Ideally situated on the forecourt of the famous cathedral, the Reims Christmas market has become over the years a significant event in Reims. Its 140 stalls attract more than 1.5 million visitors each year, making it one of France’s most popular Christmas events.
Organised by “Les Vitrines de Reims“, the trading association of the city, the Reims Christmas market takes place during the whole month of December, and offers a plethora of street lights, illuminations, animations for children, concerts, Nativity scenes, gourmet food stalls, a funfair, and many more… If you are staying in Paris for the season, this is a good opportunity to discover Reims and its beautiful cathedral as it only takes 45 minutes to reach the “Cité des Sacres” by TGV.
Reims Christmas Market
Location: Forecourt of the cathedral and adjacent streets.
Christmas lights in Reims © Frédéric Leroux
The forecourt of the cathedral and the adjacent streets make an ideal location for the Reims Christmas market. Founded in 1996, the event has become one of the most popular Christmas markets in France. The 140 chalets of the christmas markets offer all sorts of goods and ideas for presents.
Reims Christmas market © Frédéric Leroux
Originally located on place d’Erlon, the market moved to its current location for the 2016 edition.
Open from 23 November to 24 December 2016.
The “Rêve de Couleurs” Light show at the Cathedral
Location: Parvis of the Cathedral
The show by Skertzò displayed on the façade of Reims cathedral © Frédéric Leroux
A breathtaking light show is taking place on the façade of the Gothic cathedral of Reims of Reims. The show gives back the colours to the rich statuary of the cathedral. Lasting 25 minutes, it was designed by Skertzò.
Other Christmas events in Reims
Apart from the Christmas market, the town of Reims hosts many more Christmas events, such as concerts, parades, children’s animations, exhibitions… without forgetting a funfair, a Ferris wheel and an ice-skating rink.
The Children’s Kingdom
Location: Courtyard of Palais du Tau
In the courtyard of the Tau Palace lies the “Royaume des enfants” (Children’s kingdom) with many free animations for kids. Activities include an automaton show, Santa’s chalet, a free ride on a little train and the Christmas rope course.
The Ferris Wheel of Christmas
Location: Place du Forum
The Christmas Ferris wheel of Reims © Frédéric Leroux
The 42 metre tall Ferris wheel has become a Christmas tradition in Reims. It offers a nice view over the roofs of the old town of Reims and the Cathedral.
The Christmas funfair
Location: Hautes Promenades / Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter
The Foire de Noël et des Rois gathers some 80 rides for young and old alike from the end of November to 2 January: pop balloons stalls, merry-go-rounds, children and thrill rides.
English-French Vocabulary
Reims Christmas market © Frédéric Leroux
(f) for féminin, (m) for masculin, (adj) for adjective and (v) for verbs
- Advent = Avent (m)
- cathedral = cathédrale (f)
- champaign = champagne (m)
- Christmas market = marché de Noël (m)
- Christmas Tree = sapin de Noël (m), arbre de Noël (m)
- church = église (f)
- Father Christmas = Père Noël (m)
- Ferris wheel = grande roue (f)
- funfair = foire (f)
- holiday season = période de Noël (f), temps des fêtes (m)
- mulled wine = vin chaud (m)
- Rheims = Reims
- Santa = Père Noël (m)
- square = place (f)
- street = rue (f)
More info about Reims Cathedral!
Here’s a few website and blogs about Reims Cathedral that you might find useful:
- on the blog: explore Reims Cathedral
- the official website of the cathedral of Reims [in French only]
- the website of the Reims Tourist Board
- the site of Centre des Monuments Historiques for climbing to the cathedral’s Towers.
- to book your accommodation in Reims, click on this affiliate link which will redirect you to our partner booking.com
- Wikipedia’s article on Reims Cathedral
The cathedral is open everyday from 7.30am to 7.30pm (7.15pm on Sunday and celebration days). No visits on Sunday morning from 9am-12pm during masses. Entrance is free.
Things to do in Reims and Champagne
Looking for activities and things to do in Reims and the surrounding region of Champagne? Check out the offers from our partner Get Your Guide:
Inspired? Then pin it for later!
French Moments would like to thank Frédéric Leroux for giving us the opportunity to share his photos on this page. You can reach Frédéric’s website here.
Some of the links above are affiliates so if you’re planning a trip, using these links helps me keep things running. Therefore there’s no extra cost to you. All you have to do is click the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked.
