About Décembre Illuminé

Décembre Illuminé is the big end-of-year festive event in the town of Argentan, in Orne. From late November to late December, the town adorns itself with its most beautiful lights and offers a program rich in activities: luminous parade, Christmas market, shows, creative workshops, exhibitions, carousels, shop window contests, and a Christmas village. The kickoff is given during an inaugural evening with a batucada, a luminous procession, and the lighting of the illuminations by a child chosen in a contest, creating a magical and friendly atmosphere for the whole family.

Décembre Illuminé: Christmas Magic in Argentan

Each year, the town of Argentan celebrates the end-of-year holidays with Décembre Illuminé, a whole month of festive activities that transforms the town center into a magical setting. From late November to late December, residents and visitors are invited to share the magic of Christmas through a varied and friendly program.

A Spectacular Inaugural Evening

The kickoff of Décembre Illuminé is a highlight of the season. A batucada parade winds through the streets from Place de Lattre-de-Tassigny to the Esplanade de la Poste, leading spectators in a rhythmic and colorful procession. The climax of the evening is the lighting of the illuminations by a child selected in the "Who will light up the town?" contest, a moment of emotion shared by all.

A Festive Program Throughout the Month

Shows and Culture

Live shows punctuate the month of December: theatrical performances at the Quai des Arts, readings and storytelling at the media library for young and old, creating a rich cultural program for this winter period.

Christmas Market and Christmas Village

The Christmas market at the Forum brings together local artisans and producers offering gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats. A large Christmas village complements the offer with stands, activities, and a warm atmosphere.

Activities for Everyone

Throughout the month, Décembre Illuminé offers creative workshops, exhibitions, carousels (including one on Place de Lattre-de-Tassigny), raffles with shopping vouchers to be won, and shop window contests that encourage passers-by to discover the town center's shops.

Practical information — Décembre Illuminé

Access and Transport

By car: Argentan is accessible via the A88 from Caen (approx. 1 hour) or the N26 from Alençon (approx. 30 minutes). From Paris, take the A28 then the N26 (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes). Free parking in the town center: station parking, Champ de Foire parking, and other parking lots near the event venues.

By train: Argentan station is served by the Paris-Granville line. The town center and event venues are within a few minutes' walk from the station.

Event Locations

The activities of Décembre Illuminé are spread throughout the center of Argentan: Place de Lattre-de-Tassigny (carousel, rides), Esplanade de la Poste (lighting of illuminations), Forum (Christmas market, Christmas village), Quai des Arts (shows), media library (readings, storytelling), and shopping streets (shop window contests, raffles).

Prices

The vast majority of activities are free: illuminations, inaugural parade, Christmas market, shop window contests, and raffles. Some shows programmed at the Quai des Arts may be ticketed (prices on the Quai des Arts website). Rides and the carousel operate with paid tickets.

Schedules

The illuminations are lit every evening from late November to early January, generally at dusk. The Christmas market and special activities mainly take place on weekends in December. The detailed program with the precise dates and times of each activity is published on the Argentan town website and distributed in the town center shops.

Food and Shops

The town center shops participate in the festive atmosphere with activities and special offers. The Christmas market offers stands with local products and seasonal treats. Restaurants in the town center are open.

Contact

Mairie d'Argentan
Phone: 02 33 36 40 00
Website: www.argentan.fr

Practical Tips

Bring warm and waterproof clothing for outdoor activities
Come with family to enjoy all the activities and rides
Consult the online program for the precise dates of the highlights
Participate in the shop window contests to try and win shopping vouchers

Décembre Illuminé

About Décembre Illuminé

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