Reims Christmas Market [year]: A Local’s Guide

If you’ve never been before the Reims Christmas Market is definitely worth a visit.

It’s the 3rd largest in France and has everything you’d expect a Christmas market to have, and some.

Just a short train ride from Paris, a day trip to Le Marché de Noël de Reims, as it’s known in French, should be top of your list.

To make sure you don’t miss a thing, this ultimate guide will give you everything you need to know. 

And as someone who lives in France, I can give you all the insider tips on how to make the most of your time at the Reims Christmas market.

Visiting the Reims Christmas Market

Reims just happens to be the gateway to champagne country. Yep, you’ll be pleased to know that most of the champagne houses in France, can be found in Reims. 

I mean, who wouldn’t want a Christmas filled with sparkle and bubbles?

What’s more, I read that there is a network of tunnels running underneath the city that connects all the wine cellars. Apparently, it runs for 120 km.

So between the mulled wine and the champagne, you’ll have a wonderful time wandering around all the stalls.

The History of Reims Christmas Market

Reims is a city steeped in history and can trace its roots all the way back to the Roman Empire. In fact, it’s rumoured to have been founded by Remus, brother to Romulus. You know, the one that founded Rome. How mad is that?

Anyway, it was in 493 that the very first French Christmas celebration happened right here in Reims.

The event was for the Frankish King Clovis, who was being baptized along with his 3,000-strong army of warriors, by Bishop Remigius, the Bishop of Reims. 

This momentous event took place on December 25th, 493 AD, and marked the first celebration of the nativity.

As the first King of the West to be a Catholic, Reims became the sacred site for 33 coronations, earning it the nickname “Coronation City”.

Reims Christmas Market Locations

Unlike Strasbourg Christmas Markets, Reims has only one market, but it’s a biggy with 150+ stalls and artisans showing off their wares.In previous years, the market was on the forecourt of Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral.

But due to its continued growth and to accommodate all the stalls, it’s now moved to the park at Les Hautes Promenades.

There is no entry fee, and even dogs on leads are welcome, as long as they behave.

What you’ll find at the Reims Christmas market

The stalls at the market are so much more than tables with someone standing behind them. 

Each stall is made of wood and looks like a mini ski chalet, all decorated with Christmas lights, fake snow and enough Christmas decorations to throw a stick at.

The result is stunning. You feel like you’ve walked into the middle of a winter wonderland.

You’ll find every type of stall you can imagine, from traditional food stalls to artisan products, including handmade wooden decorations, jewellery, arts and crafts, woollen items like hats & scarves, and gourmet baskets.

Christmas Market food in Reims

But a Christmas market wouldn’t be complete without food and drink. And, of course, you’ll find plenty of champagne stalls, including my favourite, Veuve Clicquot.

But for the more traditional Christmas drink, you can’t go far wrong with a steaming hot mug of vin chaud (mulled wine).

Or if you’re after a non-alcoholic drink, a creamy hot chocolate with lots of marshmallows is perfect.

When it comes to food, you’ll find the usual culprits, such as gingerbread (Pain d’Épices), waffles (Gaufres), raclette and fondue, crepes and maybe even some Escargots.

Yes, snails! A French delicacy that always seems to make an appearance, whatever the event.

Other Christmas events in Reims

The market stalls are just one part of the Reims Christmas market. This city goes all out at Christmas and provides lots of great entertainment for the whole family.

Rêve de Couleurs

Rêve de Couleurs (Dream of Colours) is a spectacular light and sound show you won’t want to miss. It transforms the Gothic Notre Dame de Reims Cathedral into a stunning display of projected imagery, all set to a choreographed soundtrack.

The synchronized lighting effects dance across the surfaces of the cathedral highlighting the great rose window and magnificent stained glass.

In previous years, it’s told the story of a coronation, which given the city’s history, is very apt.

It lasts for about 25 minutes and completely takes your breath away. So much so, you don’t want it to end. 

The performance usually happens twice each evening around 6 pm and 9 pm, but those times can change, so check with the tourist board for times.

📍Location: Parvis of the Cathedral

The Christmas Ferris Wheel

The Ferris wheel at Reims has become something of a Christmas tradition. With its heated cabins, and standing 55 metres tall, you get a fabulous view of the city with all the festive twinkling lights.

📍Location: Place du Forum

The Christmas Fun Fair

Activities include street performers, the festival of light, a Christmas parade and concert, plus the Eau’dyssée and Métamorph’eau’ses boat rides. 

And if it’s the character you’re after, you can’t go far wrong with the Charleville-Mézières Christmas market.

Set up on Place Ducale, they have fire performers, stalls, and arts and crafts, all with plenty of local cheer.

Things to do in Reims and Champagne

When in Rome, do as the Romans do, so when in the Champagne region, it stands to reason you should drink champagne and stay in a luxury champagne hotel.

Here, you are absolutely spoilt for choice, but if I might make a recommendation, this full-day champagne-tasting tour from Paris is fantastic.

They pick you up from your accommodation in Paris and take you on a tour of the champagne vineyards. You’ll also get to visit Reims and see the Gothic cathedral and of course, enjoy some champagne tasting too.

Getting to the Reims Christmas Market

Get to Reims by train

Add texReims is well-connected by train to major cities in France and Europe. If you’re coming from Paris, you can take a high-speed TGV train from Gare de l’Est.

The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.

The train station in Reims is centrally located, allowing easy access to the city centre and the Christmas market.t here

Get to Reims by plane

The nearest airport is Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in Paris, one of Europe’s major aviation hubs.

From CDG, you can take a train, bus, or rental car to Reims.

Get to Reims by car

Reims is easily accessible via the A4 motorway from Paris, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

This option allows you to explore the scenic countryside and nearby attractions at your own pace.

Visiting the Reims Christmas Market FAQs