Have you ever wondered what Christmas is like in Europe? In a word, magical! The tradition of the Christmas Market has expanded and is now a tradition that many non-locals participate in. Indeed, people from as far afield as Australia and the USA now make an annual pilgrimage to spend time at these magical Christmas Markets.
Some beautiful markets to visit in France:
Reims Christmas Market
Reims Christmas Market which is a charming city, known for its rich history and stunning Gothic cathedral. The market typically opens in late November and runs through December.
Set against the backdrop of Reims Cathedral, the market features numerous wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights. Many vendors offer an array of holiday delights, including local crafts, Christmas decorations, gourmet food, and of course, mulled wine .
At the other end of the town is a fun and interactive light show that includes brightly lit tunnels, displays, and mechanical puppets
Metz Christmas Market
Metz Christmas Market in France is located in the heart of the historic city. The stunning Cathedral of Saint Stephen serves as a majestic backdrop, its illuminated facade casting a mesmerizing glow. We enjoyed local specialties like hot cider and roasted chestnuts while we enjoyed live music and entertainment.
Colmar
Colmar, a picturesque French town, transforms itself into the most magical winter wonderland during the festive season. Known as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe, it boasts a setting straight out of a fairytale.
A series of charming wooden chalets lined the historic cobblestone streets, with handcrafted gifts, ornaments and local Alsatian specialties, including mulled wine and gingerbread.
The Christmas Market in Colmar has a magical ambiance, illuminated by thousands of twinkling lights and decorations. The entire town was covered top to bottom in Christmas tinsel, wreaths, teddy bears and quirky holiday characters. When visiting Colmar, make sure to spend at least half a day there and well into the evening. Witness the town transform into mesmerizing display of lights.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, the Christmas capital of Europe. Strasbourg is also known as the home of the European Union. Strasbourg, a city in Eastern France has a rich history dating back over 2,000 years, with influences from Celtic, Roman, and medieval periods, and it has often changed hands between France and Germany due to its strategic location along the Rhine River.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market, also known as “Christkindelsmärkt,” is a world-renowned festive extravaganza. Dating back to 1570, it proudly claims to be one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
Every year, Strasbourg’s picturesque Old Town is transformed into a glorious Christmas destination. The market is adorned with hundreds of beautifully decorated wooden chalets with vendors selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and regional delicacies.
The towering Strasbourg Cathedral serves as a magnificent centerpiece. It is a gothic cathedral known for its intricate façade adorned with sculptures and stunning stained glass windows. Completed in the 15th century, it was once the tallest building in the world.
The market’s signature attraction is the Great Christmas Tree in Place Kleber, towering over 30 meters tall. Everywhere we went was a stunning display of the true European Christmas spirit.
Stay Curious & Explore