The Christmas Market returns to the plaza starting November 12, 2026
For its 31st edition, one of Europe’s largest markets returns to the La Défense plaza from Thursday, November 12, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2026. The magic of the holiday season is back, so you can enjoy a pleasant time, immersed in the Christmas spirit!
To the delight of young and old alike, the La Défense Christmas Market is back, and this year will once again be full of magic and surprises! Want to hear all about it?
New spaces for new surprises
This year, the Christmas market spans more than 15,000 m². It features two distinct areas that transport you straight into the heart of the holiday season. On one side is the traditional area, featuring most of the food and drink options, rides, and artisan booths; on the other is the “Sommet” area, a festive zone with a large stage for themed evenings and an ice rink covering more than 500 m²!
The Traditional Market
The traditional market is the part that will transport you to the heart of the magic of Christmas. Colors, garlands, scents—all your senses will be overwhelmed by the spirit of the holiday season. More than 300 chalets are set up on the plaza at La Défense, featuring artisans and designers, restaurants serving regional specialties, social gathering areas, and entertainment perfect for children, such as carousels and Santa and Mrs. Claus’s house.
The Sommet
The Sommet area is where the event really comes to life! Here, entertainment takes center stage thanks to the 500 m² ice rink, the giant Christmas tree, the elevated stage hosting musical performances every evening, and the Christmas market’s new restaurant: Le Comptoir de l’Entrecôte.
Enough to fill Santa's sack
If you’re looking for gifts to treat your loved ones, the La Défense Christmas market is the place to be! From “Boutique Noëlle” with its seasonal decorations to the Fortwenger gingerbread shop, Quebec products at La Cabane à Mario, and artisans and designers offering both original and traditional gifts—such as Provençal santons, table linens, scarves, and other warm clothing, Christmas tree ornaments, and more—you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
A feast to share... or not!
And what would the largest Christmas market in Île-de-France be without a variety of food options to suit every palate? Culinary specialties from Alsace, Savoie, the Southwest, Canada, and even Creole specialties will be on offer! The famous Quebec poutine will be served alongside pretzels, roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and mulled wine, as well as the traditional Savoyard raclette cheese sandwich.
For this 31st edition, Le Comptoir de l’Entrecôte is coming to the Christmas Market. There, you’ll be able to sample French specialties in a warm and friendly atmosphere, right in the heart of the Christmas Market’s festive area.
Activities for adults and children
Festive Evenings
Visitors to the Christmas Market have quite a program in store for them this year. For 7 weeks, festive events will be held in the “Le Sommet” area:
- Monday: “Frosty” night featuring a live band;
- Tuesday: “Glitter” night hosted by a DJ and an accordionist;
- Wednesday: “Après-ski” night, featuring a live band;
- Thursday: “Christmas party” featuring a DJ and a saxophonist performing together;
- Friday: “Golden Party” with a DJ;
- Saturday: “90s/2000s Night” with a DJ;
- Sunday: “Disco/Funk Night” with a DJ.
There are also some exceptional evening events you won't want to miss:
- The Christmas market’s opening night will take place on Friday, November 13, 2026, featuring Chimène Badi and her gospel choir!
- On Wednesday, December 23, a special kids’ party will be held—because even the little ones deserve to celebrate Christmas!
- On Saturday, January 2, 2027, a closing party will be held to bring this festive season to a fitting close!
With themed booths, rides, and creative workshops, the Christmas market will put you in a festive mood with activities planned every day.
On Wednesdays and Sundays, come see your favorite Christmas characters strolling among the chalets! Are you ready to follow the Grinch, the Snow Queen, the Christmas snowflakes, the Swan Lake dancers, the Dream Dancers, the Mail Elf, and the others?
Learn more about the street performances
Plus, Santa Claus will be there every day, and his wife, Mrs. Claus, will join him every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s at their house—during the same hours as Mrs. Claus—that the creative workshops, in partnership with Cultura and led by the elves, will take place!
If you’re looking for a classic Christmas experience to enjoy with family, friends, or as a couple, then put on your gloves and skates and head to the ice rink with its 500 m² of real ice. And this year, the Meudon hockey club will be there on Wednesdays, December 9, 16, 23, and 30, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., to offer a free introduction to this iconic winter sport!
You can discover other winter sports at the France Montagne chalet, also located in the traditional market, right next to Santa and Mrs. Claus’s house. There, you’ll find a 100-square-meter space where you can try your hand at curling or skiing using two simulators.
To capture memories of this unique experience in Paris La Défense, photo spots are scattered throughout the Christmas market. In addition, a karaoke booth will be set up in the Christmas market. It’s simple: up to six people can go inside, choose your song, sing, and receive a video and photos as souvenirs of this one-of-a-kind experience!
Solidarity in Action
Paris La Défense and its Christmas market are thinking of those in need! This year’s event is once again held under the banner of solidarity. Numerous initiatives are being organized thanks to several organizations.
Each year, a national organization is chosen to partner with local organizations. For this year’s event, the Ruban Rose organization is making a big comeback! The organization is dedicated to raising awareness, providing support, and advancing research on breast cancer.
A Responsible Market
In previous years, the Paris La Défense Christmas market has aligned itself with the area’s mission and its eco-friendly values. Primarily digital marketing, unheated chalets, returnable cups and bowls at takeout food stands (€2 deposit), and 100% energy-efficient LED lighting for the area’s decorations—complete with a timer to control lighting hours—are all back for this year’s event!
Learn more about the Christmas program
Discover other major events in the region
Practical information:
Parvis de La Défense – 92800 Puteaux
Free entrance
The Traditional Market
Thursday, November 12, through Thursday, December 31, 2026
Monday to Thursday: 11h – 21h ;
Friday: 11h – 23h ;
Saturday: 10h – 23h ;
Sunday: 11h – 21h30.
Summit Schedule
Thursday, November 12, 2026, through Sunday, January 3, 2027
Monday to Wednesday: 11h – 21h
Thursday: 11h – 22h ;
Friday: 11h – 23h ;
Saturday: 10h – 23h ;
Sunday: 11h – 21h30.
Exceptions
- Thursday, December 24, 2026: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.;
- Friday, December 25, 2026: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.;
- Thursday, December 31, 2026: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.;
- Friday, January 1, 2027: 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
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