Reims christmas market
Poster of Reims Christmas Market 2018 © Ville de reims
From November 26th to December 29th, 2021, come and discover Reims during the 25th edition of the Christmas market. This 3rd largest Christmas market in France gathers 150 chalets at the foot of the famous Cathedral of Reims. You can find many regional specialties, handicrafts and gift ideas. In addition to the little wood cabins and local producers, you will discover a pleasant celebration atmosphere with many lights, trees, Santa Claus, ice rink, champagne bars and lovely decorated streets.
From Paris it will take you 45 minutes by train to reach the capital of Champagne region. You can also enjoy being in Reims to visit small producers or large Champagne houses, an additional gift idea for Christmas.
The market is open every day from 10:30 am to 8 pm (and from 2 pm to 8 pm on Mondays). Night-time on Fridays and Saturdays until 9 pm. December 24th closing at 6 pm.
Discover a selection of the best things to see in 1 day, in a weekend or during a longer stay
Go directly to the section of your choice: Reims Cathedral and Palace of Tau, Children’s Kingdom, Ferris wheel on Erlon square, Champagne Houses and Producers, Habits de Lumières festival
Reims Cathedral and Palace of Tau
A must see during a stay in Reims, the Cathedral drape itself with lights during Christmas time. The architectural details of this gothic 13th century gemstone are thus highlighted with elegance and sobriety. Do not forget to admire the famous big “rose window” on the main facade and its many other windows dating from the 13th century.
At the foot of the cathedral you can walk in the alleys filled with chalets and typical Christmas cabins. These paths will take you to the Palace of Tau, a few minutes’ walk from the cathedral. This former residence of the archbishops of Reims is today a museum dedicated to the cathedral and French kings coronations. During holidays, the Palace is also covered with multiple bright decorations and in the courtyard of the Palace, you will reach the stands of the craftsmen market. You will meet jewellers, ceramists, embroiderers, etc.
Reims Cathedral during Christmas © Ville de Reims – Cyril Beudot
CHILDREN’S KINGDOM
Close from the craftsmen’s market, you will find the Children’s Kingdom, which will allow them to enjoy various free activities and to be immersed in the magic of Christmas:
– An interactive automaton show “Discovering the Far North”. From 2 pm until 7 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. From 10:30 am until 7 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and during school holidays.
– Santa’s chalet. From 2 pm to 7 pm from Monday to Friday. From 10:30 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm on weekends and during school holidays.
– A free ride on a little train. From 4 pm to 7 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. From 10:30 am to 12 am and from 2 pm to 7 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and during school holidays.
– A free skating rink (up to 12 years old). From 2 pm to 7 pm from Monday to Friday. From 10:30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 7 pm on weekends and during school holidays.
FERRIS WHEEL ON ERLON SQUARE
Ferris Wheel © reims.fr
CHAMPAGNE HOUSES AND PRODUCERS
During your stay in Reims, you can also go and meet Champagne producers in the city and in the surroundings of Reims. You will discover all the secrets of this celebration drink.
Cellars and Champagne Houses close to Reims
A short walk away from Reims Cathedral, the Champagne House Pol Couronne welcomes you for several tasting options in a superb showroom. Simple tasting, masterclass, tasting of Grands Crus, Champagne sabering…
Pol Couronne Champagne House Showroom, Reims
Also in the heart of Reims, you can visit the Taittinger Champagne House and discover the remains of the 13th century Saint-Nicaise abbey and their underground cellars located 18 meters deep in Gallo-Roman chalk. You can choose between different options of visit and tasting at different prices.
Taittinger Champagne House, Reims
A 20 minutes drive from Reims, you can visit another family-owned winery to meet an independent winemaker. Olivier Fagot, the son of Michel Fagot is today at the head of this winery and develops his champagne following the principles of biodynamics. You will visit the cellars of the house and a traditional press and end your visit with a commented tasting in a welcoming and authentic place.
Cellars of the family-owned winery Michel Fagot, Rilly la Montagne
The Champagne House Canard Duchêne is also located at 20 minutes from Reims, in Ludes, in the natural park of the Montagne de Reims. You will go down 130 steps to visit a part of the 6 kilometers of the house cellar with explanations on the main steps of champagne production and a tasting of 2 champagnes flute. Several options of visits are offered.
Cellar of Canard Duchêne Champagne House, Ludes
Still at 20 minutes by car from Reims, Lamblot Champagne House, is a family-owned winery for several generations. You will meet a passionate winemaker who will be delighted to welcome you and explain you the challenges of organic farming which he seeks to obtain the label. You can choose between 2 options of visit, one including champagne and cheese pairing.
Champagne and cheese tasting, Champagne Lamblot, Janvry
Finally, at the same distance from Reims, Champagne F.Bergeronneau Marion is another family-owned winery where visits are personalized with the owners. You can also visit their 2-hectare fenced on the mountain of Reims.
Habits de lumière Festival
For 19 years, the festival “Habits de Lumière” is a celebration of the art of living in Champagne. This free event will take place on 14, 15 and 16 December 2018 in Epernay.
Many activities are offered: musical entertainment, champagne bars, projection of sound and light on the facade of the city hall, parade along the Avenue de Champagne, fireworks, and even a parade of cars. In the evening, you can watch many shows and video-mapping. This year, you will be able to admire fantastic machines and pilots inspired by Jules Verne’s universe on the Avenue de Champagne.
Habits de lumières Festival 2018, “Tilt Lampounettes”, Epernay ©Le magasine des belles demeures
We wish you a pleasant discovery of Reims Christmas Market!
