5 Flight-Free Christmas Markets in France

When it comes to Christmas markets in France, there are several beautiful and magical flight-free destinations from London or Paris, making it easy for a quick getaway to soak in all the sparkly spectacles of the festive season.

Here’s five of the most magical Marchés de Noëls that you can get to by ferry or train to plan that perfect Christmas escape. The Christmas spirit can truly be found in all corners of France.

Lille, Nord

During any other time of the year, with architecture and cuisine both influenced by its Flemish history, Lille is already a fascinating city to be in. From late November to Christmas, Old Lille’s narrow cobbled streets and buildings are decorated with lights and festive fittings and in the centre of it, at Place Rihour is where you’ll find the city’s charming market, with around 90 stalls of traditional crafts, regional produce, warm food and beverages to browse from.  

After a bit of shopping, wander to the nearby Grand Place and hop on the big Ferris Wheel for a great view of this city in all its glitter, then meander over to Meert, a historic chocolatier established in 1761 for a hot chocolate or to buy some of their delicious sweet delights to take home! 

Get there: Lille is 1.5 hours from London with Eurostar or an hour by train from Gard du Nord in Paris.

Dates: November 20th – December 29th

More info: noel-a-lille.com, www.lilletourism.com

Arras, Pas-de-Calais

Hailed to be a bit of a ‘hidden gem’, Arras is not generally well known for its Christmas market. In fact, Arras is generally not well known at all outside its links to war and destruction, for the city was caught in the heat of battle during the first and second world wars. And yet, here in Arras you’ll find one of northern France’s prettiest Christmas markets. 

Lingering in the air is the scent of roasted chestnuts and cinnamon, guiding your nose towards the fully reconstructed Grand’Place where the annual Christmas market is held. Bubbled within the square of Flemish-Baroque buildings, the Town Hall and its Belfry, it is a red-carpet event (literally) with an atmosphere is of one that is homely but fun. In between shopping for local crafts and food specialities, hop on the big wheel and see the market and surrounds from the top or get on the ice for a bit of outdoor skating. Arras will surprise you with its Christmas energy. 

Get there: Arras is 45 mins by train from Lille and 1 hour by train from Paris, with Eurostar servicing both Lille and Paris from London. Alternatively, Arras is 2 hours by train from Calais, which is served by DFDS ferry from the UK. 

Dates: November 29th – December 29th

More info: www.noelarras.com, www.arraspaysdartois.com

Reims, Marne

In Reims, Christmas seems to be a city-wide affair. Lining the Hautes Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter are the brilliantly decorated chalet stalls with an artisan’s village for crafts, where market goers are entertained with musical performances every Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as Christmas concert on Saturdays. Families can enjoy the magic that is the Enchanted Forest at the Esplanade Porte de Mars and a stroll into town centre towards the Notre-Dame Cathedral for the illumination show about the King of France on Friday and Saturday evenings. 

If this is not enough Christmas spirit for you, hop on the free shuttle bus to Chaussée Bocquaine across the canal for the Christmas and Kings Fair where there are plenty of rides for all ages to play! 

Get there: Reims is less than an hour’s train from Paris or an hour and a half from Lille. Both Paris and Lille are serviced by Eurostar from London.

Dates: November 27th – December 29th

More info: en.reims.fr 

Colmar, Haut-Rhin

It is often taken for granted that Strasbourg is the Christmas destination of choice in Alsace, however, Colmar delivers a different kind of Christmas fairytale among its cobble stone lanes lined with colourful half-timber houses. The old town centre is closed during this time which makes Colmar’s Christmas Market more like a Christmas Village. 

Other than the general market, there is a Gourmet Market with 9 chefs who will be cooking their special regional dishes as a culinary show and an indoor market dedicated to arts and crafts at the Koïfhus. Also don’t miss the special Christmas wine cellar openings  

Come for the twinkling streetlights and warm authentic Alsatian atmosphere. Come for the rich regional cuisine and the best Glüweins in France. Come to learn all about Alsace’s Christmas traditions. 

Best of all, it is in close proximity to some of the most beautiful villages in Alsace, each with their own festive charm should you wish to explore for a longer stay. 

Get there: Colmar is 2.5 hours by train from Paris

Dates: November 26th – December 29th

More info: www.noel-colmar.com, www.christmas.alsace

Annecy, Haute-Savoie

Located on the shore of the gorgeous Lake Annecy and surrounded by snowcapped mountains, the Alpine Christmas Market in the historic centre of Annecy makes a naturally pretty Christmas postcard. Lights and decorations adorn the lamp posts and building facades of this already attractive town centre, with concerts and entertainment for children in the food courts, along with appearances by Santa at the Santa’s Village at the Square des Martyrs de la Déportation in Bonlieu. 

For a more intimate affair, it is worth getting to the other side of the lake to visit the castle of Menthon-Saint-Bernard. Perched on a hill looking down towards the lake and Annecy, the castle turns itself into Le Château de Père Noël (Castle of Father Christmas) and has a small but lively crafts market, a food hall with festive art displays, Father Christmas’ home, and daily activities including children’s craft workshops and treasure hunts. It is also a chance to visit this castle that has been occupied by the same family since the 11th century. 

Get there: Train from Paris to Annecy is 3 hours 45 mins.

Dates: November 23rd – January 5th 2025

More info: www.lechateauduperenoel.com, en.lac-annecy.com