guide
Every winter the coronation city dresses up in lights and welcomes one of the largest Christmas markets in north-eastern France. For the past few editions, the chalets have left the cathedral forecourt and moved to the Hautes-Promenades, a long tree-lined avenue in the heart of the town, roomier and more pleasant to stroll along.
2026 dates, atmosphere, local treats to taste, sights to combine and options for staying nearby in winter: here is our guide to the Reims Christmas market.
| Information | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Dates 2026 | From late November to late December (25 November to 27 December according to early announcements) |
| Where? | On the Hautes-Promenades, in the town centre |
| Size | Around 150 chalets run by craftspeople and traders |
| Specialities | Champagne, pink biscuits, gingerbread, mulled wine |
| To combine | Notre-Dame cathedral, palais du Tau, champagne cellars |
| Getting there | On foot from the station, tram and car parks in the centre |
The Reims market now stretches along the Hautes-Promenades, a few minutes’ walk from the station and place d’Erlon. Around 150 chalets offer crafts, decorations, regional produce, food and drink, under the illuminations. A big wheel and children’s entertainment often complete the scene, with a more family-friendly atmosphere on weekdays and a livelier one at weekends.
Naturally, champagne is part of the celebration, served by the glass in several chalets. Do not leave without the famous pink biscuits of Reims, which by tradition are dipped in a glass of champagne, and some gingerbread, another old speciality of the town. Mulled wine, hot chocolate and savoury treats keep you warm between chalets.
The Christmas market is an ideal occasion to discover the town’s treasures, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Campsites open in December are rare around Reims, and our selection lists none in the immediate area. In the Marne, the Camping du Château de Nogentel at Neuvy and the Camping du Swin Golf at Arrigny, near the Lac du Der, stay open all year, roughly an hour and a half’s drive from Reims. A way to combine the Christmas market, the vineyards of Champagne and nature, as long as you plan for the journey.
Find all the campsites open all year in the Marne and our advice on camping in winter.
The Reims Christmas market does not have Alsatian folklore, but it has a unique asset: champagne, and one of the most beautiful cathedrals in France. Plan a full day to combine the chalets, the cathedral and a cellar visit, preferably on a weekday.
