Frédéric Leroux Reims Christmas market
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Last Updated: 18 November 2023

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 annually, making it one of France’s most famous 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 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.

Frédéric Leroux Reims
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.

Frédéric Leroux Reims Christmas market
Reims Christmas market © Frédéric Leroux
Reims Christmas market © CpaKmoi - licence (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Reims Christmas market © CpaKmoi – licence (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Frédéric Leroux Reims Christmas market
Reims Christmas market © Frédéric Leroux

Originally located on place d’Erlon, the market moved to its current location for the 2016 edition.

The Reims Christmas market is open from 1 to 30 December 2022.

 

The “Rêve de Couleurs” Light show at the Cathedral

Location: Parvis of the Cathedral

Frédéric Leroux Skertzò Reims
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. 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) 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

Frédéric Leroux Reims
The Christmas Ferris wheel of Reims © Frédéric Leroux

The 42 metres 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
The Christmas Wheel © G.Garitan – licence [CC BY-SA 4.0] from Wikimedia Commons

 

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 © CpaKmoi - licence (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Reims Christmas market © CpaKmoi – licence (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

 

(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:

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:

 

 

Pin it for later!

Explore Reims Cathedral © French Moments

 

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.

Christmas in Paris ebook
Journey to the Land of Christmas
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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