The 15 markets, in alphabetical order
Frequently asked questions
When do French Christmas markets open?
Most open between 20 and 29 November 2026 and close between 24 and 30 December. A few, such as Nancy and Dijon, run into early January.
Which is the oldest Christmas market in France?
The Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, founded in 1570 and held on Place Broglie since 1871.
Are the markets open on 25 December?
It depends on the city: Colmar stays open on 25 December while Metz, Amiens and Lille close. Each city page states what the official source publishes.
How do you avoid the crowds?
Weekdays and before 5pm. On December weekends the Alsatian villages such as Riquewihr and Kaysersberg fill up: use the Park & Ride sites and the shuttles from Colmar.
How reliable are these dates?
Every date comes from the city or tourist-office website, with the source link on each city page. Markets that have not published their 2026 dates are flagged as unconfirmed rather than filled in by guesswork.