Last updated: 11 November 2024
Discover the end-of-year festivities in Dunkerque with our winter celebrations guide. Our guide accompanies you through local traditions and festive activities that illuminate our port city.
From Place Jean Bart to the historic quarter, Dunkerque's streets come alive during the holiday season. The traditional Christmas market on Place Charles Valentin, the illuminations along Rue Clemenceau, and the decorated shops in the city center create a warm atmosphere. Visitors can also enjoy activities in the Malo-les-Bains district, where restaurants and businesses participate in the winter festivities.
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Dunkerque Holiday Light Displays
Dunkerque Festival of Lights
- What to Expect
- Illumination displays highlight Dunkerque's heritage with local performances and seasonal food offerings.
- Description
- This vibrant event showcases an array of stunning lights illuminating the streets and landmarks of Dunkerque. Visitors can wander through meticulously designed displays that highlight the city's heritage while enjoying various activities and entertainment options scattered throughout the festival. The atmosphere is enhanced by local performances and a range of food vendors offering seasonal treats.
- Where
- Dunkerque | More Info : Dunkerque Festival of Lights
Dunkerque Holiday Markets and Shopping
Dunkerque Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Christmas market with ice rink and Ferris wheel
- Description
- The Dunkerque Christmas Market offers a Christmas market open daily from 12h to 20h, with parades, concerts, an ice rink, and a Ferris wheel. The Father Christmas Castle is accessible during school periods and vacation times.
- Where
- Dunkerque | More Info : Dunkerque Christmas Market
Saint-Omer Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Artistic workshops and creator market at the Café Mill.
- Description
- The Saint-Omer Christmas Market offers stalls, rides, and animations for a family-friendly festive experience. Visitors can discover local creators and enjoy delicious treats.
- Where
- Saint-Omer | More Info : Saint-Omer Christmas Market
Gravelines Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Over 100 stalls with exhibitors from all over France.
- Description
- The Gravelines Christmas Market is renowned for its unique atmosphere and festive decorations. You can enjoy local gourmet food and buy artisanal items to prepare for your end-of-year celebrations.
- Where
- Gravelines | More Info : Gravelines Christmas Market
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Covered market with local and artisanal products.
- Description
- The Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Christmas Market is a notable event that takes place in a covered market, offering a variety of local, artisanal, and Christmas decoration products. Visitors can find unique creations, hot drinks, and festive animations.
- Where
- Le Touquet-Paris-Plage | More Info : Le Touquet-Paris-Plage Christmas Market
Dunkerque Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Dunkerque Kings' Festival
- What to Expect
- A traditional celebration with games and cakes.
- Description
- The Fête des Rois de Dunkerque is a traditional event celebrating the queen of the feast with games, costumes, and cakes.
- Where
- Dunkerque | More Info : Dunkerque Kings' Festival
Étaples-sur-Mer Christmas Celebration
- What to Expect
- A Christmas Eve mass performed by the mixed choir.
- Description
- The Étaples-sur-Mer Christmas Festival is a festive celebration featuring a Christmas Eve mass performed by the mixed choir, offering a spiritual and musical experience.
- Where
- Étaples-sur-Mer | More Info : Étaples-sur-Mer Christmas Celebration
Dunkerque New Year's Celebration
- What to Expect
- DJ party with a high-quality playlist for a unique New Year's Eve celebration.
- Description
- To celebrate the new year, the Casino Tranchant in Dunkerque offers a festive evening with a "Magic New Year" theme. The DJs prepare a high-quality playlist for a unique New Year's Eve celebration, with two possible events: one including a cocktail dinner and goodies, and the other with access to the event and a complimentary drink ticket before midnight.
- Where
- Dunkerque | More Info : Dunkerque New Year's Celebration
Magical Christmas of Dunkerque
- What to Expect
- Christmas activities featuring sound and light shows and free ice skating.
- Description
- The Christmas festivities in Dunkerque offer a variety of activities for all ages, including sound and light shows, free ice skating, Christmas markets, and local artisanal stalls.
- Where
- Dunkerque | More Info : Magical Christmas of Dunkerque
Dunkerque Other Holiday Activities
Dunkerque Lantern Festival
- What to Expect
- Lantern and carved turnip competitions
- Description
- The Lantern Festival of Dunkerque is a unique event where children and families gather to commemorate the legend of Saint-Martin. They parade through the streets with lanterns and carved turnips, and participate in artistic competitions.
- Where
- Dunkerque | More Info : Dunkerque Lantern Festival