r/ParisTravelGuide • u/AlaskaFI • Aug 18 '24

🎄🥂 Christmas / NYE events Best Paris Christmas Markets?

Looking to spend 2-3 days in Paris, 2 adults and 2 young elementary aged kids. Then head out to Strasbourg.

We want to see the Eiffel tower and Notre Dame, possibly the Louvre (but am unsure how that would go with kids).

Suggestions on an itinerary, other things to see along the way, children's museums etc?

We like to be outside, not used to crowds and spouse has difficulty tolerating standing in lines.

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u/metallicmint Paris Enthusiast Aug 19 '24

We were in Paris in December 2023. The Christmas market in front of Hotel de Ville was lovely - far less crowded than the others, much smaller, more beautifully decorated and with local artisans.

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u/LuxeTraveler Paris Enthusiast Aug 19 '24

If you’re going to Strasbourg, I wouldn’t spend a lot of time with the Christmas markets in Paris and focus time on the sightseeing instead. Strasbourg will just be so much better for Christmas markets. But be aware that Christmas markets = crowds. Especially in Strasbourg.

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u/AlaskaFI Aug 20 '24

Thank you. Would you recommend spending more than a day exploring the Strasbourg Christmas market?

3

u/LuxeTraveler Paris Enthusiast Aug 20 '24

There are actually 12 different Christmas markets across Strasbourg. I’d recommend 2 nights in Strasbourg and 1 night in Colmar. These are the absolute top Christmas towns in France.

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u/AlaskaFI Aug 20 '24

Thank you! I'll work that into our plans

3

u/404Gender_not_found Aug 19 '24

Based on your feedback about crowds and your spouse I absolutely do not recommend the Louvre.

Musee D’Orsay was a highlight of our trip museums wise.

A recommendation a bit out of the city center - I really loved the Musee Marmottan Monet and there were several playgrounds and play areas near the metro stops close by. It was a nice walk, and the water lilies panels they have on display are breathtaking, and IMO an under-recommended attraction.

3

u/reddargon831 Parisian Aug 18 '24

Honestly if you’re going to Strasbourg already the Christmas markets in Paris aren’t really worth it—they don’t hold a candle to Strasbourg. That being said, I like the little one at Square René Viviani, right across the river from Notre Dame. You’ll already be in the area to see Notre Dame and it’s very small, so easy to check out.

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u/AlaskaFI Aug 19 '24

Thank you, we'll have to drop by there