Christmas Market at the Haras du Pin
Magical Christmas Market in the "Versailles of Horses"
About Christmas at the Haras du Pin
The Christmas Market at the Haras national du Pin is one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Normandy. Organized every first weekend of December within the prestigious Haras national du Pin, nicknamed the "Versailles of Horses", it hosts 70 exhibitors offering crafts, local products, and gift ideas. The event is enhanced by the castle's illuminations, the arrival of Santa Claus by carriage, an equestrian show, wool spinning workshops, pony rides, and carriage rides. Admission is free.
Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas at the Haras du Pin at the best price.
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The Haras National du Pin: The "Versailles of Horses"
The Haras national du Pin, created by Louis XIV in 1715 and built under the direction of architect Robert de Cotte, is one of the most prestigious national stud farms in France. Its classical castle, its horseshoe-shaped main courtyard, its monumental stables, and its 1,100-hectare park have earned it the nickname "Versailles of Horses". Classified as a historic monument, this exceptional site welcomes tens of thousands of visitors each year.
It is in this grandiose setting that the Christmas Market at the Haras du Pin takes place, one of the most enchanting events of the winter season in Normandy.
70 Exhibitors in an Exceptional Setting
The 70 selected exhibitors take over the stables and historic buildings of the stud farm to offer a high-quality market:
- Art and Crafts: ceramics, jewelry, candles, leather goods, basketry, glassware
- Local Products: cider, calvados, pommeau, Norman cheeses, foie gras, honey
- Christmas Decorations: natural wreaths, garlands, handmade baubles
- Gourmet Treats: chocolates, confectionery, gingerbread, jams
- Gift Ideas: books, wooden toys, accessories, textiles
Equestrian and Magical Entertainment
The Christmas Market at the Haras du Pin is distinguished by its unique equestrian entertainment:
- Arrival of Santa Claus by carriage pulled by horses from the stud farm, on Saturday and Sunday at 2 PM
- Equestrian show "The Kingdom of Dreams" in the covered arena (by reservation)
- Pony rides for children, Saturday and Sunday
- Carriage rides in the stud farm's park, on Saturday and Sunday afternoons
- Educational farm presenting Norman breeds
Wool spinning workshops on Saturday and Sunday, musical entertainment (Conservatoire d'Argentan, Arpador choir), and a photo session with Santa Claus complete the program.
Castle Illuminations
At dusk, the Christmas illuminations light up the castle facade and the main courtyard, creating a magical spectacle. The lights reflect in the stable windows, transforming the stud farm into a true Christmas tale. This magical moment is one of the weekend's highlights.
Christmas at the Haras du Pin — edition 2026
Christmas Market at the Haras du Pin 2026. 70 exhibitors in the "Versailles of Horses". Santa Claus by carriage, equestrian show, pony rides, castle illuminations. Free admission.
Christmas Market at the Haras du Pin - 2026 Edition
The Christmas Market at the Haras national du Pin will take place from Friday, December 4th to Sunday, December 6th, 2026 within the "Versailles of Horses".
70 exhibitors will offer crafts, local products, and gift ideas. Santa Claus by carriage, the equestrian show, pony rides, carriage rides, and the castle illuminations will create a magical atmosphere. Free admission.
Highlights Christmas at the Haras du Pin 2026
- 70 exhibitors in the "Versailles of Horses"
- Santa Claus by carriage
- Equestrian show
- Pony rides and carriage rides
- Castle illuminations
- Free admission
Prices Christmas at the Haras du Pin 2026
Practical information — Christmas at the Haras du Pin
Access
The Haras national du Pin is located in Le Pin-au-Haras, 15 km east of Argentan.
- By car: From Argentan, follow the D926 towards Le Pin-au-Haras (approx. 15 min). From Alençon, N158 then D926 (approx. 45 min).
- Parking: Parking at PISE, 800 m away, with a free shuttle to the stud farm.
Location
Haras national du Pin, 61310 Le Pin-au-Haras.
Opening Hours
Friday from 2 PM to 8 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM, Sunday from 10 AM to 7 PM.
Prices
Free admission. Parking with free shuttle. Equestrian show by reservation. Carriage rides by reservation.
Contact
- Haras national du Pin: 02 33 36 68 68
- Website: www.haras-national-du-pin.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas at the Haras du Pin at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Christmas at the Haras du Pin
Haras national du Pin
Haras national du Pin, 61310 Le Pin-au-Haras