Amiens Christmas market

Less than two hours from the LeShuttle terminal at Calais is a treasure of the festive season in Northern France: Amiens Christmas market.

What makes the Amiens Christmas market special?

The Marché de Noël d’Amiens is the largest Christmas market in France north of Paris. The month long seasonal event sees 130 chalets selling seasonal gifts and delicacies, a skating rink, funfair and a light show that illuminates the medieval cathedral. At weekends there are special parades and street performers, with large crowds in attendance. 

Amiens itself is a picturesque city sitting on the Somme river, boasting much character, so makes a perfect location for a festive extravaganza. For people looking for a quick hit of Christmas in Hauts-de-France, the Christmas market at Amiens is just what Santa ordered!

What to see and do at Amiens Christmas market

Kids will feel the magic at Amiens

Buy handmade gifts and artisanal treasures

The wooden chalets at Amiens are filled with handcrafted delights. From locally made toys and ornaments to jewellery, ceramics and artisan food products, the festive stalls at Amiens are the perfect place to pick up unique Christmas gifts. Many of the stallholders are skilled artisans, so you can watch them at work and hear the stories behind the products.

Whether it’s a hand-knitted scarf, fine leather goods or festive decorations to brighten your home, it’s a delightful way to do your Christmas shopping. 

Indulge in French Christmas treats

Food is at the heart of every French celebration, and the Amiens Christmas Market is no exception. The stalls in Amiens overflow with regional delicacies like chocolates from nearby Beauvais, spiced gingerbread and macarons made in Amiens. There’s nothing like tucking into some freshly roasted chestnuts with a glass of warming mulled wine as you wander the chalets, either. Pick up some foie gras, local cheeses and cured meats for your festive table. 

Create festive family memories

For families, Amiens is a magical playground at Christmas. Children can enjoy funfair rides, carousels, and take a turn on the skating rink. Santa Claus himself makes appearances, delighting young visitors with the chance to share their Christmas wishes in his grotto. Once darkness falls the market really works its magic, with twinkly lights everywhere, transforming Amiens Christmas Market into somewhere festive memories are created for the whole family.  

Notre-Dame d’Amiens light projection 

The normal night lighting at Amiens cathedral – the Christmas light show is something else! 

The Cathedral of Our Lady in Amiens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of France’s finest Gothic cathedrals. During the Christmas season its sumptuous west doors are illuminated by a stunning light show, which recreates how colourful the intricate carvings of saints and biblical scenes around the doors would have appeared to the faithful in the Middle Ages. It’s an incredible sight which you won’t have to walk far from the Christmas stalls to see. The Notre-Dame d’Amiens light projection takes place at 7pm during the Christmas market. 

Watch magical street performers and festive parades

Adding to the festive atmosphere in Amiens, performers, musicians and parades bring sparkling entertainment to the streets. You might encounter stilt-walkers, jugglers, carol singers or theatrical troupes weaving through the crowds. On weekends, festive parades take over the city centre, with floats, costumes, and music filling the streets. These performances give the people who flock to Amiens an extra fill of seasonal cheer. 

Explore Amiens’ Christmas charm

The bakeries and food stalls are hard to resist! 

It’s true to say that the whole city is a joy to behold in December. Along the river in the Saint-Leu district you’ll find colourful half-timbered houses, shops, bakeries and cafés adorned with lights and tempting smells. Find a bistro with a welcoming glow on the cobbled streets and tuck into comforting dishes like tartiflette – layers of potatoes, melted reblochon cheese, and bacon – perfect for warming up the cockles on a crisp winter’s night. 

Plan your visit to Amiens Christmas market 

Where is Amiens Christmas market?

Amiens Christmas Market is held throughout the centre of the old town of Amiens, but the focal points are the main shopping streets of Rue des 3 Cailloux, Place Gambetta and Rue Delambre. 

When is Amiens Christmas market?

In 2025 the Christmas Market in Amiens starts on Friday November 21st and runs until Tuesday December 30th. The Christmas Market is open daily, with extended evening hours on weekends, making it easy to plan your visit whether you’re coming for a day trip or a longer stay.

 If it snows, Amiens looks even prettier at Christmas. Hugues80, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where to stay in Amiens

From cosy boutique hotels to family-friendly options, Amiens offers plenty of accommodation near the city centre. Staying close to the Christmas market allows you to wander in and out at your leisure, enjoying the festive atmosphere both day and night. Budget-conscious travellers will also find a selection of affordable hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the market.

Driving to Amiens from Calais

It takes only around 1 hour 40 minutes to drive to Amiens from the LeShuttle terminal at Calais. The quickest route is on the A16 road down the Opal Coast, where you’ll have the chance to stop off at some of the delightful coastal towns like Boulogne-sur-Mer, Le Touquet  and Berck-sur-Mer.

Parking in Amiens

Amiens has several convenient parking options close to the Christmas market. Look for underground car parks near the cathedral or main squares, such as Parking des 3 Cailloux or Parking du Perret. During December these car parks will be busier than usual, but if your hotel has parking, it is best to leave your car there and walk into the city centre.  

Best time to visit the Christmas market

To get the most atmospheric experience at Amiens, visit the market in late afternoon or early evening when darkness has fallen. There will be more crowds, but the stalls will be at their twinkliest, and somehow the mulled wine slips down more easily at night! To beat the crowds, visit in the morning or early afternoon, but come back after dinner for the light show at the cathedral. 

Jingle all the way to Amiens with LeShuttle

It’s so close you can almost taste the mulled wine and macarons! Do your Christmas shopping in Amiens with LeShuttle – it’s only a 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais.