The best Christmas markets in north France are just a short ferry ride across the English Channel, then there’s a great choice in the region from Lille down to Le Touquet. You can just do a short day trip to the nearest, but if it’s possible it’s much more fun to stay over. Take your car, visit any of the best Christmas markets in north France, eat a good meal and stay overnight. Then come home packed with goodies.  
Please Note: Hotel prices are from the low season, but that suits a Christmas Market trip!

Here you’ll find details on the markets, dates, how to get there and that all-important detail…where to stay.

Amiens in Picardy

Amiens has France’s largest Gothic cathedral. At Christmas it is transformed by its spectacular son-et-lumière show. It makes the perfect backdrop to the annual market.

Amiens’ Christmas market is big with over 130 chalets selling food, drink and gifts from all over France, but also from further afield and places like Canada and India. There are special Christmas-themed rides for children (don’t miss the train), and a Big Wheel for the older ones. It takes place in the center of the city in Place Gambetta and the surrounding streets.

Amiens Market Dates: Nov 21-Dec 30, 2025 from 10:30am (except Monday morning) to 7:30pm (9pm Fridays and Saturdays).

More about Amiens

How to get to Amiens from the UK

Where to Stay in Amiens

Hôtel Le Prieuré et La Résidence is a chic 3-star hotel in two different buildings. The main 3-star hotel is in a former residence of a canon of the cathedral. It’s right in the old centre of town, has a range of 12 beautifully decorated rooms from the saintly and traditional to the fu

0.nky and modern.
Rates: Double/twin room from €77. Breakfast €12.50.

The 5-star Hôtel Marotte is at the top end of the range, and well worth the money. Set in a Flemish-style former house, this boutique hotel is now an Art Deco lover’s dream. It’s right in the action, has a wine and Champagne bar and tea room, and a spa. There’s a separate modern extension with spectacular huge suites.  
Rates: Double/Twin from €295.

Arras

If you can, come when St Nicholas abseils down the belfry on 6 December. There are bands playing on Fridays.

Arras Christmas Market information

Arras Market Dates: Nov 28-Dec 30, 2025

More about Arras

How to get to Arras from the UK

Where to Stay in Arras

Check into what was once a 17^th-century Jesuit monastery. Gone is the austerity; in its place the Hôtel de l’Univers offers 38 large, prettily decorated rooms just a few minutes away from the main action. It has a restaurant, and is family friendly.
Rates:  Doubles inc breakfast from €102.

Béthune

Béthune is another one of those places that you normally pass by. But stop there and you’ll say ‘Wow; why haven’t I been here before?’ Most of the centre was destroyed in World War I. But standing in the square and looking at the 14^th-century belfry, still extraordinarily intact after surviving the destruction, you wouldn’t know. The pretty houses around the square are a wonderful mix of baroque, Art Deco and…’what period is that one’ style?

So a visit to the Christmas market is doubly worthwhile. Over 50 chalets sell all the goodies you could want; there’s a carousel, big Big Wheel, sparkly Christmas tree, childrens section, special train and large covered ice rink.

Béthune Market Dates: Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025

More about Béthune and its market

How to get to Béthune from the UK

Where to Stay in Béthune

Le Vieux Beffroi is simply decorated and good value. And it is just steps away from the main square. It has a restaurant and bar.
Rates: Double/Twin room from €67. Breakfast €9.90.

Boulogne-sur-Mer

The Christmas market might only be one weekend in December, but it’s such a great market and such a great city that I thoroughly recommend you go here for your Christmas shopping.

The market is held in the delightful vielle ville  (old town) which many visitors miss. Rue de Lille in full of chalets selling local delicacies (don’t miss the herrings!) and lovely gifts. There’s plenty of street theatre going on as well with elves cavorting (in the nicest possible way), and knights on wooden hobby horses entertaining you and the family. At the end of the rue de Lille stands the great, rather bombastic cathedral. The priest who had it built wanted something like St Peter’s in Rome; there’s nothing wrong with ambition.

Boulogne-sur-Mer Market Dates: Dec 12-14, 2025

More about Boulogne-sur-Mer

How to get to Boulogne-sur-Mer from the UK

Where to Stay in Boulogne-sur-Mer

To be near the market in the old town (and the château, museum, gardens, restaurants etc.,) and for a really interesting and pretty place to stay, try the upmarket L’Enclos de l’Evêché. The bed and breakfast has 3 bedrooms, all delightfully decorated in different styles. There’s a bar and a good breakfast.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €100 inc breakfast.

For a really great experience, check into the 4-star, 35-roomed La Matelote. It’s on the seafront and right opposite Nausicaá – the excellent Centre National de la Mer. Rooms are comfortable though some can be on the small side. For the best, book a room with a terrace looking out to sea. There’s a Michelin-starred restaurant with excellent set menus (very good indeed), and a spa with swimming pool. It’s family owned and it shows with the friendly welcome.
Rates: Double/Twin room from €134.

Calais

Calais enjoys Christmas and does it very well. The Christmas Village takes over the large Place d’Armes and from 25 November, there’s also a forest of Christmas trees and a Nativity Creche to see.

There’s a Christmas letterbox open from the start of December (and Santa will answer!). There are all the usual jolly stalls, plus a 1900s 2-tier carousel and a skating rink you can whizz around. There are plenty of carol concerts, late openings in the shops and special offers.

If you’re in Calais don’t miss the great Calais Dragon as he huffs and puffs his way around town. He can take up to 50 passengers and lives on the Calais seafront so you often see him as you come in by ferry.

Calais Christmas Market Dates: Nov 29, 2025-Jan 5, 2026

More in my Guide to Calais

More about Calais and the Christmas Market

How to get to Calais from the UK

Where to Stay in Calais

The 3-star Hôtel Meurice is one of Calais’ two rather splendid old-fashioned hotels. It’s next to the very good Fine Arts Museum, and has been welcoming guests (many of them British) since 1771. Its large rooms are pleasantly decorated; there’s a good restaurant and a bar which is distinctly British and club-like. It’s a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Rates: Double/Twin room from €79. Breakfast from €8.

Hôtel Métropole is another of those old-fashioned hotels that offer no surprises but comfort and good value. 40 rooms are well-sized; there’s a bar and the breakfast really satisfies. It’s a 5-6 minute walk from the train station and central Calais.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €79.

For a good, modern option go for the Ibis Styles Calais Centre. It’s in central rue Royale, has good, simply decorated rooms and a jolly breakfast area. It’s about 6 minutes from the train station and in the same street as one of my favourite Calais restaurants, Histoire Ancienne (at number 20). Children 15 and under stay free with an adult.
Rates: Double/Twin from €88, breakfast included.

Dunkirk

Dunkirk (Dunkerque) is a small town well worth visiting, quite apart from the World War II Operation Dynamo sites. Their Christmas market opens in Place de la République, Place Jean Bart, and Place Charles Valentin. 50 chalets with good gifts; a big wheel, a Christmas forest complete with elves of course, a free ice rink and a whole lot of extra events. Santa Claus arrives in style to be welcomed to his castle (the town hall) at 5.45pm on 6 December (TBC).

Dunkirk Christmas Market Dates: 2025 Dates to be confirmed. Nov 27-Dec 27,2024

More about Dunkirk

How to get to Dunkirk from the UK

Where to Stay in Dunkirk

Try the good value, simple All Suites Apart Hôtel by the water. There are useful kitchenettes and good sized rooms.  
Rates: Double/Twin from €72. Breakfast €12.50.

Licques

You may not have heard of Licques. But this small town just 21 kms south of Calais rates pretty highly in French folklore at Christmas. For one weekend in mid December the town offers a great regional Christmas food market. So far, so good. What makes Licques stand out is the Fête de la Dinde. The turkey festival sees a gaggle of well-fed birds running through the town herded on Sunday morning by the Confrerie de Licques, the local bigwigs. It’s a competition for the best bird, and boy is it competitive. You’re offered a glass of the local liqueur, Licquoise, and you can then choose which bird you’re going to buy for the Christmas meal. The weekend ends with a dinner dance.

Licques Market and Turkey Parade Dates: Probably Dec 10 to 12, 2024 (Turkey parade on Dec 12).

More about Licques from the nearby Tourist Office

How to get to Licques

Where to Stay in Licques

Base yourself in Calais

La Longère d’Ecottes is a pretty bed and breakfast in Licques. It’s a pretty house with a terrace and garden. But it is closed in winter, opening in April 2026.
Rates: Double/Twin room €90 including breakfast.

Lille

Lille is one of my favourite cities and I’m not alone. Its Christmas market in Place Rihour has around 90 wooden chalets selling gifts from around the world. There’s a big Big Wheel and a huge Christmas tree while festive lights twinkle all over Lille.

Lille Christmas Market Dates: Nov 19-Dec 30, 2025.

How to get to Lille from the UK

Where to Stay in Lille

The 3-star Hôtel de la Treille in the heart of old Lille was built in 1988 but is decorated in classic style. So you get modern comfort with old-fashioned elegance. It’s friendly and welcoming.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €125, breakfast €10 to €14 according to type of package.

Please note: The hotel operates a 2-night only booking basis at busy times of the year.

The Brueghel is a constant favourite. The hotel in a 19^th-century Flemish-style building is tucked away down a side street. Rooms are simply but well decorated with antiques throughout, and it’s just 200 metres from the Grand Place.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €134. Breakfast from €12. Breakfast is included in more expensive rooms.

Le Touquet Paris-Plage

Fashionable, stylish with a great history connected to Britain, Le Touquet Paris-Plage (to give it its formal name; most people just refer to Le Touquet), is a favourite seaside resort. Its a good place for presents and food. It takes place in the lovely covered market so you won’t have to worry about the weather.
There’s lots going on in Le Touquet, starting on the weekend of 25, 26 November with lights being turned on, a jazz band, fireworks and more. Father Christmas drives through the streets on certain days when you can give him your letters. Events, many at the weekends, continue to 1 January with a New Year swim. Here’s the programme.

Le Touquet Christmas Market Dates: Nov 28, 2025-Jan 4, 2026

More about the Christmas market in Le Touquet

Le Touquet-Paris-Plage renamed its airport in honour of Queen Elizabeth II. More on that here.

How to get to Le Touquet from the UK

Where to Stay in Le Touquet

The splendid L’Hôtel Barrière Le Westminster takes you back to a bygone, elegant age. It’s been recently refurbished and is very splendid indeed. Behind its Art Deco façade, you’ll find a Spa Nuxe, Michelin-starred restaurant, Art Deco brasserie and indoor pool.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €253.

Stay just outside the centre in the splendidly traditional golf hotel Le Manoir. It’s set in the leafy, forest-like part of Le Touquet, is very comfortable and near the excellent golf course. If you’re a golfer they have special packages.
Rates: Double/Twin rooms from €119.

Saint-Omer

Saint-Omer is a delightful town, known for its excellent food market. So this is a good place to visit at Christmas when the main square, Place Foch, gets covered in red carpet for the carousels, a big wheel and stalls selling mulled wine for parents. It’s a small market but particularly good for young children with special stalls like the one offering fishing for ducks. Find the artisan stalls on the smaller square, Place Victor Hugo.

Saint-Omer Christmas Market: Nov 28, 2025-Jan 1, 2026

Saint-Omer Tourist Office

How to Get to Saint-Omer

Where to Stay in Saint-Omer

L’Industrie has just 6 rooms, located above a well-known and popular restaurant in the centre of Saint-Omer.

Rates: Double/Twin Rooms from €80; Breakfast €13.50.

Ibis Saint-Omer is a good hotel with a popular restaurant; it’s part of the Mercure chain.

Rates: Double/Twin from €95.

So which are your best Christmas markets in north France? Please do send me your comments, so I can add your favorites.

Check out my article on the Best Christmas Markets throughout France from the North to Avignon.

Hauts-de-France region has wonderful food, so wonderful in fact that it was awarded the 2023 European Gastronomy Award.

Best Restaurants in north France (not always the most expensive!)

Here’s the story of food in Hauts-de-France.

And if it helps…here’s a bit more information

How the French celebrate Christmas

Festive Christmas Food in France

Events in France in November 2025

Events in France in December 2025

Food Festivals in France

French Public Holidays

More about getting to France from the UK

Most of the towns have cheap hotels. Check the budget hotel chain options.

The post Best Christmas Markets in North France in 2025 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.

Visiting the glorious Christmas markets in France is one of the great joys of the holidays, for both the French and for foreign visitors. These wonderful Christmas marchés de Noël fill cities, towns and villages throughout France from the end of November through December with some going on for a few days in January 2026.

Here’s my pick of some of the best Christmas markets in France. They run from Caen in Normandy to Avignon in the south. And in the east, the oldest Christmas market of all, in Strasbourg. If you know of a Christmas market you think I should include, please do tell me.

I have included times when I have them. Check with the local tourist office for more information. Christmas markets are closed on December 25 (except for Colmar and Toulouse); many finish early on Dec 24 and Dec 31. Some continue into the first few days of January 2026.

Here you’ll find the best Christmas markets in North France . The north France article also covers accommodation which I check regularly. So I hope you’ll find it useful. One of my favourites is in Amiens where France’s oldest Gothic cathedral provides the perfect backdrop.

North France

Normandy

Caen

Caen is a wonderful city to visit but it’s too often used only as a ferry entry port for holiday makers going south and visitors miss its glories. The Christmas market adds a great reason to visit Caen in the winter. Over 60 wooden chalets fill Place de la République and Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc, with the lit up château on the nearby hill providing the right backdrop. Traditional French items from nativity figurines to pain d’épices (gingerbread), and a grotto with Father Christmas. Eat good snacks, and take a glass of mulled wine (or Calvados – you’re in the heart of the area!)

On Saturday 6 December around 5.30 pm when it’s dark, the theatre company Les Quidams takes to the streets. The actors become ivory horses, prancing and dancing through the city centre with Santa Claus.

Caen Christmas Market Dates: Nov 29-Dec 28, 2025.
Closed Dec 25 and closes on Dec 24 and 31 at 4pm.
Caen Market Information

Rouen

The ancient city of Rouen and capital of Normandy always pulls out the stops. 82 wooden chalets sell all the great French goodies in the Place de la Cathédrale with the magnificent backdrop of the cathedral as an illuminated backdrop.

Skating rinks and Santa’s Grotto feature at Rouen Givré (Frosty Rouen). There’s plenty of street entertainment taking over the city’s historic streets (including of course the place where Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake).

Rouen Christmas Market: Nov 21, 2025-Jan 5, 2026
Open Mon 2-8pm; Tues-Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-8pm.

Rouen Tourist Office

Champagne

Reims

Christmas is the time for bubbly and Christmas so it’s appropriate that Reims, capital of Champagne, holds one of the biggest fairs in the region and it’s one of the best Christmas markets in France. It takes place at les promenades Jean Louis Schneiter, in front of the station and on the esplanades port de Mars. But you’ll also find a lot of smaller markets throughout the city offering gourmet experiences, children’s entertainment more. 150 chalets offer good quality gifts, glass, ceramics, food and wine.

Reims Christmas Market: Nov 26-December 28, 2025
Mon 2-8pm, Tues-Thurs 10.30am-8pm; Fri, Sat 10.30am-9pm; Sun 10.30am-8pm. Monday Dec 20 & 27 10.30am-8pm.

If you’re here visit one of the great Champagne houses in Reims.

And try to make the great Champagne and Christmas weekend in Epernay. I had a wonderful time at Les Habits de Lumière as the second city of Champagne lets its hair down in spectacular fashion. This year it’s Dec 12th to 14th.

Paris

You’ll find Christmas markets all over Paris. There are between 15 and 20 of them!

Paris Christmas Markets

Notre-Dame Cathedral Market

Nov 28-Dec 25, 2025
The Christmas market beside Notre-Dame promises an exciting mix of stalls selling arts and crafts and some very good gourmet delights. The great medieval cathedral of Paris re-opens on Dec 8, 2024 so time your visit later to see how far the restoration has got.
6 Parvis Notre-Dame
Pl. Jean-Paul II
Paris 1
Metro:  Hôtel de Ville

La Magie de Noël (Jardin de Tuileries)

Visit the Tuileries Christmas market just by the Louvre, where 100 or so stalls offer all the right treats. There’s a huge Big Wheel, plus carnival rides, an ice skating rink, and a Champagne bar if you’re fed up with mulled wine. It glitters and sparkles with all the magic of the season.
Nov 15, 2025-Jan 4, 2026

Jardin de Tuileries
Place de la Concorde
Paris 1
Metro: Tuileries or Concorde

East France

Alsace

Alsace first introduced Christmas markets into France from Germany so it’s a particularly rich region for the festive season.

Colmar

Colmar has 6 different markets in the old city. It’s mainly pedestrianised so you can stroll around them easily. 60 wooden huts in the Place des Domenicans sell decorations and gifts. In the Place Jeanne d’Arc you can stock up on local food and drink from cured meats to wines and eau-de-vie spirits. 50 more surround the Schwendi fountain by the canal. The indoor market in the medieval Koïfhus sells local artisans’ works. After you’ve bought to your heart’s content here, drop into the Decapole Hall for more in a museum setting.

A children’s market takes over Petite Venise where you can let the children loose on the merry-go-round before they post a letter to Father Christmas. Don’t miss the evenings when children sing carols from boats moored on the canal. There are skating rinks and many of the nearby shopsare open on Sundays during the Market.

Colmar really pushes the boat out with carol concerts and choirs all around the city as well as special events. The city describes itself as an ‘open-air theatre’ and for once, it’s true.

Colmar Christmas Market: Nov 25, 2025-Jan 4, 2026
Mon-Thurs 11am-7pm; Fri-Sun 10am-8pm. Dec 24: 10am-5pm; Dec 25, 26: 11am-7pm.

Metz

Metz is another of those fabulously popular and top Christmas market in France, rivalling Strasbourg. 5 different markets stretch out with over 120 chalets , from Place de la République with its huge lit up tree to the gourmet train in Place de la Comédie. Christmas tasting specialities are in Place Saint-Jacques; a big wheel in Place d’Armes that looks over the cathedral, and local arts and crafts in Place Saint Louis.

Metz Christmas Market Nov 24-Dec 30, 2024  
Place Saint Louis/Saint-Jacques/d’Armes/la Republique
Sun to Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm.

Place de la Comédie Sun to Thurs 5pm-11pm, Fri, Sat 11am-11pm. 

Mulhouse

Make your way to the Place de la Réunion in the old city centre overlooked by the lovely city hall. Here you find around 90 wooden chalets, all decorated in a special fabric designed each year. It’s an appropriate thing to do; the Museum of Printed Textiles has the largest collection of textile images in the world. The textile industry, which enriched the city from the 18th century, began in 1746.

Again the city has special markets and events like the opening of the Advent calendar on December 1, concerts of Christmas music and bric-a-brac days.

Mulhouse Christmas Market: Nov 21 to Dec 27, 2025
Sun-Thurs 11am-8pm; Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm. Dec 24, 27 10am-6pm; Dec 26 noon-8pm.

Strasbourg

It all began, so the story goes, in Strasbourg in 1570. Today, the biggest city in Alsace welcomes around 2 million visitors to its Christkindelsmärik.

300 stands spread out from Place Broglie and Cathedral Square to other parts of the city. The highest Christmas tree in Europe occupies Place Kleber with a further two trees erected in Place des Hall, lighting up daily at 5pm. Over 300 stalls fill the streets with all sorts of goodies.

This is one of the great European Christmas markets and the city responds with a spectacular light display. Walk through the illuminated entrances on either end of the Grand rue. The rue des Tonneliers is appropriately decorated with 22 twinkling barrels. You can skate outside the cathedral and follow the Nativity Trail from the Bishop’s place in Rue Brulée, in windows of shops along Rue des Juifs, and the Place du Chateau. 

Strasbourg Christmas Market: Nov 26 to Dec 24, 2025

Franche-Comté

Montbéliard

Les lumières de Noël transform this delightful town into a glittering Christmas event. 180 stalls cluster around Saint Paul and the surrounding streets, selling high quality artisan good and gifts. There are exhibitions, concerts and street spectacles. For something different the good fairy Aunt Airie accompanies Father Christmas.

Montbéliard Christmas Market: Nov 22-Dec 24, 2025
Mon 2-8pm; Tues-Sat 10.30am-8pm; Fri 10.30am-9pm; Sat 1-am-9pm; Sun 10am-9pm except Dec 24 when it closes at 6pm.

South of France

Avignon

The Cour Jean Jaurès has 20 wooden chalets selling food and drink from the region and beyond. Stock up on chocolates, truffles, sausages, olives and more either here and in the Place de l’Horloge.

Or take home designer items like olive wood spoons and boards, jewellery and textiles, particularly Provençal fabrics. You won’t have to go far to find santons, little painted terracotta nativity figures. The best artisan ones are expensive, but will last a lifetime.

The town hall has an astonishing nativity scene. You’ll find jazz, concerts, exhibitions and more at the various museums and attractions throughout the city.

Midnight Masses and Nativity celebrations take place on Dec 24th and 25th.

Avignon Christmas Market: Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025
Daily 10am-7pm

Toulouse

Held in December in the centre of this lovely pink city, the market has a bit of everything from gourmet region food specialties (of course) to local artisans’ stalls. Over 100 stalls are in the spacious Place du Capitol square.

Toulouse Christmas Market: Nov 27-Dec 28, 2025
Sun-Thurs 10.30am-8.30pm; Fri, Sat 10.30am-10pm; Dec 24 10.30am-7pm; 25 2-8.30pm; 26 10.30am-7pm

French Atlantic Coast

Bordeaux

If you’re on the French Atlantic coast, the Bordeaux Christmas market is a definite must. Over 150 stalls sell great gifts, food and of course mulled wine. It mostly takes place in the Allées de Tournay but there’s also the Darwin Christmas Market which features socially and environmentally conscious artisans environmentally-conscious artisans there. This year try the new organic chocolate stand where they make and sell chocolate. The boat has its floating Christmas market; there are great light shows, a Christmas circus, concerts by candlelight and more.

Bordeaux Christmas Market: Nov 28-Dec 28, 2025
Daily 11am-9pm

Guide to Glorious Bordeaux
And while you’re there, don’t miss the Cité du Vin

If you’re in the Loire Valley or Paris, visit one of the châteaux that dress themselves up so beautifully over the Christmas holidays. A Christmas Châteaux.

And if it helps…here’s a bit more information

The best Christmas Markets in north France

How the French celebrate Christmas

Festive Christmas Food in France

Events in France in November 2025

Events in France in December 2025

Food Festivals in France

French Public Holidays

More Practical Information

More about Getting to France from the UK

Most of the towns have cheap hotels. Check the budget hotel chain options.

The post Best Christmas Markets in France 2025 appeared first on Mary Anne's France.