Christmas in France with the family is all about cities illuminated with extravagant light displays, traditional festive markets, and luxurious accommodations making France an idyllic destination for a family Christmas adventure.
France never fails to inspire the senses and activate the imagination, but the country turns into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Discover six perfect places for an unforgettable Christmas in France.
Courchevel and Megeve combine snow-capped landscapes with traditional Christmas markets, delighting adventure seekers and those seeking refinement.
Enjoy long days of skiing, fun-filled activities, and private chalet retreats where no small detail of your stay is overlooked.
Paris and Lyon offer a different rhythm, with lively festive displays and bustling markets. Stroll along the streets, taking in light displays and the aroma of roasting chestnuts, and then sample gourmet cuisine in Michelin-starred restaurants.
If you seek privacy and seclusion, Champagne’s sprawling vineyards provide the perfect backdrop for intimate family gatherings and access to vibrant Reims and Épernay.
Strasbourg, however, is the epitome of a traditional French Christmas.
Discover our top luxury holiday homes in France for a your next family Christmas adventure ⇒
Paris is a captivating city any time of year, but Christmas elevates it to new levels. With abundant Christmas markets, stunning light displays, and winter activities for the whole family, Paris is the perfect getaway to make lasting memories.
Imagine strolling down illuminated streets in the evening, witnessing lavish decorations and immersing yourself in festive cheer, this is the Paris we love in December.
From large family hotels to boutique five-star accommodation, you’ll find plenty of options in Paris. But, for an extra special trip with abundant luxury, we recommend making Art Residence Vendôme your home for the week.
With a curated art collection, a private chef, and full concierge service, you can take in incredible views of Place Vendôme while enjoying gourmet foods and lavish amenities created exclusively for you.
Book dinner at Le Train Bleu Gare de Lyon, an elegant Belle Époque restaurant, then appreciate panoramic views from the Galeries Lafayette rooftop terrace with a delicious cup of chocolat chaud.
Chalets Belvédère
There’s nothing more magical than enjoying Christmas in a ski resort, and Courchevel combines luxury with endless fun for the whole family. As France’s premier resort, it provides unparalleled access to the legendary Three Valleys Ski Area.
The resort comes to life at Christmas, with light displays, visits from Santa Claus, and mesmerizing firework displays. Whether you want to spend long days skiing or enjoying other activities, you’ll love the infectious energy of Courchevel at Christmas.
After long days of skiing and immersing yourself in Courchevel’s festive cheer, you can relax and unwind in the exquisite Chalets Belvédère.
Relax in the jacuzzi and take advantage of wellness treatments while your private chef prepares food that rivals the resort’s Michelin-starred restaurants.
Embark on a torchlit ski descent on Christmas Eve, or arrange a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow and immerse yourself in a winter fairytale.
Courchevel’s cosmopolitan glamour is rivalled only by Megeve’s Alpine charm. The resort offers refinement and luxury, with ambient piano bars and endless Michelin-starred restaurants.
During the festive season, you can expect an array of activities for families, including world-class skiing, a Medieval village, and beautiful Christmas markets.
Private chalets in Megeve combine rustic exteriors with modern amenities. Experience perfection at Le Chalet Megève with a dedicated concierge team and manager to ensure your stay is tailored to your bespoke needs.
Indulge in luxurious spa treatments after long days of skiing and enjoy celebratory dinners prepared by a private chef. There’s also a private arcade room and nightclub for large family gatherings.
Begin Christmas morning with a hot-air balloon ride and soar above the Mont Blanc range, the views are breathtaking.
France has a rich history of winemaking, but is most famous for Champagne. So, imagine staying in the location that creates one of the world’s most exclusive beverages.
Rolling vineyards and countryside attract global visitors during the Spring and Summer, but Christmas in Champagne is a rare treat that few get to experience. Witness snow-capped countryside and traditional Christmas markets, and indulge in the finest selection of champagne.
Combine proximity to Champagne’s main cities and serenity by choosing Villa Les Trois Clochers, a beautiful Art Deco villa. The villa is surrounded by sprawling vineyards that produce biodynamic Champagne.
Relax in five lavish suites, while a guest experience manager tailors every single moment of your stay to your bespoke needs. The villa is just 20 minutes from Reims and Épernay by car, making it the perfect retreat for families that value privacy and seclusion.
Book a private cellar tour at Maison Ruinart or Billecart-Salmon and enjoy a candlelit dinner among the chalk cellars.
Visitors flock to Strasbourg every Christmas to experience its festive cheer. With its fairytale streets and stunning architecture, there’s a reason Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas.
Immerse yourself in quaint villages and world-famous Christmas markets while enjoying incredible light displays and family fun.
Strasbourg offers a vast selection of luxury accommodation for families. Pavillon Régent Petite France offers the perfect escape.
Appreciate delicious food and fine wines in the on-site restaurant, and indulge in replenishing spa treatments.
Take a private evening boat cruise along the Ill River, the illuminated façades are magical.
Lyon is one of France’s most popular cities, but it comes to life at Christmas, thanks to light displays, festive markets, and endless family cultural activities.
As France’s foodie capital, you can also sample innovative cuisine from Michelin-starred restaurants and delicious pastries. Lyon combines large city vibes with traditional French charm, making it an ideal winter retreat for families.
Book a lavish suite at the InterContinental Lyon Hotel, which offers a five-star experience. Appreciate sweeping city views and indulge in spa treatments, including full body massages and facials.
You’ll also find on-site restaurants, and the hotel is perfectly positioned for instant access to Lyon’s main attractions.
Witness the incredible Fête des Lumières, then experience Lyon cuisine at its finest with a trip to Auberge de l’Ile Barbe, a tranquil restaurant away from the bustling crowds.
Whether you bask in the beauty of the French Alps, integrate yourself into Paris – France’s beating heart – or enjoy a serene festive break in Champagne, Insider Villas specialises in tailor-made vacations that cater to your every whim.
From helping you find the most luxurious private chalets in France to crafting unique experiences, our dedicated concierge team is here to surpass your expectations.
Create your perfect French Christmas escape today ⇒
Christmas in France is a magical experience, with cities everywhere putting on stunning light displays and traditional markets. The main Christmas feast takes place on the 24th of December – also known as Réveillon de Noël.
Families and friends gather to enjoy turkey, goose, oysters, and cheese plates, followed by Yule logs (Bûche de Noël). It’s a time for bonding, eating, and sharing gifts.
The best place to spend Christmas in France depends on your personal preferences.
Courchevel and Megeve turn into snow-sure winter wonderlands, with mountain views and vibrant Apres-ski scenes, while Paris and Lyon provide a traditional city experience, filled with lights and displays from department stores.
Strasbourg is still considered the best in France, but Paris and Reims are popular options. Courchevel and Megeve also offer artisan goods and traditional food and drink stalls.
Every Christmas market in France brings a certain allure, and convenient transportation links mean you can explore various markets.
Indulge in an exclusive 3-day luxury itinerary, where alpine adventures interweave with opulent relaxation in Megeve.
