Emily In France Exclusive 🇫🇷 5 Christmas Markets in Paris Worth Hitting

From the desk of an expat.

Greetings from Frankfurt, where I’m currently taking advantage of a long-held tradition of leaving Paris to visit Christmas markets with my aunt/godmother/one of my favorite people in the universe.

Together we’ve visited Prague, Budapest, Krakow, Berlin, and Strasbourg in pursuit of the continent’s best, most festive celebrations of Advent.

You’ll notice that Paris doesn't feature on that list.

The truth is that Paris’ Christmas markets are not the most impressive. They're generally more kitschy than cheery, featuring fewer handicrafts than imported baubles.

That said, if you know where to look, there are some Christmas markets in Paris I can personally vouch for – and some that I haven't yet explored personally but that definitely seem worth a second look.

1. Marché de Noël Alsacien

It’s appropriate that the Alsatian Christmas market has popped up just in front of Gare de l’Est, aka the Parisian gateway to Alsace. And since Strasbourg is pretty much the French capital of Christmas, it’s definitely worth a visit if you can't make it quite that far.

This is a pretty small Christmas market, with just fifteen vendors assembled in a plastified tent that, at least from the outside, looks anything but festive. But take a chance on it: The coolest thing about it is that all of the vendors are local artisans from Alsace who have come to Paris specifically for the marché. Get your organic Alsatian wine from Domaine Jean Becker or your Christmas cookies (aka bredele) from Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. Ferme-auberge Christlesgut has got you covered for cheese and charcuterie, and you can get artisan pottery from Poterie Friedmann. And that’s just the beginning.

Marché de Noël Alsacien, December 1-17, Parvis de la Gare de l’Est, 10th

2. Abbesses Christmas Market

Is this Christmas market in Montmartre the picture of kitsch? Yes. Is it also the only one I’ve actually put into my calendar this December? Also yes.

There’s something magical about Montmartre even when it isn't Christmastime, but the village vibe of this neighborhood is totally keyed up at the holidays, when 20 small chalets pop up on the Place des Abbesses. I’m never a huge fan of the baubles and decorations here, but the food stands are pretty varied, featuring escargots, mushrooms, cheese, nougat, and, of course, vin chaud, all in a pretty picturesque locale.

The timing of this market is a major draw for tourists, seeing as it’s one of Paris’ longest lasting: It began in late November and will stick around through early January. But the thing I love best about it is exclusive to December.