A town transformed into a living stage set. Where acrobats defy gravity and every corner seems inhabited by the extraordinary. For its Hivernales 2025, La Garde has chosen to immerse its visitors in a circus atmosphere where cabaret meets Christmas enchantment. A luminous immersion that gives Provence’s largest Christmas market a spectacular dimension. A not-to-be-missed rendezvous 1 hour from Marseille, where the whole family can venture until December 28.
La Garde: Provence’s biggest Christmas market
Just imagine: nearly 100 glitteringchalets, overflowing with gourmet treasures and unique crafts, transform the town into a sumptuous festive village. A vibrant, generous atmosphere is orchestrated by a whirlwind ofentertainment.Fairy-tale parades wander to the sound of brass bands, breathtaking circus shows, and a swarm of street performers ready to amaze. A world where merry-go-rounds spin alongside children’s workshops. A festive symphony that attracts some 300,000 visitors every year. Here, Christmas isn’t just an event, it’s an immersive and grandiose experience that invades the soul of the whole city.
Les Hivernales de La Garde: spectacular Christmas festivities
Like every year, Les Hivernales celebrates the magic of the festive season with a program as generous as it is spectacular. Strolling around the esplanade Gérard Philipe, you’ll find the atmosphere of a funfair, where lights, games and rides create a joyful, family-friendly universe. Nearby, on Wednesday December 17, the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland takes young and old on a whimsical musical adventure. And for those who prefer open-air shows, majestic parades and fairy-tale parades light up Wednesdays and weekends, offering suspended moments in the heart of the village.
Christmas market and Provencal traditions
In the heart of La Vieille Garde, Provencal traditions take center stage during the Hivernales. Once again this year, Le Fougau hosts a large-scale exhibition and sale dedicated to local know-how. Santons, nativity scenes and local products such as honey, nougat and regional fabrics are on display until December 23. The authenticity of these traditions continues on Sunday, December 14, with the presentation of a real live nativity scene. Held at 6pm on the forecourt of the Church of the Nativity, it offers a warm and inviting experience, deeply rooted in the spirit of Christmas.