Paris La Défense Launches Call for Tenders for 2026-2028 Christmas Market
Paris La Défense, January 12, 2026 – Paris La Défense, the business district known for its vibrant festive season, has officially launched a call for tenders for the operation of its iconic Christmas Market for the period spanning 2026 to 2028. This move follows a record-breaking 2025 season, which saw 2.2 million visitors flock to the market, solidifying its position as the largest Christmas Market in the Île-de-France region.
The public establishment aims to conclude an agreement with a new operator to ensure the continued success of the Christmas Market, which is scheduled to make its grand return in November 2026. The objective is to cement Paris La Défense’s reputation as a premier Christmas destination within the region.
Key Objectives of the Call for Tenders
The successful applicant will be granted authorization to occupy the public domain of Paris La Défense for the Christmas Markets of 2026, 2027, and 2028. In 2026, the market will operate from mid-November to the end of December, situated in the heart of the La Défense esplanade, covering an area between 10,000 and 15,000 square meters.
The Paris La Défense Christmas Market is expected to present a festive, surprising, and modern image, while retaining its authentic, warm, and international character, consistent with the La Défense district. To achieve this, the selected operator will be encouraged to implement interior and exterior decorations on the chalets, aesthetic structures, festive animations, and offer convivial spaces for socializing, living, and shopping.
Furthermore, the laureate must prioritize several key objectives, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility:
- Limiting carbon footprint;
- Controlling resource and energy consumption;
- Traceability and waste management;
- Promoting sustainable catering and food;
- Combatting food waste;
- Fostering diversity and inclusion;
- Strengthening social cohesion and solidarity.
Submission Modalities
Interested parties must submit their applications via email, using a download link (such as Oodrive or equivalent), by Friday, February 27, 2026, at 12:00 PM. Applications will be evaluated based on the scoring criteria detailed in the call for tenders document, which is available for download.
The Magic of Christmas at Paris La Défense
Each year, the festive season brings magic, illuminations, and, of course, the Christmas Market to the business district. In 2025, 2.2 million people, including La Défense users, Parisians, and tourists, visited the emblematic Christmas Market to explore its chalets, artisans, carousels, and ice rink.
Before or after visiting the Christmas Market, visitors can stroll through the area, discovering the illuminations hidden throughout the various districts of Paris La Défense, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
The launch of this call for tenders underscores Paris La Défense’s commitment to delivering a high-quality, sustainable, and engaging Christmas experience for millions of visitors in the coming years.
Source: https://www.parisladefense.com/fr/infos-pratiques/actualites/consultation-marche-noel
