Christmas markets in the Basque Country, the essentials

The end of the year heralds the arrival of a magical, almost magical atmosphere : Christmas. Illuminated fir trees, fairy lights and colourful baubles, decorations take over towns and villages to the delight of young and old alike. In December and sometimes at the end of November, the first chalets are set up at the Christmas markets in the Basque Country to treat you to mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while waiting for Santa Claus, called Olentzero in Basque. Ready to experience the magic of Christmas at the markets in the Basque Country?

The Basque Country Christmas markets not to be missed

What a wonderful time of year the end of the year is when towns and villages are adorned with a thousand lights, making children's eyes sparkle. Want to experience a unique moment? Head to the southwest of France to discover incredible Christmas markets in the Basque Country between December and January.

The Bayonne Christmas Market

The enchanting stroll begins on the banks of the Adour in Bayonne Place du Réduit, between thousands of meters of fairy lights. From December 1st, artisans open their chalets and offer multiple gift ideas between fur-lined clothing, scented candles, creative jewelry or board games to slip under the tree. Further on, the gourmet village attracts the taste buds with its delicious smells of roasted chestnuts, mulled wines, chocolates, pancakes or waffles, snacks to nibble on to the sound of Christmas carols. The Bayonne Christmas market is also an opportunity to participate in a lantern release and a fireworks competition , to climb a merry-go- round in the shape of a fir tree or a carousel, or to admire the panoramic view of the illuminated city aboard the Big Wheel on Place de la Liberté.

The Biarritz Christmas Market

We approach the coast to reach Biarritz , where the Christmas market takes over the heart of the city from the end of November with its chalets on the casino esplanade. Decorated with fairy lights, surrounded by rides and illuminated fir trees in a magical atmosphere, they invite you in an instant to experience the magic of Christmas. Craftsmen, traders and manufacturers dressed in a red and white hat are delighted to present their creations and their products between jewelry, clothing, games or delicacies such as cold meats, cheese or nougat. Order a mulled wine or a chocolate, listen to the laughter of the children having fun on the rides and settle down to take a photo in a snowy setting before admiring Biarritz in lights, a real musical and visual spectacle in the open air. The most beautiful sites of the city become magnificent projection canvases, offering unique scenes of light to dazzled spectators.

The Christmas market of Saint-Jean-de-Luz

The year 2024 is a turning point for this city in the Basque Country, which is organizing a Christmas market for the first time on Place Foch in Saint-Jean-de-Luz , starting at the end of November. Come and warm yourself up with a good mulled wine or hot chocolate before wandering the aisles in search of the perfect gift. The chalets made up of artisans, designers and local traders are happy to offer you regional items and products including charcuterie, cheese (not forgetting honey or nougat), the Basque beret, knives or Basque walking sticks. Admire the magnificent illuminated fir trees and colorful garlands while letting yourself be lulled by the Christmas carols typically in the theme.

Christmas markets in the Basque Country, events leading up to Christmas Eve

As you will have understood, Christmas is not only celebrated on December 24th in the southwest of France. From November, the magic of this magical festival already takes over the Basque towns and villages between Christmas markets and various activities on the theme of Christmas Day.

• Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Abracadabouille at the end of November, a unique gourmet Christmas tale, around a sound and light show in the magical tree and on Place Louis 14.
• Bardos: Christmas market on the 1st Sunday in December
• Itxassou : Christmas market on the 1st Sunday of December
• Anglet : a Franco-German Christmas market on Place des Cinq Cantons with gift ideas, local products and delicacies
• Saint-Jean-de-Luz: Santa's tour in the Fargeot district where the little elves collect all the letters full of gift ideas
• Bidart : “ At the crossroads ” route in mid-December for a poetic and luminous experience in the heart of the city
• Hendaye : Christmas market at the beginning of December on rue des Halles

Creative workshops, Christmas entertainment, singing concerts, live nativity scenes or an improvised ice rink for children, Christmas is an enchanting time to experience every year. Visit the Christmas markets of the Basque Country to stock up on emotions before Santa Claus arrives in your chimney!

Eguberri we are in the Basque Country!

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