Just 30 minutes from Marseille, the seaside town of La Ciotat is decked out in its finest finery for a sparkling Christmas. True to tradition, the town celebrates the festive season with Provençal customs and an array of illuminations. It’s a magical and warm event, perfect for the whole family.
Illuminations launch: a magical evening in La Ciotat
La Ciotat is no joke when it comes to illuminations. The town’s main thoroughfares are decked out in their finest sparkling decorations. While the Port-Vieux, in an atmosphere reminiscent of Sanary-sur-Mer, lights up at nightfall to create a magical, poetic spectacle. To celebrate the official launch of the illuminations, come to the Port-Vieux on November 29 for a special evening. On the program: a light projection on the façade of the Musée Ciotaden at 6 p.m., followed by a concert by the Cœur de Gospel choir on the steps of Notre-Dame church.
Christmas festivities meet Provencal traditions
From the moment the lights go up, the magic of Christmas takes hold of La Ciotat every day in December. The festivities continue with Christmas decorating workshops, while a floating nativity scene takes to the water from December 6 to 11. At the mediatheque, the program is enriched by meetings around unusual books, storytelling, concerts and shows. As for the not-to-be-missed Christmas market, it will be held on Place Évariste-Gras from December 12 to 24, with a fairytale village featuring chalets of creative craftsmen and delicious specialities to sample: crêpes, waffles, mulled wine, nougats and calissons.
Another highlight not to be missed: the Grande Parade on December 20 (6.30pm). To mark the occasion, the Port-Vieux will be lit up with a grand parade in which Santa Cl aus will greet visitors from his float, surrounded by musicians and dancers.
Finally, to continue the tradition and bring the festivities to a close, a grand procession of costumed Santons will accompany the Three Wise Men on Saturday, January 10 at 3pm. The procession will cross the rue des Poilus to reach the church of Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption, thus completing the nativity scene.