are amazing places and I’ve never been to France during the Christmas holiday. Maybe this year will be my year.
I’ definitely recommend it. The weather is mild for winter, so it’s a nice visit