The 10 best Christmas markets in Paris for 2024

November 14 - December 29

The La Défense Christmas market is a super-sized winter village, where crowds flock for mulled wine and artisanal treats, all while the scent of roasted chestnuts wafts through the air. With 350 stands, an open-air ice rink (open from November 22), and enough twinkling lights to dazzle you, it’s a true festive extravaganza. On the food side, indulge in gooey raclette, warm pretzels, and freshly made waffles, and enjoy the blissful scent of cinnamon and mulled wine. Stroll through, splurge on artisanal trinkets you don’t really need (‘tis the season after all), and bask in the glittering lights and decorations. This year, the market will also host Destination Quebec City as the guest of honour, with six themed displays showcasing the best of Quebec’s culture.

Marché de Noël sur le Parvis de la Défense
Parvis de la Défense 92400 Paris La Défense
Metro: Esplanade de la Défense, La Défense - Grande Arche  

November 29 - December 15

Get ready to be impressed by the 42nd edition of the Alsatian Christmas market. As always, it will take place on the forecourt of Gare de l'Est and this year, it will be held from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 15 2024. This is your chance to fill your basket with the region's finest seasonal specialities, all without having to leave Paris. Expect to savour sausages, sauerkraut, and pastrami from Geismar Charcuterie (in Turckheim), as well as Munster cheese from the Christlesgut farm and inn in Breitenbach. Then, it’s time to indulge in pretzels and traditional regional treats, such as bredele biscuits, or kouglof (a kind of bundt cake) from Maison Alsacienne du Biscuit, and gingerbread from Fortwenger. And to wash it all down? Alsatian wines, of course – Grands Crus, crémant d’Alsace, riesling, gewurztraminer, pinot noir – as well as eaux-de-vie and whisky. What better way to fend off the chill?

Marché de Noël alsacien à la gare de l'Est
Gare de l'Est, Place du 11 novembre 1918, 75010
Metro: Gare de l'Est

November 22 – January 10

The Mail Branly Christmas market in Paris may be small, but the location right by the Eiffel Tower makes it a wonderful place to tap into some festive cheer. Keep your hands warm with a cup of mulled wine or cider while shopping for artisanal wooden products and hand-sewn gifts, all while the iconic tower twinkles in the background.

Marché de Noël du Mail Branly
Du pont de l'Alma au pont de Bir Hakeim 75007 
Metro: Alma - Marceau

November 30 – December 1

In the forecourt of Saint-Lazare station, this Christmas market is composed of a collection of pop-up shops offering original and unique productions, all with the prestigious 'Made in France' tag. The perfect place to shop for handmade gifts.

Marché de Noël de la Gare Saint-Lazare
13 rue d'Amsterdam 75008
Metro: Saint-Lazare

November 29 – December 1

The Swedish Christmas market, organised annually by the Swedish Church in Paris in the Plaine-de-Monceaux neighbourhood, transports visitors straight to snowy Sweden – all without leaving the 17th arrondissement (think of it as travelling on a budget, if you like). Here, you'll find the same hot dogs that you’d get at Ikea (true connoisseurs know they’re something special), as well as other Nordic delicacies: pickled herring, smoked salmon, rye bread, lingonberry jams, and more. Flickering candles, the scent of gingerbread wafting through the air, and waffle stands are just a bonus. The food is so good you might even forget to shop, but if you do, you’ll be rewarded with excellent finds, including cutlery worthy of the finest Scandinavian chefs.

Le marché de Noël suédois/Swedish Christmas Market
l'Église suédoise de Paris, 9 Rue Médéric, 75017 Paris
Metro: Courcelles

December 7 & 8

For the 2024 edition of Shizen (which means ‘nature’ in Japanese), more than 80 exhibitors will showcase all facets of Japanese arts and crafts. Expect to find illustrations, teas, design and décor items, vintage goods, clothing, kimonos, and a generous selection of sake. There will also be a DIY corner where you can create your own gifts. Beyond shopping, Shizen offers an immersive dive into Japanese culture: enjoy local cuisine, participate in panel discussions, watch theatre performances, dance to house music with the Hanabi collective, relax in hot baths or a sauna, and listen to songs from Miyazaki films (composed by the brilliant Joe Hisaishi) performed by a symphony orchestra.

Shizen Japanese Christmas Market
Cité Fertile, 14 avenue Edouard-Vaillant, 93500 Pantin
Metro: Quatre Chemins/Hoche

December 1

After its back-to-school sale, Paris Loves Vinyl (one of Europe’s largest vinyl fairs) has announced the date for its 13th and final edition of the year: Sunday December 1 2024, at Espace Reuilly in the 12th arrondissement. The entry fee remains the same: for €6.50, from 10am to 6pm, enthusiasts will have access to over 100,000 vinyl records to dig through, spread across the bins of 70 vendors from all across the continent, offering records from all styles and eras. Notable names include: A1 Records, the legendary New York hip-hop record shop that opened a Paris branch last year; 45 Scientific, the label behind Lunatic’s albums; Beers & Records, Montreuil-based crate diggers with a love for vinyl and craft beer; Betino’s, Paris’ haven for Black music; and Vinylspot, the Dutch Mecca for jazz records.

Paris Loves Vinyl Christmas Fair
Espace Reuilly, 1 rue Riesener, Paris 12e
Metro: Montgalet

December 6-7

Every year, the Le Hasard Ludique cultural centre hosts a number of Parisian Christmas markets. Of the three events scheduled this year, we’ve singled out the one on December 7-8, organised by Grrrande, which will showcase artists from queer communities. While the full list of stalls which will fill the 300m platform hasn’t been announced yet, you can expect illustrations, crochet pieces, ceramics, and textiles. There will also be concerts and DJ sets to keep you dancing between purchases.

Grrrande Marché de Noël
Hasard Ludique, 128 avenue de Saint-Ouen, Paris 18e
Metro: Porte de Saint-Ouen

December 12-15

Following a smaller, winter-themed version of their big vintage sale, Trashtalk and So Foot will host their Incredible Christmas Sports Pop-Up from December 12-15 in a gallery in the Sentier district. The starting line-up remains familiar: about ten exhibitors offering sports merchandise across all disciplines. You might walk away with a brand-new shirt from your favourite football club, a Lens scarf celebrating their 1998 French championship, or a Spurs jersey from Victor Wembanyama. A great (and pain-free) way to score some gifts for the vintage lovers in your life.

Incroyable Pop-Up Sport de Noël
23 rue du Sentier, Paris 2e
Metro: Sentier

December 15

More than 60 stalls are set to fill Ground Control (an enormous warehouse space formerly used for sorting post near the Gare du Lyon train station), with all the wares exclusively crafted by female artisans and artists. Socially-conscious Christmas shoppers will be able to browse gifts, art, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, books and more, all while being entertained by performer Typhaine D.

Marché de Noel féministe
81, rue du Charolais, 75012
Metro: Gare de Lyon