On Saturday 2 December 2023, with the launch of the illuminations, the City of Marseille is launching its range of activities and events to make the most of the festive season.
The Christmas market at the foot of La Canebière and the temporary ice rink on Esplanade Bargemon will also be back in the city centre.
The City of Marseille is planning an exceptional programme of free activities to celebrate the festive season, offering a magical experience for all residents. The month of December will be brought to life by a rich programme of activities, including an illuminated route between the Hôtel de Ville, the Vieux-Port, the Canebière and the Place Général de Gaulle.
Until Sunday 7 January, the city’s districts and emblematic sites will be illuminated in a more energy-efficient way, in line with the municipality’s ecological commitments. The people of Marseilles will be treated to three magical shows on the Old Port, featuring brass bands, orchestras and choirs..
Marseille will be lighting up its city centre from Saturday 2 December. From 6.30pm, the enchantment of Christmas will be revealed with the launch of the illuminations at the Hôtel de Ville, during a themed evening celebrating the Mediterranean voyage. After a children’s show by the Rara Woulib companyb, the city will be ablaze with Christmas lights, followed by a joyful stroll along the Quai de la Fraternité.
From 4pm onwards, on the Quai de la Fraternité, join the parade of enchanting characters who will take you from the Old Port to the Hôtel de Ville.
On the esplanade Bargemon, an original, participatory show will take place, with music, dance and performances to take you on a journey between tradition and modernity.
On Saturday 23 December 2023, the city of Marseille invites you to join them at 7pm for a grand musical and artistic parade led by the Transe Express company. The parade will run from the start of the Quai du Port to the foot of the Hôtel de Ville, where a breathtaking aerial spectacle awaits you!
The Christmas Market, a traditional and popular feature of the end-of-year festivities, opens its chalets from Saturday 2 December to Sunday 7 January 2024 inclusive (every day, Sunday to Thursday from 10.30am to 8pm and Fridays and Saturdays from 10.30am to 9pm) at the foot of the Canebière and on the Place Général de Gaulle.
For this 2023 edition, some sixty artisans and designers will be on hand. Visitors will be able to discover soaps, jewellery, biscuits, decorations, paintings, candles and a whole host of delicacies.
The ephemeral ice rink will be back on the esplanade Bargemon from Saturday 16 December to Sunday 7 January 2024 inclusive (Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 7pm and until 9pm on Fridays and Saturdays), with a new toboggan run for a unique sledging experience.
Santa’s chalet will be bringing the festivities to life with face-painting and reading workshops on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 22 December, then every day from 23 December to 7 January 2024 inclusive.
