Christmas markets 2022: our favorites city by city

An idea for a family outing that smells like mulled wine! Christmas markets make children dream, and it’s an opportunity to taste a pretzel while looking for the last gifts to put under the tree. There are many independent creators, food stalls of all kinds, sellers of toys and board games… But also sometimes animals and carousels and, of course, Santa Claus! Something to make young and old dream… Find, city by city, the most beautiful Christmas markets 2022!

Strasbourg Christmas market: what activities?

In Strasbourg, the oldest Christmas market in France (the first of which dates from 1570), will be back this year, from November 25 to December 24, 2022. The chalets (just over 300) will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and, due to energy sobriety, the illuminations will turn off at 11 p.m. However, Strasbourg residents and tourists alike can take advantage of the many activities. They can admire the traditional Grand Christmas tree place Kléber and shop in one of this year’s three worlds: the traditional Christmas market (places Broglie, Kléber and the cathedral and Petite France), the alternative OFF Christmas market (place Grimmeiseen) and a dedicated to Strasbourg residents (place Saint-Etienne) with open-air stammtich. Learn more: www.noel.strasbourg.eu

Lille Christmas Market: a Christmas village not to be missed!

Lille is again adorned with light, from November 18 to December 30, 2022, and welcomes, place Rihour, the 32nd edition of the Christmas Village. It will consist of 90 chalets and there is also a Ferris Wheel. In addition to local products, Christmas decorations, jewelry, wooden objects and delicacies that you can find there, animations are planned. Children will enjoy a visit from Santa Claus, make-up sessions and Christmas story readings. As a family, enjoy the mini-concerts organized on the Christmas market. Learn more: www.lilletourism.com

Colmar Christmas market: ice rink and treasure hunt

From November 24 to December 29, 2022 Colmar has nothing to envy to Strasbourg and lets you discover its six Christmas markets: the Gourmet Christmas Market, Place de la Cathédrale with its local Alsatian products, the Christmas Market in Place des Dominicains, the Christmas Market in the Place de l’Ancienne Douane, the Craftsmen’s Christmas Market in Koïfhus, the Children’s Christmas Market in the Little Venice district and the Christmas Market in Place Jeanne d’Arc and its gourmet products. Enough to allow everyone to find their happiness! In terms of entertainment, children will be able to leave their letter in Santa’s giant mailbox, and two of them will be drawn daily to receive a gift. The city has also installed panels with QR codes that give access to six Christmas-themed audio tales, and the large ice rink will return to Rapp Square. More information on www.noel-colmar.com

Montbéliard Christmas market: craftsmanship in the spotlight

The christmas lights, as well as the Christmas market, organized by the City of Montbéliard, are held from November 26 to December 24, 2022. For the 36th edition, Périgord is the guest of honor at the Christmas market this year. There are 150 chalets featuring craftsmen and producers, as well as Christmas specialties and local gastronomy. In the solidarity Christmas market area, around thirty associations offer products to finance their actions. As for him, Father Christmas is present in the aisles of the market (except Mondays) at the end of the afternoon, and from 5.30 p.m. in his house, installed in Place Dorian, until closing time.

Mulhouse Christmas market: go to the Children’s Village

Mulhouse Christmas Market is also making a comeback this year, from November 24 to December 27. At the Square de la Bourse, discover the Children’s Village ! In this magical space, find entertainment on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. Don’t forget to taste the local speciality, the traditional Bredalas, absolutely delicious Christmas cookies.

What are the Christmas markets in Paris?

Defense Christmas market

The La Défense Christmas market is back for a 26th edition of the November 23 to December 24. With 150 chalets, it has sustainable development as its common thread and there are 20% local exhibitors. In addition to the magical scenography, families can participate in workshops for children (creative workshops, musical reading, make-up) and small shows by musical groups and stilt-walkers.

Jardin des Tuileries Christmas market in Paris

The magic of Christmas once again takes hold of the Jardin des Tuileries from November 19, 2022 to January 8, 2023, in order to offer magical end-of-year celebrations. This year, the Tuileries Christmas Market is betting on beautiful Christmas decorations, but also on a great selection of gift ideas! In addition to the entertainment and meeting Father Christmas, the children have fun sliding on the ice rink and enjoy the fairground rides set up for the occasion.

Saint-Germain-des Prés Christmas Market

Installed along the Boulevard Saint-Germain, at the level of the Church of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Christmas market of Saint-Germain-des-Prés is back for these end-of-year celebrations, from November 26, 2022 to January 1, 2023. Like previous editions, it gives the opportunity to delight your taste buds thanks to numerous chalets and gourmet stands run by restaurants and producers. Children delight in the chalet dedicated to French toast and brioche, while parents shop for festive meals (foie gras, truffles, smoked salmon, caviar…).

The Eiffel Tower Christmas Village

The Christmas Village returns to the foot of the Eiffel Tower from December 16, 2022 to January 2, 2023. Installed on the lawns of the Champ-de-Mars and visible from the Trocadéro esplanade, it offers several stands showcasing local products such as an Alsatian chalet with specialties from the region, but also a Savoyard stall for a gourmet trip like in the mountains or a mulled wine stand prepared on site with fresh and local products (to be consumed in moderation and not recommended for children and pregnant women).

Christmas market in Lyon, Place Carnot

The 2022 Christmas market takes place in Lyon on the famous Place Carnot, in the Perrache district (Lyon 2nd), from November 26 to December 24. About 80 chalets are set up to find gift ideas. From December 8 to 11, take the opportunity to visit the city and its Christmas market during the Festival of Lights.

Annecy Christmas markets: where to see them?

The city of Annecy has announced the return of the traditional Christmas Market for the 2022 end-of-year celebrations, from November 19 to December 31, 2022. In 2017, the municipality of Annecy merged with 5 neighboring municipalities: Cran-Gevrier, Meythet, Seynod, Annecy-le-Vieux and Pringy. This year, 150 chalets are spread over nine sites, from Annecy (place François Menthon and in front of the town hall) to Seynod, via Meythet and Cran-Gevrier. As in many cities, the organizers make it a point of honor to highlight respect for the environment.

Rennes Christmas markets: 4 markets in the city center

Several markets are organized this year in the city center of Rennes, here are the main ones:

• The Mail François Mitterrand Christmas market : From November 25, 2022 to January 1, 2023visitors can discover the traditional wooden chalets welcoming vendors of confectionery and party items and take a ride on the Ferris wheel.
• The Christmas village, on the Place du Parlement de Bretagne : From December 3, 2022 to January 1, 2023gourmet chalets, a giant Christmas tree and a mailbox to write to Santa Claus will be accessible
• The designer Christmas market in Place Hoche : from December 2 to 2350 creators from the Great West showcase their products under a heated marquee thanks to the Renn’arts association.
• The Fire Arts market, on the Place de l’Hôtel de Ville : from December 8 to 11visitors will admire the objects and sculptures of craftsmen, selected at European level, who work with materials (earth, glass and metal) by fire.

Information on www.tourisme-rennes.com

Nantes Christmas market

From November 24 to December 24, 2022, 130 exhibitors are present on the Place du Commerce and Place Royale de Nantes for the Christmas market. Father Christmas is present, as well as musical groups and the carousel for children. Many activities are planned, with wanderings of stilt walkers (November 25 from 5:30 p.m.), brass bands, make-up workshops every Wednesday, as well as creative workshops for 3-10 year olds every Saturday. Information on www.marche-de-noel-nantes.com

Which Christmas market in Bordeaux?

From November 25 to December 25, 2022, find a hundred exhibitors at the Christmas market in Bordeaux, located Allées de Tourny. Many activities are planned, including manual workshops for young and old. Children can also write their letter to Santa Claus and drop it in the mailbox… Or deliver it to him personally if they are lucky enough to come across him on the market! Learn more about www.marche-de-noel-bordeaux.com.

A second Christmas market will be held on December 9, 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, 2022, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 87 quai des Queyries. Darwin’s Xmas Market will feature Christmas gift stalls from local artisans and designers who have an eco-responsible approach.

The santons fair and the Marseille Christmas market

From November 19 to December 31, 2022, go to the Old Port of Marseille for the Christmas market and the traditional Santons fair, for which this will be the 220th edition! Craftsmen and traders are there, but it is also an opportunity to discover humanitarian and charitable associations.