Last updated: November 22, 2024
Plan your end-of-year holidays in Gardanne! Our guide presents the essential festive events and activities to celebrate this winter season. Whether you're a resident or a passing visitor, discover the festivities that bring our Provençal town to life.
The Town Hall Square hosts the traditional Christmas market with its wooden chalets offering artisanal products and Provençal specialties. Along the Cours de la République, the lights and decorations create a warm atmosphere, while the old mining district provides an authentic setting for cultural activities. Nearby, the cities of Aix-en-Provence and Marseille complement the festive offerings with their famous markets and Provençal traditions.
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Gardanne Holiday Light Displays
Gardanne Christmas Lights Launch
- What to Expect
- Christmas lights in a historic setting
- Description
- The city of Gardanne invites residents to attend the launch of the Christmas lights, an event that highlights the city's festive lighting.
- Where
- Gardanne | More Info : Gardanne Christmas Lights Launch
Gardanne Holiday Markets and Shopping
Gardanne Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Creative workshops for children with musical animations and crafting activities.
- Description
- The Christmas Market in Gardanne offers a festive experience with over 140 exhibitors and numerous family-friendly activities. Exceptional artisans and gourmet stands provide a variety of delicious and artisanal products.
- Where
- Gardanne | More Info : Gardanne Christmas Market
Winter Festival at Tuilerie Bossy
- What to Expect
- Creative workshops for children and unique artisanal creations.
- Description
- The Fête de l'hiver at Tuilerie Bossy offers creative workshops for children, makeup and animations, unique artisanal creations, and delicious treats to warm you up.
- Where
- Gardanne | More Info : Winter Festival at Tuilerie Bossy
Republic Square Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- A Christmas market with artisan stalls and activities for all ages.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at Place de la République offers a festive experience with artisan stalls, local delicacies, and activities for all ages.
- Where
- Marseille | More Info : Republic Square Christmas Market
Marseille Santons Fair
- What to Expect
- An exhibition of potters with demonstrations of fabrication.
- Description
- The Foire aux Santons de Marseille is a centuries-old tradition that brings together potters, artisans, and families to discover the famous clay figurines.
- Where
- Marseille | More Info : Marseille Santons Fair
International Twin Towns Market
- What to Expect
- A village of chalets hosting exhibitors from 9 countries.
- Description
- The International Market of Twin Cities brings together exhibitors from 9 countries to offer a variety of handicrafts and gourmet products.
- Where
- Marseille | More Info : International Twin Towns Market
13 Desserts Market
- What to Expect
- An exhibition of local products and traditional Christmas desserts.
- Description
- The Market of 13 Desserts is a traditional event where local farmers and artisans showcase their end-of-year culinary specialties. Visitors can discover a variety of delicious desserts and local products, including dried fruits, olive oil, white and black nougat, dates, quince paste, white grapes, Christmas melon, oranges or mandarines, and Aix calissons.
- Where
- Marseille | More Info : 13 Desserts Market
Truffle Market
- What to Expect
- Tasting of high-quality local products.
- Description
- The Grand Marché Truffes et Gastronomie de Rognes is an annual event renowned for its truffle producers and high-quality local products. You can discover local specialties such as foie gras, fine charcuterie, poultry, confectionery, mushrooms, salmon, oysters, soups, preserves, biscuits, wines, and champagne. The event features animations, demonstrations, and tastings, with on-site restaurant options including truffle brouillades, oysters, and other regional specialties.
- Where
- Marseille | More Info : Truffle Market
Christmas at Roy René Vineyard
- What to Expect
- An atypical stroll through the cave.
- Description
- The Christmas Market at Vignoble du Roy René in Lambesc offers an atypical stroll through the cave to fill your baskets and decorate your holiday tables. You can find Christmas trees, tastings, wines and sparkling drinks, art crafts, culinary trades, author and dedications, children's games and animations, as well as food trucks.
- Where
- Les Baux-de-Provence | More Info : Christmas at Roy René Vineyard
Creators' Advent Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Chalets offering artisanal products and gourmet specialties on the Cours Mirabeau.
- Description
- The Aix-en-Provence Christmas Market is a renowned event that gathers 49 exhibitors offering artisanal products, gourmet specialties, and unique gift ideas. The chalets are set up on the Cours Mirabeau and provide a festive atmosphere with merry-go-rounds, hot wine stands, and traditional Christmas treats.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : Creators' Advent Christmas Market
Cours Mirabeau Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Christmas chalets on the Cours Mirabeau featuring artisanal and Provençal specialty stands.
- Description
- The Christmas market on the Cours Mirabeau offers artisanal products and Provençal specialties, along with traditional Christmas sweets like nougats and calissons.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : Cours Mirabeau Christmas Market
Provençal Path Christmas Market
- What to Expect
- Holiday market with artisanal creations and culinary delights.
- Description
- The Marché de Noël du Sentier Provençal offers a festive experience with artisanal creations, culinary delights, and a warm atmosphere.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : Provençal Path Christmas Market
Gardanne Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Calendale Vigil
- What to Expect
- Festive evening with songs, dances, and 13 desserts.
- Description
- The Veillée Calendale organized by the Rotary Club Aix en Provence - Eguilles - Ventabren is a festive evening hosted by Mireille Fouque, who will present the Provençal Christmas traditions. The folkloric group Lou Pélican will perform songs, dances, and music, while the 13 desserts will be enjoyed.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : Calendale Vigil
Calendale Bravade
- What to Expect
- Offering of the Christmas brioche to the city authorities.
- Description
- The Bravade Calendale is a festive event celebrating the winter solstice with processions, music, and traditional Provençal dances. Featuring "chivau-frus," Italian flag throwers, dancers, and musicians from across the region, the event brings the city to life with color and energy.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : Calendale Bravade
Maurel Pastorale
- What to Expect
- Traditional theatrical representation with regional characters and sung scenes.
- Description
- The Pastorale Maurel is a traditional theatrical representation of Provence, created in 1844 by Antoine Maurel. It tells the story of the birth of Christ with regional characters and sung scenes, reflecting the customs of the time.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : Maurel Pastorale
March of the Kings
- What to Expect
- A procession of costumed santons and folkloric dance groups.
- Description
- The March of the Kings is an essential event in Aix's Christmas celebrations, where a long procession of costumed santons, angels, shepherds, artisans, and peasants sing traditional Christmas carols and lead the kings Gaspard, Balthazar, and Melchior to the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : March of the Kings