Christmas Magic

Whilst some cities are very popular for their Christmas markets, Dijon also cherishes its traditions and adorns itself with its finest lights to welcome the festive season.

There’s a real festive atmosphere in the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy throughout December. A real sense of magic takes hold of the city, and it’s a joy to stroll through Dijon’s illuminated streets. I can assure you that they have the power to rekindle your inner child!

Switch-on of the Christmas lights

So you don’t miss a thing of the show

Join uson Saturday 29 November, from 6.00 pm, for the grand launch of the Christmas lights on Place de la Libération. Come and be enchanted by the magic of the lights that will adorn our beautiful town for the festive season.

On the programme: enchanting entertainment from 4 pm:

🕔 4.00 pm to 7.00 pm: A poetic procession of illuminated stilt-walkers from the Clair de Lune theatre company. Let yourself be enchanted by these graceful, sparkling figures.
🕔 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm: A heart-warming concert by the Music’Hall choir, which will warm your hearts with its festive songs.
🕔 5 pm to 8 pm: Capture this magical evening at the Photo Station, opposite the majestic Porte Guillaume (weather permitting).

The 10 must-see attractions in Dijon at Christmas

1 • The huge Christmas tree

You’ll findan 18-metre-high Christmas tree onPlace de la Libération. No fewer than 361 fir trees (sourced from a sustainable farming scheme run by the Morvan Regional Nature Park) have been arranged to form a single tree… It’sabsolutely incredible!

2 • The Carousel

The happiest of all will, of course, be our children when they return, as they do every year, to this magnificent carousel in Place de la Libération. There’s nothing better than a spin on the carousel to get into the Christmas spirit!

3 • The Ferris Wheel

Everyone (or almost everyone) loves a spin on the Ferris wheel at Place de la République! It’sa great chance to see the city from above and admire the lights as night falls. I promise, you won’t get stuck up there 😉

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Christmas Fair – Ferris Wheel, Place de la République, Dijon – Fred Perez – The Blow Up Pics

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Christian Dubarry’s Christmas Enchantments, City of Dijon

4 • The Ice Rink

Young and old alike can have a go atice skatingand show off their skills (or lack thereof) in figure skating or speed skating (do take care, though) on Place de la République.Themed eveningsare also being organised!

5 • The sound and light show

You’re bound to enjoy this show projected onto the façades of the Palais des Ducs as night falls!From 16 to 23 December, there will befour performances, each lasting around 10 minutes, every evening at various times: 6.00 pm, 6.30 pm, 7 pm and 7.30 pm. On24 December: one performance at around 6.15 pm

6 • The ‘Little Train’ carousel

Anotherlovely attraction for your little ones: this little train never fails to make your children’s eyes light up!

5 • The sound and light show

7 • The Christmas Market

For the past few years, it has been an unmissable partof the festive season in Dijon.The Christmas market stallswill be dotted around Place Darcy, Place de la Libération, Rue de la Liberté and Place de la République. The stallholders will be offering a range of high-quality products: local produce, items from local organisations, craftsmen and designers…

8 • Santa’s descent

It is certainlyone of the oldest Christmas traditions in Dijon.Since 1951, Father Christmas has been descending onto the Place de la Libération from the top of the Philippe Le Bon Toweron 24 December at 6.30 pm. It’s a spectacle that fills children with wonder and intrigues the grown-ups too!

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Christmas Magic: Father Christmas Descends the Philippe Le Bon Tower, SDIS C Carre

9 • Strolling through the town

The Porte Guillaume, Notre-Dame Church, Rue Verrerie, Place du Bareuzai and Square des Ducs are also well worth a look during your stroll! Don’t miss them!

10 • Specialities: mulled wine & gingerbread

Whether you’re in the shops, in a café or right at the Christmas market, don’t miss the chance to sample some winter specialities, treat yourself to a bit of comfort and warm yourself up.
We also offer a tasting session at the top of the Philippe Le Bon Towerfor an incredible experience 46 metres above the ground!