Le Marché de Noël de Reims is technically the third largest Christmas market in France, but it certainly doesn't feel like it. With around 150 chalets, it's bustling but doesn't seem to be overcrowded or overrun. Maybe it's because there's a huge plot of land devoted to housing it, but the market manages to keep a cozy, small town charm that never feels overwhelming or chaotic. Small but lively is the perfect way to describe this Christmas market. The best thing here? The local bubbles! There are champagne tents everywhere, which feels extremely on-brand for Reims, considering all of the first class champagne houses nearby. If you love wine or bubbles, this is absolutely your market. I sampled myself silly. You get the best of all worlds here. There are fun rides, amazing food, wine and champagne, crafts, decorations, and plenty of festive energy without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you get in the bigger cities this time of year. And this being France, it goes without saying the food was genuinely excellent. Reims doesn't serve just "market food," but higher end French cheeses and delicacies like crepes and escargot. It was way too easy to graze and sip my way through all the foodie stalls. Most booths accepted credit cards too, but it's always a good idea to bring plenty of local cash just in case. What I loved most about this market is that it felt very local. It was mostly French speakers, lots of locals, and it hasn't been overrun by tourists yet, which made it feel authentic and relaxed. Security was very visible and well-organized, with a thorough bag search at the entrance (made me feel completely safe and secure). The market's convenient location means it's an easy walk (no longer than 10 minutes even if you walk very slowly) from both the train station and the city center, so getting there is a breeze. The crafts also felt more unique than what you usually see at massive city markets. I picked up the cutest custom print of myself and my cats overlooking the Eiffel Tower for less than 20 bucks. It's such a fun, personal souvenir and something I'd never find at a cookie-cutter market that sells massed produced junk made in China. Even better, dogs are welcome on a leash at this market, which meant plenty of adorable French pups to pet while wandering around. If you're looking for a festive, champagne-filled Christmas market that feels charming, local, and effortlessly fun, the Reims Christmas Market is a total winner. read more

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Reims advertises its Marche de Noel as one of the largest in France. This year, they had more than 145 chalets, plus a kids area with rides and a space to meet Pere Noel himself. Getting here is easy - just 45 minutes on the TGV from central Paris. Once you arrive at the station, you can choose a pleasant walk through town or grab one of the free shuttle buses that go to the market. At the market, expect plenty of gift options - lots of jewelry, scarves and toys for kids. Every other chalet (it seems) sells tasty vin chaud for €2-3 plus several champagne houses have booths. A coupe of VCP for a mere €7? Don't mind if I do! You can even buy the famous Reims biscuits here. My only wish was more and varied food options - there weren't many food stalls at all. Still - a beautiful market in the shadow of an incredible Gothic cathedral with plenty of champagne and hot wine? Two thumbs up! read more

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