Ideally situated on the forecourt of the famous cathedral, the Reims Christmas market has become a significant event in the Champagne over the years.
Its 140 stalls attract more than 1.5 million visitors annually, making it one of France’s most famous Christmas events.
Organised by “Les Vitrines de Reims,” the city’s trading association, 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 an excellent 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.
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.
Originally located on Place d’Erlon, the market moved to its current location for the 2016 edition.
The Reims Christmas market is open from 27 November to 29 December 2024.
The “Rêve de Couleurs” Light Show
Location: Parvis of the Cathedral
A breathtaking light show takes place on the façade of the Gothic cathedral 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, and 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), which offers 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 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.
![Reims Christmas © G.Garitan - licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons](https://frenchmoments.eu/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Reims-Christmas-©-G.Garitan-licence-CC-BY-SA-4.0-from-Wikimedia-Commons-scaled.jpg)
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 balloon stalls, merry-go-rounds, children and thrill rides.
English-French Vocabulary
(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!
A few websites and blogs about Reims Cathedral that you might find helpful:
- 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 every day from 7.30 am to 7.30 pm (7.15 pm on Sundays and celebration days). No visits on Sunday morning from 9 am-12 pm during masses. The 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:
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French Moments would like to thank Frédéric Leroux for allowing us to share his photos on this page. You can reach Frédéric’s website here.
