Everything you need to know about one of the biggest Christmas markets in Ile-de-France!
It is without a doubt THE most popular Christmas market in the capital and an event not to be missed under any circumstances!
Experience the magic of Christmas with your family at Paris La Défense in a festive atmosphere and take in the sights: whether you're young or old, you'll stroll along the market's aisles discovering numerous chalets and local exhibitors.
A great opportunity to do your shopping in preparation for Christmas
Santons de Provence, candles, table decorations and more. In addition to decorating your home with handcrafted objects, you will discover original gift ideas to put at the foot of the tree, local products, sweets, gingerbread, all in a festive atmosphere, here is a festive program par excellence!
The success of the Paris La Défense Christmas market is due to the magical atmosphere that reigns there with thousands of illuminations and decorations. When one of the biggest Christmas markets in the Paris region is invited to the business district of La Défense, it's just like the place, that is to say extraordinary! You will have the choice to participate in numerous animations, to listen to Christmas songs and to find multiple inspirations to prepare in all serenity the end of the year celebrations.
The opportunity to discover another facet of the La Défense district
It is not just a succession of towers, each one higher than the other, and shopping centers. It is a district rich in its diversity that offers throughout the year exhibitions, festivals, animations in addition to this event that marks the end of the year.
Since 1995, when the Christmas market was created, it has become a major event in the La Défense district. Today, the Christmas market now boasts 180 themed chalets offering gift ideas from France and around the world, traditional products from our regions, charcuterie, cheese, wine and other delicacies to concoct delicious feasts for Christmas Eve. To really live this Christmas atmosphere, restaurants and hot spots will propose you to drink a good hot chocolate or wine, as the tradition wants.
This unique market will make you lose track of time and immerse you in the holiday atmosphere. Multiple animations are scheduled throughout this month, take full advantage of the Christmas atmosphere, come with your family or friends, when at nightfall, the trees sparkle with a thousand lights, the elves and the goblins sneak into the alleys. Then, the magic happens!
Meeting Father Christmas
Who says Christmas market, says... Santa Claus. Go meet the affable man in the alleys of the market or find him near his sleigh to slip him your list... without forgetting to immortalize this imperishable memory with a photo. It's time to put on your "ugly" sweater, the kitschy and cheesy Christmas sweater that has become a fashion statement for the occasion.
You probably don't know it, but the first traces of Christmas markets go back to the 14th century in Germany, they were then better known as "St. Nicholas Market". A tradition that has stood the test of time and continued over the centuries to become the contemporary markets as we know them today, with a little old-fashioned touch that makes them so charming.
A highly anticipated market
After the resumption of the Christmas market in 2021, Paris La Défense gathered 762,000 visitors in 2022 over 30 days of market and more than a million visitors in 2023 over 42 market days, making it one of the largest in Île-de-France. Mark your calendars: from the end of November, you will have the chance to find the Christmas market open every day. Although access will be free, there will be controls at the entrances to ensure that you are welcomed with peace of mind. The Christmas illuminations will also begin at the same time.