Once upon a time
The Orleans Christmas market
This year, immerse yourself in the enchanted world of Christmas tales at the Orleans Christmas Market! Stroll between the chalets on the Place du Martroi, where you’ll find handmade creations and seasonal treats. Follow in the footsteps of the elves and Father Christmas on Place de la République, then let yourself be carried away by the magic of the big screen on Place de Loire, with decorations inspired by classic Christmas films. A magical experience for all the family!
Orleans 2024 Christmas Market programme
Discover the full programme for the 2024 Orleans Christmas Market.
Christmas Market opening dates
- Place du Martroi: from Friday 29 November to Sunday 29 December 2024.
- Place de la République, Place de Loire and rides: from Friday 29 November 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Opening of the Christmas Market
On Saturday 30 November, to mark the opening of the Christmas Market, a grand musical and illuminated parade entitled ‘Les animaux fantastiques’ (The Fantastic Animals) will light up the town centre from 5.30pm.
The procession will leave from Place Sainte-Croix, go down rue Jeanne d’Arc, then rue Royale and reach Place du Martroi.
Once upon a time there were Christmas tales
Until 29 December 2024, the magic of your favourite tales comes to life on the Place du Martroi! Immerse yourself in the fairytale atmosphere of the Orléans Christmas Market, with over 60 chalets brimming with craft treasures, gift ideas and delicacies to savour on the spot.
- Traditional Christmas chalets
- Designers’ chalets
- The “sustainable Development” centre from Friday 29 November to Thursday 5 December
- The “local producers” centre from Friday 6 to Thursday 12 December
- The charity chalet
The big wheel
Until 5 January, treat yourself to a magical moment as you admire the breathtaking view over the city and the Christmas market from the Ferris wheel. It’s a magical experience that’s sure to delight young and old alike!
Full price: €6 | Reduced price (under 10s): €5
Santa’s sleigh
Climb aboard Santa’s sleigh, a ride on rails that takes you on a journey through the magical world of Christmas!
Prices: €5 per ticket | €20 for 5 tickets
The carrousel
The merry-go-round takes young and old alike on a whirlwind of lights, merry melodies and winter magic, offering a journey to the heart of winter.
Prices: €3 per ticket | €10 for 4 tickets
Once upon a time there were Christmas characters
Until 5 January, Place de la République will be the place to be for food lovers. Father Christmas and his elves are inviting you to discover their delicious creations and enjoy some festive treats.
Santa’s house
She welcomes all children for a special moment with Father Christmas, who will collect their wish list:
- Friday 29 November: 4pm to 7pm
- Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays: 2pm to 7pm
- Monday 23 December: 2pm to 7pm
- Tuesday 24 December: 2pm to 4pm
You can take your own photo, or opt for a souvenir photo taken by a professional.
Price: €9 per photo
The wonderful tree
Come and experience the magic of the festive season with Le Sapin Merveilleux, a fairytale merry-go-round where you can take to the skies in a giant Christmas bauble in the heart of a glittering Christmas tree.
Price: €4 per ticket
Wednesday events
- Wednesday 4 December: Christmas make-up workshop
- Friday 6 December: Karaoke Night
- Wednesday 11 December: ‘Les Hommes Livres’ storytelling tour
- Friday 13 December: International Christmas Sweater Day and after-work dance party
- Wednesday 18 December: Greetings card workshop
- Friday 20 December: Art Of Voice Gospel Concert
- Tuesday 24 December: Santa’s Ho Ho Ho competition
- Friday 27, Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December: Blues Mary Swing traditional storytelling with music
No registration is necessary, and children are free to take part in each workshop, subject to capacity.
Once upon a Christmas at the cinema
Until 5 January, come and experience the magic of Christmas on the Place de Loire, where you can stroll through a magical décor inspired by Christmas films and savour seasonal delicacies.
A space for magical wandering
Discover an itinerary inspired by Christmas films, with enchanting decorations and captivating attractions, extending the magic all the way to the quays of the Loire under a starry sky.
Gourmet break
The shopkeepers of the Place de Loire will be delighted to welcome you for a pleasant meal of chichis, waffles and mulled wine…
The “Little Christmas Train” merry-go-round
Take off on a magical journey on this little Christmas train, suitable for toddlers.
Ticket price: €4
Spotlight on the Cathedral
Place Sainte-Croix
From Friday 29 November to Sunday 5 January 2025, the cathedral becomes the setting for a luminous tale.
Brighten up your festive season with our guided Christmas tours
Visit Orléans for Christmas !
At Christmas, Orléans is decked out in lights, entertainment and scents, creating a magical atmosphere. The guide will share historical anecdotes about the Nativity and take you to the nativity scene exhibition at Sainte-Croix Cathedral, before concluding with a Christmas snack in the city centre.
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 !
Meeting point at the Tourist Office (23 place du Martroi) from 26 to 29 December from 1.30 to 5pm.
