There's no doubt about it, the festive season in Paris is an event not to be missed, thanks to its superb entertainment. But if you live there and attend every year, some of you may be starting to get a little tired of it, and would like to get away from it all to discover the decorations and Christmas markets of other French cities! It couldn't be easier, since Parisians are lucky enough to have numerous train stations at their disposal, and therefore a plethora of destinations to choose from to get away from it all for a few days!
However, we advise you to go before the holidays, ideally during the week of the 15th, to enjoy the show without the crowds and take the time to feel the magical atmosphere of the season. And buy your tickets early, because prices go up on December 1! Here are five destinations, located less than four hours by train from the capital, whose Christmas atmosphere is well worth the detour!
This destination comes as no surprise, since it's one of the most popular Christmas destinations! And for good reason - you can take our word for it! In front of the superb Gothic cathedral, enjoy a Christmas craft market, mulled wine, bredele or pretzel, and stroll through the old town to discover the oldest market, the "Christkindelsmärik", on Place Broglie. This Christmas capital is absolutely sublime as soon as night falls, with its varied illuminations and sights to discover.
1h46 from Gare de l'Est train station
The closer the date gets, the more crowded the town becomes, so why not opt for Colmar, just a few kilometers away? Just as famous for its Christmas markets, the town of Colmar also plunges you into a fairytale setting, on the banks of its typical canals where the beautiful illuminations are reflected with magic. Stroll through the pedestrianized old town and enjoy the delicious scent of cinnamon, but don't forget your hat and gloves, because it's really cold at this time of year!
We're off to the mountains, with an original and most certainly snow-covered Christmas market, on the shores of the city's lake, for a magical moment and the discovery of regional crafts, in the chalets of the Alps. A little further on, on the other side of the water, admire Santa's Castle and its story-telling tours, in an enchanted, medieval atmosphere that's out of the ordinary. Annecy offers a winter sports resort atmosphere, with fondue and raclette on the menu, of course!
3h42 from Gare de Lyon
The Reims Christmas market is reputed to beone of the biggest in France, set up in front of the sumptuous cathedral, which comes alive with projections at nightfall. Enjoy champagne and pink cookies on the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, amid colorful stalls, carols and tempting smells. Don't miss the superb fir tree on Place Drouet d'Erlon and the Christmas and Kings Fair, with its many attractions, just a few dozen minutes from Paris!
46mn from Gare de l'Est
Head further south, to admire Lyon's famous Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) in early December. For several days, luminous lights are placed in the windows, and the city is decked out in a thousand colors at nightfall, embellished by sound and light projections on the facades of the most beautiful buildings. Of course, a Christmas market awaits you with its famous marrons glacés and pralines roses, as does an open-air skating rink on Place Carnot and a Ferris wheel with a sensational panorama on Place Bellecour.
1h56 from Gare de Lyon
Head north to discover a metamorphosed Lille, where Christmas warmth replaces the usual cold. Don't miss the chance to climb to the highest vantage point, on the Ferris wheel on the Grand Place. For ice-skating, head to the Chamber of Commerce, transformed for the occasion into a veritable skating rink, under the magnificent dome of this historic building. A hundred or so chalets await you on Place Rihour for a little Christmas village, where you can do your shopping, eat a hot waffle or a Flemish carbonade to warm up!
1h15 from Gare du Nord
But if you prefer to stay in Paris, there's plenty to do, with a whole host of markets, illuminations and exceptional window displays to discover!
Christmas Markets in Paris and Île-de-France 2024
Looking for the best Christmas Markets in and around Paris? At the end of each year, the wooden chalets and illuminations bring the streets to life, offering an enchanting journey to Santa's land. This Christmas 2024 in Paris marks the return of the unmissable Christmas markets, with tastings, gift ideas and many other magical and enchanting discoveries on the program. [Read more]
The Christmas illuminations in Paris are a magical part of the festive season. From the Champs-Élysées to Bercy Village, via the chic Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Paris is decked out in a thousand lights every year. It's a glittering journey that's sure to blow your mind! [Read more]
When do the Christmas window displays start, and where can you find them in Paris? From Printemps to Galeries Lafayette, discover what Parisian department stores have in store for us in the run-up to the festive season, to delight young and old alike! Bon Marché, BHV, Samaritaine - every year, we're delighted by the beautiful window displays that come alive to our delight. Whether you're with the family, the kids, your loved ones or simply your loved ones, this is a must-do Parisian Christmas stroll. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From December 1, 2024 to December 28, 2024
Christmas Markets in Paris and Île-de-France 2024
Christmas lights at Paris 2024, the program
Christmas window displays at Paris 2024 unveiled! Discover the department store program
