Wondering what time do the Christmas markets close on Christmas Eve? I’m thinking of doing smaller ones by Notre Dame and Cluny for now since my hotel is blocks away from there. I will have major jet lag, so I don’t want to hit the big ones yet. Are any of the Christmas Markets open on Christmas? I wouldn’t expect them to be.
And we don’t want any big fancy meal on Christmas Day will the convenient/grocery stores be open just to pick up some food for the day?
Rick addresses Christmas in his London book and probably does the same for Paris.
I’m no help on what’s open but I’m just back from 4 weeks in France and used the Timeshifter app to assist with realigning my circadian rhythm for the 2nd round trip with great success. I had no jet lag going or coming back home. In fact since I wound up coming back the Wednesday before the US time change last weekend I had more problems with that, lol.
I know it doesnt work for everyone but you might consider it. The first round trip is free.
Steves does have a paragraph or two about winters in Paris, but does not answer to great detail what is open or not. Even on the website they don’t list closing times for Christmas Eve. The reason I asked this question is because one said it’s open until December 26, so I wondered if that meant Christmas day itself.
All the food markets that are usually on Tuesdays will be open on December 24th (until about 1pm).
In the 5th arrondissement these are the markets:
- Maubert (Maubert square)
- Port Royal (Port Royal boulevard)
The times and days of the food markets are available on the Paris website:
https://www.paris.fr/lieux/marches-alimentaires/tous-les-horaires
The Christmas markets are not food markets where you can find usual food to make meals. There are mostly cakes, mulled wine and other sweets (and often a lot of useless crap)
All grocery stores, as well as supermarkets will of course be open that day
You will find tons of products specific to this holiday period such as game, foie gras, salmon, cakes, champagne, seafood, and all sorts of holiday dishes.
Some department stores may close a little earlier to allow their employees to go home.
No grocery stores will be open 25 DEC; and very few restaurants. If you want to eat you need to make reservations now or plan on hitting the supermarkets before noon on the 24th and eating in your room. Check Michelin, the Fork, and Open Table for places that will be open and book a place.
Thanks so much. We will be prepared with some food on the 25th.
