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France Christmas Market Tour 2026: Join Us in Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar & Versailles

6 days ago
4 min read
A Storybook Christmas Escape — Paris, Versailles, Alsace,” featuring a woman in a black beret holding mulled wine, snow-covered half-timbered houses decorated with Christmas lights, and Strasbourg Cathedral.

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For more information, please email Allie at info@allieinwanderland.com.


Wooden Christmas market chalets decorated with garlands, glowing lights, and ornaments line a cobblestone walkway, with a crêpe stall and decorated fir trees in the foreground.


Introduction


Imagine twinkling lights overhead, the scent of warm pastries and mulled wine in the air, and charming streets dressed in their holiday best.


This December, join us in France for a Christmas market getaway filled with festive discoveries, delicious treats, and shared adventures.


Esmi, a Versailles local, will personally escort you throughout the trip, while Shana handles lodging and travel arrangements.


Whether you’ve been dreaming of a European Christmas for years or simply want a little extra magic this holiday season, we’d love to have you along!


A pale green vintage Citroën drives along a cobblestone street in Montmartre, lined with cafés, shops, parked scooters, and cream-colored Parisian buildings.

Optional Tour of Paris

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026


We will begin your adventure with a full day exploring Paris alongside Esmi, who will meet you near your hotel and personally escort you to some of the city’s most iconic sights.


From the charming streets of Montmartre and beautiful Sacré-Cœur to the Louvre, Notre-Dame, and the grand Arc de Triomphe, you’ll discover the landmarks that make Paris unforgettable.


You'll end the day at the Eiffel Tower, watching it sparkle against the night sky—the perfect welcome to the City of Light!


An illuminated red Christmas pyramid topped with star-studded blades stands beneath a glowing Ferris wheel at the Tuileries Christmas Market in Paris at night.

Tuileries & Surrounding Markets

Thursday, December 3rd


On the first day of the Christmas market tour, you will visit the Tuileries Christmas Market, where traditional holiday charm meets the excitement of a large-scale amusement fair!


With amusement rides, an ice rink, and French-themed chalets selling gifts, decorations, and seasonal goodies, there’s plenty to explore.


The gourmet village offers a delicious journey through France’s regional flavors, from gooey raclette sandwiches and freshly made crêpes to roasted chestnuts.


There’s even a dedicated Champagne bar for a festive toast in the heart of Paris!


After Tuileries, if there is time, Esmi will escort you along to other smaller markets in the surrounding areas.


Visitors walk beneath a blue-and-white illuminated arch reading “Strasbourg Capitale de Noël,” decorated with stars and glowing bear figures, on a cobblestone street at night.

Strasbourg Capital de Noël

Friday, December 4th


After Paris & Tuileries, you will depart by train for Strasbourg, home to France’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1570.


A giant Christmas tree towers over Place Kléber, while sparkling crystal chandeliers hang above Rue des Hallebardes.


As you explore the markets, you will wander past charming half-timbered Alsatian façades and picturesque canals, with the magnificent Gothic cathedral providing a storybook backdrop to our festive adventure.


A Christmas tree decorated with red and silver ornaments stands beside a wooden market chalet and a half-timbered house adorned with festive greenery in Colmar, France.

La Magie de Noël à Colmar

Saturday, December 5th


Strasbourg may be the biggest Christmas market, but Colmar captured my heart. The morning following your visit to Strasbourg, you will take another direct train ride to this charming city.


Its old town transforms into a living fairy tale, with six distinct themed markets nestled among decorated half-timbered houses and illuminated canals.


Residents join in a community decoration contest, dressing the pastel-painted, gingerbread-style buildings with giant teddy bears, glowing stars, and festive lights.


From the spinning carousel bar at Place Rapp to collectible porcelain mugs and regional treats like Munster-topped tarte flambée, there’s something delightful around every corner.


On select evenings, you can even hear children singing Christmas carols as their boats glide through the canals of Petite Venise!


A large black soup cauldron hangs over an open fire beneath a wooden tripod marked “Soupe” at Ribeauvillé’s medieval Christmas market, surrounded by visitors, stalls, and half-timbered buildings.

Ribeauvillé & Surrounding Markets

Sunday, December 6th


Colmar is unique in that it offers a Christmas shuttle hub, allowing you to explore surrounding markets in villages such as Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Turckheim, Munster, and Eguisheim.


Therefore, on Sunday, you will skip the usual train ride and instead venture forth on Colmar's shuttles to wherever your heart desires!


One standout is Ribeauvillé’s medieval Christmas market (pictured above), where costumed stallholders, jugglers, wandering minstrels, and performers bring the streets to life.


Animals such as camels, sheep, donkeys, and geese add to the spectacle, while rustic food stalls tempt visitors with steaming soups, spit-roasted wild boar, hearty tartines, medieval beer, mulled wine, and warm gingerbread.


Visitors carrying colorful umbrellas fill a cobblestone street in Riquewihr, lined with pastel half-timbered buildings and hanging Christmas ornaments, with the historic town hall in the background.

Another stop worth discovering is Riquewihr, officially recognized as one of France’s most beautiful villages, whose colorful half-timbered streets look straight out of Beauty and the Beast.


You can read more about Colmar and its surrounding Christmas markets here!


The Eiffel Tower rises between modern high-rises and Parisian rooftops beneath a cloudy sky, with a red-and-cream brick building in the foreground.

Return to Paris

Monday, December 7th - Tuesday, December 8th


On Monday, you'll return to Paris by train, arriving in the afternoon with time to explore and shop.


Browse for last-minute gifts, revisit a favorite neighborhood, or settle into a cozy café and enjoy the festive atmosphere at your own pace.


The Palace of Versailles and its ornate golden gates stand beyond a wide, empty cobblestone courtyard beneath an overcast sky.

Optional Local Tour of Versailles & Christmas Markets

Tuesday, December 8th


For those extending the adventure, join Esmi on the train to Versailles for a city tour and a visit to its Christmas markets.


Having called Versailles home for over five years, Esmi will introduce you to the city beyond the palace, from its charming neighborhoods to the historic Notre-Dame Market—a lovely finale to our French holiday getaway!



Glowing yellow lanterns hang from sweeping metal arches above Christmas market stalls decorated with evergreen garlands and fairy lights in Colmar at dusk.

Conclusion


Your trip includes access to Allie’s Christmas Market Guide and Christmas Market Tips & Tricks, plus a dedicated WhatsApp group chat where you can connect with fellow travelers, ask questions, and chat with us in real time throughout the trip!


Pricing is still being finalized, so please stay tuned for details. For more information or to express your interest, email Allie at info@allieinwanderland.com.


Esmi, Shana, and I hope you’ll join us on this magical Christmas market tour through France—we can’t wait to share the twinkling lights, festive flavors, and unforgettable moments with you!

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