Christmas is certainly one of France’s favorite seasons.Streets are lit up, shop windows are decked out in magnificent decorations and markets spring up all over Paris. If you love Christmas markets, if your thing is strolling through the aisles in search of original gifts or hot chocolates, and if distance doesn’t scare you, we’ve found the most beautiful markets near Paris by train. Absolutely magnificent places to see at least once in your life!
The most beautiful Christmas markets near Paris
Hyde Park Christmas Market, London
Very popular in England, the Hyde Park Christmas Market is a huge open-air Santa’s workshop. Enjoy its XXL attractions, gourmet aisles and fully illuminated walkways. A must-see!
📆 November 14 to January 1
The Provins market, a medieval Christmas market
The Provins Christmas market finally opens its doors on December 13, with the promise of a great time, as it does every year. For a whole weekend, you’ll be able to enjoy mulled wine, chocolate-covered waffles and a whole host of winter treats in an absolutely magical setting. It’s the perfect way to get in on the festive spirit ahead of time!
📍Location: Place du Châtel 77160 Provins
📆 Date: December 13-14
🎟️ Admission: free
Cologne Christmas Market, with its red chalets
Easily accessible by train or plane from Paris, this magnificent European city returns once again with its incredible Christmas market. At the foot of an imposing cathedral, 150 red-roofed stalls will be set up, promising a month dedicated to local crafts and gastronomy. The market runs from November 17 to December 23, with extended weekend days to make the most of the festivities.
📍Location: Cologne Christmas Market – Roncalliplatz
📆 Dates: November 17 to December 23, 2025
Budapest Christmas Market, one of Europe’s finest
Its Christmas market has been voted one of the most beautiful in Europe. A flamboyant city at all times of the year, Budapest is particularly transformed during the winter period, when it becomes a veritable Christmas village. For 52 days, you can discover local culinary specialities and stock up on original gifts to put under the tree.
📍Location: Budapest Christmas Market – Vörösmarty Square
📆 Dates: November 14 to December 31, 2025
Bruges Christmas Market, one of the most magical in the world
During the festive season, the pretty Belgian town of Bruges is transformed into an open-air Christmas fairytale . In this magical atmosphere, two distinct markets come to life in the city center, each with its own identity and charm. You can also stroll along its 3.5 km illuminated route around the city. A charming escapade not to be missed!
📍Locations: Bruges Christmas Markets – Grand-Place and Place Simon Stevin
📆 Dates: November 21, 2025 to January 4, 2026
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, the most spectacular
Located on the border between three countries (France, Switzerland and Germany) under a 40-metre-high viaduct, this magnificent craft market surrounded by snow and forest is just magical. Between its dozens of glittering wooden chalets and mulled wine stands, parents and children alike are sure to marvel. The only one of its kind in the world, it’s located at the bottom of a gorge! What’s more, it’s not unusual to hear the roar of the train as it travels along the viaduct… A magical atmosphere, not unlike the world of Harry Potter…
📆 Dates: November 28 to 30
Eguisheim market and authentic village
Just a few minutes from Colmar, Eguisheim, voted one of the most beautiful villages in the world, undergoes a metamorphosis every year in the run-up to Christmas, offering a magical interlude away from the big crowds. With its cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, the village is sure to charm you. Here, you can admire wood-carved decorations and glittering houses, while stocking up on unique gifts! A must-see in Alsace.
📍Location: Eguisheim Christmas Market
📆 Dates: November 28 to December 22, 2025
The 400-year-old Nuremberg market
While it’s hard to say when the first Christmas market was inaugurated, we do know that Nuremberg’s is among the oldest. Since 1628, this historic Christmas market has been lighting up the city throughout December. Known and recognized the world over, it’s a must-see destination for anyone wanting to enjoy the magic of the festive season. This year, take advantage of its 180 authentic chalets, to fill up on treasures and delicacies!
📍Location: Christkindlesmarkt – Hauptmarkt – Nuremberg Christmas Market
📆 Dates: November 28 to December 24, 2025
The Obernai market, charming and authentic
2h30 from Paris, the charming town of Obernai in Alsace is getting ready to host the new edition of its Christmas market dedicated to gastronomy and crafts, from Friday November 28 to Wednesday December 31, 2025. Every winter, Obernai is transformed into a picture-postcard setting. This small Alsatian town, nestled between vineyards and hills, is a must-see during the festive season!
📍Location : Obernai
📆 Dates: November 28 to December 31, 2025