Festi'Noël de Roanne
The magic of Christmas in the heart of Roanne
About Festi'Noël Roanne
Every year, from mid-December to early January, the town of Roanne adorns itself in its finest festive attire for Festi'Noël. Set up on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, the Christmas village features a 200 m² outdoor ice rink, about ten gourmet and artisanal chalets, a large illuminated Christmas tree, and magical decorations under a starry sky of LED garlands. Wandering shows, Santa Claus's visits, neighborhood events, dancing evenings, and a farmers' market punctuate three weeks of free festivities for the whole family.
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The return of the Christmas village on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
After several years of absence due to redevelopment work on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Festi'Noël in 2025 marks the grand return of the Christmas village to this emblematic town center square. Entirely redesigned, the site offers a magical setting with its light bulbs, suspended garlands, green spaces, and LED starry sky that envelop the square in a fairytale atmosphere.
The outdoor ice rink, a star attraction
At the foot of the large Christmas tree stands the star attraction of Festi'Noël: a 200 m² outdoor ice rink, operated by Glisse Glace. For €6 per session, young and old can glide on the ice in an enchanting setting. The ice rink follows the same opening hours as the Christmas village and is a must-do during the Roanne holiday season.
A gourmet and festive village
About ten chalets offer sweets, hot dishes, crepes, tartiflette, hot drinks, confectionery, and gift ideas for the end-of-year holidays. On the Charles-de-Gaulle street side, association chalets and a farmers' market complement the offerings, highlighting local know-how and Roanne's regional products.
Wandering shows and entertainment for everyone
The Festi'Noël program includes a wide range of entertainment: street performances by professional companies, artistic parades through the pedestrian streets, daily 45-minute performances on weekends. Santa Claus roams the streets accompanied by his mascots, while special evenings like the Christmas Party transform the square into a giant dance floor hosted by DJ Santa.
Christmas magic in the neighborhoods
Festi'Noël is not limited to the town center. From early December, entertainment spreads throughout Roanne's neighborhoods: arrival of Saint Nicholas on the banks of the Loire, shows in local halls, carriage rides, decoration workshops, Christmas tales, and distribution of sweets. Each neighborhood has its own festive program, making the event truly popular and accessible to all Roanne residents.
An event supported by the town and its partners
Organized by the City of Roanne and Roannais Agglomération, Festi'Noël involves numerous partners: town center merchants who open their doors on Sundays before Christmas, the STAR bus network offering free rides on weekends with extended hours, local associations, and community centers that animate the neighborhoods. Entry to the Christmas village is free, only the ice rink is subject to a €6 fee per session.
Festi'Noël Roanne — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of Festi'Noël will once again take place on Roanne's Place de l'Hôtel de Ville for three weeks of festivities. The Christmas village with its 200 m² outdoor ice rink, gourmet chalets, wandering shows, and neighborhood entertainment promises to light up the eyes of young and old alike.
Festi'Noël 2026: the magic continues
Building on the success of the 2025 edition, which marked the return of the Christmas village to the renovated Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Festi'Noël 2026 promises to be another unmissable event for the end-of-year holidays in Roanne. From mid-December 2026 to early January 2027, the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville will once again host the Christmas village and its array of festivities.
What to expect
The ingredients that make Festi'Noël a success will be back: the 200 m² outdoor ice rink at the foot of the large Christmas tree, about ten chalets offering sweets, local gastronomy, and gift ideas, a magical setting of lights and garlands, and a rich and varied entertainment program.
Wandering shows will liven up the pedestrian streets of the town center, Santa Claus will visit the children in the neighborhoods, and special evenings will punctuate the three weeks of festivities. The farmers' market and association chalets will complete the offerings for a complete and convivial Christmas experience.
An event for all Roanne residents
As every year, entertainment will spread throughout Roanne's neighborhoods from early December, with shows, workshops, Santa Claus visits, and festive moments for all generations. Entry to the village will remain free, and the STAR bus network will offer free rides on weekends to facilitate access to the town center.
Highlights Festi'Noël Roanne 2026
What to expect in 2026
- Christmas Village on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
- 200 m² outdoor ice rink at the foot of the large Christmas tree
- Ten gourmet and artisanal chalets
- Wandering shows in the pedestrian streets
- Entertainment in all neighborhoods of Roanne
- Santa Claus visits and activities for children
- Special evenings and farmers' market
- Magical decorations and illuminations
- Free entry to the Christmas village
- Free STAR buses on weekends
Prices Festi'Noël Roanne 2026
Practical information — Festi'Noël Roanne
Access
The Christmas village is located on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, in the very center of Roanne.
- By car: From the A89/A72, follow signs for Roanne town center. Please note: the parking lot on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville is closed for the duration of the event.
- Parking: Alternative parking lots nearby: Foch-Sully, Berge, Minimes, Place du Marché.
- By bus: STAR network, with free transport every weekend and extended hours on the three Sundays before Christmas.
Christmas Village Opening Hours
- Fridays and Saturdays: 12 PM to 9 PM
- Sundays: 12 PM to 8 PM
- Monday to Thursday (outside holidays): 4 PM to 8 PM
- Monday to Thursday (school holidays): 12 PM to 8 PM
- Early closing: December 24th and 31st at 6 PM
- Closed: December 25th and January 1st
Prices
- Village entry: Free
- Ice rink: €6 per session (skates provided)
- Soup des Chefs: €3 per bowl (proceeds donated to local associations)
Contact
- Phone: 04 77 23 20 00
- Website: aggloroanne.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — Festi'Noël Roanne
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, Roanne, 42300 Roanne