Boulogne-sur-Mer Christmas Market
The magic of Christmas in the fortified city of the Opal Coast
About Christmas in Boulogne
The Boulogne-sur-Mer Christmas Market is a festive event that enlivens the city throughout December. Festivities begin with the illumination of Place Dalton at the end of November and continue with an artisan market in the fortified city, a Christmas village with exhibitors and shows, the Saint Nicholas parade, the associations' market, the guénels competition (traditional Boulogne lanterns), and activities for the whole family. The fortified old town and the seafront offer an exceptional setting for this winter wonderland.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas in Boulogne at the best price.
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Boulogne-sur-Mer Illuminated for Christmas
Each year, Boulogne-sur-Mer, France's leading fishing port and seaside resort on the Opal Coast, is adorned with lights to celebrate Christmas. The festivities, which span the entire month of December, transform the city into a true fairy tale, from Place Dalton to the heart of the fortified city.
Christmas Highlights in Boulogne
The Christmas festivities in Boulogne-sur-Mer are marked by numerous events:
- Illumination of Place Dalton (end of November): kick-off of the festivities with street performers, musicians, and distribution of hot chocolate
- Saint Nicholas Parade (December 6th): a grand parade crosses the city center before concluding with a fireworks display
- Associations' Market (early December): a charity market where local associations offer their creations
- Christmas Village in the Fortified City (mid-December): for a weekend, the old town hosts exhibitors, shows, and Santa Claus
- Artisan Market at Place Dalton (week before Christmas): artisans and producers offer their creations until December 24th
The Guénels Competition
The guénels competition is a typically Boulogne event. The guénels are traditional lanterns carved from beetroots, which children carry through the streets singing. This age-old tradition, an emblem of Boulogne's cultural heritage, is perpetuated each year during a festive parade in the city center.
The Fortified City, a Christmas Setting
The fortified city of Boulogne-sur-Mer, one of the best-preserved in northern France with its 13th-century ramparts, offers an exceptional setting for Christmas festivities. The Comtal Castle, the Notre-Dame Basilica, and the cobbled streets are adorned with lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere that delights visitors from across the region and from across the Channel.
A Maritime Christmas
Boulogne-sur-Mer combines its maritime identity with its Christmas magic. The national sea center Nausicaá organizes its own Christmas market at the end of November, while the seafront illuminations add a maritime touch to the city's festive ambiance.
Christmas in Boulogne — edition 2026
Christmas in Boulogne-sur-Mer 2026. Illuminations, artisan market, Christmas village in the fortified city, Saint Nicholas parade, guénels competition, and festive activities. Dates and program to be confirmed.
Prices Christmas in Boulogne 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Boulogne
Festival Locations
The Christmas festivities in Boulogne-sur-Mer take place at several locations in the city:
- Place Dalton: heart of the artisan market and Christmas activities. This is where the inaugural illumination, shows, and the market for artisans and producers take place.
- Fortified City: the old town enclosed by 13th-century ramparts hosts the Christmas village for a weekend in December, with exhibitors, live shows, and Santa Claus. The medieval atmosphere of the upper town adds a magical dimension to the festivities.
- Nausicaá (Boulevard Sainte-Beuve): the National Sea Center organizes its own Christmas market at the end of November, combining crafts and the marine world.
Access
- By car: From Calais (30 min), A16 exit 32 Boulogne-Centre. From Lille (1h30), A26 then A16. From Le Touquet (25 min), D940. Parking in the city center: Grande Rue parking (underground), Dalton parking, fortified city parking (free), Nausicaá parking (free on December weekends depending on the period).
- By train: Boulogne-Ville station (TER Hauts-de-France lines Calais-Boulogne and Rang-du-Fliers-Boulogne), then a 10-minute walk to Place Dalton down Boulevard Diderot.
- By ferry: Dover-Calais connection (1h30), then 30 min by car via the A16. Many British visitors take advantage of the Christmas festivities in Boulogne.
Calendar of Highlights
- End of November: Illumination of Place Dalton with street performers and hot chocolate
- End of November: Nausicaá Christmas Market
- December 6th: Saint Nicholas Parade in the city center
- Early December: Associations' Market
- Mid-December: Christmas Village in the fortified city (a whole weekend)
- Week before Christmas: Artisan Market at Place Dalton until December 24th
- December 17th: Guénels competition (traditional Boulogne lanterns)
Prices
Free access to all activities, markets, parades, and shows.
Guénels Tradition
Don't miss the guénels competition, a typically Boulogne tradition. Children carve beetroots to make lanterns and parade through the streets singing. A unique and authentic moment to experience with the family.
Contact
Ville de Boulogne-sur-Mer — ville-boulogne-sur-mer.fr
Office de tourisme du Boulonnais — boulonnaisautop.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas in Boulogne at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Christmas in Boulogne
Place Dalton et Ville Fortifiée
Place Dalton, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer