Christmas Markets South of France 2024

Christmas Markets South of France 2024

The south of France is not well-known for it’s Christmas markets but almost every town and village will have a Christmas market at some stage from mid-November to New Year, but usually just for a day. 

The big towns and cities, however, have larger markets that last throughout the month of December and often include a skating rink, perhaps a funfair, definitely plenty of local delicacies and lots of vin chaud!

Wandering around these markets in the sunshine is in my opinion far preferable to the sleet and rain that accompanies many traditional markets further north!

Here’s our pick of the best Christmas markets in the south of France 2024:

Toulouse 

Place de Capitole

28 November – 29 December 2024

The Toulouse Christmas market will take you into the magical world of Christmas through its magnificent illuminated village. You will be able to stroll along the alleys lined with immaculate white chalets, offering many gift ideas: decorations, jewellery, unique designer pieces, games, toys and clothing.

And of course there will be Christmas delicacies such as churros, mulled wine and aligot.

Father Christmas’s chalet will welcome children every day.

This market will be totally accessible to people with reduced mobility and visually impaired people, with wide aisles and chalets with shelves at wheelchair height.

Narbonne 

La Promenade des Barques et Le Cours Mirabeau

30 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

Narbonne’s Christmas market is held along the canal-side and in the main square and consists of over 30 wooden chalets, where you can find many traditional items such as Christmas decorations, santons (figurines for the nativity), candles and also delicious Narbonne cuisine.

There is a Christmas village especially for children with festive activities for them to do such as making decorations, face-painting and baking.

‘The Christmas Fairies of Narbonne’ also includes a magical forest, an advent calendar, Father Christmas with his sleigh, an ice rink, a parade of cartoon characters and lots of other activities in the historic centre.

There is also a funfair on the other side of the canal, outside the Halles de Narbonne.

Carcassonne 

Place Gambetta, Place Carnot & Place André Chenier

7 December 2024 – 5 January 2025

For Carcassonne’s Christmas market, called ‘The Magic of Christmas’ there will be a 180m² ice rink set up for the month of December in the heart of the town in Place Carnot. Surrounding the ice rink will be the traditional Christmas market with 30 chalets offering original and unusual objects as well as many sweet and savoury delicacies to delight your taste buds.

At Place Andre Chenier there is a real ‘Jingle Bells’ funfair for the little ones, where joy and excitement mingle in a festive atmosphere.

Or head to Place Gambetta for a forest of magical bubbles and Christmas illuminations

You’ll also find concerts, street entertainment, decorations and lights, a Ferris wheel, carousels and lots of shows throughout December.

The Medieval Festival of Saint Nicholas takes place every year during the Telethon weekend (29 & 30 November 2024). It starts with fireworks on Saturday at 18.30 followed by a torchlight procession at 19.00 from the forecourt of the drawbridge, in front of the Porte Narbonnaise.
Equipped with a torch (electric torches for children) purchased for the benefit of the telethon, you can  take part in the spectacular procession to the Bastide with hundreds of other people.

There will also be the big Christmas show on the 24th December at 6pm

Montpellier 

Place Royale du Peyrou

23 November – 24 December 2024

‘Les Hivernales de Montpellier’ is a one of the Christmas markets in south of France not to be missed. Come and discover regional Mediterranean specialties in this fun and festive atmosphere.

Hundreds of local stallholders invite you to taste their products from sweets to oysters and mulled wine. There are also decorations, toys, jewellery and gifts. It’s the perfect place to get your Christmas shopping done whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere.

You will also find Christmas parades, rides in Santa’s sleigh, an ice-skating rink, carousels, a nativity scene and workshops for children including story-telling, face-painting and origami.

Perpignan 

Quai Vauban

22 November 2024 – 5 January 2025

The historic Quai Vauban undergoes a complete Christmas make-over with twinkling lights, a giant ferris wheel and carousel and of course the quaint Christmas market. Unlike last year, there’s no additional Christmas gourmet market along the promenade of Allées Maillol.

The traditional wooden chalets sell a range of festive and artisan products including vin chaud and churros….mmmm.

There is also a fun fair in Place Catalogne, donkey rides in Place Gambetta every Saturday and various festive entertainment through the other squares and streets over the Christmas weekend.

A free shuttle will allow you to park for free at the exhibition centre.

Valmagne Abbey Christmas Market 

23 & 24 November 2024

For the seventh year the ‘Cracker Fair’ will host 220 international and local artisans and artists, food trucks and entertainment over this November weekend at the stunning abbey. It is €5.50 for adults and free for under 12s

If you are looking for a beautiful place to stay while you check out these Christmas markets in the South of France or any other time during the festive period, why not head over to our special offers page to see our December Special?

Gruissan Village

Village and church

Sunday 15 December 2024

Gruissan celebrates Christmas with les Nadalets. Come and stroll around the Christmas market where local producers and artisans offer you many products for your festive tables and gifts to put under the tree. Many activities are planned throughout the day: an animal farm, photos with Santa Claus, a parade, a concert, traditional games and inflatable games. And don’t miss the Christmas carol concert in Gruissan church at the end of the afternoon – Traditional melodies will resonate in this magnificent setting, bringing a touch of Christmas magic – And it’s all free!

Olonzac

Sunday 17 November 2024. 10am – 5pm

The Olonzac Christmas Market 2024 is set to bring festive cheer and family fun to the heart of the Minervois. Alongside stalls offering unique gifts from local producers and artisans, visitors can enjoy a delightful selection of food trucks and stalls serving seasonal treats. The market will feature Disney-themed musical entertainment, adding a touch of magic for kids and adults alike. Little ones will love the mini farm, where they can interact with friendly animals, and enjoy traditional wooden games.