Is this holiday suitable for children?

Yes, absolutely! This programme has been designed for families during the school holidays. With the ice rink, the Ferris wheel, the Christmas market, the food tastings and the lantern walk, there’s bound to be something for everyone – children and parents alike.

Do you need to book activities in advance?

Some activities, such as a tour of the Mulot et Petitjean factory or a lantern-lit walk, may be offered at specific times or with a limited number of places available. It is therefore advisable to check availability and book in advance where possible.

Where can families eat out in Dijon during the school holidays?

Dijon has plenty of family-friendly places to visit: Dijon Market: fresh produce, local specialities and a friendly atmosphere. Restaurants around Place de la Libération and the historic centre. Food trucks at events (Dijon Plage, festivals). Tea rooms and ice-cream parlours for a tasty treat. Most establishments offer children’s menus.

School holidays: Christmas in Dijon

During the Christmas holidays, the children and I decided to swap our screens for the illuminated streets of Dijon. We spent two days exploring the city, ice-skating, sampling gingerbread, admiring a huge Christmas tree and letting ourselves be swept up in the magic of the festive season. We came home with rosy cheeks, our hands full of treats and already keen to go back…

Day 1 Dijon: a blend of heritage and winter magic

The morning Discover the town and life in Burgundy

The children and I start with a stroll through the city centre. With its ancient alleyways, colourful façades and glazed-tile roofs, Dijon looks just like a fairy-tale setting!

We carry on to the Musée de la Vie Bourguignonne, housed in the former Bernardines convent. The children discover everyday life, traditions and the heritage of Burgundy through collections that are brought to life and full of surprises.

Lunchtime A cosy break in a café

After this taste of Burgundy, head to a cosy café or restaurant in the city centre for a comforting lunch. Steaming soup, a seasonal dish, a sumptuous dessert: in winter, lunchtime in Dijon is taken very seriously.

It’s also the time when the children tell me about their favourite discovery from the morning, whilst I discreetly plan the rest of the day’s programme. Because this afternoon, the Place de la République awaits us…

In the afternoon Ice rink, Ferris wheel and Christmas market

We head to Place de la République, which has been transformed into a proper festive village.

First stop: the ice rink. The children skate enthusiastically; we discover that the ice is more slippery than it looks, but the atmosphere is so cheerful that even the little falls become fond memories.
Next, we climb aboard the Ferris wheel. Seen from above, Dijon reveals its rooftops, streets and festive lights.
We finish up at the Christmas market, amongst the chalets, handmade crafts and seasonal scents. Hot chocolate, warming drinks, sweet treats and little delicacies: it’s hard to say no. And after a spot of ice skating, the children and I have officially earned our sweet treat.

The evening Place de la République lights up

As night falls, we linger a little longer in Place de la République. The Ferris wheel sparkles, the chalets are lit up and the Christmas market takes on an even more magical atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for a final stroll, a family photo and one last treat ‘for the road’.

Day 2 Gingerbread, a large Christmas tree and a lantern

The morning At Mulot and Petitjean, the kings of gingerbread

On the second day, the children and I set off to explore the Mulot et Petitjean factory, a Dijon institution specialising in gingerbread. Amidst the spicy aromas, recipes passed down through the generations and tastings, we discovered a typically Burgundian culinary tradition.

Warning: you go in for a tour, but you often come out with a packet of treats. The children quickly picked up on this rule (and applied it with great conviction).

Lunchtime A gourmet break featuring local specialities

For lunch, we treat ourselves to a gourmet break in the town centre, enjoying authentic local specialities. It’s the perfect time to sample Burgundian cuisine, warm up and discuss the morning’s discoveries.

And if the dessert is a bit too tempting, we’ll remind ourselves of a key rule of the Christmas holidays: festive calories have no use-by date.

In the afternoon Liberation Square and its large fir tree

We head to Place de la Libération, at the foot of the Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy. With its large Christmas tree and decorations, the square becomes one of the most photogenic spots in Dijon. The children and I take our time admiring the scene, strolling around the palace and soaking up the festive atmosphere.

We return in the late afternoon, just before nightfall: the transition from daylight to the festive lights is magnificent. The large Christmas tree lights up, the façades are adorned with lights and the square takes on a completely different atmosphere.

The evening A lantern-lit stroll through magical Dijon

To round off our stay in style, the children and I take part in a lantern walk. Accompanied by a guide, we explore Dijon by night, amongst illuminated alleyways, Christmas stories and traditions. The city becomes the setting for a fairy tale, and every street corner seems to hold a little surprise.

It’s the perfect way to say goodbye to Dijon: one last stroll, our eyes filled with lights, our minds full of memories (and already longing to return next year).

They talk about it

The illuminations are simply stunning! It feels as though you’re walking through a fairy-tale setting. The children couldn’t stop looking up to admire the lights.

Camille, Lille

FAQ

Is this holiday suitable for children?
Do you need to book activities in advance?
Where can families eat out in Dijon during the school holidays?
Dijon has plenty of family-friendly places to visit:
- Dijon Market: fresh produce, local specialities and a friendly atmosphere.
- Restaurants around Place de la Libération and the historic centre.
- Food trucks at events (Dijon Plage, festivals).
- Tea rooms and ice-cream parlours for a tasty treat.
Most establishments offer children’s menus.

Extend the experience...

Your school holidays in Dijon don’t end there! Discover other ways to explore the city and its surroundings: car-free walks, foodie getaways, off-the-beaten-track tours or family-friendly outings. Everything you need to plan your next adventure in Dijon.