Douai Christmas Market
The artisanal Christmas market in the courtyard of the Town Hall
About Douai d'Hiver
The Douai Christmas Market is held every year in the courtyard of the Town Hall, a UNESCO World Heritage site for its belfry. Integrated into the festive program "Douai d'Hiver", it offers local crafts, regional products, concerts, and entertainment for the whole family. On the Place d'Armes, a Ferris wheel, Santa's chalet, and food stalls complete the magical atmosphere. For three weeks, the city of Douai is adorned with lights and entertainment to celebrate the end of the year holidays.
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Douai d'Hiver: A Christmas Market at the Foot of the Belfry
Every year in December, the city of Douai transforms into a true Christmas village. The Douai Christmas Market sets up in the magnificent courtyard of the Town Hall, at the foot of the UNESCO World Heritage belfry. This exceptional setting gives the market a unique atmosphere, blending historical heritage and holiday magic.
A Market Dedicated to Crafts and Local Produce
The market stalls host local artisans and creators offering handmade jewelry, artisanal Christmas decorations, scented candles, wooden toys, ceramics, and many other original gift ideas. For food lovers, visitors can discover products from the Nord region: craft beers, cheeses, chocolates, gingerbread, and regional specialties. Food trucks and catering stalls offer mulled wine, waffles, tartiflette, and other winter treats.
Entertainment and Festivities for All
The "Douai d'Hiver" program enhances the market with a multitude of activities. Every evening, free concerts liven up the Town Hall courtyard with an eclectic lineup: pop-rock, swing, slam, French chanson, and jazz. On the Place d'Armes, a festive village is set up with a Ferris wheel, Santa's chalet where children can drop off their letters, and rides for the little ones.
An Unmissable Family Event
Creative workshops for children, street performances, light parades, and the traditional descent of Santa Claus from the belfry are among the event's highlights. The shop windows in the city center join the celebration with spectacular decorations, while Christmas lights adorn the city's streets and monuments.
An Event Rooted in Douai Tradition
The Douai Christmas Market is part of a long festive tradition, alongside the famous Fêtes de Gayant. Supported by the City of Douai and its community, it is a must-attend event of the winter season in the Douaisis region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from all over the Hauts-de-France region each year.
Douai d'Hiver — edition 2026
The Douai Christmas Market returns for Winter 2026 with its artisanal market, concerts, and festive village in the heart of the city.
2026 Edition
The Douai Christmas Market will once again take over the Town Hall courtyard and Place d'Armes for the 2026 holiday season. Local crafts, regional products, concerts, and family entertainment will be featured.
Prices Douai d'Hiver 2026
Practical information — Douai d'Hiver
Practical Information
Location
The Christmas market is held in the courtyard of the Town Hall, rue de la Mairie, 59500 Douai. The festive village is located on the Place d'Armes, in the city center, a few meters from the UNESCO World Heritage belfry.
Access and Transport
By car: Douai is accessible via the A21 motorway (from Lens, 15 min) or A26 (from Calais or Cambrai). Several underground parking lots are available near the city center: Barlet parking, Mairie parking, Euralille Douai parking. It takes about 45 minutes from Lille by motorway.
By train: Douai station is served by TGV (Paris-Gare du Nord in 1h) and TER from Lille (30 min), Arras, Valenciennes, and Lens. The city center and the Christmas market are a 10-minute walk from the station.
By bus: The Évéole network serves the city center of Douai. Nearest stops: "Place d'Armes" or "Mairie". Intercity lines also connect Douai to the towns in the agglomeration.
Opening Hours
Christmas market in the Town Hall courtyard: Tuesday to Thursday from 3 PM to 8 PM, Friday from 3 PM to 9 PM, Saturday from 12 PM to 9 PM, Sunday from 12 PM to 8 PM. Closed on Mondays (except public holidays). The festive village on Place d'Armes (Ferris wheel, food stalls) is open daily with extended hours.
Prices
Entry to the Christmas market and the festive village is free. The concerts organized every evening in the Town Hall courtyard are also free. The Ferris wheel and rides are subject to a fee (prices displayed on site).
Food and Drink
Food stalls on Place d'Armes offer mulled wine, hot chocolate, waffles, tartiflette, fries, and specialties from the North. Several food trucks complete the gourmet offerings. The many restaurants in the city center are within a few minutes' walk.
Accessibility
The market and the festive village are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Town Hall courtyard and the Place d'Armes are on the same level.
Practical Tips
- Bring warm clothing to enjoy the outdoor activities.
- Prefer public transport or carpooling on weekends.
- Consult the detailed program of concerts and activities on the official website.
Contact
Douaisis Tourist Office: 03 27 88 26 79. More information at www.douaidhiver.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Douai d'Hiver
Hôtel de Ville et Place d'Armes
Cour de l'Hôtel de Ville, 59500 Douai