While Bordeaux isn’t usually seen as a winter destination, December brings plenty of charm to the city. From wine tastings and festive markets to concerts, theater, and family events, there’s something for everyone this month.
In this article, you’ll find the best events and concerts happening in Bordeaux and its surroundings. And if you’re planning to explore the city between events, my Bordeaux Map will help you discover great spots to eat, drink, and wander like a local. I also keep my Christmas Markets in Bordeaux article and newsletter updated with fresh seasonal tips.
Concerts and exhibitions not to miss in Bordeaux in December 2025:
Candlelight concerts in Bordeaux
Experience the enchantment of a Candlelight concert, where mesmerizing music fills elegant, candlelit venues in Bordeaux, creating an unforgettable and cozy atmosphere. This December, you can immerse yourself in different magical themes. Here are a few shows you should check:
1. Tribute to Edith Piaf – Dec 12 at Le Château Descas and Dec 20 at the InterContinental Hotel.
2. Tribute to Hans Zimmer – Dec 13 at the Cité du Vin.
Romeo and Juliet at the Grand Théâtre
This December, the Ballet de l’Opéra de Bordeaux performs Romeo and Juliet, a passionate and dramatic interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic love story, set to Prokofiev’s music. The ballet runs from December 5 to 31 at the Grand Théâtre.
👉 Tickets and full schedule here
Oceans – Les Bassins de Lumières
This winter, Les Bassins de Lumières invites you to dive into Oceans, a mesmerizing immersive exhibition inspired by the power and mystery of the sea. Set inside Bordeaux’s former submarine base, this stunning visual and sound experience takes you on a journey through underwater worlds.
🎟️ Book your tickets here
Best things to do in December in Bordeaux in 2025
Celebrate Christmas
The Christmas season in Bordeaux has plenty of great markets to attend and buy presents! The official Marché de Noël de Bordeaux, with all the traditional stands and a lot of vin chaud (hot wine), will take place at Allees de Tourny from November 28 to December 28. If you want to discover other markets taking place in Bordeaux and other parts of Gironde, take a look at my Christmas Markets in Bordeaux article.
Escape the rain
My list mostly includes events and concerts, but if it’s cold and raining and you’re not in the mood for an event, you can always choose one of the cool places on my list of things to do when it’s raining in Bordeaux and things to do with kids when it’s raining.
Brocante des Quinconces
The big brocante of Bordeaux (antique/flea market) is hosted twice a year at Place des Quinconces with 200 antique dealers, horticulturists, restaurants, and craftsmen. Although it’s quite upscale, you can find some fine antiques and vintage pieces at a bargain price. You can enjoy the market until December 7. See more info here.
Strolling through the antique markets of Bordeaux is one of my favorite activities here. Check out all the other options in my article about the 50 best things to do in Bordeaux.
Open Doors in the Chateaux of Pessac-Léognan
The Pessac-Léognan appellation is hosting its annual open-door weekend on December 6-7. Plenty of amazing wineries are taking part in this event, offering wine tastings, tours, gourmet food, and activities for kids. The full program will be published here.
If you’re in the mood for a short escape, spend a lovely half-day in Pessac — I’ve got a full article to guide you. You can also check out my list of all the open-door events happening at Bordeaux wineries throughout the year.
Cabanes en fête
Cabanes en fête is the oyster and wine celebration taking place in Andernos-les-Bains on December 6. The program includes music concerts, shows, exhibitions, and more. This year, you must purchase a pass to be able to take part in this event. See all the details here.
*If you want to discover more places around Andernos les Bains, check out my article about the best day trips to Arcachon Bay.
Xmas Market – Darwin
Creative, eco-friendly, and full of charm — the Darwin Christmas Market is Bordeaux’s alternative holiday event. Over two weekends, December 5–7 and 12–14, the old barracks turn into a festive village with 150 local artisans, live music, delicious food, and plenty of activities for kids. It’s the perfect spot to find original, sustainable gifts in a warm, laid-back atmosphere.
The market takes place at Darwin, 87 Quai des Queyries.
🎄 For more info click here.
International Animated Films Festival
Les Nuits Magiques is an annual international festival of animated movies taking place at Cinéma la Lanterne in Begles on December 10-16. This is the 34th edition of the festival, which over the years has gained a reputation in the animation and special effects world. Check out the full program here.
Le Grand Gala des Arts et Métiers
The legendary Arts et Métiers Gala returns to Bordeaux on December 13, from 9 pm to 4 am at Hangar 14. Expect an unforgettable night with live concerts, DJ sets, themed rooms, bars, and plenty of style — all in one spectacular venue. For tickets and info about the event, click here.
Taste the best French wines
In December, wine lovers can enjoy Bordeaux Tasting — a two-day event (December 13–14) bringing together top wineries from Bordeaux and across France. Dozens of producers will be pouring their finest wines in several beautiful venues around Place de la Bourse.
🍷 More details here.
La grande Sainte-Luce
La Brede (a little town in the South of Gironde) is hosting a big gastronomic festival called La Grande Sainte-Luce with more than 60 local producers of caviar, duck products, cheese, and more. The event will also include many Christmas-related activities. The market will take place on December 13-14 at Parc de l’Espérance in La Brede. See more details here.
Festival « Sur Un Petit Nuage » de Pessac
The city of Pessac invites you to a fantastic kids’ festival with plenty of live shows. The festival Sur un Petit Nuage will take place on December 13-22 in different locations in Pessac. The full program will be published here.
Concert De Noël
The orchestra of Bordeaux will perform four concerts to celebrate the end of the year. The concerts will take place on December 18-21 at the Auditorium of Bordeaux. See more details here.
L’Odyssée Lumineuse at Parc Bordelais
From December 12 to January 11, Parc Bordelais transforms into a glowing wonderland with hundreds of monumental lanterns and a dazzling new feature — a recreation of the Northern Lights. This magical nighttime walk is a poetic and family-friendly experience, perfect for the holiday season. Here’s the link to buy your tickets.
Best things to do in December in other parts of the Southwest
Toulouse Christmas markets
Another fun place to celebrate Christmas is Toulouse. Not only it has one of the biggest markets in the region taking place on Place du Capitole but it also has many other smaller chic events. See all the details in my article about the best Christmas markets in Toulouse.
La Flamme de l’Armagnac
Armagnac is one of the best products in the Southwest of France! Its production spreads over three departments in this region: Les Landes, Lot et Garonne, and Gers, all located within a 1-2 hour drive from Bordeaux. From the end of October to the beginning of January, the producers of Armagnac celebrate the distillery period with fun events at the chateaux and in small towns in the regions. see more details here.
Sur la Route des Vins du Jurançon
How about discovering another wine region in the Southwest of France? If you don’t mind driving, the Jurançon wine appellation (nearby the city of Pau) is hosting its annual open-door weekend on December 14. See all the details here.
Truffle Markets in Dordogne
December marks the start of the winter truffle season, with markets popping up across the region through February. Dordogne, the truffle capital of Southwest France, hosts several of these fragrant markets from mid-December in its picturesque villages.
🍄 See the full list of truffle markets from December to January here.
Marché de Noël à Sarlat
If you’re in the mood to travel a bit, why not go to one of the most impressive Christmas markets in the South of France, the Sarlat Christmas market? Sarlat is a magical place that is worth a visit any time of the year, but this market makes it even more worthwhile. The village includes 70 chalets selling local products, clothes, decorations, hot wine, and more. For more info click here.
Is it your first time visiting Bordeaux?
I have a few articles that will help you get the best out of your first stay.
Start with my 50 favorite things to do in Bordeaux, followed by my ultimate guide to Bordeaux, which will get you familiar with all the “must” places to visit in Bordeaux. To help you choose a hotel in Bordeaux, I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux to help you choose your preferred location.
You can also get plenty of tips on things to do in the Southwest of France via lost in Bordeaux’s social media accounts and email list. Check them out here:
Facebook |Instagram |Email | Facebook group
*Note – Some of the links in this article include affiliate links for which I earn a small commission. It adds absolutely nothing to your cost and helps me continue writing about this amazing region. Don’t worry, I’m not getting rich here, I’ll never recommend anything I don’t believe in 🙂
4 Comments
Hello! Do you plan to update this page? It’s very helpful to see all the possibilities for my visit this December, 2023, but the links are all for 2022.
Definitely! In about a month or two, most events taking place in December have not been published yet 🙂
Hi,
first of all thank you for this helpful guide! I really love it!
I will be for the first time in Bordeaux next weekend, but in some reviews I have read that the Miroir d’eau is dry and not working in winter. Is it true? Are there some special hour of functioning?
Thanks in advance,
Silvia
Hi Silvia,
Thank you :)))
It is true unfortunately, it’s currently dry and will be open again only around April. But Bordeaux is beautiful anyway 🙂