France’s Christmas Markets: A Mother–Daughter Dream Trip
Strasbourg Christmas Market
In late 2023, my daughter Callan and I were doing what we do best: dramatically daydreaming. We were half-joking, half-serious about how magical it would be to live somewhere with real snow, real winter festivities, and—let’s be honest—Stars Hollow–level charm. Think twinkle lights, hot drinks, quirky neighbors, and a town gazebo. Gilmore Girls has had us in a chokehold for years.
One thing led to another, and suddenly we were planning an entirely hypothetical move to a hypothetical place with hypothetical Christmas markets. Germany seemed like the obvious answer—quintessential Christmas markets galore—but I’ve been there dozens of times in the summer visiting family, and wanted something new. Then we tossed around London (already on Callan’s radar for a future study-abroad), then Paris (cue the Eiffel Tower sparkling in the background of every Christmas memory), and right then and there we declared:
“If this were real—and obviously it’s not—we’d choose Paris.”
Naturally, the next step was to do some extremely hypothetical research. And wouldn’t you know, flights to France over Thanksgiving were surprisingly affordable. Airbnb prices? Even better. Within minutes we were clutching our phones like, “Wait… is this doable? Are we actually doing this?”
The next week we floated our very hypothetical plan by my husband and the boys. Thanksgiving was the cheapest travel week… so were they in?
Turns out: nope.
Jacob had Puerto Rico plans, and Bryan and Max had already declared it father–son bonding week.
Which meant Callan and I got the all-clear to turn our “just for fun” daydream into a full-blown mother–daughter Christmas market adventure across France. Within two hours (two!), we had booked flights and reserved Airbnbs in Paris, Colmar, and Strasbourg—the top three Christmas market destinations in the country.
And friends… it was magic. Pure, cinnamon-scented, mulled-wine-warmed, fairy-light-twinkling magic. It was hands-down the most festive kickoff to the holiday season we’ve ever had. Imagine crisp winter air, glowing lights reflected in cobblestone streets, vendors who look like they belong in a charming holiday movie, music drifting through the squares, and everyone just radiating “Merry & Bright.”
Below is a breakdown of each market—what we loved, what to expect, and why you should absolutely add these to your Christmas travel wish list.
Stop 1: Paris — The Big, Bold, Carnival-Adjacent Christmas Market
First up was the Paris Christmas Market (Marché de Noël), which sits somewhere between “European Christmas charm” and “the county fair decided to study abroad.” Massive food tents. Endless mulled wine (called vin chaud—think warm, spiced red wine that tastes like a holiday hug). Carnival rides. Games with prizes. Cotton-candy-level energy.
Oh, and a life-size, four-story Christmas pyramid—the kind you usually see on German tabletops, but super-sized and spinning like it’s auditioning to be a tourist attraction.
Vendors sold:
chocolate by the pound
marshmallow treats dipped and decorated like tiny masterpieces
crêpes galore
ice cream so beautiful I thought it was fake
a few handmade gifts, but not many (Paris keeps it real: food first, shopping second)
Verdict:
Perfect for families with little kids or anyone who loves the festive chaos. For us, it was fun… but the least “authentic Christmas market” of the three. Festive? Yes. Charming? Meh. But still an experience totally worth seeing once!
Stop 2: Colmar — The Fairytale Village Christmas Dreams Are Made Of
Next, we hopped on a three-hour train to Colmar, a village so enchanting I’m convinced it belongs in a snow globe. The Alsatian region already looks like a storybook, and during Christmas? It’s ridiculous in the best possible way.
Picture this:
Cobblestone streets.
Half-timbered houses straight out of a fairytale.
Lights everywhere—glowing, sparkling, reflecting off the river that winds through the village.
Colmar has several market squares, each with its own vibe. Here’s what to expect:
Handmade ornaments
Local baked goods (hello, cinnamon everything)
Candles, art, handcrafted gifts
Marzipan shaped like fruit, animals, and tiny works of art
Macarons in every possible color
Plenty of vin chaud
A few kiddie rides, but nothing overwhelming
This market felt the smallest, but in the best way. Cozy. Slow-paced. A place where you can sip your drink, people-watch, and pretend you’re the main character in your very own holiday movie.
Verdict:
Our favorite for charm, hands down. A total fairytale.
Stop 3: Strasbourg — The Grand, Glittering Queen of All Christmas Markets
Finally: Strasbourg, home to the largest and arguably most famous Christmas market in all of France. And yes: it lives up to the hype.
Strasbourg doesn’t have just one market. It has multiple themed village markets spread throughout the historic center. You wander from one to the next like you’re picking chapters in a holiday book.
What you’ll find:
Dozens and dozens of stalls
Crafts, ornaments, toys, candles
Bakeries selling gingerbread, pastries, and sugar-dusted everything
Vendors cooking sausages, pretzels, and regional specialties
Choirs, street music, and twinkling lights everywhere
The river splitting the city into postcard-perfect views
And towering above it all: Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, glowing like it’s been waiting for Christmas all year
Our favorite section?
The market directly in front of the cathedral—breathtaking during the day, jaw-dropping at night.
Because the markets are spread around downtown, you can:
Shop a little
Duck into a boutique
Grab a pastry
Wander into another market village
Repeat until your feet or your wallet give out
Verdict:
The perfect blend of huge, historic, magical, and delicious. We didn’t want to leave.
The Final Sparkly Recap
Paris: Most carnival-like. Amazing for kids and food lovers. Less “old world,” more “festive frenzy.”
Colmar: Pure fairytale charm. Small, relaxing, magical. A must-see for Christmas romantics.
Strasbourg: The grand finale. Historic, sprawling, lively, and unforgettable.
This trip was the ultimate mother–daughter experience—cozy, magical, and festive in every way. The only thing missing was Bryan and the boys… which is why we’re already plotting a full-family Christmas market adventure for next year.
Destination TBD… but trust me: you’ll be the first to know.
