Ornans Christmas Market
Edition 2026 Gastronomy Heritage History

Ornans Christmas Market

The magic of Christmas on the banks of the Loue

Ornans — Doubs (25) Since 2008
Dates 27 Nov — 29 Nov 2026
Location Ornans (25)
Prices Free
Status Confirmed

About Ornans Christmas Market

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.

The Ornans Christmas Market: a fairy tale in the heart of the Loue valley

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.

An authentic and friendly market

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.

Activities for all ages

  • Free outdoor ice rink, open all weekend
  • Spectacular fireworks display on Saturday evening over the Loue
  • Santa Claus's canoe descent on the river, accompanied by Mrs. Claus and her elves
  • Carriage rides through the illuminated streets
  • Street performances, Christmas tales, and costumed parades
  • Choir concerts and musical groups
  • Creative workshops for children: making Christmas decorations and cards
  • Treasure hunt for children through the town center

An exceptional setting

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.

Gastronomy and conviviality

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.

Ornans Christmas Market — edition 2026

The 19th edition of the Ornans Christmas Market will be held from Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, 2026 in the pedestrian historic center of the "Little Comtoise Venice", on the banks of the Loue. Nearly 150 exhibitors from across the region, artisans and local producers, animate the illuminated streets. Free access ice rink, Santa Claus' canoe descent, fireworks, and numerous activities are on the program for this magical edition.

Ornans Christmas Market 2026 — 19th edition

From Friday, November 27 to Sunday, November 29, 2026, the town of Ornans, birthplace of the painter Gustave Courbet, transforms into a Christmas village for a weekend. Nearly 150 exhibitors from across the region set up in the pedestrian and illuminated streets of the historic center, on the banks of the Loue, to offer crafts, original creations, local products, and seasonal delicacies.

Activities and Highlights

  • Strolls by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus in the streets
  • Street shows, theater, and puppets
  • Concerts at Saint-Laurent Church
  • Free access ice rink (free skate rental)
  • Creative workshops and exhibitions at the Elf Workshop
  • Santa Claus' canoe descent on the Loue, on Saturday evening
  • Grand fireworks display on Saturday, November 28 at 7:30 PM (subject to weather conditions)

Hours

  • Friday, November 27: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday, November 28: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday, November 29: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

The complete detailed program will be published on the Ornans City website closer to the event.

Highlights Ornans Christmas Market 2026

  • Nearly 150 exhibitors in the pedestrian historic center on the banks of the Loue
  • Santa Claus' canoe descent on the Loue
  • Grand fireworks display on Saturday, November 28 at 7:30 PM
  • Free access ice rink all weekend
  • Concerts at Saint-Laurent Church and creative workshops for children

Prices Ornans Christmas Market 2026

Free and open access. Ice rink with free access and free skate rental.

Practical information — Ornans Christmas Market

Practical Information

Dates and times

The Ornans Christmas Market is held every year at the end of November, generally from Friday to Sunday:

  • Friday: 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
  • Saturday: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
  • Sunday: 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Access

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.

Prices

Access to the market and the ice rink is completely free.

Contact

Ornans Town Hall
Website: www.ornans.fr

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Where does it take place — Ornans Christmas Market

Centre-ville historique d'Ornans

Centre-ville, 25290 Ornans

Contact Ornans Christmas Market

Tel
03 81 62 40 30

Ornans Christmas Market in brief

Gastronomy Heritage History Medieval Folklore Young Audience Family Outdoor Doubs

History of Ornans Christmas Market