Paris La Défense launches a consultation for the 2026-2028 Christmas Markets
For more than 20 years, the business district has been buzzing during the festive season, thanks in particular to its iconic Christmas Market, the largest in the Ile-de-France region. In 2025, it attracted 2.2 million visitors, an all-time record! In 2026, Paris La Défense is launching a new call for projects with the aim of concluding an agreement for the operation of the Christmas Market until 2028.
The Christmas Market will make its grand return in November 2026, and to mark the occasion, the public institution is launching a consultation to designate the holder of the future agreement to operate the Christmas Market and continue to make the business district a true Christmas destination in the Ile-de-France region.
The main objectives of the call for projects
For the winner, the new agreement represents an authorisation to occupy the public domain of Paris La Défense for the Christmas markets of 2026, 2027 and 2028. In 2026, the market will run from mid-November to the end of December and will be located in the centre of the La Défense forecourt, covering an area of between 10,000 and 15,000 m².
The Paris La Défense Christmas Market will need to project a festive, surprising and modern image, while remaining authentic, welcoming and in keeping with the international character of the La Défense district. To achieve this, the successful bidder will be able to rely on the installation of interior and exterior decorations on the chalets, aesthetic structures and festive entertainment, as well as offering places for socialising, living and shopping.
The winner must also make the following objectives a priority:
- Limiting the carbon footprint;
- Controlling resource and energy consumption;
- Traceability and waste management;
- Promoting sustainable catering and food;
- Combating food waste;
- Commitment to diversity and inclusion;
- Strengthening social cohesion and solidarity.
How to apply
Applications must be sent by email via a download link (Oodrive or equivalent) by 12 noon on Friday 27 February 2026. Applications will be assessed according to the criteria set out in the call for projects available here.
The magic of Christmas comes to Paris La Défense
Every year, the festive season brings magic, lights and, of course, a Christmas market to the business district. In 2025, 2.2 million people, including La Défense users, Parisians and tourists, came to discover the iconic Christmas market, its chalets, artisans, rides and ice rink.
Before or after visiting the Christmas Market, visitors can stroll around the area and the esplanade to discover the lights hidden in the neighbourhoods of Paris La Défense.
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