Christmas in France means twinkling lights, long festive dinners and some of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
If you are thinking of spending your Christmas holiday abroad in 2026, France has a town for every kind of trip: Strasbourg and Colmar for the classic French Christmas markets, Paris for the lights, Lyon for the Fête des Lumières and Nice or Marseille if you would rather swap snow for sunshine.
Below you will find the 10 best places to celebrate Christmas in France, the nearest airport for each, and the traditions and food that make a French Christmas different from the one at home.
The best places for Christmas in France at a glance
| Place | Best for | Nearest airport |
|---|---|---|
| Paris | Lights, ice rinks and city markets | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) |
| Strasbourg | France's oldest and best-known Christmas market | Strasbourg (SXB) |
| Colmar | A fairytale Christmas town and Alsace villages | Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL/MLH/EAP) |
| Lyon | The Fête des Lumières festival of lights | Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS) |
| Nice | A milder Mediterranean Christmas | Nice Côte d'Azur (NCE) |
| Bordeaux | Wine, food and elegant architecture | Bordeaux-Mérignac (BOD) |
| Lille | A large market and Flemish-style streets | Lille (LIL) |
| Marseille | Provençal traditions and santons | Marseille Provence (MRS) |
| Rouen | A medieval Christmas in Normandy | Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Beauvais (BVA) |
| Annecy | An Alpine lake town, ideal for couples | Geneva (GVA) |
Why you should spend Christmas in France
- Festive atmosphere: France has an irresistible charm at Christmas. Cities and villages are covered in sparkling lights, and every corner looks like a scene from a fairy tale.
- Christmas markets: the UK is spoiled for choice with Christmas markets, but the French take them to another level. Sip mulled wine (vin chaud), shop for unique Christmas gifts and soak up the festive spirit in markets that pop up all over the country.
- Decorations and lights: French cities, Paris in particular, go all out. The Eiffel Tower and the Champs-Élysées are lit up in a dazzling display every December.
What do French people eat at Christmas?
Everyone knows the French love their food, and at Christmas they pull out all the stops. These are the dishes you are most likely to meet:
- Foie gras: a luxurious and controversial delicacy, often served as a starter. It is a rich pâté made from the liver of specially fattened ducks or geese.
- Oysters: a Christmas staple in many French households, especially in coastal regions, usually eaten fresh with a squeeze of lemon.
- Bûche de Noël: the Yule log cake is the must-have dessert, a rolled sponge filled with cream and finished with chocolate or buttercream to look like a log.
- Chapon: roast capon is a festive alternative to turkey, a specially fattened rooster known for its tender meat.
- Fruits de mer: seafood lovers can expect platters of shrimp, crab and lobster served with sharp sauces.
- Raclette or fondue: in the Alps and other mountain regions, a hearty meal of melted cheese with potatoes, charcuterie and pickles is common.
- Champagne and fine wines: no Christmas in France is complete without them. Champagne is the favourite for toasting, and each region pairs the feast with its own wines.
- The 13 desserts of Provence: in Provence it is customary to serve 13 different desserts, symbolising Jesus and the 12 apostles, usually including nuts, dried fruit, nougat and other sweets.
- Calissons: almond-shaped sweets made from ground almonds and candied melon, a favourite at Christmas in the South of France.
- Galette des rois: strictly speaking an Epiphany treat for early January rather than Christmas itself, this puff pastry tart is filled with almond cream and hides a small figurine. Whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day.
Eating your way through these dishes is part of the French Christmas experience. Whether you join a festive feast in a family home or book a table at a traditional French restaurant, you will taste the flavours and culinary traditions that make Christmas in France special.
How is Christmas celebrated in France?
At Christmas, French cities fill with lights and with symbols of the country's Catholic tradition. Expect church and cathedral illuminations, busy Christmas markets, carols and midnight masses.
Public symbols and displays
- Nativity scenes in public spaces: in Provence and Alsace especially, elaborate crèches with santons are displayed not only in homes but also in town squares, churches and town halls.
- Church illuminations: cathedrals such as Notre-Dame in Paris and Strasbourg Cathedral host light shows, choirs and crèche exhibitions.
- Christmas markets (marchés de Noël): festive as they are, their origins are religious, and you will still find nativity figurines, Advent wreaths and carols among the stalls.
- Religious processions: in parts of southern France, especially Provence, villagers stage processions representing the shepherds visiting the Christ Child.
- Midnight mass: families and friends gather in church on Christmas Eve to pray, sing and exchange wishes.
- Public carol singing: choirs perform traditional carols such as Minuit, Chrétiens in squares, churches and markets.
Major Christmas events and celebrations in France
- Strasbourg, the "Capital of Christmas": the city is famous for its giant Christmas tree, nativity trail and concerts in the cathedral.
- Provençal midnight mass with pipers (la messe de minuit au son des tambourins): shepherds enter the church playing flutes and drums, symbolising their journey to Bethlehem.
- Epiphany (6 January): parades and masses mark the visit of the Three Kings to the baby Jesus, often with street decorations and the first galettes des rois of the year.
Now that we have covered French Christmas traditions and food, here is where to go in France this December.
The 10 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in France
1. Paris
Nearest airport: Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG)
Paris, the City of Light, becomes even more enchanting over the Christmas holidays. Climb the Eiffel Tower, or simply stop to photograph its Christmas lights, before wandering up the Champs-Élysées. Go ice skating in front of landmarks like the Hôtel de Ville and the Trocadéro Gardens.
Paris also has a wide range of Christmas markets, including La Défense and Montmartre, where you can find unique Christmas gifts, artisan treats and mulled wine.
Visiting the Christmas markets in Paris
Paris at Christmas has a lot to offer: museums, festive window displays, high-end shopping and, of course, Christmas markets. These are the standouts, and many sit at key spots like the Tuileries or Saint-Germain, so you can combine them with sightseeing.
Opening dates change every year, so check each market's official page (or our full guide on Paris Christmas markets) for the 2026 season before you book.
- La Défense Christmas Market: one of the largest markets in Paris, with hundreds of chalets selling handmade goods, decorations and gourmet food, plus activities for children. Close to public transport and ideal for a full evening.
- Tuileries Garden, "La Magie de Noël": stretching through the garden next to the Louvre, with fairground rides, games, an ice rink and wooden chalets full of crafts and festive treats. Often considered the flagship Christmas market in central Paris.
- Notre-Dame and Square René-Viviani: elegant artisan stalls, regional food, decorations and mulled wine, with the cathedral as a backdrop. Go in the evening, when the lights and Gothic architecture are at their best.
- Eiffel Tower Christmas village: wooden chalets on the Quai Jacques Chirac serving food, drinks and gifts, with the tower's lights as a dramatic backdrop.
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés: a cosy market of around 40 chalets with artisan goods, gourmet gifts and warm drinks. Afterwards, explore the cafés, bookshops and galleries of the neighbourhood.
2. Strasbourg Christmas Market
Nearest airport: Strasbourg Airport (SXB)
Known as the "Capital of Christmas", Strasbourg has the oldest and most famous Christmas market in France.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market dates back to the 16th century and spreads hundreds of chalet-style stalls across the city. Explore Cathedral Square, Place Kléber and the medieval quarter of La Petite France, all decorated with festive lights. Try traditional Alsatian treats like bredele (Christmas biscuits) with a cup of mulled wine.
3. Christmas in Colmar
Nearest airport: Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL/MLH/EAP)
Experience a fairytale Christmas in Colmar, a picturesque town where every street is hung with intricate decorations.
Colmar's Christmas market is spread over several squares, each with its own theme. Wander the Old Town's timber-framed houses, visit the Unterlinden Museum and don't miss the canals of the Little Venice district, beautifully lit throughout the season. Colmar is one of the most famous Christmas towns in France.
Colmar also makes a good base for the Alsace wine villages, which are among the prettiest Christmas villages in France. Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg are all a short drive away and hold small markets of their own in a far more intimate setting than the big cities.
4. Lyon
Nearest airport: Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS)
Lyon's Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) turns the city into a spectacle of light and art in December.
Over four days, light installations, 3D projections and performances fill the city's streets, squares and buildings. Head to Place Bellecour, Parc de la Tête d'Or and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for some of the most impressive displays. Lyon's Christmas markets sell crafts, gourmet food and regional products, so try local specialities like boudin blanc (white sausage) and praline pastries between the light shows.
5. Nice
Nearest airport: Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Escape to the French Riviera for a Mediterranean Christmas in Nice, known for its milder winter weather and festive seafront.
The Promenade des Anglais shimmers with Christmas lights and decorations, and the Christmas market in the heart of the city sells Provençal products, crafts and artisan goods. Take a spin on the big wheel for a view over the festivities, or try the outdoor ice skating rink, a rare chance to skate with the Mediterranean nearby. Enjoy local dishes like socca (chickpea pancake) and tourte aux blettes (chard pie) for a mix of tradition and Riviera charm.
6. Bordeaux
Nearest airport: Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport (BOD)
Bordeaux, a city synonymous with wine, brings a touch of elegance to Christmas.
Beyond the festive Christmas market, explore the city's architecture, including the Place de la Bourse and its Water Mirror. Visit vineyards in the surrounding Bordeaux wine region for tastings and tours, and book a table at one of the city's Michelin-starred restaurants to pair a festive meal with world-class wine. Culture, wine and elegance make Bordeaux a sophisticated choice for Christmas in France.
7. Lille
Nearest airport: Lille Airport (LIL)
Lille's Christmas market, one of the largest in France, is only the beginning of its festive charm.
Flemish architecture and a welcoming atmosphere make the city feel made for December. Beyond the market stalls, explore the Vieille Bourse and the cobbled lanes of Vieux-Lille, then warm up with regional specialities like carbonnade flamande (beef stew) and waffles in a cosy brasserie.
8. Marseille
Nearest airport: Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)
Marseille, often bathed in winter sunshine, puts a Provençal twist on Christmas.
The Old Port comes alive with lights and decorations. Browse the Christmas market at Cours Estienne d'Orves for Provençal crafts and local products, look out for traditional nativity scenes and santons around the city, and try bouillabaisse and navettes biscuits. Mediterranean charm and Provençal traditions make Marseille a warm and inviting Christmas destination.
9. Rouen
Nearest airports: Rouen Airport (URO) has very few scheduled flights, so most visitors fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) or Beauvais (BVA) and continue by train or car.
Rouen, known for its medieval architecture, offers a Christmas steeped in history.
Beyond the festive market, explore the Gothic churches, including Rouen Cathedral, which inspired Monet's famous series of paintings. Visit the Place du Vieux-Marché, where Joan of Arc was executed, and the Joan of Arc Museum to learn about her life. Cobbled streets lit up for Christmas give the city a unique atmosphere, and local dishes like duck confit and apple tart make it a romantic Christmas destination.
10. Annecy
Nearest airport: Geneva Airport (GVA), with Annecy Mont-Blanc Airport (NCY) as a closer but much smaller option
Annecy, the Venice of the Alps, is worth a visit any time of year, but at Christmas it feels like a fairytale.
Because it is small, it feels less touristy and commercial than big-name Christmas destinations like London or Vienna, which makes for a more intimate and authentic break, much like the smaller Christmas markets in Belgium. Spend your time in Annecy at Christmas by:
- Wandering the cobbled streets of the old town
- Having a mulled wine beside the lake
- Hiking in the mountains
- Trying traditional local food at the Annecy Christmas market
- Shopping at the Jardins de l'Europe's Christmas Village
At night, take a romantic boat tour on the canals, lit up beautifully for Christmas, then enjoy raclette or tartiflette in a cosy Savoyard restaurant. Alpine tradition and beautiful nature make Annecy a cosy Christmas getaway in France, particularly for couples.
Looking further afield? See where to spend Christmas in Italy.
Where Will You Celebrate Christmas in France?
Spending Christmas in France gives you a fresh perspective on the festive season, with new food to try and traditions to join.
If you have been thinking about whether to spend Christmas abroad, take this as your sign. From Paris to Strasbourg and Colmar, and the light shows of Lyon's Festival of Lights, each Christmas destination in France has its own magic.
Already been to France, or want to see more of Europe this winter? Our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe will help you plan a trip to discover Europe in winter.
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FAQs about Christmas in France
What is the most Christmassy town in France?
Strasbourg calls itself the "Capital of Christmas" and has the oldest Christmas market in France, so it is the usual answer. For a smaller, fairytale feel, Colmar and the nearby Alsace villages of Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg are hard to beat.
Where is warmest in France at Christmas?
The Mediterranean coast is usually the mildest part of mainland France in December. Nice and Marseille both combine Christmas markets and lights with a better chance of sunshine than the north.
When do Christmas markets in France open?
Most French Christmas markets open in late November and run until around Christmas, with some in Paris staying open into early January. Dates change every year, so check each market's official website for the 2026 season before you book flights.
What are some traditional Christmas carols in France?
Traditional French Christmas carols include "Petit Papa Noël", "Il est né, le divin Enfant" and "Douce nuit, sainte nuit". You will hear them sung by choirs and carollers throughout the festive season.
What are santons in French Christmas traditions?
Santons are small clay figurines used in nativity scenes in Provence, in the south of France. They represent characters from the Christmas story as well as village life, and collecting them is a much-loved tradition.
What is the significance of the Yule log in French Christmas celebrations?
The Yule log, or bûche de Noël, is the traditional French Christmas dessert. It recalls the old custom of burning a log over the festive season, which was thought to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
How do the French celebrate Christmas Eve?
Many French families celebrate Christmas Eve with a long festive meal known as le Réveillon. It often includes oysters, foie gras, seafood and a roast such as capon or goose, followed by a bûche de Noël, and some families attend midnight mass.