Best Places to Celebrate Christmas and New Year in France

France is a magical destination during the holiday season, offering festive markets, historic landmarks, and delicious culinary experiences. From the lights of Paris to the enchanting villages of Alsace, there are countless ways to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit, dine, and explore during this special time.

Top Christmas Markets to Visit in France

France’s Christmas markets, known for their charm, unique crafts, and festive treats, are must-visit attractions for holiday enthusiasts.

• Strasbourg Christmas Market
  One of Europe’s oldest and largest, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is known as the "Capital of Christmas." With over 300 wooden stalls, twinkling lights, and a grand Christmas tree, it’s a spectacular experience filled with crafts and seasonal treats.

• Colmar Christmas Market
  Nestled in Alsace, Colmar’s market offers a cozy, fairytale-like setting with picturesque half-timbered houses and illuminated cobblestone streets. The market is divided into six sections, each offering unique gifts and specialties.

• Paris Christmas Market at La Défense
  Located in the modern La Défense district, this market features around 300 chalets selling artisanal goods and French delicacies. Enjoy a view of the Paris skyline as you sip hot chocolate or mulled wine.

• Lille Christmas Market
  Lille’s festive market, with its giant Ferris wheel and traditional wooden chalets, transforms the city center into a winter wonderland. Known for its welcoming ambiance, Lille’s market is perfect for families.

• Montpellier Christmas Market
  Held in the historic heart of Montpellier, this market offers local products and gourmet specialties, including oysters, foie gras, and fine wines. It's a blend of Christmas and Provence charm.

Best Restaurants for a Festive Meal

Dining is an essential part of French culture, especially during the holiday season. Here are some top restaurant recommendations for a special Christmas or New Year’s meal.

• Le Meurice (Paris)
  This Michelin-starred restaurant in Paris offers a sophisticated holiday dining experience with a seasonal menu. Expect exquisite dishes, such as truffle risotto, roasted lobster, and French pastries.

• Le Chambard (Kaysersberg)
  Located in Alsace, Le Chambard is a gourmet restaurant that highlights traditional French flavors. Known for its cozy ambiance, this restaurant offers holiday specials that blend Alsatian and French cuisine.

• Le Bistrot des Canuts (Lyon)
  For an authentic French dining experience, visit this traditional Lyonnais restaurant. It serves classic French dishes like duck confit and beef bourguignon, perfect for a cozy winter meal.

• Chez Fonfon (Marseille)
  Specializing in Provençal cuisine, this Marseille restaurant is famous for its bouillabaisse (fish stew). Enjoy a warm, hearty meal with a view of the Old Port.

• Maison Lameloise (Burgundy)
  Located in the heart of Burgundy, this three-Michelin-star restaurant offers a luxurious menu with holiday-inspired dishes. Perfect for those seeking a top-tier culinary experience.

Picturesque Places to Visit During Christmas Time

France offers some of the most scenic locations to explore during the holiday season. Here are a few stunning places that capture the festive spirit.

• Montmartre (Paris)
  The charming Montmartre district comes alive with holiday lights and decorations. Wander through the cobbled streets, visit the Christmas village, and enjoy a view of the Eiffel Tower from the hilltop.

• Château de Chambord (Loire Valley)
  This stunning Renaissance château is beautifully decorated for Christmas, complete with a festive light display and traditional holiday activities for families.

• Annecy (French Alps)
  Known as the "Venice of the Alps," Annecy’s canals and lakeside views make it a magical winter destination. Enjoy ice skating, holiday markets, and views of the snow-covered Alps.

• Reims (Champagne Region)
  Home to world-famous champagne houses, Reims is a top destination to toast the New Year. The city’s cathedral is also decorated for Christmas, adding to the holiday atmosphere.

• Carcassonne (Occitanie)
  This medieval fortified city becomes a fairytale during the holiday season. Its cobblestone streets, towers, and festive lights make it an unforgettable holiday spot.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve in France

New Year’s Eve, or "Saint-Sylvestre," is a vibrant celebration across France. Here are a few ways to ring in the New Year in true French style.

• Paris on the Champs-Élysées
  Join the crowd on the Champs-Élysées for a grand celebration featuring fireworks, light displays on the Arc de Triomphe, and festive street entertainment.

• Nice Promenade des Anglais
  In Nice, enjoy a Mediterranean New Year’s Eve along the Promenade des Anglais, which hosts light displays, musical performances, and fireworks over the sea.

• Lyon’s Place Bellecour
  This central square becomes a gathering place for festivities and fireworks, with a lively atmosphere as locals and visitors ring in the New Year.

• Bordeaux’s Garonne River
  A river cruise on the Garonne River in Bordeaux is a special way to celebrate the New Year. Enjoy a festive dinner, live music, and a view of Bordeaux’s illuminated bridges.

• Chamonix in the French Alps
  For a unique experience, celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chamonix with a view of Mont Blanc. Many bars and restaurants in the area hold festive events, and visitors can enjoy skiing during the day.

Your French Holiday Adventure in Christmas, New Year

• Dress Festively and Warmly
  Whether you’re in Paris or the Alps, dress in layers and bring comfortable, festive attire to fully enjoy the winter activities and holiday celebrations.

• Try Traditional French Holiday Foods
  Seasonal French dishes like foie gras, oysters, and bûche de Noël (Yule log cake) are popular treats that will make your holiday meal special.

• Make Reservations in Advance
  The holiday season in France is busy, so book your accommodations, restaurant reservations, and event tickets early.

France offers a beautiful blend of tradition, elegance, and festive charm. With each town and city putting its own unique spin on the holiday season, you’re bound to find a magical place to celebrate Christmas and New Year.