--- title: "Christmas Markets in France 2026: Dates and Best Towns" description: "Christmas markets in France 2026: official dates for Strasbourg, Colmar, Lyon, Nancy, Annecy and the Provence santon fairs, train times and trip ideas." url: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/christmas-markets-in-france" image: "https://www.mobeeinternational.com/_astro/01M5J4124J7Y9HBDAPM97GQE87.DspDAOlu_tNex.jpg" --- 1. [Home](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/) 2. [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) 3. Christmas Markets in France 2026: Strasbourg, Colmar, Lyon and Beyond [Travel insights](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles) # Christmas Markets in France 2026: Strasbourg, Colmar, Lyon and Beyond Christmas markets in France 2026: official dates for Strasbourg, Colmar, Lyon, Nancy, Annecy and the Provence santon fairs, train times and trip ideas. By [Aurélie](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/aurelie), Travel Designer · Published on November 8, 2026 · 9 min read ![Christmas garlands above a narrow street of half-timbered houses in Alsace](/_astro/01M5J4124J7Y9HBDAPM97GQE87.DspDAOlu_Z1a8b30.webp) The best Christmas markets in France in 2026 are in Alsace: Strasbourg runs from November 27 to December 24 and Colmar from November 23 to December 29, and Colmar is open on Christmas Day. Add Lyon's Festival of Lights (December 5 to 8, 2026), the Saint Nicholas celebrations in Nancy, Montbéliard's Lumières de Noël, Annecy by the lake, or the santon fairs of Provence, which run into January. Paris has markets too, but they are not the reason to come. Our travel designer Aurélie grew up in Alsace and designs our French Christmas trips. Here are the 2026 dates we confirmed on each official site, what makes each place different, and how we connect them by train. ## Christmas markets in France: 2026 dates | Market | Region | 2026 dates | Worth knowing | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | **Strasbourg** Christkindelsmärik | Alsace | Nov 27 to Dec 24 | 11 am to 9 pm; closed Dec 25 | | **Colmar**, six markets | Alsace | Nov 23 to Dec 29 | open Dec 25, 10 am to 8 pm | | **Kaysersberg** | Alsace | Fri to Sun, Nov 27 to Dec 20 | 10 am to 8 pm | | **Eguisheim** | Alsace | Nov 27 to Dec 30 | closed Dec 24 to 26 | | **Riquewihr** | Alsace | Nov 27 to Dec 20 | 10 am to 6:30 pm, weekends to 7 pm | | **Ribeauvillé** medieval market | Alsace | Dec 5, 6, 12 and 13 | two weekends only | | **Mulhouse** | Alsace | Nov 20 to Dec 27 | a new Christmas fabric each year | | **Metz** | Lorraine | Nov 20 to Dec 30 | closed Dec 25 | | **Nancy**, Saint Nicholas festival | Lorraine | Nov 20 to Jan 3, 2027 | big parade on Saturday Dec 5 | | **Montbéliard** Lumières de Noël | Franche-Comté | Nov 21 to Dec 24 | Switzerland is the 2026 guest | | **Lyon** Fête des Lumières | Rhône | Dec 5 to 8 | evenings only | | **Lyon** market, Place Carnot | Rhône | Nov 20 to Dec 24 | closes early during the festival | | **Annecy** Noël des Alpes | Alps | Nov 26 to Jan 3, 2027 | chalets along the lake | | **Marseille** Foire aux Santons | Provence | Nov 14 to Jan 3, 2027 | the 224th santon fair | | **Aix-en-Provence** market and santon fair | Provence | Nov 13 to Dec 31 | illuminations from Nov 28 | | **Arles** Salon des Santonniers | Provence | Nov 14 to Jan 10, 2027 | EUR 2 (about $2.30) entry | **Paris and Reims:** the City of Paris lists the Tuileries market from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. Reims had not published its 2026 dates on an official site we could check at the time of writing (November 8, 2026); we confirm them for our travelers before booking, and explain below what to expect. ## Strasbourg: the capital of Christmas Strasbourg has held its Christkindelsmärik since 1570, on Place Broglie since 1871, which makes it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. In 2026 it opens on Friday, November 27 (2 pm to 9 pm that day), then runs daily from 11 am to 9 pm until Thursday, December 24, when it closes at 6 pm. No chalets open on December 25. The markets are spread over the Grande Île, the old town on its river island: Place Broglie, the cathedral square, and Place Kléber, where the Great Christmas Tree stands above a village of about 110 charities. Cars are not allowed on the Grande Île while the market is open, and there are checks at the bridges, so plan to arrive by tram or on foot and leave your bags at the hotel first. **Our advice:** stay on or next to the Grande Île, start at the cathedral square at 11 am, and keep an afternoon for the quieter Petite France quarter. Strasbourg is about 1 hour 45 minutes from Paris Gare de l'Est by TGV. ## Colmar, the wine villages and Mulhouse Colmar spreads six markets through its old town from November 23 to December 29, 2026: Place des Dominicains, the old customs house (Ancienne Douane), the indoor market in the Koïfhus, Place Jeanne d'Arc, a children's market in Little Venice and a food market on rue de la Montagne Verte. Hours are 11 am to 7 pm Monday to Thursday and 10 am to 8 pm Friday to Sunday. Colmar is one of the few major French markets open on Christmas Day, from 10 am to 8 pm, and its food market and Ferris wheel stay until January 3. Around Colmar, the wine villages hold smaller markets: **Kaysersberg** on weekends only, in the Arsenal courtyard and behind the church; **Eguisheim**, daily but closed December 24 to 26; **Riquewihr**; and the medieval market in **Ribeauvillé**, with costumed performers and wild boar on the spit, on two weekends in December. The villages have no useful train service, so we send our travelers with a driver and a wine tasting. Our [Alsace Christmas markets guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/alsace-christmas-markets) covers each one in detail. **Mulhouse**, south of Colmar, runs its market from November 20 to December 27, 2026 around the Temple Saint-Étienne. The city was built on textiles and commissions a new Christmas fabric every year: in 2026 it is called "Jardin d'Hiver", and it dresses the stalls and the streets. ## Metz, Nancy and Montbéliard - **Metz:** November 20 to December 30, 2026, spread through the city center, open until 9 pm (10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays) and closed on December 25. New in 2026, the Lac aux Cygnes has winter fountain shows. - **Nancy:** the city celebrates Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Lorraine, from November 20, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The festivities are on France's national inventory of intangible heritage, and the high point is the Grand Défilé, a parade of floats, on Saturday, December 5, 2026. It is the French counterpart to Germany's Advent traditions, and children love it. - **Montbéliard:** the Lumières de Noël runs from November 21 to December 24, 2026, with Switzerland as the guest of honor, and is again nominated in the public vote for the best Christmas market in Europe. It sits between Alsace and Burgundy, on the high-speed line from Strasbourg toward Lyon. ## Lyon: the Festival of Lights and Place Carnot Lyon's Fête des Lumières runs from Saturday, December 5 to Tuesday, December 8, 2026, in the evenings (7 pm to 11 pm, and 6 pm to 10 pm on Sunday, December 6). Light installations cover the old town, the riverbanks and the squares, and families put candles in their windows on December 8. It is the busiest weekend of the year in Lyon, so book the hotel first and plan the rest around it. Our [Lyon Festival of Lights guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/lyon-festival-of-lights) explains where to stay and how to see it without fighting the crowds. The Lyon Christmas market on Place Carnot, by Perrache station, runs from November 20 to December 24, 2026, and closes early during the festival nights. Lyon is about 2 hours from Paris by TGV, and a direct train from Strasbourg takes about 3 hours 45 minutes, so Alsace and Lyon combine well. ## Annecy and the Alps Annecy's Noël des Alpes runs daily from November 26, 2026 to January 3, 2027, with chalets along the lake quays to the Jardins de l'Europe and an ice rink. It is the place to combine a market with snow: the ski resorts of Haute-Savoie are within reach, and our French Christmas in 7 Days trip ends with three nights of skiing in Val d'Isère after Colmar and Lyon. ## Provence: santons instead of chalets Provence celebrates Christmas differently. Instead of chalets and mulled wine, it has santon fairs: santons are small clay figures for the Provençal nativity scene, with the baker, the shepherd and the fishwife next to the Holy Family. - **Marseille:** the Foire aux Santons on the Vieux-Port is in its 224th edition, from November 14, 2026 to January 3, 2027. The first one was held in 1803. - **Aix-en-Provence:** the Christmas market and the santon fair both run from November 13 to December 31, 2026, with an international market of Aix's twin towns from December 2 to 6. - **Arles:** the Salon International des Santonniers, founded in 1958, runs from November 14, 2026 to January 10, 2027, daily from 10 am to 6 pm except December 25 and January 1, for EUR 2 (about $2.30). The weather is milder than in Alsace, and a santon bought from the maker is a better souvenir than most market ornaments. Paris to Marseille is about 3 hours by TGV. ## Paris and Reims: what to expect **Paris** has Christmas markets every year, usually in the Tuileries Garden, at La Défense and near Notre-Dame, but they are smaller and more commercial than in Alsace. In 2026 the Tuileries market, with about 95 chalets and rides, runs from November 14 to January 3, 2027, according to the City of Paris. What Paris does well in December is the lights: the Champs-Élysées, the department-store windows on Boulevard Haussmann and the giant tree under the dome of the Galeries Lafayette, a yearly tradition. We treat Paris as the first or last two nights of a Christmas trip, not the main event. **Reims** holds a large market a few minutes' walk from the cathedral every year and is about 45 minutes from Paris by TGV, which makes it an easy day of Champagne cellars and Christmas lights. Its 2026 dates were not yet published on the official sites we checked. ## Getting between the French markets by train | Route | Fastest train, about | | --- | --- | | Paris to Strasbourg | 1 hour 45 minutes (TGV) | | Strasbourg to Colmar | 26 minutes (regional train) | | Colmar to Basel | 45 minutes | | Strasbourg to Lyon | 3 hours 45 minutes, direct | | Paris to Lyon | 2 hours (TGV) | | Paris to Reims | 45 minutes (TGV) | | Paris to Marseille | 3 hours 5 minutes (TGV) | TGV seats are always reserved, and SNCF limits luggage to two suitcases and one small bag per person, each with a name label, with fines for extra bags. We book first class and, where the hotel is far from the station, a private transfer. Our [Christmas markets by train](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/christmas-markets-by-train) guide compares the rail routes across France, Germany and Switzerland, and our [German Christmas markets guide](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/german-christmas-markets) covers the markets across the Rhine. ## Three French Christmas trips we design 1. **Alsace, 5 to 6 days:** two nights in Strasbourg, three in Colmar, a day with a driver in the wine villages, and Basel's market as an option. 2. **French Christmas, 7 days:** Colmar and the villages, a night in Lyon at the InterContinental Hôtel-Dieu with dinner at Paul Bocuse's restaurant, then three nights in Val d'Isère. This is [French Christmas in 7 Days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/the-magic-of-french-christmas), from EUR 2,099 (about $2,440) per person; we time it for the Festival of Lights on request. 3. **Paris, Alsace and Lyon, 10 days:** Paris, then Strasbourg and Colmar, and Lyon for the festival weekend of December 5 to 8. See our ideas for [France in 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/france/7-days) if your time is shorter. ## Christmas Day and the week after Most French markets close on December 24, and museums and shops shut on December 25. If you are in France for Christmas itself, base yourself in Colmar, where the markets are open on December 25 and until December 29, or in Annecy, Marseille and Arles, which run into January. Our guide to [France in December](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/france-in-december) covers what is open over the holidays. ## Christmas markets with reduced mobility The centers of Strasbourg, Colmar and Lyon's Presqu'île are flat but paved, and the aisles between stalls are narrow and crowded in the evening. Strasbourg's car ban on the Grande Île means drop-offs happen at the edge of the island. SNCF's Assist'enGare service provides free help at stations when booked at least 24 hours ahead, and we arrange it with every train ticket when needed. We choose hotels a short, step-free walk from the markets and plan visits at opening time on weekdays. Tell us which markets you want to see and when you can travel, and Aurélie will [design your French Christmas](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/plan-your-trip), with the hotels by the squares booked first. More guides: [Christmas markets](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/christmas)[Places and regions](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/regions)[Month by month](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/articles/topics/seasons) ## Contents Written by ### [Aurélie](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/aurelie) Travel Designer · France, Belgium, Germany Born in Alsace, lived seven years in Belgium; designs our Christmas market, Alsace and Belgium itineraries. [More about Aurélie](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/team/aurelie) ## Related destinations - [France](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/countries/france) ![Aurélie](/_astro/01M5J4124FN5DD6JD2Q0WWX6TW.CQI-Simg_Z2bSYMr.webp)**Aurélie**Travel Designer Your France trip, planned by Aurélie - Priced itinerary within 48 hours - Free, no commitment - Trains, hotels and guides: we book it all [or call +1 607 354 8869](tel:+16073548869) ## Trips for this guide - [![The magic of French Christmas](/_astro/01M5J4124JE1AS6FJX6HMX3VTN.Dyfvhrac_VXXAc.webp)**French Christmas in 7 Days: Alsace Markets, Lyon & Val d'Isère Skiing**From €2,099 · 7 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/the-magic-of-french-christmas) - [![Belgium, France and Switzerland : a taste of the three countries](/_astro/01M5J4124FNXXY7P1DBQDES34F.2fKLGj47_ZdiuRc.webp)**Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt**From €2,999 · 10 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/belgium-france-and-switzerland) - [![7 days in Nice: Accessible trip](/_astro/01M5J4124VQF6QPD0VP4QXAAY3.BlXaBIyU_ZsWT3U.webp)**Accessible French Riviera in 8 Days: Nice, Monaco, Eze & Grasse**From €1,499 · 8 days](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/7-days-in-nice-accessible-trip-with-4) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the best Christmas market in France? Strasbourg for history and scale: it has run since 1570 and fills the whole old town. Colmar for the setting, with six markets among half-timbered houses and canals, and the wine villages around it. They are 26 minutes apart by train, so most of our travelers see both, with two nights in Strasbourg and three in Colmar. ### When do the Christmas markets in France open in 2026? Most open in the second half of November 2026: Marseille's santon fair on November 14, Metz, Mulhouse and the Lyon market on November 20, Colmar on November 23, Annecy on November 26 and Strasbourg on November 27. Strasbourg closes on December 24, Colmar on December 29, and Annecy and Marseille run to January 3, 2027. ### Are French Christmas markets open on December 25? Strasbourg's are not, and neither are Metz, Mulhouse or Eguisheim. Colmar is open on Christmas Day 2026 from 10 am to 8 pm, and its markets run until December 29. Annecy's Noël des Alpes, Marseille's santon fair and the Arles santon show also stay open over the holidays and into January. ### Is Paris good for Christmas markets? Paris has a few markets, usually in the Tuileries Garden, at La Défense and near Notre-Dame, but they are smaller and more commercial than in Alsace. Paris is better for the lights and the department-store windows. We suggest two nights in Paris at the start or end of a trip, and the markets themselves in Strasbourg and Colmar. ### How do you get from Paris to the Alsace Christmas markets? By TGV from Paris Gare de l'Est to Strasbourg, about 1 hour 45 minutes, then a regional train to Colmar in about 26 minutes. TGV seats are reserved and luggage is limited to two suitcases and one small bag per person. We add private transfers in Strasbourg, where the old town is closed to cars during the market. ## Plan this trip Be inspired by our European itineraries, then let our local travel designers tailor your journey to your interests, preferences and pace. [All itinerary ideas](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages) ![The magic of French Christmas](/_astro/01M5J4124JE1AS6FJX6HMX3VTN.Dyfvhrac_aIbiM.webp) 7 days / 6 nights ### [French Christmas in 7 Days: Alsace Markets, Lyon & Val d'Isère Skiing](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/the-magic-of-french-christmas) Six nights in December: two in Colmar for the markets and wine villages, one at the Hôtel-Dieu in Lyon with dinner at Paul Bocuse, three in Val d'Isère with two full ski days. First-class train, 4- and 5-star hotels. From **€2,099** per person ![Belgium, France and Switzerland : a taste of the three countries](/_astro/01M5J4124FNXXY7P1DBQDES34F.2fKLGj47_ZYyi9B.webp) 10 days / 9 nights ### [Belgium, Alsace & Switzerland by Train in 10 Days: Brussels to Zermatt](https://www.mobeeinternational.com/packages/belgium-france-and-switzerland) Nine nights in three bases, Brussels, Strasbourg and Basel, with guided day trips to Ghent, Bruges, Colmar, Zermatt, Mount Pilatus and Bern. First-class trains and 3-star hotels by the station; a lot of ground covered in one trip. 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