Last updated: 11 November 2024
Plan your end-of-year festivities with our holiday guide to Chartres. We present the essential winter season events, designed for both connoisseurs and new visitors to our medieval city.
Place des Épars hosts the traditional Christmas market with wooden chalets offering artisanal products and gastronomy. Notre-Dame Cathedral's square comes alive with spectacular illuminations, while the Lower Town presents decorated shops along picturesque streets. The historic quarters, particularly around Place Billard, are adorned with festive decorations and offer entertainment for the whole family.
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Chartres Holiday Light Displays
Chartres in Lights - Christmas
- What to Expect
- Illumination of historical sites with light and music projections.
- Description
- Chartres en lumières is an annual event that illuminates Chartres' historical sites, creating a colorful and evocative spectacle that transforms monuments into living works of art.
- Where
- Chartres | More Info : Chartres in Lights - Christmas
Chartres Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Animations
- What to Expect
- Free animations co-organized by the City of Chartres and Vitrines C'Chartres.
- Description
- Each year, the City of Chartres offers dozens of animations to celebrate Christmas, including a Christmas market, strolls, performances, concerts, rides, decorations, trees, and street and Chartres in lights.
- Where
- Chartres | More Info : Christmas Animations
Saint André's Fair
- What to Expect
- Display of local products and artisanal art.
- Description
- The Saint-André Fair is an annual event that showcases local products and the craftsmanship of Eure-et-Loir artisans. Vendors and artisans display their creations, ranging from gastronomy to jewelry, textiles, and cosmetics.
- Where
- Chartres | More Info : Saint André's Fair
Chartres Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Midnight Mass - Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
- What to Expect
- Solemn celebration led by the Cathedral Choir.
- Description
- The Midnight Mass - Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ is a solemn celebration led by the Cathedral Choir, featuring traditional hymns and organ music to create a deeply spiritual atmosphere.
- Where
- Chartres | More Info : Midnight Mass - Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ
Let's Sing Christmas
- What to Expect
- Christmas concert with traditional and polyphonic songs.
- Description
- The choir of Chartres Cathedral presents a Christmas concert featuring polyphonic works evoking the Mystery of the birth of Christ. Children and adults perform traditional carols and hymns, creating a solemn and joyful atmosphere.
- Where
- Chartres | More Info : Let's Sing Christmas
Handel's « Messiah » Concert
- What to Expect
- Sacred concert with 100 artists performing Handel's oratorio.
- Description
- The concert "Messiah" by Handel, performed by the choir and orchestra Paul Kuentz, is an exceptional musical event that highlights Handel's oratorio, composed in 1741. This masterpiece is interpreted by 100 artists, offering a vibrant and moving experience.
- Where
- Chartres | More Info : Handel's « Messiah » Concert
Chartres Other Holiday Activities
Day of Forgiveness
- What to Expect
- Sacrament of penance and reconciliation offered by several priests in the cathedral's nave.
- Description
- The Day of Pardon is a unique opportunity to reconnect with God and the community by receiving the sacrament of penance and reconciliation. This special day allows participants to confess and reconcile with the Church.
- Where
- Chartres | More Info : Day of Forgiveness