Christmas markets in Bordeaux

While Bordeaux is not a winter city, in December it gets very festive and beautiful! Usually from the end of November, the streets are decorated with Christmas lights, and stores all over the city adorn their vitrines with little Pères Noels (the French Santa) and little snowflakes. Like many other French cities, Bordeaux has a big Christmas market but also a few smaller, fun markets around the metropole. In this article, I gathered all the best Christmas markets in Bordeaux in 2022, some are in Bordeaux itself and some are in other towns in Gironde.

As I published this article in early November, many places have updated their Christmas market dates for this year just yet. So I will be updating this list as new dates are announced. Don’t forget to come back here for the full list of Christmas markets in Bordeaux.

Also if you need information about other markets in the SW of France, join my Facebook group Travel in the Southwest of France.

If it’s your first visit to Bordeaux don’t forget to check out my ultimate guide to Bordeaux to get familiar with all the must-see places in the city. To help you choose a hotel I’ve gathered a list of the best hotels in the center of Bordeaux as well as a guide to the districts of Bordeaux.

The best Christmas markets in Bordeaux

Marché de Noël de Bordeaux 

The traditional Christmas market of Bordeaux will take place between November 25 and December 25. This is one of the biggest Christmas markets in the region with 150 pavilions selling all the traditional Christmas merchandise such as clothes, decorations, jewelry, toys, and local products. Even if you don’t intend to buy any gifts at the market you can still enjoy the Christmas spirit with some hot wine and roasted chestnuts.  For more info click here.

When: November 25 – December 25 / Where: Allées de Tourny, 33000 Bordeaux

Xmas Market – Darwin

This market is gradually gaining status as one of the main Christmas markets in Bordeaux. Like Darwin itself,  the Xmas market is an alternative event with craftsmen and regional creators. The market will include stands of clothes, jewelry, accessories, art objects, books, sports accessories, and organic products. This year the market is taking place not once but twice! The dates are December 9-11 and December 16-18, for more info click here.

When: December 9-11, 16-18 / Where: 87 quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux

IBOAT • Super marché de noël

IBOAT & Blonde Venos will host their annual Christmas market on December 2-4. IBOAT’s Christmas market is always a super fun and chic event, with plenty of stylish stands, activities for kids, and alcohol :). For more details click here. 

When: December 2-4 / Where: Esplanade du pertuis, cours Henri Brunet, Bassin à flot n°1 33300 Bordeaux

Marché des Créateurs Recycleurs 

Recyclerie Atelier D’éco Solidaire is hosting recycling artists and creators market on December 3-4.  At the market, you will find plenty of interesting stands of accessories, pictures, toys for kids, furniture, and more, all made from reused objects and materials. The program also includes workshops for kids and adults. For more info click here. When: December 3-4 / Where: 7 rue de la Motte-Picquet, 33300 Bordeaux

When: December 3-4 / Where: 7 rue de la Motte-Picquet, 33300 Bordeaux

Marché de Noël in Saint-Émilion

The traditional Christmas market in Saint Emilion will take place on December 10-11. You will find tens of exhibitors at the main locations of the historic center: the square of the monolithic church, the old market hall, and the cloister of the collegiate church. For more details click here.

When: December 10-11 / Where: Saint Emilion – center

Marché de Noël de Libourne

Libourne will host a Christmas market between November 26 and December 25 at Place Decazes. Apart from a traditional market with local craftsmen and food stands, the city will offer plenty of entertainment for kids. See more details here. 

When: November 26 – December 25 / Where: Place Decazes, 33500 Libourne

Arcachon fête Noël

The city of Arcachon invites you to its traditional Christmas celebration with beautiful decorations and activities for kids. The event will take place from December 10 to January 1 at Place des Marquises. See more details here.

For more markets in Bassin d’Arcachon check out this list.

When: December 10 – January 1 / Where: Place des Marquises, Arcachon

GREEN Market de Noël, aux Vivres de l’Art

Les VIvres de l’Art is hosting many green markets throughout the year. This time they decided to dedicate one of them to a Christmas celebration. This is one of the more special artistic places in Bordeaux so it will be interesting to see what type of event they will create. Their Christmas market will take place on December 18. For more details click here.

When: December 18 / Where: 4 rue achard 33300 bordeaux

Marché de Noël in Bazas

Bazas will host its traditional Christmas market at the main square on December 11. Besides the traditional Christmas stands, the market will have activities for kids, concerts by local bands, and Santa of course :). For more info click here. 

When: December 11 / Where: Place de la Cathédrale, 33430 Bazas

Talence Celebrates Christmas 

The Christmas market of Talence will take place on December 16-24 at Place Alcalá de Henares, see the details here. The events will start with a beautiful light show that will take place on the nights of December 16-18 at Parc Peixotto, see the details here.

Christmas markets in other parts of Southwest France

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 region, le Marche de Noel of Sarlat. 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.

When: December 7-31 / Where: Place de la Grande Rigaudie , 24200 Sarlat-la-canéda

Noël à Bergerac

Another great destination in Dordogne which is much closer to Bordeaux is Bergerac. Bergerac is one of the best Christmas markets in the southwest region with tens of stands, beautiful decorations, and activities for kids. The market and the kids’ village will take place at four different spots in the city on December 11-31. For more details click here. 

When: December 11-31/ Where: different locations in 24100 Bergerac

I hope you enjoyed my Christmas market list!

Throughout the month I’ll give plenty of updates about Christmas-related events in and around Bordeaux in my newsletter so be sure to subscribe here.

Also, if it’s your first time in the region, know that many wineries are open during December as well, so it’s worth contacting them and scheduling a meeting. If you’re planning to go to Saint Emilion here are my recommendations for wineries to visit there. If you’re more into Medoc wine, in this article you’ll find plenty of wineries to visit in the Medoc wine region. If you rather stay in Bordeaux city, Chateau Pape Clement is a great winery to visit by public transport from the city center – book a visit here.

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:

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