Strasbourg – The Capital of Christmas
Location: Strasbourg, Alsace
Dates: November 27, 2024 – December 27, 2024
Strasbourg’s Christmas market, known as “Christkindelsmärik”, is one of the oldest and most famous in Europe, dating back to 1570. Set in the heart of the city, the market features over 300 stalls spread across the picturesque Place Broglie and surrounding streets, all decorated with twinkling lights and festive ornaments. But it doesn’t end there, with another 12 markets spread throughout the city you have plenty to explore. Place due Chateau and the Advent Village at Square Louise-Weiss are great for the younger ones with thousands of twinkling lights and many workshops and theatre performances.
Family-Friendly Activities:
– Ice skating: Enjoy the ice skating rink in Place du Château, a favorite for both children and adults.
– Carousel rides: Located near the Cathedral, the beautifully decorated carousels are a hit with young children.
– Christmas workshops: Many stalls offer hands-on workshops where kids can make their own Christmas decorations or ornaments.
Food
Indulge in delicious Alsatian specialties such as *bredele* (Christmas cookies), *choucroute* (sauerkraut with sausages), and *vin chaud* (hot mulled wine) for the adults, while children can enjoy roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate and *Flammekueche (Tarte Flambe) a thin, crispy Alsatian pizza like dish topped with cream onions and bacon.
Colmar – A Fairytale Christmas in Alsace
Location: Colmar, Alsace
Dates: 26 November 2024 – 29 December 2024
Colmar, often described as one of the most picturesque towns in France, becomes a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season. The town is adorned with beautiful lights, and its Christmas market is spread across six different locations, each offering a unique experience.
Family-Friendly Activities
– Boat tours: Take a magical boat ride along the canals of Colmar’s old town, with the festive lights reflecting on the water.
– Storytelling for children: Visit the children’s area, where local storytellers bring Christmas tales to life.
– Sleigh rides: Hop on a horse-drawn sleigh for a scenic ride through the streets.
– Letters to Santa: make sure you head for the giant yellow mailbox at the Petite Venise Children’s Christmas market where they can post their letters to Santa. There is also a children’s area with fun activities and vendors selling various kinds of toys.
Food
Savor *flammekueche* (Alsatian pizza), grilled sausages, and *kougelhopf* (a traditional Alsatian cake). The children will love the warm, sweet waffles gingerbread and chocolate treats.
Paris – The City of Lights and Christmas Magic
Location: Paris, Île-de-France
Dates: 22 November 2024 – 7 January 2025
The iconic Christmas markets of Paris, especially the one at *Champs-Elysées* and *La Défense*, provide a perfect mix of festive shopping, delicious food, and fun for the whole family. With Paris being known as the “City of Lights,” it transforms into a glittering wonderland during the holidays.
Family-Friendly Activities:
– Ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde: Enjoy a ride on the huge Ferris wheel with incredible views of the city’s holiday lights.
– Santa Claus meet-and-greet: Many markets feature visits from Father Christmas, which is a delightful experience for young children.
– Children’s workshops and performances: Several markets offer arts and crafts activities for kids, as well as live entertainment such as puppet shows and carolers.
Food:
From *crêpes* and *gaufres* (waffles) to gourmet hot chocolate, Paris’s markets are filled with tasty treats. Don’t forget to try *bûche de Noël* (Yule log cake), a traditional French Christmas dessert.
Lyon – A Festival of Lights and Christmas Cheer
Location: Lyon, Rhône-Alpes
Dates: 25 November 2024 – 24 December 2024
Lyon’s Christmas market, located at the Place de la Croix-Rousse, is smaller but just as charming. The city is famous for its annual *Fête des Lumières* (Festival of Lights), which coincides with the holiday season. This year the Festival of Lights (4-8 December) is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary. If you want to experience the event the traditional way, follow the ‘montée aux flambeaux’, a procession beginning each year at around 6:30 pm, from the square in front of Lyon Cathedral up to the basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière on the eponymous hill.
The combination of festive markets and stunning light displays makes Lyon an unforgettable family destination during Christmas.
Family-Friendly Activities:
– Light displays: Stroll through the city’s beautiful light installations that make the entire town feel like a fairytale. At Sergent-Blandan park, for example, kids can let loose at the Boum de lumières (Party of Lights) starting at 5:30 pm. Get ready to dance, create or play in a magical fairground atmosphere.
– Toy train rides: Kids can enjoy a miniature train ride through the market area.
– Christmas parades: Lyon often hosts festive parades and performances that delight both adults and children.
Food:
Lyon is renowned for its culinary delights. At the Christmas market, enjoy local specialties such as *quenelles* (dumplings) and *pralines* (candied almonds). There are also plenty of holiday sweets, including *marrons glacés* (candied chestnuts) and *tarte aux noix* (nut tart).
Montbéliard – A Hidden Gem in Franche-Comté
Location: Montbéliard, Franche-Comté
Dates: 25 November 2024 – 24 December 2024
Montbéliard’s Christmas market, known as *Le Marché de Noël de Montbéliard*, is one of the most beautiful and family-oriented in France. Set in the town’s medieval center, the market is a magical place to explore with young children, featuring charming wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and festive decorations.
Family-Friendly Activities:
– Giant Christmas tree: Admire the towering Christmas tree at the heart of the market, decorated with thousands of lights.
– Santa’s House: Children can visit Santa in his cozy house, where they can chat with him about their Christmas wishes.
– Christmas carousels: The market features several traditional carousels, which are always a favorite among kids.
Food:
Try hearty regional dishes such as *potée* (a rich stew) or *saucisse de Montbéliard* (smoked sausage). For dessert, enjoy a slice of *pain d’épices* (spiced bread) or a warm, spiced drink like *vin chaud*.
Special mention to the Dordogne
We know this was our top five but we couldn’t post without a special mention to the Dordogne. Whilst it is well known for having 1001 Chateaux, at this time of year, its reputation for having a great many Christmas markets is also growing. The markets are popular with locals and tourists alike and a fabulous way to get into the festive spirit.
Sarlat
Sarlat has one of the most popular Christmas markets and it always starts early in December, this year on the 4th and continues all the way through until the 31st December. There are over 70 cabin/chalets including 12 food cabins which are centred in the “Place Bistronomique”. Each year a different country is chosen as the theme and this year it is Italy. There is also an ice rink. Perigueux and Bergerac also have Christmas Markets that span most of the month of December.
Even the smaller villages are now holding annual Christmas markets. In the south of the Dordogne, the afternoon/evening Christmas market held in the bastide square in the village of Eymet has become a must do in the lead up to Christmas with animations and stalls and the many bars and restaurants all getting into the festive spirit. This year it is on the 14th December from 15.00 until 21.00
France’s Christmas markets offer something for everyone, especially families. From the world-renowned market in Strasbourg to the fairy-tale atmosphere of Colmar, each destination provides unique experiences, festive cheer, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy delicious food and fun activities. Whether you’re ice skating in Strasbourg, riding carousels in Paris, or marveling at the lights in Lyon, these markets will make your family Christmas unforgettable.
If are planning on exploring the magic of the French Christmas markets then check out our full selection of self catering rental accommodation located throughout France. Book direct with the owners and take advantage of their local knowledge.