Christmas season is around the corner! People linger for that long-awaited time of the year to celebrate the magic of Christmas with their beloved ones and get swept up in the mystery, sights, sounds, smells, and ambiance of Christmas. Tourists head to admire Christmas markets in Europe, stir up feelings of pure joy and embrace the essence of Christmas, its magical atmosphere, and its vibe. From captivating Christmas decorations and sparkling lights enriching the city's heritage to spectacular Christmas trees, families and friends gather to share their love for each other, and welcome this wonderful season in the warmest place. Here are 10 of France's most enchanting Christmas market destinations for 2022.

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10 Paris

Paris Christmas market is a popular and significant event awaited by tourists and Parisians. The sparkling illuminations, spectacular trees full of bright colors, and street markets featuring Swiss-style wooden chalets repeat a tradition that began in the Middle Ages in Alsace and Germany and was transported to the French capital. Visitors marvel at the luminous arches and avenues of the French capital in festive splendor. More than ever, at this time of the year, Paris feels like the 'City of Light'!

9 Strasbourg

Strasbourg Christmas market is one of France's oldest and prettiest of all Christmas markets. People visit from all over the world to see the city's majestic Christmas tree dressed in illuminated lights, wander the old town's beautiful streets, and marvel at its spectacular wooden chalets. The market of the infant Jesus also offers local produce and craftsmanship, "vin chaud," cakes, biscuits, and gingerbread. The "Christmas Capital of the world" offers a warm Alsatian atmosphere to its visitors, let them embrace the Christmas magic, and invites them to a sensory journey.

8 Amiens

Amiens Christmas Market has been since 1997 a destination for young and old visitors. People will find a great choice of gift ideas, from handmade gifts and Christmas decorations to delicious delicacies. The shop's decorations are handmade with naturals, such as vegetables, and Andrée Joinville makes flowers arranged on display, all created in the spirit of Christmas.

7 Reims

People come to Reims to celebrate the magic of Christmas with their friends and families for a weekend. They build unforgettable memories discovering the 145 beautiful chalets stretched on the Parvis of the Cathedral, exploring the illuminated Christmas market, and strolling the charming streets of Reims. They also enjoy the divine smells of typical meals and beverages and meet talented creators at Reims' different events.

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6 Lille

Lille sparkles and glows with beauty in the heart of winter. The magical city creates a festive atmosphere and welcomes visitors to a winter wonderland. More than 80 chalets are decorated with beautiful lights, lie on Place Rihour, and offer regional food specialties, candies, and arts and crafts from Russia, Poland, and Québec.

5 Arras

The Christmas market in Arras sparkles with a thousand lights, laid out in the stunning setting of the Grand'Place, a Flemish Baroque architectural ensemble unrivaled in Europe. People will marvel at the cheerful market and atmosphere in the heart of the town, dressed with a forest of Christmas trees. Visitors enjoy strolling Arras streets and shopping for plenty of gift ideas at the 140 artisans and exhibitors. They will also sample roasted chestnuts or spice bread before wandering the market stalls, where they will find crafts, jewelry, wooden toys, and beautiful decorations.

4 Metz

Visitors celebrate the magic of Christmas in Metz's main squares and enjoy the beautiful festive season while visiting the illuminated Christmas markets. People admire the ice sculptures at the Frozen Fairyland, try traditional treats like the merry-go-round, walk through the magic forest, and warm up cold hands around hot mulled wine. It is recommended to try gastronomic Christmas essentials at the city market hall or buy them as gifts.

3 Colmar

Colmar's unique beauty is designed for visitors to enjoy Colmar's charming heritage while discovering traditional Christmas markets. Visitors enjoy strolling Colmar's streets and admire the town decorated in beautiful lighting, which enhances the central architecture, such as churches, museums, and alleys. The magical Christmas will let visitors celebrate and dream in the historical center featuring at least 5 Christmas markets, which include shop windows, illuminated houses, and plenty of chalets selling gift ideas and Christmas delicacies.

2 Mulhouse

Mulhouse is the place to enjoy Christmas magic with exceptional decorations made of a unique fabric in Alsace, festive lighting, and many animations. The uniqueness of the Christmas market of Mulhouse comes from its rich industrial textile heritage. The decors dressing up the chalets and the city center streets, as well as the fabric, are all created by local artists and constantly renewed each year, dressing up the whole city for that magical time of the year.

1 Montbeliard

Located in Eastern France's region of Franche-Comté, Montbéliard is the welcoming town that turns into pure magic a few weeks before Christmas. During that season, it revives the tradition of Württemberg and organizes a charming Christmas market featuring 160 lovely stalls full of beautiful and high-quality items. Visitors enjoy walking down the illuminated streets, tasting the delicious gastronomic products from Montbéliard and France, choosing between a wide variety of art and crafts, and dancing to the music and the sound of choral songs.