Pontoise Christmas Market

Pontoise, City of Art and History in Festive Attire

Pontoise, prefecture of the Val-d'Oise and former capital of the French Vexin, is one of the richest cities in historical and artistic heritage in the Île-de-France region. Its medieval streets, its museums dedicated to Camille Pissarro — who lived and painted there for many years — and its Gothic cathedral Saint-Maclou make it a major cultural destination in the north of Paris. Every December, the old town and its riverbanks are adorned with lights and garlands to welcome the Christmas Village, which has become an eagerly awaited event for the entire region in just a few years.

The Christmas Village on the Riverbanks

The Pontoise Christmas Village is set up on the banks of the Viosne and the quays of the Oise, in an exceptional natural setting at the foot of the medieval ramparts. About twenty wooden chalets display their creations and flavors along the banks: artisanal Christmas decorations, Vexin pottery, designer jewelry, wreaths and fir trees, honeys and jams, local craft beers, gingerbread, and macarons. A food court offers crepes, individual raclette, spiced mulled wine, and Picardy specialties to warm up by the water in a joyful and convivial atmosphere.

Activities and Shows for the Whole Family

The Pontoise Christmas Village's entertainment program is designed to appeal to all ages. Children will be delighted to find the petting zoo with its small animals, the vintage carousel with its dazzling colors, and the outdoor ice rink located near the market. A Christmas miniature train, free for everyone, connects the market to the town center of Pontoise and allows easy access to the site from the train station or parking lots. Street performances — jugglers, fire-eaters, traveling musicians — liven up the market aisles at regular intervals, making each stroll a discovery.

Craftsmanship and Local Products

Pontoise and the surrounding French Vexin form a region of remarkable agricultural and artisanal richness. The Christmas Village is an opportunity for local producers to showcase their expertise: Vexin cheeses, Oise honey, artisanal ciders, handmade chocolates, seasonal vegetable preserves, and compotes. Pontoise associations also participate in the market by offering creative items made during solidarity workshops and delicacies prepared by volunteers to support local causes.

Impressionist Pontoise

The Christmas market is also the ideal opportunity to (re)discover Impressionist Pontoise. The Musée Camille Pissarro, located in the castle overlooking the town, houses numerous canvases by the impressionist master who depicted Pontoise, its surroundings, and its inhabitants with unique attention and tenderness. The Cergy-Pontoise Tourist Office offers themed guided tours in the footsteps of the Impressionists to extend the cultural getaway in a wonderfully wintery and romantic setting.

Practical Information

By train: Pontoise SNCF station (line J from Paris-Saint-Lazare, 35 min). The Christmas miniature train connects the station to the market for free.

By car: A15 towards Cergy, then N184. Free parking available in the town center of Pontoise.

Free admission to the entire Christmas Village and its activities. Free miniature train.