Reims, the historic capital of Champagne, transforms into a festive destination each December when its Christmas market opens on the cathedral forecourt. The setting is dramatic: hundreds of wooden chalets cluster at the foot of the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, a UNESCO World Heritage site where French kings were crowned. Wandering the market, you can sip vin chaud, taste local champagne, and browse regional crafts while the cathedral’s illuminated façade provides a glittering backdrop. The market’s location in the heart of the city makes it an easy addition to any Champagne-region itinerary.
Before you go, check the official tourism office website or the city’s announcements for the current year’s exact dates and any special events. While many guides list dates from late November through late December, schedules can shift. The market typically runs from late November until just before or after Christmas Day, often through late December. Planning your visit around an evening showing of the cathedral light show is worth the effort, as the projection adds a memorable layer to the market experience. For more inspiration, see our guide to festivals in France, which covers seasonal events across the country.
Typical Operating Season and When to Arrive
The Reims Christmas market traditionally runs from late November until around Christmas, often until late December. In recent seasons, it opened around 26 November and closed around 28 December, but these dates are not guaranteed every year. Because the market is free to enter and set in a public square, opening times are generally daily, often extending into the evening to accommodate the light show. To avoid the biggest crowds, visit on a weekday morning; weekends are busier, especially near the chalets and champagne stands.
Some sources mention a Christmas and Kings Fair that extends into January, but this is not a permanent or confirmed feature. If you are planning a visit after New Year’s, check with the Reims tourism office to see if any festive stalls remain. The main market is a December phenomenon, and most activities wind down before the start of January.
Location: Cathedral Forecourt and Surrounding Areas
The heart of the Reims Christmas market is the Place du Cardinal Luçon, the wide esplanade directly in front of Reims Cathedral. From there, chalets spill along the adjacent streets, with the Gothic façade towering overhead. The market’s single, concentrated location makes it easy to explore in one evening, unlike some French markets that spread across a whole town. Just a short walk away, Place d'Erlon buzzes with extra holiday stalls, a large Christmas tree, and café terraces where you can warm up with a drink.
A Ferris wheel (Grande Roue) is usually set up near Place d'Erlon, providing panoramic views over the city and the cathedral. The wheel is a popular photo stop at twilight, when both the market lights and the cathedral’s illuminated façade are visible. To see the market in full swing, arrive as dusk falls, when the chalet lights and the cathedral’s light show create the most magical atmosphere.
What to See and Do: Chalets, Crafts, and Gifts
Around 150 small wooden chalets line the market, offering a chance to pick up handcrafted gifts that range from ornaments and nativity scenes to local ceramics and textiles. Vendors also sell regional specialties like gingerbread and other festive treats. Many of the stalls are run by local artisans, so browsing is a chance to find original souvenirs that reflect Champagne’s heritage rather than generic imports.
The market includes traditional family attractions such as fairground games and a children’s carousel, keeping the atmosphere lively for all ages. While you wander, look for the food stands where you can sample regional dishes and warm drinks. The chalets are positioned so that you are constantly walking with the cathedral in view, which adds to the sense of occasion.
Culinary Highlights: Regional Foods and Champagne
No visit to a French Christmas market is complete without trying the seasonal flavours, and Reims does not disappoint. You will find classic vin chaud (mulled wine) alongside local champagne, which many chalets offer by the glass. The region’s biscuit rose de Reims, a pink, champagne-flavoured biscuit, is a popular souvenir and an easy way to bring a taste of the city home.
Food stalls serve hearty winter fare such as raclette, tartiflette, and crêpes, perfect for refuelling between sights. For a sit-down meal, the cafés and brasseries around Place d'Erlon offer festive menus. If you are keen to pair your market visit with a proper champagne tasting, several houses in central Reims offer tours and tastings throughout the season.
Light Show on the Cathedral Façade
Each evening during the market period, a sound-and-light show is projected onto the western façade of Reims Cathedral. The display tells the story of the French kings who were crowned in the cathedral, using vivid imagery and music to bring the Gothic stonework to life. The show lasts about 20 minutes and repeats in cycles, so you do not need to arrive at an exact time; check with the tourism office for the evening schedule.
The light show is free to watch, making it an accessible highlight that draws both visitors and locals. To get a good view, position yourself in the middle of the square, slightly back from the chalets. The projection is best seen after full darkness, so aim to be there well after sunset.
Ferris Wheel and the Place d'Erlon Festive Zone
For a bird’s-eye view of the city and the market, take a ride on the Ferris wheel located near Place d'Erlon. From the top, you can see the cathedral, the glittering market stalls, and, on clear days, the vineyards that surround Reims. The wheel operates in the evening too, making it a romantic addition to a night-time visit.
After your ride, wander down Place d'Erlon, a long, pedestrianized square lined with restaurants and bars. You will find additional market stalls, a towering Christmas tree, and a cheerful holiday bustle that continues late into the evening. It is a great spot to warm up with a hot drink or a full meal after exploring the cathedral-side market.
Security and Access: What to Know Before You Go
The Reims Christmas market is free to enter, and you do not need to book a ticket in advance. However, because it is held in a public square near a major monument, you may encounter security checkpoints at the entrances. Visitors have reported bag checks and occasional metal-detector screenings, so allow a few extra minutes to clear them and carry only essential items to speed up the process. For current security measures, refer to the tourism office’s website.
Accessibility is generally good, as the market is on flat, paved ground, though the cobbled areas around the cathedral may be uneven. Wheelchairs and strollers can navigate the main pathways, but some of the narrower lanes between chalets can become crowded. If you need step-free routes, stick to the wider central alleys.
Nearby Attractions: Champagne Houses and the Wine Route
Reims is the heart of Champagne country, and several famous houses offer tours that combine well with a market visit. Taittinger, Ruinart, and Veuve Clicquot all have cellars in the city, where you can descend into ancient chalk quarries and learn about the winemaking process. Tours usually need to be booked in advance, especially in December, so it is wise to reserve a slot ahead of your trip.
If you have extra time, take a scenic drive along the Champagne wine route, which winds through villages like Hautvillers and Verzenay, each offering tastings and vineyard views. The route is about a 30-minute drive from Reims, and you can easily spend a day visiting a couple of producers. To discover other French festive celebrations, see our guide to festivals in France, which highlights cultural events from Christmas markets to summer music festivals.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
Dress warmly, as the market is entirely outdoors and December evenings in Champagne can be cold. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring cash, as some smaller stalls may not accept cards, though most larger vendors do. It is a good idea to check the local weather forecast and plan for rain, as the market continues in light rain but can be less pleasant in a downpour.
If you are visiting with children, decide on a meeting point in advance, as the crowd can become dense in the early evening. The light show and the Ferris wheel are likely to be the most popular attractions, so queue early to avoid long waits. Finally, keep an eye on your belongings, as in any busy public space.
For those looking to combine their Reims trip with other French festive markets, consider the Christmas markets in Alsace or the larger celebrations in nearby cities. The Reims market offers a distinctly local experience, with champagne and regional foods setting it apart from the Germanic-influenced markets further east.
Plan Your Visit
The Reims Christmas market is a compact, picturesque celebration that pairs architectural grandeur with Champagne-region flavours. Because the market is concentrated around the cathedral, you can comfortably explore everything in a single evening, especially if you time your visit to catch the light show. The free entry and central location make it an easy add-on to a wider trip through northern France.
Before you set off, confirm the current year’s dates and any special events on the official Reims tourism website. For an extended festive break, look into the city’s champagne houses and consider planning a visit that combines market browsing with cellar tours. With a little planning, Reims offers a memorable December escape in the heart of France’s most famous wine region.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Reims Christmas market open?
The market typically runs from late November until the end of December. Exact dates vary each year, so check the Reims tourism office for the current schedule before your visit.
Where is the Reims Christmas market located?
The market takes place on the forecourt of Reims Cathedral, with additional festive stalls near Place d'Erlon. The cathedral is in the city centre, about a 15-minute walk from the main train station.
Is the Reims Christmas market free to attend?
Yes, the market is free to enter and you do not need a ticket. You might have to pass through a security checkpoint at the entrance.
Is the market open on weekends?
Yes, the market is open daily, including weekends, from its typical late-November start until it closes near the end of December. Weekend hours may be longer, but exact times vary, so check current details.
What are the best things to do around the Reims market?
Besides browsing the chalets, you can watch the cathedral light show, ride the Ferris wheel near Place d'Erlon, and visit champagne houses like Taittinger or Ruinart for tours and tastings. You can also walk to Place d'Erlon for festive food and drinks.
What are the best places to stay in Reims?
Staying near the cathedral or Place d'Erlon puts you within walking distance of the market and the main attractions. Booking early is recommended, as hotels fill up quickly in December.
