7 Places To Visit in France at Christmas That Are Like A Winter Wonderland

With the Christmas countdown officially on and the weather getting decidedly chillier, it’s the time of year we start to think about getting Christmassy. France puts on a fantastic show during the festive season. From the breathtaking beauty of the Alps to the magical chateaux in the Loire Valley, there is something for everyone.

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But where are the best places to visit in France at Christmas that feel like you’ve stepped into a Hallmark movie? Which are the best Christmas markets to enjoy, and where can you ice skate under the stars? Well, if it’s Christmas vibes you’re after these seven French towns will make you think you’re in a winter wonderland.

A beautifully lit, traditional half-timbered building in what appears to be a European village during Christmas. The building is adorned with festive string lights, wreaths, and red shutters, creating a warm, holiday atmosphere. In the background, another building is similarly decorated with lights in a blue and purple hue, enhancing the magical ambiance of a winter wonderland scene.

7 Places to Visit in France at Christmas

Christmas in France is different from many other countries. First, the main Christmas meal is held on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day. Then there is the tradition of the thirteen desserts, and yes, I did say thirteen.

There is so much to love about the traditions surrounding a French Christmas, and there are so many places to go to experience it.

The Christmas Markets are full of festive cheer, offering everything from gingerbread to mulled wine.

A serene winter landscape showcasing a tranquil lake reflecting the surrounding snowy peaks and bare trees under a clear blue sky, in a valley suggestive of the Chamonix region, renowned for its alpine beauty and winter sports appeal.

Chamonix

At the foot of Mont Blanc, Chamonix becomes a magical winter wonderland during the festive season. The streets are filled with lights and decorations, and the snow-capped mountains offer a breathtaking backdrop. What could be more Christmassy than sitting under a blanket on a sleigh gliding through the snow?

This Alpine town has been a magnet for winter sports enthusiasts since it hosted the first Winter Olympics in 1924. The town buzzes with activity, from ice skating on the outdoor rink to torchlit descents down the ski slopes. And then, of course, there is the story of the “Mer de Glace” or “Sea of Ice” glacier.

In the 19th century, locals believed the glacier was a living entity housing the spirits of those lost in the mountains. These spirits would come to the town at Christmas to find warmth and company among the living, and residents would leave lanterns lit in their windows all night to welcome them.

Annecy

Annecy is the Venice of the Alps and is absolutely stunning at Christmas. The town’s picturesque canals, surrounded by medieval architecture, have a magical quality with twinkling lights reflecting off the water. Throughout December, street performances, carol concerts, and light shows create a lively scene that brings Annecy’s historic streets to life.

The market stalls, which line the streets from early December until Christmas Eve, sell everything from artisanal chocolates and mulled wine (vin chaud) to Savoyard cheeses and cured meats. One of the highlights is the Christmas parade that winds through the old town with Santa putting in an appearance on his sleigh.

According to local folklore, a mythical creature called La Vouivre lives in Lake Annecy. This serpent-like monster is said to have a glowing diamond on its forehead and emerges from the lake during the coldest winters. While the legend may send a shiver down your spine, locals have long celebrated the story as part of the town’s folklore.

Reims

Reims is the City of Kings and simply sparkles during the holiday season. Famous for its Champagne heritage, Reims embraces Christmas with a fabulous sound and light show at the cathedral. It puts on a stunning visual display telling the story of the city’s history and connection to the French monarchy. For centuries, kings were crowned at Reims Cathedral, and after the ceremony, they celebrated with feasts that included champagne from the surrounding region.

The Christmas market features over 140 wooden chalets, with plenty of seasonal treats like gingerbread, foie gras, and, of course, champagne. No Christmas is complete without a glass or two of bubbly, and you can tour famous champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot and Taittinger. Plus, you’re only a short train ride from Paris, so it’s the perfect day trip from the City of Light.

A grand château illuminated at night, with its ornate spires and towers lit up in a golden glow against a deep blue sky. In the foreground, Christmas trees decorated with white string lights are arranged along the pathway, creating a festive and majestic scene. The contrast between the historic architecture and the holiday lights evokes a magical winter atmosphere, characteristic of France during the Christmas season.

Christmas in the Loire Valley

Can you imagine anything more magical than Christmas in a fairytale chateau? The Loire Valley chateaux take you back through the centuries to Christmases from long ago. From giant Christmas trees and lights to floral workshops and shows, Christmas at the Chateaux is one not to miss.

It is absolutely enchanting, from the chocolate table in the kitchens of Chateau de Chenonceau to the fir-lined twinkling driveway of Chateau de Chambord. The Christmas celebrations at the château also include special events, such as candlelit tours, seasonal exhibitions, and guided experiences that delve into how Christmas was historically celebrated at the castle.

The décor extends into the gardens, which are illuminated with festive lights, and visitors can take a stroll through the park, where the wintry landscape adds to the château’s magic.

This image shows a vibrant building facade illuminated by colorful lights during what appears to be a nighttime festival, possibly the Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France. The ornate architecture of the building, likely a historic or cultural site, is lit up with striking hues of red, orange, blue, and purple, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere with a crowd gathered in the foreground.

Lyon

Lyon’s Christmas market at Place Carnot is one of the biggest in France, with over 100 stalls and chalets. The market is perfect for picking up local specialties like cervelle de canut (a Lyonnais cheese dip) and traditional holiday sweets. It all coincides with the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), held every year around December 8.

Originally a religious celebration dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the event has grown into a massive light festival, attracting visitors from all over the world. During the festival, Lyon’s streets, buildings, and monuments are illuminated with elaborate light installations, turning the city into an open-air art gallery.

The origins of the Fête des Lumières date back to 1643 when Lyon was spared from the plague. The city’s leaders made a vow to the Virgin Mary, promising to honor her if the town was saved. In gratitude, they built a statue of her on Fourvière Hill.

In 1852, when the statue was to be inaugurated, a terrible storm threatened to ruin the event. However, the people of Lyon spontaneously lit candles in their windows, creating a sea of light across the city. This tradition evolved into the modern-day Festival of Lights.

A large decorated Christmas tree with ornaments like silver baubles and gingerbread men stands beside a pastel-colored half-timbered house adorned with stars, garlands, and holiday decorations in Colmar, France.

Colmar

Colmar is in the Alsace region of France on the border with Germany. The Alsace is home to some stunningly beautiful Disneyesque villages, including Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas. But Colmar is my favorite as it’s quieter with fewer crowds, but just as lovely.

The town’s half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and canals are beautifully decorated with festive lights, creating a magical ambiance. It really is as though you’ve stepped into the pages of a fairytale.

Legend has it that Colmar is protected by a mysterious guardian spirit, le Kaysersberg Schimmel. This ghostly figure is said to watch over the region’s wine, ensuring the vineyards flourish and produce exceptional vintages. Locals claim that le Schimmel is active during Christmas when Colmar’s wine cellars are full of the year’s best harvest.

Metz

Metz, located in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, is hugely popular. One reason for this is the Sentier des Lanternes or Lantern Trail. An illuminated walk leads visitors through a magical display of glowing figures, lights, and festive decorations. An enormous Ferris wheel is set up in Place d’Armes, offering stunning views of medieval architecture. There is also an outdoor ice-skating rink, live performances, and a Christmas pyramid.

Metz holds the Saint Nicholas Festival every December, during which a grand parade honors the saint. According to local legend, Saint Nicholas saved three children who had been kidnapped by a butcher and preserved in a barrel. When he passed through Metz, he performed a miracle that brought the children back to life.

Today, the Saint Nicholas parade in Metz is one of the largest in France, with floats, music, and plenty of candy thrown into the crowd.