The best Christmas markets in Provence

Aix-en-Provence Cours Mirabeau Christmas market

Dates: 15 November – 31 December 2024
Location: Cours Mirabeau
Hours: Daily, 10am - 8pm; Fridays and Saturdays until 9.30pm

Special hours:
24 & 31 December: 10am - 7pm
25 December: 4pm - 8pm

Cours Mirabeau turns festive with over fifty chalets offering artisanal gifts, Provençal ceramics, and speciality foods like calissons - an almond delicacy native to Aix. Visitors can sample mulled wine and seasonal treats, while families can enjoy additional attractions, such as a Christmas carousel and Santa’s grotto. Each stall reflects Provence’s seasonal spirit, with evening visits offering a warm glow from the illuminated chalets and holiday lights along the historic boulevard. Aix’s market is a hub for holiday shopping and seasonal gatherings, inviting visitors to experience the region’s winter charm.

Aix-en-Provence Santon fair

Dates: 15 November – 31 December 2024
Location: Esplanade Cézanne
Hours: Daily, 10am - 7pm (closed on 25 December)

Inauguration event: 24 November 2024
10am: Santon Mass (Église Saint Jean-Baptiste du Faubourg)
11.30am: Inauguration and blessing of the Santon Fair

Dedicated to Provence’s tradition of nativity figures, or santons, the Santon Fair on Esplanade Cézanne showcases handcrafted clay figures representing characters from village life. This fair, held since 1934, is both a celebration of Provençal culture and an opportunity to purchase unique santons directly from the artisans. The event begins with a traditional Mass in Provençal, followed by the blessing of the fair, accompanied by music from galoubets and tambourins. This market offers a fascinating insight into a tradition that is deeply rooted in Provence’s holiday heritage.

Gordes Christmas market

Dates: 21 – 22 December 2024

In the Luberon’s hilltop village of Gordes, the Christmas market offers a more intimate yet equally festive atmosphere. Artisans from across the region gather here to display locally made goods, including handcrafted candles, lavender sachets, woolen scarves, and honey from Luberon’s wildflowers. Food stalls provide regional treats, such as truffle snacks and local cheeses, while the picturesque setting of Gordes enhances the holiday mood. With its stone streets and historic charm, Gordes offers a memorable setting to discover unique gifts and experience a traditional Provençal Christmas. For a full-day outing, visitors can explore the village and enjoy festive Provençal cuisine at nearby restaurants.

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence Christmas market

Dates: 20 – 22 December 2024

Saint-Rémy’s Christmas market, set in the heart of the village, brings together artisanal products, seasonal foods, and family-friendly activities. The market is filled with stalls offering handcrafted decorations, wooden toys, and Provençal specialities such as olive oil, fig preserves, and locally produced goat cheese. Visitors will find themselves surrounded by traditional carols and live music, with children’s activities adding a family-friendly touch. Saint-Rémy’s unique blend of holiday spirit and Provençal charm makes it an ideal setting for those looking to enjoy an immersive holiday experience.

Christmas at Maison Dora Maar in Ménerbes

Dates: To be confirmed

In Ménerbes, the historic Maison Dora Maar transforms into a Christmas market venue with artistic flair. This property, once the home of photographer Dora Maar, now hosts local artisans and artists who sell unique creations in the residence’s picturesque gardens. The market here often features pottery, fine art, and regional products, providing visitors with a chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts. Maison Dora Maar’s Christmas market is celebrated for its blend of art and holiday charm, offering views of The Luberon and a thoughtfully curated selection of seasonal goods. While the dates are still to be confirmed for this year, the event typically attracts those with an eye for creativity and an appreciation for the festive spirit of Provence.