The Paris La Défense Christmas market opened its 2026 edition on November 12 on the plaza in the business district, which straddles Puteaux and Courbevoie in the Hauts-de-Seine (92). Its more than 300 chalets are open until December 31, 2026, alongside a new area called Le Sommet, which is open until January 3, 2027. Here’s a look at the market in pictures.
We took a stroll through this year’s market, billed as the largest Christmas market in the Île-de-France region. This year, it’s split between traditional chalets and Le Sommet, a new festive area with an ice rink, stage and carousel. Here’s what you’ll find there, in photos.
The official kickoff took place this Friday, November 13, 2026, the day after the opening. The Gospel'n'Soul Voices choir opened the evening with a concert before Chimène Badi took over with a gospel and soul repertoire, accompanied by backing singers and a keyboardist.
The evening kicked off nearly seven weeks of festivities.
It’s the new feature this year. The Summit complements the traditional chalets from November 12, 2026, to January 3, 2027, with an atmosphere designed for evenings. The decor leans into verticality.
In the center, a 504-square-meter ice rink circles a 20-meter-tall illuminated Christmas tree. Surrounding it, a bar topped with a 6.5-meter decorative pyramid, a tower of flying chairs rising to 15 meters, and a 50-square-meter stage perched high above, with a sweeping view of the entire festive area.
On the plate side, two food courts offer Italian and Alsatian specialties, along with aligot, burgers and raclette. For a goûter, crepes, waffles, doughnuts and marshmallows round out the menu. Companies can also privatize a 100-square-meter space for about 80 guests, perfect for an after-work gathering or a standing cocktail reception.
A 504 m² ice rink at the foot of the skyscrapers: Christmas reaches new heights at La Défense
The Christmas ice rink is returning to Paris La Défense from November 12, 2026, to January 3, 2027. This year, it will join Le Sommet, a new festive hub offering activities, dining options, and a shimmering Christmas tree. [Read more]
Le Sommet keeps a seven-day musical schedule, with a different vibe each night from 6 p.m. Live bands, DJs, a saxophonist, an accordionist, and dancers rotate through the lineup according to this schedule:
Two dates to note. On December 23, from 3 to 5 p.m., the Children’s Dance Party brings together a DJ and three mascots for the little ones. On January 2, 2027, a closing party combines a live concert, dancers and a DJ set to bring the season to a close.
There are more than 300 chalets, including a village of around 30 artisans and creators. Five restaurants take visitors on a culinary journey from Savoie to Quebec, with stops in Alsace, the French West Indies and southwest France. Three food courts and three fairground rides complete the picture.
Among the spots we look forward to revisiting each year, the Noëlle boutique with its decorating ideas, Fortwenger’s gingerbreads, and the Father Christmas and Mrs. Claus House are back. Father Christmas is on site every day, joined by Mrs. Claus on Wednesdays and weekends.
The aisles come alive every week as well. On Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m., three dancers in glowing costumes wander among the chalets. On Sundays from 2:30 p.m., concerts, mascots and Christmas characters take over for the families. Finally, a community chalet hosts a different local association each week.
The decorations extend beyond the market across the entire Paris La Défense district. From November 12, 2026, to January 13, 2027, light displays inspired by nature transform the area. Visitors can walk through an enchanted forest and a field of sparkling dandelions, and admire a golden waterfall in the heart of the Takis basin. The giant Christmas tree returns to La Défense plaza, and the Saisons district welcomes back its giant teddy bear. The displays use energy-efficient LED lighting, with adjustable operating hours.
To experience this setting in a different way, the free storytelling walks, “Les Égarés de la forêt,” offer an immersive, interactive 90-minute show. They take place by reservation on November 20 and 27, then December 4, 11 and 18, 2026, at 6 p.m. Another way to discover the business district.
At the market, the solidarity collection bins distribute the funds evenly between local charities and a national umbrella organization. The toy drive run by the Green Santa Clauses of Secours Populaire in Hauts-de-Seine is donated to Espace Info Paris La Défense. The AsD’s Solidarity Christmas Boxes, the La Défense Site’s association, are also back to help people and families in need.
Solidarity also starts on the plate. La Salle à Manger, a solidarity, anti-waste restaurant created by the Maison de l'Amitié, based at Place de la Pyramide in Puteaux at the foot of the EDF tower, offers three Christmas menus. The Elf menu (starter and main) and the Reindeer menu (main and dessert) are priced at 15 euros, with 4 euros of that as a donation, while the Santa Claus menu (starter, main and dessert) is 20 euros, with 5 euros donated. These donations fund meals at 1 euro for people in need.
Access to the market is free and open to all. The chalets operate Monday through Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00, Friday from 11:00 to 23:00, Saturday from 10:00 to 23:00, and Sunday from 11:00 to 21:30. On December 24 and 31, the market closes at 18:00, and on December 25 it opens from 15:00 to 23:00. The Summit follows the same hours, with closing at 22:00 on Thursdays, and it also opens on January 1, 2027 from 15:00 to 23:00. The easiest way to get there remains public transport, with Metro line 1, RER A and E, and tram T2 to La Défense Grande Arche. The map and the infos pratiques can be consulted on the official site.
For exhibitors, creators and merchants interested in a future edition can learn more via the market's Exhibitors' Space or by contacting the organizer, 2A Organisation.
The traditional market is ideal for families hoping to meet Santa Claus, shoppers looking for gifts and food lovers. The Summit is better suited to outings with friends or colleagues at the end of the day, when the ice rink is lit up and the musical evenings begin. One tip: Saturdays in December are busy. If you can, opt for a weeknight or early afternoon for a more leisurely stroll.
Want to extend the season? In the same department, the Lumières en Seine route at the Domaine de Saint-Cloud offers a nighttime stroll to discover. Our guide to the 2026 Christmas markets in Hauts-de-Seine also lists the festive villages in neighboring towns. And to compare, we’ll keep our picks of the prettiest Christmas markets in Paris and Île-de-France up to date as new announcements come in.
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Dates and Opening Time
From November 12, 2026 to December 31, 2026
Location
Esplanade de Paris La Défense
Esplanade de La Défense
92800 Puteaux
Route planner
Accessibility info
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
xmasparisladefense.com
More information
Market open daily.
Free access
A 504 m² ice rink at the foot of the skyscrapers: Christmas reaches new heights at La Défense
