Last updated: 11 November 2024
Join the Marseille community to celebrate the holiday season! Our festivity guide presents all the must-see events of the season, whether you're a regular visitor to the Phocaean city or a newcomer.
From the Old Port to La Canebière, through the Le Panier district, discover the traditional Christmas markets, festive illuminations, and cultural activities. The city comes alive with its Provençal nativity scenes, local artisans, and Mediterranean culinary specialties, while historic squares host shows and choirs. The surrounding villages, from Aix-en-Provence to the Calanques, complete these celebrations with their Provençal traditions.
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Marseille Holiday Light Displays
Christmas Night in Saint Rémy de Provence
- What to Expect
- Nighttime Christmas light displays in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence streets.
- Description
- The Christmas lights in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offer a warm and festive atmosphere. The merchants welcome visitors with apéritifs, soups, and crepes. Three markets follow each other: the Club de l'amitié, the Petit marché du gros souper, and the Petite ferme pédagogique. The Pastorale des santons d'Yvan Audouard is also a must-see event.
- Where
- Saint Rémy de Provence | More Info : Christmas Night in Saint Rémy de Provence
Marseille Holiday Markets and Shopping
Santon Fair
- What to Expect
- Unique artisanal santon exhibition on the Old Port.
- Description
- The Foire aux Santons de Marseille brings together 23 santon makers for a unique exhibition on the Old Port. Visitors can discover artisanal creations, local delicacies, and various entertainment.
- Where
- Marseille | More Info : Santon Fair
Artisans' Market
- What to Expect
- A unique exhibition of handmade and artistic creations.
- Description
- The Marché des Créateurs in Marseille brings together a variety of creators and artisans for an exhibition of handmade and artistic products, including painting, sculpture, jewelry, lighting, styling, photography, accessories, furniture, bookbinding, ceramics, and work with yarn, wood, glass, and metal.
- Where
- Marseille | More Info : Artisans' Market
Great Supper in Saint Rémy de Provence
- What to Expect
- Christmas market featuring Provençal local products.
- Description
- The Petit Marché du Gros Souper in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence offers a traditional gastronomic experience with Provençal local products, including snails, salted cod, and winter vegetables.
- Where
- Saint Rémy de Provence | More Info : Great Supper in Saint Rémy de Provence
Marseille Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Festival of Lights in Aix
- What to Expect
- Traditional Swedish choir concert at the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral.
- Description
- The Sainte Lucie Festival in Aix-en-Provence is a festive celebration that brings people together for a traditional Swedish choir concert at the Saint-Sauveur Cathedral. The procession with the European flag and the reception with glögg (mulled wine) create a warm and welcoming atmosphere before the end-of-year festivities.
- Where
- Aix-en-Provence | More Info : Festival of Lights in Aix
Marseille Other Holiday Activities
Shepherds' Procession in Allauch
- What to Expect
- Traditional procession with torches and 19th-century costumes.
- Description
- The Descente des Bergers in Allauch is a Provençal tradition where actors dressed in 19th-century costumes reenact the nativity on the Notre-Dame du Château hill. The procession, marked by the light of torches, descends to the Saint-Sébastien church, where two significant masses take place: the evening Christmas mass and the midnight mass.
- Where
- Allauch | More Info : Shepherds' Procession in Allauch