festive season festival guides

Plan your holiday trip to Épernay for the Christmas market in the city center and the dazzling Habits de Lumière festival along Avenue de Champagne, with festive activities for all.

Sprawled across five historic squares in the city center, the Metz Christmas market combines chalet stalls with riverfront illuminations, a gourmet market, and the dedicated Lanterns Walk in Square Boufflers.

Set against the UNESCO-listed Reims Cathedral, the Christmas market fills the forecourt with around 150 chalets selling local crafts and festive foods. Free to enter, with champagne tastings, a nightly light show, and a Ferris wheel nearby, it's a magical stop in Champagne country each December. Confirm current details with the tourism office.

Strasbourg's Christmas market, known as the Christkindelsmärik, transforms the city each Advent. Explore the multiple squares, from the historic Place Broglie to the lively Place Kléber, and get practical tips for navigating crowds, savoring Alsatian treats, and making the most of your visit.

Plan a winter trip to Troyes with this practical guide to the Marché de Noël. Learn where it takes place, typical opening hours, family activities, and how to combine the market with the city's historic sights and outlet shopping.

Lisbon glows with Christmas lights, markets, and festive events from late November to early January. This guide covers key locations, seasonal foods, and practical tips to help you plan a memorable visit, whether you're exploring the giant tree in Praça do Comércio or browsing handmade gifts at Rossio.

Every winter, the Bordeaux Christmas Market sets up its wooden chalets along Allées de Tourny and Place des Quinconces. For the 2026 edition, it runs from 27 November to 27 December, daily from 11:00 to 21:30. Find out what to expect, how to get there by tram or bike, and tips for a smooth visit.

Every December, Parma's historic center glows with festive lights, a grand Christmas tree in Piazza Garibaldi, and open-air markets in Piazza Ghiaia. The 2026 program runs from December 8 to January 6, with markets on select Sundays and holidays. Expect concerts, family theater, an ice rink, and nativity scenes.