Boulogne-sur-Mer Christmas Market
The magic of Christmas in the fortified city of the Opal Coast
About Christmas in Boulogne
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
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
Sponsored link
Festival-goer photos
No photo yet. Share yours!
Share your photos
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
Vous avez repéré une erreur ou une information manquante ?
Aidez-nous à garder cette fiche à jour. Toute proposition est relue par notre équipe avant publication.
Festival-goer reviews
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Were you there?
Share your experience with the community
Where does it take place — Christmas in Boulogne
Place Dalton et Ville Fortifiée
Place Dalton, 62200 Boulogne-sur-Mer