With over 100 red chalets along 2 km of illuminated lanes, the Amiens Christmas market is one of the most beautiful in northern France. Atmosphere, local specialities, entertainment: let us show you round.
- Where
- Amiens, France
- When
- Visited in December 2025
- Duration
- 1 day
- On the programme
- 7 stops
- Updated
- 1 October 2026
One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in northern France
- Place
- Amiens city centre · Open in Maps
Every winter, Amiens turns into a real Christmas village. In the fully pedestrianised city centre, more than 100 red chalets line nearly 2 km of illuminated lanes, from place René Goblet to place de l'Hôtel de Ville.
The result: a warm atmosphere, the smell of waffles and mulled wine, and that little bit of magic that makes you really feel the festive season is on its way.
A supersized Christmas market in the heart of Amiens
- Place
- Place René Goblet · Open in Maps
The Amiens Christmas market is considered one of the largest in northern France, with around a hundred chalets bringing together craftspeople, designers and food stalls.
You'll find:
- Gift ideas: handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, jewellery, wooden toys, wellbeing products…
- Local food and drink: northern French waffles, Picardy specialities, chocolates, sweets, local beers…
- Flavours from further afield: some stallholders come from a long way off and sell products from Canada, Italy, Provence and more.
“The big advantage of Amiens: you can do everything on foot, which is ideal with children.”
A magical atmosphere for young and old
What gives the market its charm
- Place
- Amiens Cathedral (Notre-Dame d'Amiens) · Open in Maps
What gives the Amiens Christmas market its charm isn't just the shopping, it's above all the atmosphere:
- The traditional red chalets, reminiscent of Scandinavian cabins.
- The lights all over the city: streets, squares, shop windows, and a giant Christmas tree in front of the Hôtel de Ville.
- The nearby Notre-Dame Cathedral of Amiens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the CHROMA sound and light show bringing colour back to its façade on December evenings.
Read our story “Amiens at night: Chroma, belfry and Halles”
Don't miss the CHROMA show on the cathedral façade, a magical moment!
What we love doing as a family at the Amiens Christmas market
Dropping in on Father Christmas
- Place
- Maison du Père Noël · Open in Maps
The big advantage of Amiens: you can do everything on foot, which is ideal with children.
The Maison du Père Noël (Father Christmas's house) and its fairy-tale world are a must for children: a souvenir photo, letters to drop off, little eyes shining…
Taking a spin on the ice rink
- Place
- Square Saint-Denis · Open in Maps
- Price
- Often free
In square Saint-Denis, a large ice rink (often free) lets you do a few laps between two waffle stalls. It's one of the activities families love most.
Watching the parades and street shows
Parades of lights, musicians, fairy-tale characters… Throughout the market, shows and roaming performers bring the city centre to life and create a real festive spirit.
Finishing with a hot chocolate (or a mulled wine)
After wandering the lanes, there's nothing better than a hot chocolate or a mulled wine under the lights, with a waffle or some roast chestnuts to round off the evening.
And for a proper sit-down meal, especially with a group: Le Z, on rue de la République, a 2-minute walk from place Gambetta, in the heart of the market. It's a former bank turned restaurant, and the food is very good. It can host large groups during the Christmas market, even a coach party, as long as you book ahead.
Between the traditional red chalets, the fairy-tale lights, the cathedral with CHROMA and the entertainment for the whole family, the Amiens Christmas market is a magical experience to share with family or friends. A must in northern France over the festive season!
Our tips before you go
- Dates 2025: from 21 November to 30 December 2025 (closed on 25/12, closes early on 24/12).
- Opening times: Monday 14:00–20:00, Tuesday to Sunday 11:00–20:00, Saturday until 21:00.
- By train: from Amiens station you arrive straight at the start of the market lanes.
- By car: there are several car parks around the city centre (expect a bit of a wait at weekends in December).
- In a group or by coach: Le Z, on rue de la République, a 2-minute walk from place Gambetta, can host large groups during the Christmas market if you book ahead.
- Budget: entry to the market is free; budget mainly for food, fairground rides and a few souvenirs.
