After a year’s absence in the square in front of City Hall, the magic of Christmas returns to its historic setting. From December 5, 2025 to January 4, 2026, the City of Paris is setting up the “Enchanted Forest”, a Christmas market celebrating the skills of Parisian craftsmen. A return to basics occurred in a particular context, marked by Shein’s controversial inauguration at BHV, just across the square.
“The Christmas market returns to the square in front of the City Hall, where it has been held for several years,” explained Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj, deputy (PCF) for trade at the Paris city hall. First launched in December 2015, the market moved to Place de la Concorde last year due to work. He now found a new urban forest in the square, decorated and illuminated for the occasion.
100% ecological village.
The 2025 edition stands out for its environmental commitment. “This Christmas village is 100% reused and recycled. All the trees used are replanted or used as mulch for the city’s flower beds,” explains the trade assistant. Lighting, provided exclusively by LEDs, guarantees minimal energy expenditure.
Despite the challenges associated with the urban forest, the space was reorganized to maintain the same number of chalets. Six 4 m chalets and two 2 m chalets will be dedicated to craftsmen labeled “Made in Paris”. Two 6m chalets and one 4m chalet will offer snacks. The traditional wooden horse carousel is also making a comeback.
Santa Claus will be on hand starting at 3 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday and every school holiday until December 24. The chalet will be open daily from 11.00 to 21.00.
Promote “Made in Paris”
In a context marked by the opening of the Shein brand at BHV, the City of Paris emphasizes local production. “It is said that this year we are facing the BHV and Shein brands which have just opened there. We want to encourage Parisians to buy what is made in Paris,” emphasized Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj.
The Hôtel de Ville market was born as a reaction to the old Christmas market on the Champs-Élysées (moved to the Jardin des Tuileries), where many products came from Asia. “We created this market by establishing from the start the exclusive presence of craftsmen labeled “Made in Paris”,” recalled the elected official.
The capital now has close to 3,000 certified craftsmen. On December 8, 575 new labels will be added to the 2,500 existing labels. “Our mission is to show what is invisible to consumers: ethics, respect for working conditions and human dignity,” emphasizes Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj.
The sales assistant also wanted to refute pre-existing notions: “It is possible to find handicraft objects that are accessible to everyone, for around 10 euros, for example allowing children to give gifts to their parents. They are not only luxury products. »
Paris is twice as bright
In terms of entertainment, My Little Paris will install three large Christmas balls with illustrations of “search and find” or “Cluedo” type games. Meanwhile, La Poste will offer letter-to-Santa workshops. Publisher Auzou will organize a meeting with mascot P’tit Loup and a reading of the album. Lego will display five giant statues in its City Hall store.
The entire assembly is carried out under management by the City agent: chalet, wooden furniture, decoration designed by the city’s carpenters and lumberjacks.
In addition, the Municipality has increased the overall budget dedicated to Christmas lights, which amounts to 1.1 million euros. 500,000 euros dedicated to helping the 81 merchant associations supported this year. 300,000 euros dedicated to lighting working class neighborhoods.
New this year: the restoration of the old Champs-Élysées illuminations, donated by the Champs committee after changes to their system. “Between the increase in subsidies and the restoration of old lamps, total lighting in Paris has doubled this year,” said Nicolas Bonnet-Oulaldj.
