Editor’s Note: I updated the post with 2023 Information and Links.
Did you know that the Champagne region of France is home to one of the largest Christmas markets in the country? We headed to Reims, France, to explore their historic Reims Christmas Market. At the base of the Norte Dame Cathedral, you will find chalets selling locally made products, plenty of food, and, of course, Champagne. For the 2023 season, the market will be open from November 24th until December 24th. Here are some of the highlights:
Getting to the Reims Christmas Market
Reims, a small city located in the Champagne region of France, is close to major cities such as Paris and Brussels, making it a perfect getaway spot. A fast train (TGV) can get you from Paris to Reims in 45 minutes, making it doable even for a day trip. Even traveling by car to the Reims Christmas Market is easy as there are plenty of parking garages. It takes around 3 hours to get to Brussels and 2 hours to get to Paris. Christmas markets are popular among locals and travelers alike, so going on a weekday is best to avoid large crowds. For this trip, we stayed at the Mercure Parc des Expositions, which, although not in the city center, has comfy rooms, and free parking. You can get to the city center in less than 30 minutes by bus.
About the Reims Christmas Market
European Christmas Markets are magical. The lights flickering in the cold air, the scent of roasted chestnuts, and the cozy chalets serving mulled wine make for the perfect backdrop for the holiday season. Reims Christmas Market is no different. Bundle up (it was pretty cold when we went) and wear your comfy shoes to explore not only the enclosed market area but many of the light installations throughout the city.
Food and Drink at the Market
When you go to the Reims Christmas Market, make sure you go hungry! Located in the Champagne region of France, several stands highlight the regional producers. One of my favorite large Champagne houses, Veuve Cliquot, has a fabulous heated tent with plenty of Champagne, charcuterie boards, and truffle chips. Champagne Lanson has a lively bar in the heart of the market that is quite popular, especially later in the evening. There are plenty of local cheeses, cured meats, and sweets for sale for you to indulge.
We truly enjoyed our time at the market and the city of Reims. It’s festive and classy, just like the product it is known for, Champagne.
