Marchés de Noël – Paris Christmas Markets Dates 2012:
Christmas markets have caught on in many towns and cities in France and have become part and parcel of the pre-Christmas activity and attraction. Paris has a good spread of Marchés de Noël and some of the biggest and best Christmas markets in the centre of Paris are included below:
Christmas Market: Avenue des Champs-Elysées
Dates : Nov 16, 2012 – Jan 7, 2013
Getting there : Metro: Charles de Gaulle Etoile | RER: Charles de Gaulle Etoile
The Champs-Elysées Christmas market is one of the biggest in Paris and if you only have time to visit one Christmas market in Paris, this has got to be it. Where else would be more ideal to stop off and do some Christmas shopping than on the most beautiful boulevard in the world. There are about 160 authentic chalets lining the Champs-Elysées between the Rond-Point and Place de la Concorde. The Christmas market also offers the opportunity to enjoy some mulled wine and taste some regional produce like foie gras, ham, champagne, etc. And if you don’t mind being taken for a ride, why not hop on the big ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde for a breathtaking view of the Champs-Elysées and the Christmas illuminations.
Christmas Market: Christmas market at the Maison de l’Alsace
Dates : Nov 24, 2012 to Dec 23, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Champs-Elysées
As you stroll along the Champs-Elysées, enjoying its Christmas market, don’t hesitate to stop at the entrance to the Maison de l’Alsace at 39 avenue des Champs-Elysées and enjoy a cup of mulled wine which will be much appreciated in winter time. Better still, go up to the first floor of the Maison de l’Alsace and enjoy an Alsatian Christmas! The Maison de l’Alsace offers a spread of regional products to take away or taste on the premises. Here you can discover specialities from the Alsace region such as bredele (petits fours baked for Christmas), baerewecke (bread with dried fruit served at Advent), gingerbread and chocolate. Then of course there is the wonderful wine from the Alsace and foie gras which many may want to feature on their Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve menu.
To enhance the magic of an Alsatian Christmas, a local choir, the Liederkranz from Attenschwiller will open the market on November 23rd. On Tuesday, December 6th at 5.30pm, the Gosspel Kids choir will be singing and children will be treated to a free hot chocolate and gingerbread!
Christmas Market: Gare de l’Est Market
Dates : Dec 2, 2012 to Dec 17, 2012
Getting there : Metro: Gare de l’Est
If you’re a fan of Alsatian gastronomy, this is another market for you. The Gare de l’Est is the train station that services trains coming from and going to regions in the east of France. As Christmas approaches, this is where Parisians flock to, to find the best of Alsatian treats. On the square in front of the station you can taste real pretzels, delicious gingerbread and little Christmas biscuits. For your Christmas meals, there is Alsatian wine and delicious foie gras and not forgetting the Christmas decorations for your table. Daily from 9am to 8pm (except Sunday, from 10am to 7pm)
Christmas Market: Le village de Noël Européen du Trocadéro
Dates : Dec 13, 2012 to Jan 6, 2013
Getting there : Metro: Trocadéro | RER : Champ de Mars-Tour Eiffel
The Trocadéro European Christmas Village is one of the biggest Christmas markets in Paris. At this market, visitors can experience and learn about the different European Christmas traditions. At the wooden chalets visitors can shop for gifts and sample produce from various European countries.
For more Paris Christmas markets see Here.
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