Valenciennes Christmas Market
Festive chalets and entertainment in the heart of the Hainaut city
About My Christmas in Valenciennes
The Valenciennes Christmas Market, branded "My Christmas in Valenciennes", transforms the Place d'Armes and its surroundings into a festive and enchanting village each year. Gift and delicacy chalets, a Light Village in the Ordron square, family entertainment, and the arrival of Saint Nicholas mark a month of festivities in the capital of Hainaut. This winter event attracts tens of thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the warm atmosphere and the city center's illuminations.
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My Christmas in Valenciennes: A Month of Celebration in the Heart of Hainaut
Every year from late November to late December, Valenciennes adorns itself in its finest attire to host its Christmas market. The Place d'Armes, the historic heart of the city, transforms into a village of chalets where artisans, merchants, and restaurateurs offer original gifts, decorations, and seasonal treats.
The Light Village and Illuminations
In the square de l'Ordron, the "Light Village" is one of the event's highlights. Spectacular light installations immerse visitors in a magical world, with new scenes created each year. The shopping streets of the city center are adorned with garlands and projections, creating an enchanting luminous pathway.
Entertainment and Traditions
The arrival of Saint Nicholas marks a key moment of the festivities. Accompanied by musicians and colorful characters, he parades from the Arsenal passage to the Place d'Armes, much to the delight of children. Late-night openings are organized on Saturday evenings, with extended chalet hours and musical entertainment.
Entertainment for the Whole Family
Creative workshops, children's shows, meetings with Santa Claus, carousels, and carriage rides are offered throughout the market. Downtown shops join in the festive spirit with exceptional Sunday openings and decorated shop windows.
A Market Rooted in the Region
Supported by the City of Valenciennes and the tourist office, the Christmas market showcases local craftsmanship and regional products from Hainaut. The chalets on Place des Wantiers welcome new merchants each week, ensuring a renewed and diverse offering.
Valenciennes, City of Art and Festivities
Nicknamed "the Athens of the North" for its cultural richness, Valenciennes offers a remarkable heritage setting for its Christmas market. The Museum of Fine Arts, the Notre-Dame du Saint-Cordon Basilica, and the Art Deco facades of the city center add a cultural dimension to the visit.
My Christmas in Valenciennes — edition 2026
The Valenciennes Christmas Market returns for winter 2026 with its festive chalets and Light Village.
2026 Edition
My Christmas in Valenciennes will be back from late November to late December 2026 for a new festive edition on Place d'Armes and in the city center.
Prices My Christmas in Valenciennes 2026
Practical information — My Christmas in Valenciennes
Practical Information
Locations
The Christmas market extends across several areas of Valenciennes city center: chalets are set up on Place d'Armes (market heart), Place des Wantiers (merchant chalets renewed weekly), and the Light Village unfolds in the square de l'Ordron. 59300 Valenciennes.
Access and Transport
By train: Valenciennes station is a 5-minute walk from Place d'Armes. TGV from Paris-Gare du Nord in 1h40, TER from Lille-Flandres in 45 minutes. Numerous TER connections to Douai, Cambrai, and Maubeuge.
By car: A2 motorway (Brussels-Paris axis), exit "Valenciennes Centre". Underground parking in the city center: Place d'Armes parking, Gare parking, Dampierre parking. Approximately 1 hour from Lille by motorway.
By bus: Transvilles network, "Place d'Armes" stop served by several urban and suburban lines. The network operates in the evening.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 9:30 pm. Special late-night opening on Saturday, December 20th, until midnight with musical entertainment. The Light Village in the square de l'Ordron is accessible during the same hours. Sunday openings of city center shops throughout the market period.
Prices
Entry to the Christmas market, the Light Village, and all entertainment is completely free. Santa Claus welcomes children for free from December 20th to 23rd.
Food and Drink
Food chalets offer mulled wine, hot chocolate, waffles, crepes, tartiflette, and Northern specialties. Restaurants and brasseries in the city center, particularly around Place d'Armes and Rue de Famars, are within walking distance.
Accessibility
The entire market and the Light Village are accessible to people with reduced mobility. Place d'Armes is on one level, and the pedestrianized city center facilitates movement.
Practical Tips
- The Light Village is particularly spectacular at dusk.
- The arrival of Saint Nicholas in early December is the family highlight not to be missed.
- Take advantage of the Sunday shop openings to combine shopping and the Christmas market.
- Bring warm clothing to enjoy the evening outdoor activities.
Contact
Valenciennes Tourist Office: www.tourismevalenciennes.fr
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Travel to this festival
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Where does it take place — My Christmas in Valenciennes
Place d'Armes et centre-ville
Place d'Armes, 59300 Valenciennes