Christmas Market and festive activities in the heart of Pontarlier
The Pontarlier Christmas Market is the unmissable festive event of the end of the year in the Haut-Doubs. For nearly two weeks in December, the town center of Pontarlier is adorned with its most beautiful illuminations and hosts Christmas chalets on Place d'Arçon, Rue Sainte-Anne, and Place Cretin. Artisans, local producers, and food lovers gather there to share the magic of Christmas. An ice rink, curling, a carousel, shows for children, concerts, and free creative workshops complete this warm and family-friendly Christmas village.
Every December, the capital of Haut-Doubs dons its festive attire to host its Christmas Market. For nearly two weeks, the center of Pontarlier transforms into a warm and bright Christmas village, bringing together locals and visitors around end-of-year traditions.
The Christmas Market is organized around three central areas: Place d'Arçon, Rue Sainte-Anne, and Place Cretin. On Place d'Arçon, 11 chalets are dedicated to light catering and food products, surrounding a carousel and an ice rink managed by the Municipal Sports Office. From Rue Sainte-Anne to Place Cretin, 18 Christmas village chalets offer gift ideas, artisanal creations, and gourmet products, complemented by local shops.
The stage set up on Place Cretin hosts musical entertainment and shows for children throughout the event: choirs during the inauguration, concerts, magic shows, puppet shows, and surprises punctuate every weekend and Wednesday. Free activities are offered throughout the market: pastry workshops, winter gifts, balloon sculpting, face painting for children, and many other creative activities for the whole family.
The ice rink and curling, located on Place d'Arçon, offer moments of relaxation and laughter for young and old. The gourmet chalets offer mulled wine, hot chocolate, Comtois specialties, and seasonal sweets, creating a friendly and comforting atmosphere. Entry to the Christmas Market is free, in line with the City of Pontarlier's commitment to offering an accessible event for everyone.
The Pontarlier Christmas Market has become an unmissable event on the festive calendar of the Haut-Doubs, attracting families, tourists, and visitors from neighboring Switzerland. The illuminations, renewed each year, the warm atmosphere of the chalets, and the diversity of activities make it a special time for sharing and conviviality during the holiday season.
Pontarlier Christmas Market 2026. Artisanal and gourmet chalets, ice rink, curling, shows, concerts, and free activities in the town center of Pontarlier for two weeks in December.
The Pontarlier Christmas Market returns in December 2026 for two weeks of magic and festivities in the heart of the city. Artisanal and gourmet chalets will be set up on Place d'Arçon, Rue Sainte-Anne, and Place Cretin, accompanied by the ice rink, curling, and carousel.
Shows, concerts, and free activities for the whole family will punctuate every weekend and Wednesday. The detailed program will be announced in the fall of 2026.
By car: Pontarlier is accessible via the RN57 from Besançon (approx. 1h) or from Switzerland (border 5 km away). Free parking in the town center.
By train: Pontarlier station, served by TER from Besançon.
Place d'Arçon, Rue Sainte-Anne, and Place Cretin, Pontarlier town center.
Monday to Thursday: 11 am-7 pm. Friday to Sunday: 11 am-8 pm (possibility of extension until 10 pm).
Free entry. Ice rink and curling are paid (prices to be checked on site).
No photo yet. Share yours!
5 photos max, 5 MB per photo (JPG, PNG, WebP)
No rating yet — be the first!
No review yet. Be the first!
Share your experience with the community
Book your train or bus to reach Christmas Market at the best price.
Sponsored link
Centre-ville de Pontarlier
Place d'Arçon, 25300 Pontarlier