Where To Find The Best Christmas Markets In Paris

Paris, France is an incredible destination year round, but the holidays are a particularly magical time to visit — especially for travelers who enjoy shopping. The City of Lights transforms into a festive wonderland beginning in the middle of November each year. Known as one of the world's top fashion cities, the many designer stores and local boutiques inspire shoppers with enchanting window displays, and the streets are lined with sparkling holiday lights. One of the best ways to experience Paris like a Parisian is by visiting the bustling Christmas markets that begin to spring up around the city in November. 

When visiting the Christmas markets of Paris, you'll find vendors selling handmade art, holiday decorations, tasty treats, and unique gifts of all kinds. They are the perfect place to find a gift for everyone on your Christmas list or treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind treasure to commemorate your trip to Paris. Even if you don't plan on shopping, the markets are an incredible free thing to do. While you're there, you can sip on warm mulled wine and snack on seasonal goodies like roasted chestnuts, French cheeses, and decadent sweets. There are around 15 to 20 different Christmas markets to choose from in Paris, and for most travelers it's impossible to visit them all in one trip. During my recent trip to Paris, I had a few days and a jam-packed itinerary, but I wasn't going to miss out on experiencing the markets. After some extensive research, I narrowed my options to five of the best Christmas markets in Paris.

No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Louvre. It's inarguably one of the best museums to visit in Paris and home to iconic works of art like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and many more. If you're planning on exploring the museum between November 16 and January 5, don't miss the incredible Christmas market located nearby in the Tuileries Garden to the west of the museum. La Magie de Noël, which translates to The Magic of Christmas, feels more like a festival than a market. One of the most popular holiday events in the city, it attracts millions of locals and tourists each year. It's perfect for travelers of all ages — and ideal if you're visiting Paris with kids. You'll be able to enjoy thrilling rides, games, and ice skating.

Shop until you drop at the picturesque white chalet-style booths, pausing to enjoy holiday treats. On a cold evening, hot spiced wine is a delicious and warming delicacy, as is the creamy hot chocolate. There are multiple bars set up serving up crisp glasses of champagne and craft beers from around the world. We were particularly excited to find Delirium Tremens, once banned in the United States and voted one of the best beers in the world, on tap. Snack on gourmet soft pretzels, cups of traditional French onion soup, and sweet roasted nuts as you wander the booths.

Riding the massive ferris wheel at sunset and enjoying panoramic views of Paris was one of the highlights of our trip. If you time it just right, you can watch the sun slip below the horizon and the Eiffel Tower light up for the evening. Admission to the market is free, but food, games, and rides cost extra.

The neighborhood of Montmartre has managed to maintain a quintessential Parisian vibe, and the holiday season is no exception. The annual Christmas market is the perfect excuse to explore all of the charming cobblestone streets, cute cafés, and historical sites that the area has to offer. It's one of the smaller markets in Paris, but the chic surroundings and cozy neighborhood feel of Montmartre make it one of the loveliest.

You'll find the market surrounding a carousel in the Place des Abbesses square. It's free to visit and runs from November 23 until December 29. Shop around the booths — there are around a dozen to choose from — and enjoy traditional holiday treats and local Parisian delicacies like champagne and escargot. It's a great place to find cozy winter accessories and holiday gifts. After visiting the Christmas market, carve out some time to climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur (Basilica of the Sacred Heart) where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and then get lost wandering through the hilly streets, stopping for coffee or wine at the picturesque cafés along the way.

Nothing screams Paris like the Eiffel Tower. The monument has stood as a landmark in the city for over 130 years, and it remains the city's most-visited tourist attraction. During the month of December, the area surrounding the Eiffel Tower transforms into a charming Christmas market. You'll find multiple beautifully decorated Christmas trees, great shopping, and tasty vendors selling French cuisine.

There are about 50 of the traditional chalet-style booths selling a little bit of everything, but the market is especially great for foodies. Sample traditional French cuisine from chalets and food trucks or sip on a hot mulled wine called vin chaud. Enchanting Christmas lights are strung overhead, and the iconic Iron Lady towers above. Due to its location, this market may be more touristy and busy than some of the others on our list, but if you're looking for the perfect photo for your Christmas card with views of the Eiffel Tower, it can't be beat. After shopping, climb the steps to the second level for the best views from the Eiffel Tower. The market opens around December 7 and runs until January 5.

La Défense Marché de Noël is the largest Christmas market in Paris and one of the first to open. It starts on November 14 and runs through December 29. The market consists of around 200 vendors in booths that resemble picturesque chalets, making it the perfect destination for serious shoppers looking to pick up one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts for loved ones back home. You'll find the market in the heart of the business district of Paris at the Esplanade de la Défense station, which is easily reached on the Metro from anywhere in Paris. There are all kinds of amazing artisan goods from around the world, including leather purses and clothes. You'll also find fun Christmas decor and unique toys for little ones.

When you aren't shopping until you drop, you can enjoy various holiday treats, seasonal citrus fruits, spiced eggnog, and champagne while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Kids can pose with Santa, and adults who stay late can enjoy music from live DJs. It's a great one-stop shop for anyone on your Christmas list. Since this is a larger market, make sure to carve out plenty of time to browse.

Nestled in a pretty park a short walk from the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, you'll find the adorable Marché de Noel Notre Dame. It's considered by many to be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Paris, and the location can't be beat. The 5th arrondissement of Paris, where the market is located, is known for historic architecture and cultural attractions. It's home to the Latin Quarter – one of the oldest neighborhoods in Paris. Narrow cobblestone streets are lined with shops and cafés, and you'll find wonderful museums, epic cathedrals, and book stalls where you can pass time on the River Seine like a Paris local.

The market is in a public park called Square René Viviani situated next to the Saint-Julien-le-Pauvre Church — one of the oldest churches in Paris constructed in the 12th century. Within the park, the oldest tree in Paris has grown for over 400 years. Marché de Noel Notre Dame is the perfect place to shop for high-end Christmas gifts like cashmere scarves, cozy sweaters, and other winter accessories. You'll also find a variety of gourmet holiday cuisine perfect for gifting or serving at holiday parties. The market runs from November 29 through December 25. Once you've spent a few days browsing the different Christmas markets, you'll surely find that the holiday season is the best time of year to visit Paris.