Auxerre Christmas Market

The Auxerre Christmas Market, a highlight of the holidays in Burgundy

Every year in December, the city of Auxerre — prefecture of the Yonne, in the heart of Burgundy-Franche-Comté — transforms into a Christmas village to host its Christmas Market, one of the most anticipated events of the Icaunais festive calendar. Located on Place Charles Surugue and in the historic center of the city, the event brings together artisans, local creators, and regional producers in a warm and bright atmosphere, at the foot of the city's emblematic monuments.

This market is organized by the City of Auxerre as part of its Christmas program, which also includes city illuminations, downtown entertainment, and festive shows. Admission is completely free, making this event a popular gathering open to all residents of the Yonne and visiting tourists.

A historic and magical setting

The setting for the Auxerre Christmas Market is of rare beauty. Saint-Étienne Cathedral of Auxerre, a masterpiece of Burgundian Gothic architecture whose construction spanned from the 11th to the 16th century, dominates the city's panorama from the hill. Its medieval stained glass windows, finely crafted sculptures, and Renaissance facade provide an incomparable backdrop for winter festivities.

Auxerre, bordering the Yonne river, also offers particularly picturesque riverside walks in winter, with the facades of half-timbered houses reflecting in the calm waters. The Clock Tower, a remnant of the medieval ramparts, and the numerous alleys of the old town contribute to the unique atmosphere of a city that lights up for the holidays.

Craftsmanship, creations, and gift ideas

The chalets of the Auxerre Christmas market host a fine selection of exhibitors carefully chosen for the quality of their creations. Art artisans, independent creators, and regional producers offer a wide choice of original gifts and Christmas decorations: handmade jewelry, carved wooden objects, pottery and ceramics, textile creations, artisanal toys, candles, soaps, and illustrations.

The art and craft stands are alongside ephemeral boutiques offering unique creations — the ideal opportunity to find gifts that are off the beaten path and to directly support local Burgundian artisans. Artisanal Christmas decorations (garlands, baubles, nativity scenes, santons) complete this varied and colorful offering.

Burgundian gastronomy in the spotlight

The Auxerre Christmas market is also an invitation to discover or rediscover the flavors of Burgundian gastronomy. Local producers, cheesemakers, winemakers, and food artisans offer their specialties: farm cheeses, artisanal foie gras, Yonne honey, gingerbread, homemade jams, quality charcuterie, and of course the essential Burgundy wines — Chablis, Irancy, white and red Burgundy — as well as sparkling crémants and artisanal fruit juices.

The scents of mulled wine, cinnamon, toasted gingerbread, and hot chestnuts mingle in the aisles, inviting strollers to linger around the generous displays and share a convivial moment in the December chill. The gougère bourguignonne, a regional cheese specialty, is also one of the must-tries to enjoy on site.

Entertainment and Christmas magic for families

The Auxerre Christmas Market is designed as a grand family and popular celebration. Entertainment for young and old punctuates each edition, and the presence of Santa Claus is always a highly anticipated moment for children. Creative workshops, street performances, and musical entertainment punctuate the days, creating a festive and warm atmosphere.

The Christmas illuminations of Auxerre, which adorn the historic center with garlands and light displays from the end of November, transform every evening stroll into an enchanted journey. The city thus extends the magic of the market beyond its official duration, making the entire city center a festive and luminous space throughout the holiday season.

Auxerre, a cultural and heritage crossroads of the Yonne

Beyond the market, a visit to the historic center of Auxerre is a must. The Saint-Germain Abbey, founded in the 5th century and whose Carolingian crypts contain some of the oldest frescoes in France, is a few minutes' walk from the market. The Museum of Art and History, housed in the buildings of the former Saint-Germain Abbey, holds remarkable archaeological and artistic collections.

The city is also a major gastronomic hub, with its numerous restaurants offering traditional Burgundian cuisine: escargots, beef bourguignon, époisses cheese, and regional cheese platters. Auxerre is accessible from Paris in less than 2 hours by the A6 motorway or by train from Paris-Bercy, making it an ideal destination for a winter getaway in a city full of charm and history.