Summary
Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg, and other French cities offer unforgettable holiday experiences with vibrant Christmas markets, delicious cuisine, and festive events.
Lyon is known as the French capital of gastronomy and offers delicious seasonal treats, while Strasbourg boasts the oldest and most impressive Christmas market in France.
Annecy, Toulouse, Marseille, and other cities in France also have vibrant Christmas markets, offering a variety of gifts, food, and souvenirs, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
The festive cities to visit in France in December allow travelers to stroll through some of the most incredible holiday markets, practice some of the country’s most important traditions, and indulge in French cuisine by exploring the rich savory foods in France. With the celebrations only weeks away, vacationers are making plans to visit French destinations, like Paris, one of the most expensive cities in the world, which tops the list.
Whether looking to attend exciting events, participate in outdoor winter activities, try some of the season’s favorites, or shop for Christmas decorations, these French cities guarantee unforgettable holiday experiences.
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Paris
The City of Love is home to incredible Christmas markets and delicious restaurants worth exploring
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Arch de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees in Paris on a Christmas snowy night, France
Paris is also referred to as the City of Light, and visiting Christmas markets is the ultimate way to soak in the holiday atmosphere. Some of the top Christmas markets in Paris include the Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market, Montmartre Christmas Market, Paris Christmas Market, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market.
Christmas is also the perfect time to try the unforgettable dining experiences in Paris, including dinner cruises along the Seine. There are also numerous eateries to explore during the season, including restaurants in Paris with stunning views of the world-famous Eiffel Tower.
Christmas markets to visit: the Paris Notre-Dame Christmas Market, Montmartre Christmas Market, Paris Christmas Market, and Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market
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Lyon
Visit Lyon in December for its delicious cuisine, vibrant Christmas market, and festive events
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Lyon and the banks of the Rhone River featuring snow during the winter, France
Thanks to the Christmas market (26th November to 24th December), illuminated streets, and the overall holiday atmosphere, Christmas in Lyon is going to be unforgettable. Lyon is also one of the gastronomic capitals of France, and the holiday season is a great time to try its cuisine.
Fortunately, many of Lyon’s amazing restaurants offer delicious seasonal treats. In addition, one of the most famous Christmas traditions to experience in Lyon is Fête des Lumières, which dates back to 1852 and entices millions of travelers annually. Don’t forget to attend Lyon Christmas Market, which is among the many excellent Christmas markets in France to stroll through.
Christmas market: Lyon Christmas Market
When: 26th November to 24th December
Bonus Event to attend: Fête des Lumières
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Strasbourg
Visit the French “Capital of Christmas” during the holidays for a chance to try Alsatian cuisine and discover some of the most famous Christmas markets in France
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Christmas tree and xmas market at Kleber Square at night in the medieval city of Strasbourg, aka the capital of Noel, Alsace, France
Strasbourg is one of the most bustling festive cities in France to visit in December, and no visit to the city is complete without strolling through its world-famous Christmas markets, the oldest and the most impressive one being Christkindelsmärik, held between November 24 and December 24.
Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s Christma Market is one of the most vibrant holiday markets in France and offers a wide variety of experiences, including delicious foods, traditional Alsatian crafts, and gorgeous architecture that transports people back to medieval times.
Another Christmas market in Strasbourg not to miss is the one located at Place de la Cathédrale de Strasbourg, which is beautifully adorned for the holiday. The fact that Strasbourg is one of the most walkable cities in France makes the holiday season even more fun and accessible.
Christmas markets: Christkindelsmärik, the Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale
When: November 24 – December 24 (Christkindelsmärik)
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Annecy
Annecy in December is a true delight, and the festive Christmas market here gets visitors in the holiday spirit
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Winter and Christmas lights lining the historic medieval town of Annecy, Haute Savioe, Rhone Alps, France
Planning to spend this Christmas in the French Alps? Well, Annecy is one of the most festive cities in France to visit in December and allows visitors to soak in a true holiday atmosphere, thanks to its vibrant Christmas market.
The market between November 18 to January 1 is one of the best parts of the festive season in Annecy. It usually occurs in the ancient medieval portion of the city and offers incredible last-minute holiday shopping experiences.
Christmas market: Annecy Christmas Market
When: November 18 – January 1
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Toulouse
The Christmas market and illuminations transform Toulouse into a magical city of lights
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Christmas lights and celebrations at the Place du Capitole at night in Toulouse, Haute Garonne, Occitania, France
Want to enjoy a vibrant festive atmosphere while browsing seasonal products this Christmas in France? Plan a trip to Toulouse for an unforgettable holiday experience. This city offers something for everyone, ranging from accessories to unique decorations to beautiful toys, delicious foods, and more.
Explore the Toulouse Christmas Market from December 24 to 26, which is brimming with all things festive. The illuminations really make the city glow, as they are everywhere, including facades, monuments, fountains, and even trees.
Christmas market: Toulouse Christmas Market
When: November 24 – December 26
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Marseille
Find pleasure in strolling through the enchanting Christmas Market in Marseille
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Flowers decorating La Canebiere, Marseille, France, during the Christmas season
Loved for its incredible natural scenery and stunning architectural design, Marseille is one of the many Christmassy cities to visit in France in December. Whether one prefers to experience the city’s holiday traditions, try some delicious dishes, or enjoy an outdoor adventure, there are plenty of things to do in the fourth-largest city in France.
But no one leaves town without exploring the Marseille Christmas Market, which starts on December 1 and ends on December 31, and offers an incredible variety of gifts, food, and souvenirs. While not as vibrant as other popular Christmas markets in Paris, it is definitely worth exploring.
Christmas market: Marseille Christmas Market
When: Throughout December
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Montpellier
Immerse in Montpellier’s Christmas markets and perfectly festive atmosphere, but with a Mediterranean twist
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Esplanade Charles de Gaulle with Christmas decorations and stalls in Montpellier, France
There are numerous amazing Christmas markets across France, but the one in Montpellier is an excellent choice for tourists who want to celebrate the festive season with a little bit of a Mediterranean twist. It is one of Southern France’s famous holiday events and one of the incredible things to do in Montpellier in December.
At the Christmas market in Montpellier, which runs between December 2 and December 30, vacationers can peruse over 90 chalets featuring different items, including food, illuminations, handcrafts, and more. During the festival of lights, visitors can enjoy looking at the light bulbs and enjoying the breathtaking view of Christmas decorations.
Christmas market: Montpellier Christmas Market
When: December 2 – December 30
4
Nantes
Nantes is an excellently festive French city break in December with amazing Christmas delights
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“L’Odyssée des Rêves”, a sound and light show based on “Noah’s Ark” by Alain Thomas, held on December 25 at Christmas in Nantes, France
Home to the largest Christmas market in Western France, Nantes is among the many festive cities in France in December. The city truly comes to life in winter, and travelers will enjoy strolling through its charming streets which get illuminated with twinkling lights during the festive season.
The city is known for its long, fascinating history. When combined with the holiday traditions, the resulting festive atmosphere is hard to resist. Its Christmas market, from November 23 to December 30, is incredibly vibrant and boasts about 130 chalets offering various items, including seasonal culinary delights, illuminations, gifts, and other Christmas decorations.
Christmas market: Nantes Christmas Market
When: November 23 – December 30
3
Lille
Visit this iconic French festive city in December for its world-class cuisine, events, and bustling Christmas market
Photo by Ruben Christen on Unsplash
Lille, France illuminated for the festive season
Lille is one of the most beautiful destinations in France at Christmas and has a lot to offer vacationers of all interests and ages. In December, this city comes with plenty of festive experiences, ranging from world-class dining options to exciting events to a vibrant Christmas Market where travelers can purchase a wide variety of products.
Also referred to as Marché de Noël, Lille Christmas Market (November 22 – December 31) is a must-visit event in December. It occurs right in the heart of the city, transforming the whole place into a gorgeous winter wonderland. There will be plenty of fun things to explore during Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, which are the major holidays in December.
Christmas market: Lille Christmas Market
When: November 22 – December 31
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Bordeaux
This world-renowned wine city comes alive with multiple Christmas markets and incredible culinary experiences
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Christmas tree in front of St. Andrew’s Cathedral at night located in Bordeaux, New Aquitaine, France
While it may not first come to mind when thinking of the best things to do in France in winter, heading to Bordeaux is one of the must-visit festive cities in the country. In December, there will be something for every traveler, ranging from wine-tasting events to incredible shows to concerts in and around the city.
There will be multiple markets to explore during this time of the year but the traditional Bordeaux Christmas Market (Marché de Noël de Bordeaux) will happen between November 24 and December 27.
Christmas market: Bordeaux Christmas Market
When: November 24 – December 27
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1
Nice
The traditional Christmas market in Nice features mountains of delicious treats and brilliant artwork
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Nice decorated for Christmas, France
Considered the heart and soul of the French Riviera, Nice may not be as famous as Paris, but it is worth visiting. It’s one of the most impressive Christmas cities in France to visit in December, and it is adorned with beautiful decorations.
Nice Christmas Market, which occurs between December 1 and January 1, is the main highlight of the festive season and comes in full swing with tasty culinary delights, Christmas carols, and handicrafts. The magical festive atmosphere makes December the perfect time of the year to be in Nice.
Christmas market: Nice Christmas Market
When: December 1 – January 1