You’ve already made the rounds of Bordeaux’s Christmas markets and want to keep the festive magic going? We’ll take you to one of Gironde’s finest! Less than an hour from La Belle Endormie , Santa’s secretarial town is transformed into a veritable Christmas village until December 31. A magical getaway where free entertainment and illuminated displays await young and old alike.
The magic of the Libourne Christmas Market
Until December 28, the wooden chalets of local merchants take over the Place Abel Surchamp. Crafts, sweet treats, savory savors and Alsatian specialties await you. It’s the perfect place to taste, warm up and find inspiration for the gifts that will fill Santa’s sack!
Just a stone’s throw from the market is a spectacular ice rink on the Esplanade François Mitterrand. With 300 m2 of ice, it’s impossible not to put on your skates! There’s also a special area for the little ones, so you and the whole family can have a great time on the ice. And if your children are more into horses and music, an old-fashioned wooden carousel awaits you on Place Decazes.
Santa’s official secretariat
Because the North Pole is a bit far away, Libourne is home to the only official Santa Claus secretariat in Gironde. Certified since 1967, its mission is toopen and reply to letters addressed to Santa Claus. It’s a task that his elves take to heart and carry out free of charge to keep the tradition alive. Just imagine! Over a million letters arrive in Libourne every year, from over 120 countries around the world.
With so much success, it’s only natural that Santashould have his own home on the Esplanade François Mitterrand. From Tuesday to Sunday (and Monday, December 22) until December 24, Santa will be there to welcome you. It’s the perfect opportunity to take lots of photos and even have a chat with him! His faithful elves are also on hand, offering creative workshops and unveiling the program every week.
Libourne all light and show
As soon as the sun sets, Libourne lights up. Stroll under the magnificent roof of light in rue Gambetta, before heading for the Hôtel de Ville. From December 6 to 24, its facade comes to life with a magicalsound and light show. A luminous projection of the “Secrets of the Magic Toy Factory”, with striking 3D effects and poetic touches.
But the real secret is the Déambulations Féeriques! Every Saturday and Sunday evening, from November 29 to December 20, the city center becomes an open-air stage. Expect the unexpected: artistic companies and illuminated scenographies will surprise you. And we bet they’ll make you want to come back the following weekend for a new show.