Paris Glows as Notre Dame Prepares for Historic Christmas Market Return

For the first time in six years, the scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine will once again waft through the shadow of a fully restored Notre Dame Cathedral. City officials confirmed today that the iconic Christmas market at Square René Viviani, located just across the Seine from the cathedral, will officially open tomorrow, November 28, marking a symbolic milestone in the city's post-fire recovery.

The return of the market comes just days before the one-year anniversary of the cathedral's grand reopening last December. While the church welcomed visitors back in late 2024, ongoing restoration work on the apse and the forecourt meant that last year's holiday festivities were muted and physically restricted by construction barriers. This year, however, the "Dame" is back in full glory, her new spire gleaming under the winter sky, ready to serve as the backdrop for one of Paris's most beloved traditions.

"It feels like the heart of Paris has finally started beating properly again," said local artisan Claire Dubois, who is setting up her stall selling hand-painted ornaments. "Last year was emotional, but it was still a construction site. Today, it is a celebration." The market will feature over 40 chalets showcasing French craftsmanship, from ceramic nativity scenes to regional gastronomical treats.

Tourism numbers for Paris are already trending higher than 2024, with the "Notre Dame Effect" drawing record crowds. The cathedral itself has implemented a new timed-entry system to manage the influx of pilgrims and tourists expected for Advent services. Inside, the recently completed cleaning of the interior limestone has left the nave shockingly bright, a stark contrast to the gloomy cavern visitors remember from before the 2019 fire.

While some exterior landscaping work continues—specifically the "green run" promenade connecting the cathedral to the Seine—the removal of the heavy machinery from the parvis allows for an unobstructed view of the façade. For the millions of tourists arriving this weekend, the sight of the Christmas lights reflecting off the Seine with the cathedral standing tall offers a perfect, picturesque end to a long decade of rebuilding.