Noël en Velay

Noël en Velay: The Magic of the Holidays in the Heart of Le Puy-en-Velay

Every winter, the city of Le Puy-en-Velay adorns itself with its most beautiful lights for Noël en Velay, a large-scale festive event that transforms the city center into a true Christmas village. Organized by the City of Le Puy-en-Velay in collaboration with the Office of Commerce and Crafts of the Agglomeration, this event has become over the years an unmissable rendezvous for the inhabitants of Haute-Loire and visiting tourists.

The Christmas Village on Place du Breuil

The heart of Noël en Velay beats on the Place du Breuil, one of the largest squares in Le Puy-en-Velay. Around forty chalets are set up here, divided between creator chalets offering local crafts, original gift ideas, and unique creations, and restaurateur chalets offering gourmet specialties, mulled wine, crepes, and other seasonal delights. The creator chalets are open daily from 12 PM to 7 PM, while the restaurateur chalets welcome visitors from 12 PM to 9 PM, with late openings until 10 PM on certain Fridays and Saturdays in December.

The Christmas Ice Rink

A star attraction of the event, the outdoor ice rink is set up every year on the Place du Breuil for the delight of young and old alike. Open from late November to early January, it offers various time slots: during school terms from 12 PM to 8 PM on weekdays and from 10 AM to 8 PM on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, then daily from 10 AM to 8 PM during holidays. Late openings until 10 PM are organized on several Fridays and Saturdays in December. Prices are affordable: €6 in the morning (10 AM-1 PM) and €7 in the afternoon and evening (1 PM-8 PM or 10 PM). Helmets and knee pads are lent free of charge for children, and gloves are mandatory (available for €4 on site).

The Ferris Wheel and Attractions

Since recent editions, a Ferris wheel has complemented the attractions of the Christmas village, offering visitors a unique viewpoint over the illuminated city, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the statue of the Virgin Mary. This installation enhances the magical character of the event and allows visitors to discover the exceptional heritage of Le Puy-en-Velay from a new perspective.

Activities for the Whole Family

Noël en Velay also features a rich program of free activities offered by the City. The event's launch is marked by an inaugural parade from Place du Plot, with a batucada, giant mascots, and soap bubble shows. Throughout the period, street performances, concerts, creative workshops, and free carriage rides (departing from Place du Plot) animate the city center. Santa Claus makes appearances on several days in the streets, distributing candy and smiles to children. The city's cultural institutions—the Ateliers des Arts, the Municipal Library, and the Musée Crozatier—also participate in the program with special workshops and events.

An Event Rooted in the Territory

Noël en Velay is fully integrated into the commercial and tourist dynamics of Le Puy-en-Velay. The event contributes to the attractiveness of the city center during the winter season and highlights the know-how of local artisans and the regional products of Haute-Loire. Beyond the Christmas market, the shops in the city center join in the celebration with decorated windows and special events, making the entire city a Christmas setting at the foot of its UNESCO World Heritage monuments.