Béthune Christmas City
Béthune shines brightly for the holidays
About Cité de Noël
Every year from late November to late December, the city of Béthune transforms into a true Christmas City. The Grand'Place hosts nearly 50 chalets, a majority of which are dedicated to gastronomy, while the streets of the city center are adorned with magical illuminations. A roller rink, Santa's descent from the belfry on December 24th, a family escape game, creative workshops, and light parades punctuate an entire month of festivities accessible to all.
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The Christmas City of Béthune: a month of magic at the foot of the belfry
For several years, the city of Béthune has organized its Christmas City, a festive event that transforms the city center into a truly enchanted village for a month. The Grand'Place, dominated by the UNESCO World Heritage belfry, becomes the beating heart of the festivities with its illuminated chalets and activities for the whole family.
A village of chalets in the heart of the city
Nearly 48 chalets are set up on the Grand'Place, 65% of which are dedicated to gastronomy. Local producers, artisans, and merchants offer their specialties: mulled wine, artisanal beers from the region, waffles, chocolates, cheeses, cured meats, and many other festive delights. The craft chalets offer a wide selection of original gift ideas.
Spectacular illuminations
The streets of the city center shine thanks to illuminations renewed each year. From Rue Sadi-Carnot to the Grand'Place, via Rue Albert-Ier and Rue des Treilles, the entire city is adorned with sparkling lights that create a magical and warm atmosphere.
Activities for all ages
The Christmas City is not just about chalets. A rich program of activities punctuates the month of December:
- Roller rink: Located on the Grand'Place, it hosts demonstrations and dance and music shows by local associations.
- Family escape game: Families search for Santa's magic mailbox, with booklets available from participating merchants.
- Workshops at the Elves' Factory: Creation of decorations, face painting, balloon sculpting, and shows for children aged 3 and up.
- Parade of illuminated vehicles: A magical parade through the city streets.
The highlight: Santa's descent
The most anticipated moment of the Christmas City is undoubtedly Santa's descent from the belfry on December 24th in the late afternoon. This spectacular show is followed by a distribution of treats to the children gathered on the Grand'Place, a magical moment that beautifully concludes a month of festivities.
A unifying event
The Christmas City of Béthune is a popular event that brings together the people of Béthune and visitors from the entire metropolitan area. Concerts, street entertainment, shows, and moments of sharing contribute to making this period a highlight of Béthune life, in a warm and family-friendly spirit.
Cité de Noël — edition 2026
Béthune Christmas City returns from late November to late December 2026 for another month of festivities at the foot of the belfry. Chalets, illuminations, activities, and the traditional descent of Santa Claus are on the program.
2026 Edition
Béthune Christmas City returns for a new edition from late November to late December 2026. Visitors will find the must-sees: chalets on the Grand'Place, illuminations, activities for the whole family, and Santa's descent from the belfry on December 24th.
The full program will be announced in the fall of 2026.
Highlights Cité de Noël 2026
To remember for 2026
- A month of festivities in the heart of Béthune
- Chalets, illuminations, and activities
- Santa's descent from the belfry on December 24th
- Full program to be announced
Prices Cité de Noël 2026
Practical information — Cité de Noël
Practical Information
Dates and times
The Christmas City is generally held from late November to late December. Usual hours: Monday to Thursday 3:30 PM - 8:30 PM, Friday 3:30 PM - 9:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 11 AM - 9:30 PM.
Access
By car: Béthune is accessible via the A26 motorway (exit 6 - Béthune). Several free parking lots are available in the city center and in the immediate vicinity.
By train: Béthune station is served by TER Hauts-de-France from Lille (approx. 40 minutes), Lens, and Arras. The city center is a 10-minute walk from the station.
Food and drink
The chalets on the Grand'Place offer many festive and regional specialties. Restaurants in the city center are also open and offer seasonal menus.
Accessibility
The Christmas City is accessible to people with reduced mobility. The aisles between the chalets are wide enough to allow wheelchairs to pass.
Practical tips
- Entry is free and open to all.
- Bring warm clothing to enjoy the outdoor activities.
- Weekends are the busiest periods.
- Santa's descent on December 24th attracts a large crowd: arrive early to get a good spot.
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Cité de Noël at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Cité de Noël
Grand'Place de Béthune
Grand'Place, 62400 Béthune