Noël en Ardenne

The Place Ducale in festive attire

Every year from late November to late December, the Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières, a 17th-century architectural gem often compared to Paris's Place des Vosges, dons its finest attire to host Noël en Ardenne. This Christmas market has become one of the most important and enchanting in the Grand Est region, attracting tens of thousands of visitors from across the region and neighboring Belgium.

46 chalets of crafts and gastronomy

Under the arcades and on the square, 46 wooden chalets offer a wide selection of artisanal products and gourmet specialties. Visitors can discover local Ardennes crafts: pottery, woodwork, jewelry, handmade candles, homemade Christmas decorations, textiles, and original creations. For gourmets, the chalets are filled with Ardennes regional specialties: the famous cacasse à cul nu (a potato and bacon stew), boudin blanc de Rethel (white blood sausage), mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, waffles, gingerbread, and artisanal chocolates.

Magical attractions and rides

Noël en Ardenne offers a range of fairground attractions that delight families. The Ferris wheel provides a spectacular panoramic view of the illuminated Place Ducale and the city's rooftops. The outdoor ice rink allows young and old to glide on the ice in an exceptional setting. The fir tree carousel, sledding slopes, and carousels complete the entertainment offerings. Santa's cabin welcomes children for magical encounters, especially on December weekends.

A rich and varied entertainment program

Throughout the market, a program rich in entertainment punctuates the days and evenings. Traditional Ardennes Christmas tales are told to children. Parades of magical characters, street performances, concerts, and creative workshops for children are offered regularly. On Friday and Saturday evenings, the market remains open until 10 PM, offering a particularly warm nocturnal ambiance under the illuminations.

Ardennes legends in the spotlight

Noël en Ardenne highlights the legendary heritage of the Ardennes. The Four Sons of Aymon, the horse Bayard, and the nutons (Ardennes sprites) are featured through decorations, shows, and activities that immerse visitors in the fantastical world of the legends of the Ardenne forest.