It’s no secret that France is one of the most iconic places in the world to experience Christmas. But with a country full of charming towns and festive markets, deciding where to go is no small task. We’ve done the hard work for you, selecting the 6 best destinations for a Christmas trip to France, and at the end of this guide, you’ll find two custom itineraries.
Choosing to leave your cherished holiday traditions behind is a risk not to be taken lightly. But when the destination is France, it’s a gamble that pays off in a thousand magical ways. Here are our top five reasons you should consider a Christmas in France:
Festive spirit everywhere: Glittering lights, soaring trees, and a Christmas market in practically every square.
Seasonal indulgence: Bûche de Noël, oysters, foie gras, roasted chestnuts, vin chaud—you’ll eat like a royal.
Winter wonderland activities: Ski in the Alps, cruise the Garonne in Bordeaux, and stroll cobblestoned streets with a warm drink in hand.
Christmas markets that rival storybooks: Colmar and Strasbourg are straight out of a fairytale, and Paris, Lyon, and Reims put on a show of their own.
The best of both worlds: Festivities start in early December, so you can soak up all that magic and still be home to celebrate the big day with family.
What Weather to Expect For Christmas in France
Christmas weather in France varies by region. Paris and Reims are cool and damp, Bordeaux is milder, Lyon and Alsace are colder (with a chance of snow), and Chamonix is full-on winter. No matter where you go, you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors. Pack those warm layers!
From the majestic boulevards of Paris to the snow-covered Alps, this list has a little bit of everything. The one thing they all have in common is this: they’re incredible places to spend Christmas in France.
Christmas in Paris, France
To put it bluntly, Paris isn’t the most magical place on this list for Christmas. Yet, I’ve still given it the top spot. Why? First, it’s an easy place to kickstart a longer Christmas trip in France, and second, it’s an iconic city that literally sparkles in December. Where else can you climb the Eiffel Tower, admire the Mona Lisa, and then wander Christmas markets with mulled wine in hand?
Christmas Markets in Paris
On average, Paris sets up 15 to 20 Christmas markets every year. Tempting as it sounds, cramming them all in isn’t the way to go. You’re better off picking a couple of favorites and letting the rest unfold naturally. You’ll almost certainly run into a few smaller markets while exploring anyway, and those often end up being the most memorable.
Marché de Noël des Tuileries: A large and popular market located in the Jardin des Tuileries, offering a wide array of crafts, food, and even a funfair with an ice rink.
Notre-Dame de Paris Christmas market: Situated in Square Viviani, this market focuses on handmade French crafts and is known for its beautiful setting with the cathedral in the background.
La Défense Christmas Market: The largest Christmas market in the Île-de-France region, with over 300 chalets offering a huge variety of gifts, food, and festive entertainment.
Best Things to Do in Paris in December
December is an excellent time to enjoy the less-crowded must-sees between market visits and cozy meals. For a full breakdown, check out our article on How to Spend Christmas in Paris.
Paris may be well connected by metro, but in December it’s best to stay central so you’re not stuck with long commutes in the cold. Neighborhoods like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés make it easy to pop back to your hotel for a rest or wardrobe change.
Maison Proust ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Le Marais • Terrace • Sauna
Luxurious hotel opened in 2023 with fabulous communal spaces and a Turkish spa.
While many guides point to Strasbourg and Mulhouse for a classic Christmas in France, I’m here to tell you that Colmar is the true gem. Instead of a bustling city, you get an enchanting town that goes all out with its decorations, turning every alley into a breathtaking Christmas card. It’s also incredibly convenient: not only is it a simple two-hour train ride from Paris, but its central location allows you to easily hop on trains to visit the famous markets in Strasbourg, Mulhouse, and Basel, or explore the charming, less crowded markets in the surrounding villages.
Christmas Markets in Colmar
Colmar’s entire Old Town transforms into a Christmas market, with stalls tucked along cobbled streets, garlands strung across canals, and lights everywhere in between. In addition, you can head to Place Rapp, the town’s large park, which gets a festive “do-up” of its own.
From Colmar, it’s easy to explore more festive markets nearby:
Strasbourg: Only a 30-minute train ride away, Strasbourg is home to one of Europe’s largest and most famous Christmas markets.
Mulhouse: After an even quicker train ride from Colmar, you’ll be enjoying spiced wine with views of the city’s magnificent church.
Basel, Switzerland: Take a train across the border to Switzerland and seek out the city’s many Christmas markets.
Eguisheim: A small Alsatian village just outside of Colmar with a cozy, storybook-style market.
Things to Do in Alsace for Christmas
The magic of Christmas in Alsace extends well beyond Colmar, with plenty to explore in the surrounding region.
Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Take a boat tour through “Little Venice” to see the decorations from the water.
Taste regional specialties like tarte flambée and bredele cookies.
Go wine tasting at one of the many vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route.
Catch a local hockey game in Colmar, Mulhouse, or Strasbourg.
Where to Stay in Colmar for Christmas
We recommend staying just outside of the historical town center of Colmar. It’ll give you a bit of breathing room from the crowds that show up at night, and you’ll still be able to walk to the train station for easy day trips.
Hôtel Le Rapp ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Indoor Pool • Sauna • Old Town
A perfect base for exploring, it’s just a short walk to the main Christmas market and has a lovely indoor pool.
After a classic white Christmas? Head to Chamonix. Nestled at the foot of Mont Blanc, this Alpine town feels made for the season—snow-dusted chalets, endless ski slopes, and mountain views straight out of a snow globe. It’s the perfect spot for days spent outdoors and evenings indulging in rich French comfort food.
Christmas Markets in Chamonix
The entire town center turns festive in December, so you’ll never have to wander far to find a stall serving up vin chaud. The market itself is on the smaller side compared to others on this list, but it’s hard to care when you’re browsing with the stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc.
Best Things to Do in Chamonix in December
Whether you want to be active or prefer a more relaxing getaway, Chamonix has plenty for you.
Go snowshoeing or ice climbing for a new kind of adventure.
Sip hot chocolate (or vin chaud) at a cozy après-ski chalet.
Relax in heated pools and enjoy a massage after a day of mountain activities.
Where to Stay in Chamonix for Christmas
Chamonix is a small town, but walking across it in winter is no small feat. We recommend staying as close to the town center as possible to be near the shops, restaurants, and ski lifts. If you’re looking for a more peaceful, luxurious stay, consider a chalet in a quieter village nearby, like Megève.
La Folie Douce Hotels Chamonix ⭐⭐⭐⭐
DJ Sets • Outdoor Pool • Ski-In Access
Steps from the slopes and featuring live music, dinner shows, and multiple restaurants, this hotel is ideal for skiers who love energy.
You might think of Bordeaux as a summer escape, but its quieter, festive side is a reason to visit all on its own. While Paris, Alsace, and Chamonix get crowded, Bordeaux offers a more relaxed Christmas experience. It’s the perfect place for a leisurely wine tasting, a festive stroll through the city, and a calm, cozy holiday.
Christmas Markets in Bordeaux
Bordeaux’s main market lines the Allées de Tourny, a grand, tree-lined avenue between Place des Quinconces and the Grand Théâtre in the very center. You’ll find long rows of wooden chalets and a great mix of artisan gifts and regional treats. On weekends, look for smaller markets in nearby wine villages like Saint-Émilion and Cadillac.
Best Things to Do in Bordeaux in December
Bordeaux in December is all about good food and wine. Enjoy slow strolls through the city, and keep your eye out for quaint wine bars to pop into.
Bordeaux is easy to get around on foot or by tram, so when it comes to where to stay in Bordeaux, you’ll want to be located in the city center. We recommend staying in the Triangle d’Or neighborhood, which is home to the Grand Théâtre and some of the best shops and restaurants.
Château Hôtel Grand Barrail ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Countryside • Spa • Vineyards
A majestic château surrounded by vineyards, offering sumptuously decorated rooms and a tranquil spa for ultimate relaxation.
Considering Lyon is France’s food capital, it only makes sense that in December, the city really takes it up a notch. The center is compact, the market at Place Carnot is easy to pair with sightseeing, and there’s always a warm table waiting when you’re done. It suits couples and friends who want simple logistics, great value, and a city that rewards slow, tasty days.
Christmas Markets in Lyon
Lyon’s main Christmas market is located in Place Carnot and features over 140 chalets with a wide array of local products, artisan crafts, and delicious food. There are also smaller maker markets and pop-up stores in Croix-Rousse and the Presqu’île that make for great browsing.
Best Things to Do in Lyon in December
From stunning light displays to culinary tours, here’s how to make the most of your December trip to Lyon.
Fête des Lumières
Attend the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), a mesmerizing four-day event in early December.
Lyon is a large city, but it’s easy to explore on foot and by metro. We recommend staying in either the Presqu’île or Vieux Lyon neighborhoods. The Presqu’île is the heart of the city and home to most of the main attractions, while Vieux Lyon is the historic old town, famous for its hidden passageways and Renaissance architecture.
Mercure Lyon Centre Plaza République ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Great Location • Modern • Bar
A perfect home base for couples, offering a modern vibe and a bar within walking distance of Vieux Lyon.
Looking for a Christmas in France with more than a touch of elegance? Reims, the capital of the Champagne region, is your ideal winter destination. The city is home to a world-class cathedral and legendary Champagne houses, but what really makes it special is its giant Christmas market. It’s a great place for couples and groups who want to mix festive cheer with sophisticated tastings and beautiful history.
Christmas Markets in Reims
Reims’ main Christmas market is set around the cathedral and Place d’Erlon, with over 140 stalls selling everything from regional delicacies to handcrafted gifts. You’ll also find smaller festive spots scattered throughout the city, including food stands where Champagne flows as freely as vin chaud.
Best Things to Do in Reims in December
Reims for Christmas is all about history, bubbly, and festive fun.
Mumm Champagne House
Browse the city’s large Christmas market on the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter.
Enjoy a glass of Champagne from the top of the Ferris wheel for a unique view.
Take a tour and tasting at one of the city’s prestigious Champagne houses, like Veuve Clicquot or Mumm.
Reims is a small, walkable city, and it’s best to stay near the city center to be close to the main attractions. We recommend staying near the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter or Place d’Erlon, as this will put you right in the middle of the Christmas action and a short walk from the train station.
La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Indoor Pool • Champagne Bar • Cathedral Views
A converted firehouse with a spa and indoor pool, just a minute’s walk from the cathedral.
When you visit France in December, you’ll come across a lot of new words and foods, and knowing what’s what will make the experience even better.
Marché de Noël: The Christmas market. This is where you’ll find festive stalls selling food, gifts, and drinks.
Joyeux Noël: Merry Christmas!
Vin chaud: Literally “hot wine,” this is France’s version of mulled wine, a must-have for a cold day.
Bûche de Noël: The traditional Yule log cake, a rich and festive dessert.
Le Réveillon: The main Christmas Eve feast, a multi-course dinner often lasting for hours.
Huîtres: Oysters. A common and delicious part of the Christmas Eve dinner.
Foie gras: A French delicacy of fattened duck or goose liver, often served as an appetizer.
Dinde aux Marrons: Turkey stuffed with chestnuts, a classic Christmas main course.
Pain d’épices: Gingerbread, often sold in beautiful shapes and designs at markets.
Galette des Rois: “King’s cake,” a pastry with a small trinket inside, traditionally eaten in early January to celebrate Epiphany.
How to Pair These for the Ultimate Christmas Trip to France
France’s high-speed rail network makes it remarkably easy to travel between cities. With a little planning, you can pair two or three destinations together for a Christmas in France that mixes big-city sparkle, cozy small-town charm, and maybe even a snowy Alpine escape.
France Christmas Itinerary #1: Paris → Reims → Colmar:
Paris → Reims → Colmar
Ideal for culture and wine lovers who want elegance without the rush: Paris for art and lights, Reims for chalk-cellar tastings, and Colmar for markets that feel like a living Advent calendar. It’s cozy, candlelit, and heavy on festive browsing. You’ll wrap in Paris refreshed rather than wiped out.
France Christmas Itinerary #2: Paris → Lyon → Chamonix
Paris → Lyon → Chamonix
Start with museums and window displays in Paris, eat your way through bouchons and Les Halles in Lyon, then finish under Mont Blanc with skiing and spa time. From Chamonix, either hop to Geneva Airport for an easy flight out or take the train back to Paris for one last night of lights.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping vin chaud in Alsace, skiing under Mont Blanc, or raising a glass of Champagne in Reims, Christmas in France feels unforgettable wherever you go. The key is picking the destinations that match your style—and now you’ve got six of the best to choose from, plus itineraries to make it simple. However you plan it, December in France is the kind of trip that stays with you long after the lights come down.
Keep your planning momentum going with these articles:
