The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, with advent calendar doors open and fir trees decorated with dazzling lights in homes across the country. During this time of year, there’s no better way to enjoy the festivities than a wander around an enchanting Christmas market, and there’s a new one this year boasting more than 100 stalls.

Each year, hundreds of Christmas markets adorn cobbled streets, city centres, and open green spaces to bring some festive merriment. Many are dotted across the UK, including the famed Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, while others can be found in Europe for a mini winter getaway or a festive day out.

For those looking for a unique place to explore this year for a magical day out, you can grab the Eurostar, with tickets starting from just £39, to the newly opened Christmas market in Paris. The La Villette, a Swiss-inspired Christmas village, is nestled around the magnificent Fontaine aux Lions in Paris, and as its name states, feels like its very own winter village.

Fairy lights fill the area with jollity, and more than 100 quaint wooden chalets are dotted around the fountain square to make up this charming market. The cabins are filled with gorgeous gift ideas, featuring jewellery, ceramics, and knitwear from artisan makers in France and Switzerland, who rotate on a weekly basis.

Away from shopping, there’s plenty more to explore within its Alpine-inspired setting and fairground rides, including a carousel and a big wheel that offers breathtaking city views extending to the Eiffel Tower.​ Additionally, there’s a full programme of activities offering creative workshops, custom gifts, concerts, choirs, and shows featuring clowns and stilts.

Around the market, you’ll experience the aroma of cheese fondue and roasted chestnuts, with additional flavours of Greek, Indian, Tibetan and Portuguese dishes. With France renowned for its high-quality selection of cheeses (a visit here isn’t complete without savouring some of the creamy delights) and what better way than at a Zurich fondue chalet?

There’s also a Christmas ‘guinguette’ bar where you can warm up with a vin chaud (mulled wine) or a hot chocolate in its cosy atmosphere. Elsewhere, you can glide around the ice rink for a fun, festive activity or simply wander around soaking up the ambience.

With plenty of Christmas shopping available and tasty treats to enjoy, it’s definitely worth a day out, not to mention the winter village is free to enter. The La Villette Christmas village runs from November 20 to December 28, so there’s plenty of time to plan a visit, even if it’s after the big day.

Making it even more appealing is the ease of getting to the location. You can catch a direct Eurostar from London St. Pancras International to the market’s closest train station, which is Paris Gare du Nord, in just over two hours. Once you’re there, you can hop on a bus which will take you directly to the Christmas market in just 10 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a quick taxi ride or take a leisurely walk, taking in the city’s surroundings and magical Christmassy atmosphere on your way. It’s the most wonderful time of the year after all.

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