The magic of Christmas on the banks of the Loue
The Ornans Christmas Market is an unmissable festive event in the Doubs region, organized every year at the end of November in the historic center of the small Franche-Comté town nicknamed the "Little Venice of Franche-Comté". Since 2008, nearly 150 exhibitors – artisans, creators, and local producers – have taken over the illuminated pedestrian streets to offer their Christmas creations and specialties. The market offers a rich program: a free outdoor ice rink, fireworks, street performances, Santa Claus's canoe descent on the Loue river, choir concerts, carriage rides, and creative workshops for children.
Every year since 2008, the town of Ornans, the birthplace of the painter Gustave Courbet, transforms into an enchanted Christmas village for a long weekend at the end of November. The Ornans Christmas Market has become one of the most popular events in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, attracting thousands of visitors to the picturesque streets of the historic center, along the Loue river.
Nearly 150 exhibitors – craftspeople, creators, local producers, and associations – set up in the pedestrianized and illuminated streets of the town center. You'll find handmade decorations, jewelry, wooden objects, candles, textiles, local delicacies (honey, gingerbread, chocolates, sweets), and many other original gift ideas.
The magic is enhanced by Ornans' unique setting: the half-timbered houses reflected in the waters of the Loue, the illuminated facades, and the decorated bridges create a magical atmosphere. The market extends throughout the pedestrianized town center, from the quays of the Loue to the historic squares, offering an enchanted stroll in a postcard-perfect setting.
Visitors can enjoy local specialties on-site: mulled wine, Franche-Comté cheeses, Morteau sausages, tartiflette, crêpes, and other treats. The warm and friendly atmosphere makes this Christmas market a time for sharing and reunion, appreciated by families.
The 19th edition of the Ornans Christmas Market is scheduled for the end of November 2026 in the pedestrianized historic center of the Franche-Comté town. An ice rink, fireworks, artisans, shows, and Christmas entertainment will be on offer for this new magical edition on the banks of the Loue.
The Ornans Christmas Market returns at the end of November 2026 for its 19th edition. The historic center of the "Little Venice of Franche-Comté" will once again host artisans, creators, and producers in its illuminated streets along the Loue.
The full program will be announced in the fall of 2026. An ice rink, fireworks, Santa Claus's canoe descent, and family entertainment are expected.
The Ornans Christmas Market is held every year at the end of November, generally from Friday to Sunday:
Ornans is located 25 km southeast of Besançon, accessible via the D67. Free parking is available at the entrance of the town with free shuttles to the pedestrian center.
Access to the market and the ice rink is completely free.
Ornans Town Hall
Website: www.ornans.fr
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Centre-ville historique d'Ornans
Centre-ville, 25290 Ornans