While Bordeaux is not a winter city, in December it gets very festive and beautiful! Usually from the end of November, the streets are being 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 2021, some are in Bordeaux itself and some in other towns in Gironde. Due to Covid concerns, some towns have not confirmed their dates yet, so I will probably update this article during the next month, don’t forget to come back to it from time to time. Also if you need information about other markets in the SW of France, join my Facebook group Travel in the Southwest of France.
If you still haven’t done your Christmas gifts shopping, check out my French Christmas gift ideas article, where you can find plenty of products and experiences that anyone who loves France will enjoy!
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.
Marché de Noël de Bordeaux
The traditional Christmas market of Bordeaux will take place between November 26 and December 26. 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 26 – December 26 / 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. The market will take place on December 10-12, for more info click here.

When: December 10-12 / Where: 87 quai des Queyries, 33100 Bordeaux
Marché de Noël in Saint-Émilion
The traditional Christmas market in Saint Emilion will take place on December 4-5. 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 4-5 / Where: Saint Emilion – center
Marché de Noël de Libourne
Libourne will host a Christmas market between November 28 and December 26 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 28 – December 26 / Where: Place Decazes, 33500 Libourne
Marché de Noël in Bazas
Bazas will host its traditional Christmas market at the main square on December 12. 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 12 / Where: Place de la Cathédrale, 33430 Bazas
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 12 to January 3 on place des Marquises. For more details click here.
When: December 12 – January 3 / Where: place des Marquises, Arcachon
Château de La Ligne
The beautiful Château de La Ligne in the Entre Deux Mers region will host its first Christmas market this year, with a variety of stands of local producers and craftsmen. The market will take place on December 4-5, can see more info here.
When: December 4-5/ Where: 30 Rte de l’Entre Deux Mers, 33360 Lignan-de-Bordeaux
La Boca Market
The Boca Market in Bordeaux is organizing its own big Christmas market this year! Apart from the stands, there will be Santa, music, and other Christmas surprises. The market will take place on December 17-19, see more details here.
When: December 17-18 / Where: Euratlantique, Quai de Paludate, 33800 Bordeaux
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: