Saint-Étienne Christmas Market

The Saint-Étienne Christmas Market: Magic in the Heart of the Stéphanois City

Since 1995, the Saint-Étienne Christmas Market has enchanted the city center of the Loire capital every winter. As one of the most important Christmas markets in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region after Lyon's, it transforms the city's central squares into a warm and sparkling Christmas village, attracting tens of thousands of visitors for over a month.

A Christmas Village in the Heart of the City

The market is set up on three emblematic city center squares: Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville, Place Jean-Jaurès, and Place Dorian. About sixty decorated and illuminated wooden chalets host local artisans, creators, and producers, offering a wide range of products: jewelry, decorative items, toys, handmade clothing and accessories, Forez, Alsatian, Italian, and Quebec specialties, as well as the essential mulled wine, pretzels, roasted chestnuts, waffles, and Christmas sweets.

Magical Attractions for the Whole Family

Beyond the chalets, the Saint-Étienne Christmas Market offers a range of attractions that delight young and old alike:

• 30-meter panoramic Ferris wheel overlooking Place Jean-Jaurès, offering a spectacular view of the illuminated city
• Outdoor ice rink and ice trail on Place Jean-Jaurès
• Belle Époque Carousel for children
• 18-meter giant Christmas tree (natural) on Place Jean-Jaurès
• Santa Claus's House on Place Dorian
• Santa Claus's Sleigh for souvenir photos
• Tourist mini-train and sledding
• "Tabobine" vintage photo booth

"Féeries de Noël": Shows and Entertainment

Every weekend during Advent, the "Féeries de Noël" animate the streets of Saint-Étienne's city center. Companies of dancers, musicians, and circus artists offer free parades and street performances between 2 PM and 5 PM on Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville and Place Jean-Jaurès. On Friday evenings, "Afterwork" concerts warm up the atmosphere. Creative workshops for children and meet-and-greets with Santa Claus complete the festive program. All entertainment is free to access.

A Generous Gourmet Area

The market's gourmet area invites you for a friendly break with seasonal specialties: mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, waffles, pretzels, raclette, and traditional Forez dishes. Themed chalets – Italian, Forez, Alsatian – offer a tour of France's winter flavors. A giant standing bar allows for tasting in a convivial atmosphere.