The windows sparkle, the lights are up, and the spirit of Christmas takes over the streets of Marseille! Put on your best coat and join in the excitement of the city. Once again this year, the Cité Phocéenne is shining brightly, promising you a warm and exceptionally illuminated winter. To make the most of it, discover the list of the best events not to be missed this Christmas, whether you’re going out with friends, as a couple, or with the whole family!
Stroll through the Foire aux santons and Christmas markets
It’s impossible to imagine the holidays without the magic of Christmas markets and traditional santon fairs! In and around Marseille, the season is punctuated by festive markets. Whether you’re looking for unique gift ideas from local artisans, honoring Provençal traditions, or simply enjoying a hearty gourmet break: this is the ideal place to fill up on Christmas spirit with the whole family!
📍 Address: Vieux-Port
📆 Dates: until January 4, 2026
Soak up the magic of Christmas with your family at the Children’s Village
Looking for a magical family Christmasexperience in Marseille? The Village des Enfants opens its doors on Saturday, November 29 on Place Bargemon! This space, entirely dedicated to the youngest visitors, is a veritable bubble of magic. Marseille’s little ones will be able to meet Santa Claus, enjoy face-painting activities, take part in Christmas decoration-making workshops , and wander around an enchanted place. It’s the perfect place to make children’s eyes shine this festive season!
📍 Address: several locations
📆 Dates: November 29 to January 4
Take a break in a tearoom
When the temperatures plummet, the desire to take refuge in a cozy place is felt. In Marseille, cosy tea rooms and cafés are redoubling their creativity to make teas more than just a simple drink. Accompanied by a sweet or savory treat, savoring one of the city’s finest teas is the perfect comforting treat for winter.
Stroll under Marseille’s illuminations
Every evening, the heart of the city, from the Old Port to the Canebière, lights up to create a magical spectacle. The emblematic sites are adorned with warm, festive decorations, designed with local know-how. A unique tableau visible every evening until 11 p.m., with illuminations running all night on December 24 and 31! Don’t miss: the inauguration of the illuminations on November 29 in Place de l’Hôtel de Ville from 5.30pm, with a mini-concert by Anaïs Delva.
📍 Address: various districts
📆 Dates: November 29 to January 4
Gliding on the Old Port
This year, Marseille is pulling out all the stops to recreate the wintry spirit of Christmas. In addition to the large ice rink that will take pride of place on the Quai de la fraternité in the Old Port, three toboggan runs will be part of the fun! The perfect activity for children who love to slide, and available from Saturday December 13. The necessary equipment is available on site, but please bring your own gloves.
📍 Address: Vieux-Port
📆 Dates: December 13 to January 4
Marvel to the rhythm of Marseille’s shows
Marseill gives us several dates to enjoy grandiose shows. Drones and fireworks will light up the skies over Marseille from the Vieux-Port on Saturday, December 20 from 7:30 pm to 9 pm, preceded by a Gospel philharmonic concert. On December 20 and 21, visitors will also be able to follow a trail of lights from the Old Port to La Castellane. From dusk onwards, the facades of the Tourist Office, the Opera House and the Félix Baret and Cantini fountains will be illuminated and set to music. And don’t forget the “Aria” aerial ballet on December 13 at 6.30pm.
Experience the magic of Candlelight concerts with thousands of candles
How about celebrating the magic of the festive season, lulled by music and the glow of hundreds of candles? For Christmas, lCandlelight offers a concert inspired by the greatest Christmas classics. Anastasia, The Nutcracker, Jingle Bells … Winter notes resonate in an intimate atmosphere on December 20. You can also rediscover iconic covers, from Queen to Charles Aznavour, via Coldplay or Vivaldi on other dates. A moment of pure magic, to experience or to give as a gift.
Stroll among the lanterns in Parc Bagatelle
Head to Parc de Bagatelle in Marseille’s 6th and 8th arrondissements for a magical family experience. An enchanted trail awaits you, illuminated by silk Lanternes Lumineuses in vibrant Christmas colors. Young and old alike will also enjoy a host of activities, including storytelling walks, puppet shows and creative workshops.
📍 Address: Parc de Bagatelle, 125 Rue du Commandant Rolland
📆 Date: November 30 to January 28
A magical interlude at the Palais de la Bourse
This festive season, the majestic Palais de la Bourse is decked out in a thousand lights and becomes the setting for a magical immersive experience! Immerse yourself in “Flow”, Eonarium’s signature light show, reinventing the classic work La Moldau. Imagine a spellbinding fusion of powerful orchestral music and electronic rhythms, enhanced by grandiose visual projections. It’s a musical and poetic voyage not to be missed, offering a moment of pure magic perfect for celebrating the end of the year.
📍 Address: Palais de la Bourse, 9 La Canebière
📆 Date:various dates and times available
Share a tasty raclette
What would winter be without raclette? Lovers of melted cheese have no shortage of options in Marseille. Whether you prefer a convivial all-you-can-eat raclette or a chic raclette in a heated bubble with a panoramic view, the city of Marseille helps you warm up around the appliance.
Return to childhood at Cirque Medrano
To continue the wonderful tradition of the festive season, the famous Cirque Medrano sets up its big top in Marseille. Come and discover its brand new enchanting show, “La Légende de l’Oiseau Bleu”. It’s the ideal family event for escaping everyday life and plunging into a dream world. The program is full of Christmas sparkles: breathtaking aerial acrobatics, high-flying acrobatic and juggling acts, hilarious clowns and majestic musical tableaux. A suspended moment that brilliantly blends the magic of classical circus with a touch of festive modernity!
📍 Address: Esplanade Gisèle Halimi – 7 Promenade Robert Laffont
📆 Date: December 6 to January 4
Staying warm at home and baking Christmas shortbread
When winter comes and the days get shorter and cooler, we like to take refuge in the warmth of our own homes. And to turn up the heat a little more, we turn on the oven and bake up some easy-to-make Christmas shortbread. Here’s the recipe!