Calais Christmas Market
Christmas village and artisan market in the heart of Calais
About Christmas in Calais
The Calais Christmas Market is a festive event organized annually from late November to early January in the city center of Calais. The city sets up a Christmas Village on Place d'Armes with magical and gourmet chalets, a nostalgic 1900 carousel, and an artisanal Christmas Market with about forty chalets on Place du Grand Théâtre. Festivities also include a Christmas train, a grand parade through the city streets, fireworks, and numerous activities for children.
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Calais Celebrates Christmas
Every year, Calais adorns itself with its most beautiful lights to welcome the Christmas festivities. From late November to early January, the city center transforms into a truly magical setting with two emblematic locations: the Christmas Village on Place d'Armes and the Christmas Market on Place du Grand Théâtre.
The Christmas Village on Place d'Armes
Place d'Armes, the historic heart of Calais, hosts a Christmas Village composed of thirteen magical and gourmet chalets. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, waffles, crepes, and other Christmas treats while enjoying a 1900 carousel that invites young and old for a nostalgic ride. Traditional sweet stalls complete this gourmet offering.
The Christmas Market on Place du Grand Théâtre
On Place du Grand Théâtre, about forty artisans and merchants' chalets are set up for two to three weeks in December. Gift ideas, handmade creations, Christmas decorations, jewelry, toys, and regional gastronomic specialties are offered in a warm atmosphere. The Santa Claus chalet welcomes children for magical encounters.
Activities and Highlights
The Christmas festivities in Calais are punctuated by many highlights:
- The Christmas train: it runs on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during school holidays for a magical ride through the illuminated streets.
- The Grand Christmas Parade: a spectacular procession of floats, costumed characters, and artists through the streets of Calais.
- The Fireworks: launched in front of the Notre-Dame de Calais Basilica, they light up the city's sky in December.
- Activities for children: shows, creative workshops, and meetings with Santa Claus.
A Fantastic Christmas
The City of Calais promotes a "Fantastic Christmas" with careful staging, spectacular illuminations, and a program of activities that is renewed each year to offer Calais residents and visitors a magical and warm experience in the heart of winter.
Christmas in Calais — edition 2026
Christmas in Calais 2026. Christmas Village and Christmas Market in the city center of Calais with artisan chalets, activities, parade, and fireworks. Dates and program to be confirmed.
Prices Christmas in Calais 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Calais
Festival Locations
The Christmas festivities in Calais are spread across two main squares in the city center:
- Christmas Village — Place d'Armes: From late November to early January, 13 magical and gourmet chalets, 1900 carousel, traditional sweet stalls. Place d'Armes, the historic heart of Calais, dominated by the Tour du Guet, offers a remarkable heritage setting for the festivities.
- Christmas Market — Place du Grand Théâtre: Early to late December, approximately 40 artisan and merchant chalets with the Santa Claus chalet. Place du Grand Théâtre, with its beautiful classical facade, transforms into a true Christmas village.
Christmas Market Hours (Place du Grand Théâtre)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 5 PM-8 PM. Wednesday: 2 PM-8 PM. Saturday: 10 AM-8 PM. Sunday: 1 PM-8 PM. Extended hours on the last days before Christmas.
The Christmas Train
The Christmas train runs on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays in December and during school holidays. Departures from Place d'Armes for a magical ride through the illuminated streets of the city center.
Access
- By car: A26 exit Calais-Centre or A16 exit Calais-Centre. Parking in the city center: Richelieu parking (underground, 500 spaces), Boulevard des Alliés parking, Gare parking. Parking can be difficult on December weekends.
- By train: Calais-Ville station (TER Hauts-de-France and TGV), then a 10-minute walk to Place d'Armes via Boulevard Jacquard.
- By ferry: From Dover (England), ferry crossing (1.5 hours) to the port of Calais, then 10 minutes by car or 20 minutes walk to the city center. Many British visitors come to enjoy the Calais Christmas market.
- Via the Channel Tunnel: Eurotunnel from Folkestone, exit Calais-Coquelles, then 15 minutes by car to the city center.
Prices
Free admission to the Christmas Village, Christmas Market, and all activities. Christmas train and carousel are paid (moderate price).
Highlights Not to Be Missed
- The Grand Christmas Parade (third Saturday in December, 5:30 PM)
- The Fireworks in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica (mid-December, 6 PM)
Contact
Ville de Calais — calaisxxl.com
Calais Tourist Office — calais-cotedopale.com
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Travel to this festival
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas in Calais at the best price.
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Where does it take place — Christmas in Calais
Place d'Armes et Place du Grand Théâtre
Place d'Armes, 62100 Calais