The giant Christmas Market at La Défense is open! Festive entertainment and ice rink on the program

The Paris la Défense Christmas Market is back from November 14 to December 29, 2024. This year, the market expands to include some 250 wooden chalets, bringing the parvis de la Défense to life with gift ideas, gourmet stalls and entertainment galore! As an added bonus, a real ice Christmas skating rink will be set up at the foot of the arch.

The Paris La Défense Christmas Market is back! The largest Christmas Market in the Paris region, located on the Parvis de la Défense, is now open to young and old alike untilSunday, December 29, 2024 (and until January 5 for the ice rink) for a new edition that promises to be bigger and more festive. A magical Christmas Market awaits us this year, with almost1.5 million visitors expected.

The Christmas Village at La Défense will be bigger this year than last. In 2024, it will be 13,000 m² instead of 8,400 m². The entire Christmas market has been redesigned and refurbished.

Among the new features to be discovered this year 2024:

An enormous 1,000 m² gift store, brimming with festive decorations and original ideas.
Six gastronomic tents offering a culinary journey around the world: raclette, Quebec specialities, foie gras, Creole dishes and many other flavours.
An extensive craft zone, ideal for discovering unique creations and supporting local artisans.
A monumental 12-metre fir tree, a true emblem of the festivities, accompanied by entertainment for young and old.
A 450 m2ice rink from November 22 to January 5.
Two large rides for children.
A large tent featuring Quebec specialties.

This year, the village welcomes some 170 merchants, compared with 150 last year for 250 chalets. These include a santon maker, and vendors of charcuterie, nougats, chocolates, jewelry, textiles and other decorative items. As in previous editions, a growing artisanal space showcases unique, affordable creations.

This year, photo enthusiasts will also be well catered for, with more illuminated backdrops, including a beautiful hot-air balloon facing the arch. The idea here is to recall the effervescence generated by the Olympic cauldron during the Olympic Games. There are also rides for children. During the week, DJ sets are on the program, while weekends are more family-oriented, with dedicated activities such as the Ateliers des lutins (Elf Workshops ), featuring creation, reading and make-up, as well as dances and surprises in the aisles. In December, on December 2, 3, 4 and 5, impromptu performances by a gospel choir will enchant the market.

The idea this year, we're told, is to make sure you're not just passing through, but staying all day. You come to shop, enjoy mulled wine, rides, an ice rink and workshops or DJ sets.

The big news this year is the Christmas ice rink! Set up at the foot of the Grande Arche, this 450 m² natural ice rink is sure to delight all ice-skating fans. Open one week after the Christmas Market inauguration, from Friday November 22 to January 5, 2025, it costs around €10 per person, €5 for children under 13 , and €2 for skate hire. Don't forget your gloves - they're mandatory!

So, to experience the magic of the festive season, join us at the Marché de Noël de la Défense! Head for the Parvis de La Défense from November 14 to December 29, 2024. The market is open every day, free of charge.