Christmas markets in Bordeaux

While Bordeaux is not a winter city, in December it gets very festive and beautiful! Around the end of November, Christmas lights and little Pères Noels (the French Santa) are starting to decorate the streets of the city. 

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 2023, some are in Bordeaux itself and some are in other towns in Gironde.

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 in 2023

Marché de Noël de Bordeaux 

The traditional Christmas market of Bordeaux will take place between November 24 and December 27. 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 24 – December 27 / 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 8-10 and December 15-17, for more info click here.

When: December 8-10, 15-17 / Where: 87 quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux

IBOAT • Super marché de noël

IBOAT & Blonde Venos will host their annual Christmas market on December 2-3. 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 2-3 / Where: Esplanade du pertuis, cours Henri Brunet, Bassin à flot n°1, Bordeaux

Kids Day: la boum de Noel en famille

Another fun event at the Blonde Venos this year is the kids’ Christmas party that will take place on December 17. The program includes DIY workshops, tattoos, sweets, snacks, and good music. See all the details here. 

When: December 17 / Where: Esplanade du pertuis, cours Henri Brunet, Bassin à flot n°1 33300 Bordeaux

Marché de Noël in Saint-Émilion

The traditional Christmas market in Saint Emilion will take place on December 16-17. 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.

If you want to make a fun Christmas weekend out of it, here are a few recommended hotels in Saint Emilion.

When: December 16-17 / Where: Saint Emilion – center

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 9 to January 7 at Place des Marquises. See more details here.

When: December 9 – January 7 / Where: Place des Marquises, Arcachon

Marché de Noël in Bazas

Bazas will host its traditional Christmas market at the main square on December 10. Besides the traditional Christmas stands, the market will have activities for kids, concerts by local bands, and Santa Clauss of course :). For more info click here.

When: December 10 / Where: Place de la Cathédrale, 33430 Bazas

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. The market will take place on December 6-31 in the city center. For more info click here.

When: December 6-31 / 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 south-west region with tens of stands, beautiful decorations and activities for kids. The market and the kids’ village will take place on December 9-24. More details are to come soon on this website.

When: December 9-24/ Where: different locations in 24100 Bergerac

Christmas markets in Toulouse

Toulouse is another city in the southwest of France to host great Christmas markets and in general a fun destination for a weekend at any time of the year. See my list of the best Christmas markets in Toulouse.

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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