the La Défense Christmas market has opened its doors

The La Défense Christmas market opened its doors this Thursday, November 14. This year, it is bigger, and will accommodate an ice rink.

Time for raclettes, hot chocolates and magical entertainment in La Défense. The Christmas market opens its doors this Thursday, November 14, and until Sunday, December 29. With 200 wooden chalets spread over 13,000 m2, the La Défense Christmas market is the largest in the Île-de-France region.

A large tent will be dedicated to decorations, while six tents will host specialties from the four corners of the world, with essentials such as raclette but also foie gras, Creole specialties and even Quebec dishes. The city of Quebec will also be guest of honor.

Every Wednesday, free creative workshops will be offered to children. During the week, afterworks will take place from 6 p.m. And every weekend, between singing and dancing, the organization promises “numerous magical activities”.

An ice rink from November 22

To meet Santa Claus, you will have to choose your days carefully. The star of the market will be present on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. With the exception of Thursday November 14, Monday December 23 and Tuesday December 24 when he will also wait in his illuminated house on the Parvis de La Défense.

The big news of the year will be a little delayed. Installed at the foot of the Grande Arche, a natural ice skating rink will be open from November 22 to January 5. It will be open for beginners and experienced skaters with night hours, Fridays and Saturdays.

“In the center of the ice rink, a majestic giant deer 9 meters high will add a magical touch to your experience,” underlines the organization. For prices, count 10 euros per person (skate rental extra at 2 euros) and 5 euros for children under 13 years old.

In 2023, the Christmas market brought together nearly a million visitors. Paris La Défense plans to beat this record this year.