The walkways of the Calais Christmas market on the Place du Théâtre, illuminated with festive decorations. ©Nohcab

The magic of Christmas in Calais

With its spectacular illuminations, enchanting Christmas market, and magical parade, the city will be ablaze with lights from November 29, 2025, to January 5, 2026, offering everyone a truly extravagant Christmas! Get ready to celebrate the magic of the holidays, with unforgettable moments for young and old alike! New this year, don't miss the launch of trips aboard the Varan!

An XXL decoration to illuminate your holiday celebrations

From November 29th, Calais is transformed to offer a grand festive atmosphere. The Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, a veritable illuminated jewel, is home to a monumental Christmas tree. and decorations that embrace the festive spirit. Not to be missed: the traditional automated Christmas decoration which takes place in the sumptuous hall of the City Hall until January 5, 2026.

The entire boulevard is adorned with new illuminations that contribute to the city's reputation, creating an atmosphere worthy of gentle Christmas films. Perfect for a shopping trip for the perfect Christmas list.

View through the window of Santa's Chalet in the Place du Théâtre in Calais. ©Nohcab
Christmas lights and tree in the Place du Soldat Inconnu at the foot of the majestic Belfry. ©Nohcab

The Christmas Ice Rink and the 1900 Carousel

Under the market hall on the Place d'Armes in Calais, the ice rink becomes the unmissable venue for these festivities. From November 29th to January 5th, Children, families, and friends can enjoy the thrill of sledding for 30 minutes at a price of €2, all within a magical winter setting. Time slots are specially reserved for people with reduced mobility, so that everyone can experience a shared Christmas in Calais. A little tip from a professional skater: Remember to bring a pair of gloves to enjoy it for longer!

The Place d'Armes also gains its full splendor through the illumination of its Carousel 1900 which stands proudly in the middle of the market during the holidays. Climb up for a ride at €2 a seat.

View of the 1900 Carousel in the Place d'Armes of Calais, which spins at the foot of the illuminated Watchtower at night. ©Nohcab
Under the open market hall on the Place d'Armes in Calais, the Christmas ice rink offers the joy and pleasure of skating in the heart of the city. ©Nohcab

Christmas Markets in and around Calais

Speaking of festive atmosphere, the entire destination lives to the rhythm of its Christmas markets!

The Christmas Village on the Place d'Armes

Not one but two markets await you in Calais! From November 29, 2025 to January 5, 2026,The Christmas Village on the Place d'Armes The magic continues with its chalets offering treats to enjoy as a family. And for the little ones, a 1900 Carousel They are waiting for a nostalgic ride.

Christmas Market and Chalet, Place Albert 1er

From December 6 to 21, 2025, The 40 chalets of the Christmas Market and Santa's chalet, meanwhile, take over the Place du Grand Théâtre. It's the perfect place to discover local products, treat your loved ones, or simply indulge in a delicious treat. Children can meet Santa Claus himself in his chalet for a photo that will be cherished forever.

View of the walkways of the Calais Christmas Market on the Place d'Armes and its gourmet chalets. ©Nohcab

And in the destination cities

In Bonningues-les-Calais, Join us at the Futurum complex for the 30th anniversary of the Christmas Market: Saturdays, November 22nd and 29th, from 10am to 21pm as well as Sundays November 23 and 30 from 10am to 18pm.

In Coquelles, Poidevin Hall on December 6, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. to 19:00 p.m.

À Blériot-Plage, Join us at the Jules Boulart hall for the 23rd Christmas Market and its fifty or so exhibitors. weekend of December 6 and 7, 2025 from 10am to 18pm. Please note: Saint Nicholas will be passing by at 16pm on Saturday and Santa Claus with mascots will be there on Sunday!

À MarckSaint Nicholas will meet the children on December 5th from 17pm on the Place de l'Europe.

In Coulogne The 2025 edition of the Christmas Market will take place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st December in the village hall.

Decorations in the Place du Soldat inconnu at the foot of the Town Hall and its majestic Christmas tree. ©Nohcab

The best Christmas dates not to be missed!

The grand, magical Christmas parade

December 21Get ready to experience a magical moment with the return of the grand Christmas paradeStarting at 17:30 pm, illuminated floats, costumed dancers, musicians, and of course, Santa Claus himself, will parade through the streets of Calais! This spectacular show will begin at Crèvecœur Square in the city center to reach the Place d'Armes in a whirlwind of wonder around 19:00 PM.

The complete holiday calendar
Illuminated floats from the Calais Christmas parade in the heart of the city and its illuminations ©Fred Collier
Decorated and gilded floats from the family Christmas parade in the streets of Calais. ©Fred Collier
Belfry

Sound and light show

Sat, Nov 29 at 18:00 PM
› Place du Soldat inconnu, Calais

The Christmas lights in Calais are switched on, and the traditional sound and light show begins. at City Hall.

Photo spots

Christmas fireworks

Sun, Dec 14 at 18:00 PM
› Place Crèvecoeur, Calais

As the holidays approach, the City of Calais invites you to its traditional Christmas fireworks display in the Place Crève-cœur, enhanced by a sparkling sky!

The Dragon

First Voyages of the Monitor Lizard

From December 21, 2025
› City of the Dragon, Calais

Visit the districts of Calais by travelling aboard the Varan de Voyage which incorporates the fantastic bestiary of the Compagnie du Dragon!

Small and big adventures

The Great Christmas Parade

Sunday, December 21st, from 17:30 PM
› From Place Crèvecœur to Place d'Armes

The flagship Christmas event in Calais, where the city unites to offer an XXL moment of sharing, an evening that warms hearts and amazes the little ones.

Calais Generosity

Under the big top in Calais, emotions run high. Each performance of the Cirque Calais Générosité is an invitation to marvel, to be moved, and to share a magical moment with family or friends. Artists from diverse backgrounds, technical prowess, and visual poetry unite to celebrate the art of live performance in a profoundly human and community-minded spirit. An unforgettable experience not to be missed during your stay in Calais, where the region's generosity shines through even in the circus ring.

Four artists from the Calais Générosité circus perform their act on the Ferris wheel of death. ©Calais Generosity

Christmas street performances and concerts

From November 29, 2025 to January 5, 2026, Numerous street performances are planned for weekends in Calais city center! Bring something to take notes with, we'll give you a full list of appearances! 

Place d'Armes in the afternoons: 

Sunday, November 30th: Mascots inspired by Bluey and Bingo and a parade of teddy bears
Saturday, December 6: Mascots inspired by Inside Out and Mario Bros.
Sunday, December 7th: Mascots inspired by Mickey and Minnie and Stitch
Saturday, December 13: Presence of mascots inspired by Pokémon and superheroes
Sunday, December 14th: Transformers present
Saturday, December 20: Mascots inspired by Sonic and the Christmas Automaton

Place Albert 1er, Grand Théâtre in the afternoons: 

Saturday, December 6: Polar bears roaming
Sunday, December 7th: Parading of the Pops Super Heroes and Fox & Co. mascots
Saturday, December 13: Christmas reindeer parade
Sunday, December 14th: The presence of mascots inspired by Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Daisy
Saturday, December 20: Mascots inspired by Monsters, Inc.

The walkways of the Calais Christmas market on the Place du Théâtre, illuminated with festive decorations. ©Nohcab

Choirs, concerts and shows

  • November 29th at 16:15 PM in Calais For the inauguration of the ice rink and the gourmet village with the penguin parade, Place d'Armes. Distribution of the traditional soup of the Chefs and without ties.
  • December 23rd at 18:00 PM at Coquelles Town Hall for Santa's descent and fireworks display