Every winter, the Hautes Promenades park in the centre of Reims fills with around 150 wooden chalets, twinkling lights and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread. The Reims Christmas market is often ranked the third largest in France, after Strasbourg and Colmar, and it takes place in the heart of the Champagne region, just 1h30 from Paris. The floodlit cathedral is only a short walk away. Pair it with a cellar tasting and a visit to the cathedral, and you have one of the most festive day trips you can take from the capital in December. This guide covers when the market runs, what to see and taste, a sample itinerary and why a private car makes a winter Champagne day so much easier.
When is the Reims Christmas market?
The market usually opens in late November and runs until the last days of December, staying open after Christmas. For 2026, event listings show about 25 November to 27 December, but check the final dates with the Reims tourist office before you book. Opening hours are typically from late morning until the evening, with longer hours at weekends. Weekdays are calmer and better for browsing; Saturday afternoons and evenings are the busiest, with live music and crowds.
If you want to combine the market with a Champagne house tour, book the cellar visit in advance. December is a popular month, and many houses have limited tour slots, especially at weekends.
What to see and do at the market
- The chalets: around 150 wooden chalets in the Hautes Promenades park, selling handmade decorations, gifts, local crafts, textiles and Christmas ornaments.
- Regional food: Reims pink biscuits (biscuits roses), traditionally dipped in Champagne; gingerbread; cheese from the Champagne and Ardennes regions; hot chestnuts; and warming dishes.
- Mulled wine and Champagne bars: where else can you sip a glass of Champagne at a Christmas market?
- The cathedral lit at night: the west façade, with its hundreds of carved statues, looks spectacular after dark. On certain December evenings, a sound-and-light show is projected onto it; check the 2026 schedule.
- Activities for children: rides, Father Christmas visits and festive decorations around the city centre.
Pair the market with Champagne
Reims is home to some of the most famous Champagne houses in the world. Several of them — including Taittinger, Pommery, Ruinart and Veuve Clicquot — are on or near the Saint-Nicaise hill, where Champagne ages in chalk cellars dug from Gallo-Roman quarries. These cellars are part of the UNESCO World Heritage listing of the Champagne hillsides, houses and cellars. A guided tour, typically about an hour with a tasting at the end, is the perfect way to start a festive day before the market lights come on.
In December, many Champagne houses also sell special gift boxes and festive editions, making the trip a good opportunity for Christmas shopping.
A sample festive day from Paris
- 9:30 — Pickup at your Paris hotel or apartment.
- 11:00 — Guided tour and tasting at a Champagne house on the Saint-Nicaise hill.
- 12:30 — Lunch in a brasserie in the city centre.
- 14:00 — Visit Reims Cathedral while it's still light, including the Chagall windows.
- 15:30 — The Christmas market, as the afternoon fades and the lights come on.
- 17:30 — Mulled wine or a glass of Champagne at the market, and see the cathedral lit up.
- 18:30 — Drive back to Paris, arriving around 20:00.
Why go by private car in winter
December days are short and often cold and wet. Sunset in Reims is around 16:45 to 17:00 in December, so time matters. With a private driver:
- The car is warm and waiting between each stop.
- You don't need to plan around train times — stay longer at the market if you're enjoying it.
- Shopping bags and Champagne bottles stay safely in the car instead of being carried around all day.
- Everyone in the group can taste.
- You're dropped back at your door in Paris, instead of finding a taxi from the station in the evening rush.
A Mercedes V-Class carries up to seven people, making it ideal for families and groups of friends. Check Luxberri's deals page for any festive offers on Champagne day trips.
Tips for visiting in December
- Dress warmly with good shoes — the market is outdoors on paved squares.
- Bring a small bag for fragile purchases; your driver can store them safely.
- Book cellar tours at least a week ahead in December.
- Avoid the final weekend before Christmas if you dislike crowds.
Buying Champagne for the holidays
A December trip is the perfect time to buy Champagne for Christmas and New Year. Most houses have boutiques with their full range, including vintages and limited cuvées that are hard to find abroad, and many offer festive gift boxes in December. Small growers around Reims often sell excellent Champagne at lower prices than the big names. If you're flying home, check your airline's rules: bottles must go in checked luggage, well wrapped, and duty-free allowances apply if you're travelling outside the EU. Some houses can ship to your home address in certain countries; ask in the boutique.
More Christmas markets near Paris
If you love Christmas markets, Reims isn't the only option within reach of Paris. Paris itself has seasonal markets, including the large Tuileries Garden market, listed as opening in mid-November 2026. Further afield, Amiens, Lille and Strasbourg host well-known markets, though Strasbourg is better as an overnight trip by TGV. Among day trips by car, Reims offers the best combination: a large market, a world-class cathedral and Champagne cellars, all about 90 minutes from Paris. For a full festive weekend, combine Reims on Saturday with Épernay's vineyards and a second tasting on Sunday.
More questions
How far is Reims from Paris?
About 145 km, roughly 1h30 by car.
Can we leave from CDG Airport?
Yes, a transfer or day trip can start at CDG.
Is it very cold in Reims in December?
Often, yes, with temperatures close to freezing in the evening. Wear warm layers, gloves and comfortable shoes.
Can we visit a Champagne house on a Sunday in December?
Some houses open on Sundays, others don't. Book ahead and check the opening days for your date.
