Janvry Christmas Market 2026: Dates for the 29th edition in Essonne

The Janvry Christmas market returns to this village in Essonne for its 29th edition, on the weekends of November 27–29 and December 4–6, 2026. Artisan chalets, nativity scenes from around the world and a giant Advent calendar are on the program.

The Janvry Christmas market returns for its 29th edition to this small village in Essonne (91), on the weekends of November 27–29 and December 4–6, 2026. After several visits, we’ve made a habit of coming back. With each edition, the village seems to be decked out with a few more lights, chalets and decorations put together by volunteers.

It has everything that makes this event so charming: around a hundred exhibitors, food stalls, fairground rides and Santa’s arrival at the foot of the big Christmas tree. All this in the heart of the Haute Vallée de Chevreuse Regional Natural Park, around 30 kilometers from Paris.

What are the dates of the 2026 Janvry Christmas market?

As usual, the market runs over two weekends: the last weekend of November and the first weekend of December. In 2026, it opens from Friday, November 27, to Sunday, November 29, then from Friday, December 4, to Sunday, December 6. On Fridays, visitors can stroll through the aisles from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

These dates are those provided by exhibitors who have already registered. The Janvry Festival Committee traditionally publishes its detailed program a few weeks before opening, along with traffic orders.

Why does this little village attract so many people at Christmas?

The figure is still surprising: more than 100,000 visitors flock to this village of around 650 residents every year. The market was born nearly 30 years ago from an idea suggested by a friend of the mayor, Christian Schoettl, and it has retained its homemade spirit.

Everything is put together by volunteers (more than 250 at the last edition), who get to work as early as October. The decorations are often salvaged and refurbished, and the rides are homemade and free. In 2025, the village even received decorations donated by Parc Astérix, and the mayor promised to put up even more this year. It’s one of the new features we can’t wait to see.

What can you find at the market stalls?

Between the village’s chalets and barns, more than a hundred exhibitors from across France showcase their creations: Christmas decorations, wooden toys, jewelry, clothing, as well as foie gras, wine, honey and chocolate. The focus is on handmade goods and products made in France, offering plenty of inspiration for gift ideas that are out of the ordinary.

For a warming treat, tuck into tartiflette, aligot or a glass of mulled wine, then indulge in a waffle, a crêpe or a candy apple.

Our top picks: the church nativity scenes and the giant Advent calendar

Our must-see stop is the village church. During the market, it hosts an exhibition of hundreds of Nativity scenes from around the world (460 at the last edition), in every size and style. You can easily spend a long time there, away from the bustle of the market stalls.

Another curiosity is the Advent calendar built by volunteers, billed as the largest in France. Starting December 1, one door opens each day at 5 p.m., followed by a shared mulled wine.

What activities are there for children?

Santa Claus’s arrival remains the big moment, with a parade and light displays. Younger children can also enjoy the rides, animated figures and free little trains that circle the village.

The route leads to the Janvry animal park, open free of charge from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.—the perfect place to enjoy some fresh air between two chalets.

How to get there and avoid the crowds?

Janvry is located about 28 kilometers southwest of Paris, in the Pays de Limours. Driving is still the easiest way to get there: for the last edition, nearly 1,300 parking spaces were set aside around the village, and traffic is regulated during the event. Admission to the market is free.

A tip from our visits: the aisles are very busy on Saturday afternoons. We prefer to go on Friday as soon as it opens or on Sunday morning, wearing comfortable shoes, as there’s a lot of walking between the chalets and barns.

Who is this market for?

This market will appeal to families looking for a full day out at Christmas, craft enthusiasts keen to avoid mass-produced gifts, and anyone who loves the atmosphere of a village celebration. Those looking to avoid the crowds should aim for Friday slots instead.

To extend the season, you can also head to the Notre-Dame Christmas Market in the 5th arrondissement, or to Bel Hiver in Saint-Denis, at the foot of the basilica. Find the season’s other events in our round-up of Christmas markets in Paris and Île-de-France and ice rinks in Essonne.