Christmas Magic in England & France: A Guide to the Best Lights & Christmas Markets✨
- Craig Devine
- Dec 4, 2025
- 2 min read
✨ Your Ultimate Holiday Travel Inspiration
There’s nothing quite like Europe in December — twinkling lights glowing against historic architecture, charming markets filled with mulled wine, handmade gifts, and the sweet smell of roasted chestnuts. This year, I’m heading to England and France for a Christmas-season adventure, exploring the festive lights of London and Paris, the world-famous Christmas market of Strasbourg, and the cozy winter charm of Franche-Comté.
If you’re dreaming of a holiday-season getaway, here’s a preview of the festive magic waiting for you.
🇬🇧 Christmas in England
🎄 London: Lights, Window Displays & Holiday Spectacle
London transforms into a glittering Christmas playground in December. Each neighborhood brings its own festive personality:
⭐ Oxford Street & Regent Street Lights
London’s most iconic light displays. Regent Street’s angels — “The Spirit of Christmas” — soar above the streets and are breathtaking at night.
⭐ Covent Garden
Towering Christmas trees, giant ornaments, and an atmosphere straight out of a holiday movie.
⭐ Kew Gardens: Christmas at Kew
A magical illuminated trail through botanical gardens — think glowing tunnels, laser projections, fire gardens, and cozy winter food huts.
⭐ Harrods & Selfridges Window Displays
London’s department stores take Christmas very seriously. Their holiday windows and in-store decorations feel like theme park attractions.
If you love lights, London is a dream.
🇫🇷 Christmas in France
✨ Paris: Elegance Meets Holiday Magic
Paris doesn’t just decorate — it glows.
⭐ Avenue des Champs-Élysées
One of the most beautiful streets in the world becomes a glittering corridor of lights and winter décor.
⭐ Galeries Lafayette & Printemps Window Displays
Extravagant, artistic, whimsical — arguably the best holiday storefronts in Europe. Don’t miss the towering indoor Christmas tree under the glass dome.
⭐ Eiffel Tower at Night
A year-round icon, but during the holidays, it feels extra magical paired with seasonal markets and mulled wine stands nearby.
⭐ Paris Christmas Markets
From Tuileries Garden to La Défense, the markets feature French regional foods, artisan crafts, and warm festive drinks.
🎄 Strasbourg: The Capital of Christmas
If Paris is elegant, Strasbourg is pure fairy-tale charm. Known as Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg’s Christmas market dates back to 1570 and is consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Expect:
Half-timbered houses decorated with garlands & lights
Dozens of market squares to explore
Traditional Alsatian treats like bredele cookies & vin chaud
A massive Christmas tree in Place Kléber
Handcrafted ornaments and local artisan gifts
It’s impossible not to feel the spirit of Christmas here.
❄️ Franche-Comté: Cozy Winter Charm
Between mountains, forests, and medieval towns, Franche-Comté offers a quieter, cozier Christmas experience.
Expect:
Small-town Christmas markets
Cheese shops overflowing with regional specialties (hello, Comté!)
Scenic lights on historic buildings
A slower winter pace — perfect for enjoying local culture
It’s the ideal contrast to big-city sparkle.
🎁 Thinking About a Holiday Trip in 2026?
December in Europe offers something for every traveler:
✨ Festive lights✨ Food and wine✨ Historic charm✨ Christmas markets unlike anywhere else✨ Incredible photo opportunities
If you’re considering London, Paris, or the magical Christmas markets across Europe, I’d love to help you plan the perfect winter getaway.
➡️ Ready to start planning? Start here: go.mapmantravel.com/TravelRequest
