Glittering shop windows, illuminations, the return of the cold… The Christmas spirit is already making itself felt in the streets of Bordeaux. Put on your coats and join in the excitement! La Belle Endormie will be shining once again this year, and has a warm, illuminated winter in store for you. Without further ado, here’s a list of the best events to get out and about in Bordeaux this Christmas, with friends, as a duo or with the whole family!
Stroll around the Christmas Markets in and around Bordeaux
An unmissable classic at this time of year: a little detour to the Christmas markets. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, a search for original gifts or a gourmet break, Bordeaux has plenty to offer. With local designers, entertainment and mouth-watering confectionery, it’s the perfect opportunity to combine business with pleasure and spend some quality time with the family.
Soak up the Christmas spirit at the skating rink or on the Ferris wheel
In the mood for a bit of gliding, or a bit of height for an even more magical holiday? Take advantage of your visit to the Bordeaux Christmas Market on Place des Quinconces to admire Bordeaux all lit up from the Ferris Wheel. Then don’t forget to make a detour to the ice rink set up on the AllĂ©es de Tourny. It invites young and old to spend an unforgettable moment on the ice.
📍 Ferris wheel: Place des Quinconces / Ice rink: Allées de Tourny
đź“… November 22 to January 4
⏰ 11am to 10pm (9pm for the Ferris wheel), every day of the week
Warm up with a delicious hot chocolate
When winter sets in, there’s nothing like a gourmet, comforting interlude. For lovers of creamy hot chocolate, forget the dreariness: numerous tea rooms and cosy cafĂ©s are waiting to transform this classic drink into a real treat. Whether you prefer the traditional or the original, treating yourself to one of Bordeaux’s irresistible hot chocolates is the perfect way to ease into the cold season.
Experience the magic of Christmas, in a château!
From December 21 to 23, Château Descas is transformed into a giant toy palace in collaboration with JouéClub. The building, decorated in a magical way (fir trees, giant bears), welcomes the real Santa Claus for meetings and letter drops. Enjoy the Cinéma Enchanté (cult cartoons) and themed animations (LEGO, Disney, Harry Potter) for a unique and memorable family experience.
Science Expériences Bordeaux: the perfect family activity for December
On the Promenade Sainte-Catherine, Science Expériences offers an immersive journey where science becomes a show. From space travel to diving to 11,000 meters, aurora borealis, simulated cyclone and neuro-artistic experience, young and old alike can enjoy a series of discoveries and sensations. A fun and exciting activity to keep the family busy over the Christmas vacations!
đź“Ť Address: Promenade Sainte-Catherine, Bordeaux
đź“…Dates : Multiple dates –open only during school vacations
Admire the lights on the façade of the Grand Théâtre
Christmas without lights isn’t really Christmas. Once again this year, the Grand Théâtre is decked out in sublime colorful projections to amaze young and old alike. A luminous event to discover from December 6 to January 4, every evening from 5pm to midnight. And to officially launch the projection season, the ChĹ“ur de l’OpĂ©ra National de Bordeaux will offer a musical performance on the steps of the Grand-Théâtre on December 6 at 6pm.
📍 Place de la Comédie
đź“… F rom Friday December 6 to January 4
⏰Every evening, from 5.30pm to midnight
Attend a candlelight concert with Candlelight
To celebrate the magic of the festive season, don’t miss the Candlelight: Christmas movie soundtracks concert on December 20. Le PĂ´le Express, Love Actually, Le Grinch and Maman, j’ai ratĂ© l’avion… These must-see classics resonate in an intimate atmosphere, enhanced by the glow of hundreds of candles. You can also rediscover iconic covers, from Queen to Jean-Jacques Goldman, not forgetting Coldplay or Hans Zimmer on other dates. A moment of pure magic, to experience or to give as a gift.
📍Candlelight: Christmas movie soundtracks: Cité du Vin, December 20, sessions at 7pm and 9pm
📍Other concerts: Château Descas, various dates and times available
Meet the real Santa Claus
After visiting the markets of Bordeaux, continue the festive magic in Libourne, less than an hour from the city. This destination is transformed into an enchanted Christmas village, and is home to the only official Santa Claus secretariat in Gironde. Until December 24, Santa welcomes you to his home (Esplanade François Mitterrand) for unforgettable photos and encounters. Take advantage of the free events and creative workshops offered by his elves for a magical family getaway.
Enjoy a tasty raclette
Winter is also the ideal season for comfort and conviviality, and that inevitably includes raclette! This emblematic dish of melted cheese and charcuterie is the perfect antidote to the cold. In Bordeaux, several addresses invite you to enjoy a warm, gourmet experience. Sit back, enjoy and share a convivial moment around the appliance.
Stroll through the city center under the glow of the illuminations
The enchantment of Christmas settles in the streets of Bordeaux with the return of its magnificent illuminations. They will decorate the city from November 28 to January 4, promising a dazzling spectacle from dusk onwards. With the environment in mind, the city uses low-consumption LEDs for all its decorations. The lights generally go out at 1am and come back on at 7am, but will remain active all night long on the exceptional evenings of December 24th and 31st.
Discover the Odyssée Lumineuse du Parc Bordelais
The spirit of Christmas also takes hold of the Parc Bordelais, which invites visitors to experience the magic of the festive season with its Odyssey of Light. A spectacular family event that illuminates the park with hundreds of lanterns and a magical world. This year, let yourself be enchanted by the great new feature: a never-before-seen creation recreating the mystical splendor of the northern lights. It’s the perfect night-time stroll to celebrate the Christmas season.
đź“Ť Parc Bordelais
đź“… December 12 to January 11
A timeless interlude at Saint-André Cathedral
Take a magical break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations and immerse yourself in the heart of Saint-André Cathedral. The Luminiscence show , entitled Odyssée Céleste, invites you to an unforgettable multi-sensory experience. Like a gift of wonder, this show deploys grandiose lighting effects, soloist performances and the crystalline voices of an exceptional choir, creating an atmosphere worthy of the most beautiful Christmas tales.
📍 Saint-André Cathedral
đź“… Several dates and times available
Marvel at Cirque Arlette Gruss
Cirque Arlette Gruss returns to Bordeaux with its latest creation, cleverly named “Parenthèse”. This unique show is a magical escape, a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Christmas. Come and open a breach in the everyday and discover a suspended world where we take the time to marvel. A magical, vibrantdetour, perfect for celebrating the end of the year under the spotlight!
đź“Ť Place des Quinconces
đź“… December 19 to January 25