The La Défense Christmas Market returns for its 30th edition in the Hauts-de-Seine department from Thursday,November 13 to Sunday, December 28, 2025. This unmissable event on the Parvis de La Défense attracts more than 1.5 million visitors every year, who come to enjoy the largest Christmas market in the Île-de-France region. At the foot of the Grande Arche, more than 300 decorated chalets, a largecentral ice rink, festive entertainment, and a varied gourmet offering make up a truly rich program for the whole family.
Located in the heart of Europe's leading business district, this market boasts a truly spectacular setting where skyscrapers contrast with fairy-tale illuminations. It's easily reached by metro line 1, RER lines A and E or tramway line 2 from La Défense - Grande Arche station. The site is just a stone's throw from the Westfield Les 4 Temps shopping center, so you can combine traditional and modern shopping in a single outing. Our tip: arrive early on Saturday mornings, as early as 10 a.m., to enjoy a quieter atmosphere before the afternoon rush.
More than 300 chalets are spread across the square, including 37 artisan chalets attracted by reduced stand rates. That's a third more than last year and, by comparison, the Colmar market has 200 chalets. Gift ideas, Christmas decorations, and festive food. French artisans and designers showcase their expertise: santon makers, sellers of charcuterie, nougat, chocolates, jewelry, textiles, and decorative items. The artisan area, which grows every year, highlights unique and affordable creations. We particularly appreciate this diversity, which allows us to find original pieces far from standardized gifts.
When it comes to food, there are many gourmet options on the menu. You can discover both French regional specialties and international flavors. Mulled wine, hot chocolate, pretzels, raclette,Quebec specialties, and delicacies from the southwest of France make up a varied offering that will warm your taste buds. The market offers reusable cups with a €1 deposit, with a solidarity option allowing the deposit to be donated to charities. This is a wonderful eco-friendly initiative that gives meaning to every drink enjoyed.
This year, there's an added bonus: La Maison du Pain d'Épices, a large marquee filled with cookies and delicacies from the best French artisans.
New this year: the 540 m² ice rink opens on the first day of the market, November 13, 2025, and has the same opening hours. This natural ice rink is located in the heart of the market, under an illuminated sky. It creates a truly unique setting that blends modernity and tradition. Remember to bring your gloves to access it, as they are mandatory. Forming a semicircle around a huge Christmas tree, this ice rink is sure to delight young and old alike.
This year, there are four rides, compared to two last year. The Christmas Reindeer and Santa Claus rides have been added to the carousel and Christmas Tree ride that were already there last year.
Santa Claus has moved into a new illuminated house on the forecourt and welcomes children every day of the market. This is a real novelty: previously, he was only present on certain days of the week. Now, young and old alike can visit him every day to give him their gift lists and take some lovely souvenir photos. His daily presence in his new magical chalet allows for greater flexibility in organizing your family visit. What's more, this year you can discover Mrs. Claus's house, where she is delighted to meet the children.
Families can enjoy the many activities on offer throughout the day: creative workshops, street performances, musicians, and storytellers bring the market aisles to life. Weekends are particularly family-oriented, with the Atelier des lutins offering crafts, reading, and face painting, as well as dancing and surprises in the aisles. Our advice: come in the middle of the afternoon to avoid the queues.
During the week, DJ sets liven up the evenings and create a festive atmosphere for after-work parties. Parades of illuminated characters, musical entertainment and workshops for young and old complete the program. Last year, impromptu performances by gospel choirs enchanted the market at the beginning of December, a tradition that could well be repeated this year. The organizers have redesigned the experience so that you don't just pass through, but spend the whole day shopping, enjoying the sights and tasting the delicacies.
Another new feature this season: a mobile stage called "Le Baladeur" will set up its amplifiers on December 2 and 4 to offer live musical performances and provide a moment of sharing and conviviality.
Once again this year, photography enthusiasts will be delighted by the many light displays installed in the aisles. As last year, a beautiful hot air balloon faces the Arc de Triomphe, complemented by light frames and installations and an arch-shaped passageway. All market activities are free and open to all, although some creative workshops are reserved for children.
The market opens Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 8:30pm, Thursday from 11am to 10pm, Friday from 11am to 11pm, Saturday from 10am to 11pm and Sunday from 11am to 8:30pm. On December 24, the market closes at 6pm and remains closed on December 25. The nocturnes from Thursday to Saturday allow you to extend the experience after work, in a festive atmosphere enlivened by afterworks with DJs. Good news: access to the market remains free and open every day.
The Paris La Défense Christmas Market is easy to get to from anywhere in the Paris region. By public transport, take metro line 1, RER A or E, or tramway line 2 to La Défense - Grande Arche station. Numerous bus routes also serve the area: 73, 141, 144, 159, 174, 258, 275, 278, 360 and 378, stopping at La Défense Grande Arche.
For those who come by car, there are several paying parking lots: Les Quatre Temps, Wilson, parking Centre or CNIT, with parking P2 particularly close to the market. People with reduced mobility will find elevators at exits 1 and 5 of the La Défense - Grande Arche station for easy access to the forecourt. Good news too: pets are welcome, provided they are kept on a leash.
Our tip: organize your visit by defining a clear itinerary. Start by scouting out the artisan chalets, enjoy the ice rink at the same times as the market, then finish with a gourmet dinner in one of the ephemeral restaurants. This sequence allows you to fully enjoy the experience without feeling rushed. The market now covers 13,000 sq. m., offering plenty of space for leisurely strolling.
To make sure you don't miss any of the market's events and news, follow the Instagram account @xmasparisladefense or visit the official website, where all practical information is regularly updated. You'll also find all the Christmas markets in Paris and Île-de-France to complete your festive program. This family-friendly event combines Christmas traditions and urban modernity in a truly unique setting in the Paris region.
Dates and Opening Time
From November 13, 2025 to December 28, 2025
Location
Esplanade de Paris La Défense
Esplanade de La Défense
92800 Puteaux
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
xmasparisladefense.com
More information
Market open daily.
Free access
