The most famous is undoubtedly the Strasbourg Christmas market, the oldest in France. The whole historic center transforms into a festive village, with Place Broglie at the heart of the event and closely connected with other main squares: Place de la Gare, Rue de la Comédie, Place de la Cathédrale, and Place Klébler.
According to French legend, the first Christmas trees were decorated here using handmade paper flowers and whatever shiny items could be found at home. To renew this tradition each year, a huge Christmas tree is set up in Place Klébler.
At the Strasbourg Christmas market, visitors can browse and buy traditional Alsatian crafts and Christmas treats like bredle (buttery cookies flavored with ginger, almonds, or chocolate), marzipan pigs, man-shaped brioches, and the famous pommes d’amour—beautiful candy apples.
The streets sparkle with festive lights, guiding visitors through the market towards the Cathedral, where themed concerts add to the magical atmosphere.
In Alsace, the Colmar Christmas Market is also a standout. The influence of the Dominican Order has given this event a spiritual touch as well as a commercial and traditional one.
The old town comes alive with lights and becomes a magical setting for living nativity scenes, Christmas concerts, and a special mailbox for children’s letters: at this enchanting market, a large postbox awaits messages to Santa Claus.
The Christmas market at Place Jeanne d’Arc faithfully recreates the style of old Alsatian villages, featuring artisanal crafts and a wealth of local seasonal delicacies.
In Petite Venise, there’s the Children’s Christmas Market, a fairytale-inspired space perfect for little ones.
Even Paris has much to offer, with several Paris Christmas markets: from the classic L’Arche de Noël at La Défense to the Christmas market Le Village du Père Noël in Place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the market in Place Saint-Sulpice, the Gare de l’Est Christmas market, and Maison de l’Alsace.
Notable for their uniqueness are the Champs Elysées Christmas Market—whose theme changes every year, inspiring new decorations and ambiance—and the Christmas market at Disney Village in Disneyland Paris, where children can experience a truly magical Christmas.
