There's no doubt about it, the festive season in Paris is an event not to be missed, thanks to its superb entertainment. But if you live there and attend every year, some of you may be starting to get a little tired of it, and would like to get away from it all to discover the decorations and Christmas markets of other French cities! It couldn't be easier, since Parisians are lucky enough to have numerous train stations at their disposal, and therefore a plethora of destinations to choose from to get away from it all for a few days!
However, we recommend going before the holidays, ideally during the week of December 15, to enjoy it without the crowds and take the time to soak up the magical atmosphere of the season. And be sure to buy your ticket early, as prices increase on December 1! Here are five destinations, located less than four hours by train from the capital, whose Christmas atmosphere is definitely worth a visit!
This destination comes as no surprise, since it's one of the most popular Christmas destinations! And for good reason - you can take our word for it! In front of the superb Gothic cathedral, enjoy a Christmas craft market, mulled wine, bredele or pretzel, and stroll through the old town to discover the oldest market, the "Christkindelsmärik", on Place Broglie. This Christmas capital is absolutely sublime as soon as night falls, with its varied illuminations and sights to discover.
1h46 from Gare de l'Est train station
The closer the date gets, the more crowded the town becomes, so why not opt for Colmar, just a few kilometers away? Just as famous for its Christmas markets, the town of Colmar also plunges you into a fairytale setting, on the banks of its typical canals where the beautiful illuminations are reflected with magic. Stroll through the pedestrianized old town and enjoy the delicious scent of cinnamon, but don't forget your hat and gloves, because it's really cold at this time of year!
Head to the mountains for an original Christmas market, sure to be snowy, on the shores of the city's lake, for a magical moment and a chance to discover regional crafts in Alpine chalets. A little further away, on the other side of the water, admire Santa's Castle and its storytelling tours, in an enchanting and medieval atmosphere that is out of the ordinary. Annecy offers a winter sports resort atmosphere, with fondue and raclette on the menu, of course!
3 hours 42 minutes from Gare de Lyon
The Reims Christmas market is renowned asone of the largest in France, set up in front of the sumptuous cathedral, which comes alive with projections at nightfall. Enjoy champagne and pink biscuits on the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, surrounded by colorful stalls, Christmas carols, and mouthwatering smells. Don't miss the magnificent Christmas tree on Place Drouet d'Erlon and the Christmas and Kings Fair, where many attractions await you, just a few dozen minutes from Paris!
46 minutes from Gare de l'Est
We head further south to admire the famous Festival of Lights in Lyon in early December, just before Christmas. For several days, candles are placed in windows and the city is adorned with a thousand colors at nightfall, embellished by sound and light projections on the facades of the most beautiful buildings. Of course, there is a Christmas market with its famous marrons glacés and pink pralines, as well as an outdoor ice rink on Place Carnot and a Ferris wheel with a sensational view on Place Bellecour.
1 hour 56 minutes from Gare de Lyon
Head north to discover a transformed Lille, where the warmth of Christmas replaces the usual cold. Don't miss the chance to climb to the highest viewpoint on the Ferris wheel in the Grand Place. To glide across the ice, head to the Chamber of Commerce, which has been transformed into a real ice rink for the occasion, under the magnificent dome of this historic building. Around a hundred chalets await you on Place Rihour, forming a small Christmas village where you can shop, eat a hot waffle or a Flemish carbonade to warm up!
1 hour 15 minutes from Gare du Nord
But if you prefer to stay in Paris, there's plenty to do, with a whole host of markets, illuminations and exceptional window displays to discover!
Christmas markets to discover in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026
The 2026 Christmas markets are back in Paris and Île-de-France, with their wooden chalets, festive treats and gift ideas. Here’s a look at the confirmed dates for the winter 2026-2027, from the capital to the surrounding departments. [Read more]
Paris is gearing up to dazzle for the festive season! The Champs-Élysées, the grand boulevards, shopping districts… Discover the locations and dates of the 2026 Christmas lights, as well as the events planned in the capital. [Read more]
Paris department stores are gradually unveiling their 2026 Christmas program. Decorated shop windows, themes of the year, seasonal animations and installations: see what Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Le Bon Marché and the other major retailers have in store for the year-end holidays. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From December 1, 2025 to December 25, 2025
Official website
www.sncf-connect.com
Christmas markets to discover in Paris and Île-de-France in 2026
Christmas 2026 in Paris: where to see the main holiday lights and when they’ll be lit.
Paris department stores' Christmas window displays 2026: the lineup, themes and novelties
