An enchanted journey to the heart of the Orleans Christmas Market
A magical experience
Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Orléans Christmas Market, from 1 to 30 December in the heart of the historic city centre. This new edition is inspired by the Scandinavian theme, bringing a Nordic touch to the city of Orléans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the twinning with the town of Kristiansand in Norway. Come and experience the magic of the end-of-year festivities with your family, with Christmas decorations, entertainment, merry-go-rounds, traditional chalets and Christmas specialities just waiting for you.Orleans 2023 Christmas Market programme
Discover the full programme for the 2023 Orleans Christmas Market.
A Scandinavian village on the Place du Martroi
From now until 30 December, the Place du Martroi will be transformed into a Scandinavian village: you’re bound to find something to suit your taste among the 60 chalets on display :
- Traditional Christmas chalets
- Designers’ chalets
- The “sustainable Development” centre from Friday 1 to Thursday 14 December
- The “local producers” centre from Friday 15 to 24 December
- The charity chalet
The Scandinavian Odyssey
From 26 to 30 December, discover “L’Odyssée scandinave”, a puzzle game designed by Les Frangins. Imbued with Scandinavian folklore, each chalet is decorated with Christmas tales, Nisses, trolls, northern lights, reindeer and nature. Once you’ve solved the riddles of the 6 themes, children and parents can rekindle the flame of the Christmas spirit.
Christmas in Kristiansand
Under the benevolent gaze of Jeanne d’Arc, “Noël à Kristiansand” (Christmas in Kristiansand), a photographic exhibition organised by the International Relations Department on the Norwegian twin town featured at this year’s Christmas Market, is unveiled. A promise of a journey to the heart of Scandinavian winter.
The big wheel
From 1 December to 7 January, the magic of Christmas will be illuminated on the Place du Martroi with the big wheel, offering a view of the city and the Christmas market that will amaze young and old alike. (Full price €6, concessions €5)
The carrousel
The merry-go-round transports young and old in a whirlwind of twinkling lights, festive music and winter magic. (Prices: €3 per ticket, €10 for 4 tickets)
The Nisses workshop on the Place de la Republique
Until Saturday 30 December, the Place de la République will be the place to be for gourmets, and the Nisses on the square have made no mistake about it.
Santa’s house
It welcomes all children for a special moment with Santa Claus, who will collect their wish list :
- Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday : 2pm to 7pm
- Saturday 24 December : 2pm to 5pm
The advent pyramid
Discover this magnificent structure, a symbol of tradition, where every lantern you light brings you a little closer to the wonder of Christmas.
The wonderful tree
The “Le Sapin Merveilleux” merry-go-round enchants young and old with its twinkling lights, offering a magical experience (ticket price: €4).
Wednesday events
Every Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm, the Atelier des Nisses is dedicated to dazzling children with a range of workshops and activities :
- Wednesday 6 December: Make-up workshop
- Wednesday 13 December: Wooden reindeer-making workshop
- Wednesday 20 December: “The Christmas Reindeer” street theatre show
- Thursday 28 December: Nisses-making workshop
There’s no need to register, and children are free to take part in each workshop as long as it can accommodate them. These short sessions contribute to family development, and are an integral part of the traditional visit to the Christmas Market.
La Toundra des Rennes on the Place de Loire
Until Sunday 7 January, the rides and fun continue in the Reindeer Tundra. Shopkeepers on the square are joining in the festivities with seasonal treats.
The toboggan run
The toboggan run is sure to be the sound of laughter and cheers (Free).
Friday 1 to Monday 25 December :
- Monday, Tuesday, Thursday: 4.30 pm to 7 pm
- Friday: 4.30pm to 8pm
- Wednesday and Sunday: 1pm to 7pm
- Saturday: 1pm to 8pm
- Sunday 24 December: 1pm to 6pm
- Monday 25 December: 4pm to 7pm
Tuesday 26 December to Sunday 7 January :
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday : 1pm to 7pm
- Friday and Saturday : 1pm to 8pm
The “Flight of the reindeer” merry-go-round
This attraction takes young and old on a ride in Santa’s sleigh pulled by his reindeer (ticket price: €4).
Gourmet break
Shopkeepers will be delighted to welcome you for a pleasant meal of chichis, waffles and mulled wine…
Spotlight on the Cathedral
Place Sainte-Croix
From Friday 1 December to Sunday 7 January 2024, a projection on the cathedral will transport you into the magic of Christmas.
Our guided tours and Christmas gift vouchers
Visit Orléans for Christmas !
With our Christmas in Orleans tour, enjoy an evening stroll through the heart of the old centre of Orleans and discover some historical anecdotes linked to the Nativity.
Looking for an original Christmas gift idea and a unique experience ? Give our guided tour and private visit gift vouchers to use whenever you like !
Christmas carriage ride
In the heart of Orleans
Take a ride in the Christmas horse-drawn carriage through the city of Saint John, decked out in all its finery. It’s a great way to keep the magic alive for young and old alike !
