The Merriest Market Adventure Part 2: France
Capital of Christmas energy, Parisian sparkle, and a full-on Disney holiday night
I crossed from Germany into France already buzzing, but Strasbourg turned the volume up in the best way. After that, Paris gave me the city-glow version of Christmas markets, and Disneyland Paris delivered the pure holiday show: parade at dusk, fireworks and drones, and that cozy Main Street walk out under the lights. Here’s exactly how it felt and how I’d tell you to shape your own run.
Strasbourg: the Capital of Christmas really is
I I did Strasbourg as a day trip and still felt wrapped in it. Strasbourg does more than host a market or 2; it truly is the capital of Christmas. I used the amazing guide to walk the city and see all the Christmas Markets, Sights and Decorations. The stalls had that mix I love: classic Alsatian ornaments, wooden toys, candles, and real food that smelled like you could stand in line twice and not regret it. Also the Cities’ Markets use a plastic cup (boooo!); but lucky you can purchase a mug directly at the Place Kleber Christmas Market.
I kept pausing for photos because the Cathedral towers over everything. It’s one of those places where the scale doesn’t make you feel small.
I kept pausing for photos because the Cathedral towers over everything. It’s one of those places where the scale doesn’t make you feel small. It makes the market feel bigger. I wandered to the Porte d’Entrée Capitale de Noël and then just let the streets pull me along until I hit the square with the Grand Sapin, the giant tree that steals the show after dark.
What I ate: I saved my sweet tooth for Pâtisserie Christian and it was worth the wait. Dessert there is rich and delicate at the same time, and it resets your brain if you’ve been living on market snacks. I didn’t ride anything in Strasbourg; I wanted the slow version of the day.
Don’t skip: the Teddy Bear House. It is a house Draped in Teddy Bears to ensure that you are in the christmas mood, very Merry! If you want a one-liner for this stop, it’s simple: Strasbourg did not disappoint. The whole city was my favorite market.
Would I go back? Absolutely. I’d stay overnight next time so I could see the tree twice, once early evening and once late, when the last tour groups have disappeared and the streets feel like a movie set.
Paris: rides, views, and lights that belong on your camera roll
Paris doesn’t try to be Strasbourg. It does Christmas its own way: a little grand, a little playful, and very photogenic. I built my loop around Tuileries, Hôtel de Ville, and the Eiffel Tower market, then layered the big light moments on top.
Tuileries Christmas Market: my Paris favorite
This market feels like a festival. Food lines creep faster than you think, rides spin in the background, and you can bounce between stalls and attractions without losing your place in the crowd. I loved how the whole space pulsed. The rides didn’t push out the market feel; they lifted it. If you want the energy shot for your evening, do Tuileries as the sun drops and stay until it’s fully dark. That’s when the lights reflect in every polished surface and your photos finally match what your eyes are seeing.
Hôtel de Ville and the neighborhood loop
The Hôtel de Ville market runs smaller and more classic. It’s a great market to get you bearings, a snack that won’t take your entire evening and some rest. From there, I walked a simple loop to see the city’s decorations. Paris knows how to light a block so your camera barely has to work..
Eiffel Tower market and that must-have shot
I made time to stand on the Eiffel Tower market edge for a photo with the icon clean in the background. Sometimes the most tourist move is the right move. If you want the frame with stalls in the foreground and the tower rising behind, go early evening before the biggest dinner crowds push you off the sightlines. Then climb if you have the time. The view is the reward for every step you’ve taken that day.
Best warm-up: Les Deux Magots hot chocolate. It’s a pause button in a cup. After a day on your feet, it brought me back to life in about three minutes. If you only treat yourself once in Paris, let it be that.
Would I go back? Yes. Paris shines in December. I’d repeat the same loop and maybe toss in a lights walk past Galeries Lafayette to catch the dome and the animated windows, then call it a night.
Disneyland Paris: parade at dark, drones in the sky, and the best Big Thunder
I set my Disney plan like a show day. I knew exactly when I wanted to be in front of the castle and what needed to happen before then.
Morning greeting to set the tone
If you like a gentle start, head toward the Disneyland Hotel train station area at opening. You may catch Mickey or a friend welcoming everyone in. It’s short, sweet, and a nice way to start a day built around night shows.
Day rides that felt right
I packed the greatest hits into a tight window: Big Thunder Mountain here is the best version I’ve ridden, so I slotted it twice if time allowed. I rode Phantom Manor for the mood, then crossed to WEB Slingers and I wanted to ride Ratatouille because this is their home turf; but it was closed for an update. . The original Ratatouille ride moves with a kind of Paris rhythm you won’t get anywhere else. And yes, I popped into the castle to see the dragon. It’s my favorite surprise for first-timers, and it still hits even when you know it’s there.
Food note: Pym’s Test Kitchen worked for me because it is a cool theme restaurant where chef’s take advantage of Pym’s Particle to make things large that are normally small from a Burger that can feed 12 to a Pretzel that feeds a whole family; the concept is amazing!
Parade in the dark
The Christmas parade starts at 5:45 p.m., which means it was dark; although if you have small kids there is a earlier one that runs. That’s the point. Costumes glowed, floats shimmered, and the whole thing photographed like a dream. If you hate guarding a spot, stake out a position 20–25 minutes early along Central Plaza, then enjoy the last minute of sunset before the show rolls. It’s the easiest “best view with less stress” window of the night.
Night cap: drones, projections, and fireworks
After the parade, I stayed put for the castle sequence. The drone elements paint the sky with shapes and light that connect with what’s on the castle, and the pacing makes the whole thing feel like one long scene, not pieces jammed together. It’s eight or so minutes of pure “do not check your phone,” followed by the fireworks and projection finale that ties your day in a bow. I loved this part so much because it matches how you move through the park: quick in the morning, then slow and emotional at night.
Bonus nod: over in Avengers Campus, Le Deadpool (Deadpool to most just in french) threw a holiday-leaning show that was quick and funny. If you find an afternoon gap, it’s a good laugh before you tighten up your night plan.
Would I go back? Every December I can. When a park nails its nighttime rhythm, the rest of the choices get easier.
How I’d stitch these three together for you
- Strasbourg: arrive late morning, cathedral and Rue du Marroquin loop, dessert at Pâtisserie Christian, back to the tree at blue hour. Grab photos at all odf the decorated buildings, stop for some Hot Cocoa when and where you can and Grab a “Real Mug” at Place Kleber Christmas Market return the plastic!
- Paris: start with Hôtel de Ville to ease in, hit Tuileries at dusk for rides and energy, warm up with hot chocolate, then swing to the Eiffel market for that shot and a climb if you’ve got time. And save time for the Eiffel Tower both the Market if open during your travel and the Tour as well the views are amazing just bundle up the wind is a real threat 280 meters up!
- Disneyland Paris: I would always encourage both the park open and close; what you do in the middle is up to you and the party you travel with. I had initally planned for a nap midway through but was a trooper, not a storm trooper tho; I am not a part of the dark side… And went open to close and rode as much as I could and eat as much as I wanted. 2 days! Enjoy Disney Village the night of your arrival; but get some rest to ensure that you are able to help win in Webslingers!
This gets you time in the Capital of Christmas, the City of Lights and Disneyland Paris a theme park holiday well worth the trip alone in six days that still leaves some time to breathe. Pack layers, save room for sw
