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From 13 November 2026 to 10 January 2027, Aix-en-Provence puts on its festive best. Markets, lights, shows, children’s activities and Provençal traditions fill the season. Here is what you need to plan your stay.
The Christmas market: chalets on the cours Mirabeau
From 13 November to 31 December 2026, around fifty artisans and shopkeepers welcome you in the chalets: gift ideas, mulled wine and treats to enjoy on the spot.
- Monday to Thursday and Sunday: 10 am–8 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10 am–9:30 pm
- 24 and 31 December: 10 am–7 pm
- Closed on 25 December
The Christmas carousels
From 8 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, daily. Sunday to Thursday: 10 am–8 pm. Friday and Saturday: 10 am–9:30 pm. A treat for children.
The lights switch-on: Saturday 28 November
- 5:30 pm, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville: presentation of the mapping show on the Halle aux Grains façade, then the tree and the streets are lit
- 6 pm, cours Mirabeau, at the Fontaine du Roi René: the cours Mirabeau and the Allées are lit
The lights stay on until 3 January 2027. The Provençal projections, the video mapping show and the concerts will be covered in a forthcoming article.
The Santons Fair
Open from 13 November to 31 December, daily 10 am–7 pm (closed on 25 December), esplanade Cézanne. Held since 1934, it is a must-see of the calendal tradition: local santonniers present their new creations so you can complete (or start) your nativity scene.
The opening takes place on Sunday 29 November: the santonniers’ mass at 10 am at the Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste du Faubourg, then the blessing of the Fair at 11:30 am on the esplanade Cézanne, to the sound of galoubets, tambourins and Provençal songs.
Nativity scenes: two not to miss
The Grande Crèche Aixoise (14 November 2026 to 2 January 2027, daily except public holidays). On a 12 m² platform, the landscape stretches from the Côte d’Azur to the Camargue, with Provençal villages, Aix fountains and bories, all inhabited by santons made by local santonniers. A free activity is offered to children.
The Crèche des Santonniers (18 November to 28 December, daily 10 am–7 pm, closed 25 December). This 8 m² nativity scene is housed in a glass chalet near Monoprix on the cours Mirabeau.
Provençal traditions: key dates
- Calendal show: Saturday 21 November, 3 pm, Puyricard village hall (13 desserts, dance, songs, stories; €10)
- La Pegoulado, festival of lights: Saturday 12 December, 2–7 pm, Places Comtales and cours Mirabeau. Lantern workshop 2–5 pm, parade at 5:30 pm, final show at 6:30 pm in front of the cours Mirabeau stage
- La Bravade Calendale: Sunday 13 December, 10:30 am–4:30 pm. Parade at 2 pm, offering of the Christmas pompe to the city authorities at 4 pm, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville
- Calendal vigil: Saturday 19 December, 7 pm, Puyricard. Dinner show around the Gros Souper and the 13 desserts (€43, booking required)
- Kings’ March: Sunday 10 January 2027, from 2 pm, ending at Saint-Sauveur cathedral
- Pastorale Maurel: Sunday 17 January 2027, 3 pm, Théâtre du Jeu de Paume (€28)
The other markets
- Twin Towns International Market: 2 to 6 December, Place François Villon, 10 am–9:30 pm (7 pm on Sunday)
- Brocante du Pays d’Aix (antiques fair): Sunday 6 December, Places Comtales, 6 am–7 pm
- Winegrowers’ Gourmet Market: 10 to 13 December, Place François Villon
- Truffle market: Wednesday 16 December, Places Comtales, from 9:30 am
- Market of the 13 desserts: 17 to 24 December, Place François Villon, 10 am–7 pm (late opening until 9 pm on 18 and 19; closes at 2 pm on the 24th)
The giant tree and Santa’s mailbox
From 28 November to 3 January 2027, Place de l’Hôtel de Ville: a 12-metre Christmas tree, and Santa’s mailbox where children can post their letters until 17 December (with their address on the back to receive a reply).
Discover the city by little train
Every day in 2026, two one-hour guided tours by electric train: the classic tour of Aix, and the “In the footsteps of Cézanne” tour, departing from the Rotonde at the bottom of the cours Mirabeau. Tickets are available from the driver, at the Tourist Office or on its website.
Stay in Aix for Christmas
Our apartments are in the historic centre and the Mazarin district: the market, the nativity scenes and the lights are all within walking distance.
Discover our apartments → Book direct, no service fees.
Download the official Christmas in Aix-en-Provence 2026 programme (PDF, in French)
Programme by the City of Aix-en-Provence and the Tourist Office, subject to change: check aixenprovence.fr for the latest updates.