Sunrise over the city of Narbonne

Complete Guide to the Christmas Magic in Narbonne 2025

Complete Guide to the Christmas Magic in Narbonne 2025

The Christmas festivities return, transforming Narbonne into a veritable enchanted village from November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026. This unmissable event offers more than a month of magical entertainment, shows, markets and activities for young and old, making Narbonne a magical destination during the holiday season.

    Highlights not to be missed

    The Sound and Light Show – The Illuminated Trail

    The highlight of this year's event remains the sound and light show created by CS PROD, Architects of Imagination. This immersive creation can be experienced in three iconic locations in the city for a magical journey through the history of Christmas and Narbonne's heritage:

    • Anchor Passage : an intimate space adorned with enchanting decorations
    • Cathedral Cloister : A Sublime Medieval Setting
    • Archbishop's Garden : the mapping show on the facades of the Archbishop's Palace-Museum and the Cathedral

    The shows run continuously December 14th to 24th from 6pm to 8pm . This video mapping transforms historical monuments into a living canvas, telling the story of Santa Claus and his elves with breathtaking visual effects.

    The New Year's Concert

    True to its annual tradition, the Narbonne Wind Orchestra will present its New Year's Concert on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 4:00 PM at Narbonne Arena. This free concert, with mandatory reservation, will close the festivities in an elegant atmosphere, bringing together music lovers around the greatest classical and popular tunes.

    The Christmas Market – Heart of the Festivities

    Location and opening hours

    The Christmas Market is majestically set up on the Promenade des Barques and the Cours Mirabeau , with its 39 traditional wooden chalets ranging in size from 3 to 6 meters. This warm and welcoming atmosphere is the heart of the festive season.

    Hours of operation:​

    • Food and gift chalets : every day from 11am to 9pm
    • Food chalets : open daily from 11am to 11pm (alcohol sales end at 10pm)
    • Special opening hours : December 24th and 31st from 11am to 8pm; closed December 25th and January 1st

    After Work Activities

    Every Thursday from 6:30 pm , local music groups liven up the food market area, creating a festive and friendly atmosphere to end the week.

    Craftsmen and products

    The market offers a carefully curated selection of 26 chalets dedicated to gastronomy and gifts , as well as 13 food chalets . You will find:

    • Handmade Christmas decorations
    • Provençal figurines
    • Jewelry and creations by local artists
    • Local products from the Aude region
    • Narbonne-themed items
    • Mulled wine and hot chocolate
    • Regional culinary specialties

    Extend the magic: Your cozy haven for the enchanting Christmas season

    After strolling through the illuminated aisles of the Christmas market and enjoying the parades, imagine returning to the comfort and warmth of an exceptional setting. Our two charming houses, located in the heart of Narbonne, are the ideal retreat to fully experience the magic of the holidays.

    Entertainment and Activities

    The Synthetic Ice Rink

    Located on the Promenade des Barques , right next to the Christmas market, the 800 m² synthetic ice rink will delight skating enthusiasts. This facility allows you to skate in a festive winter atmosphere with light shows and music.

    For those wishing to enjoy a real ice rink, the Espace de Liberté du Grand Narbonne (located on Route de Perpignan – D6009) offers a permanent ice rink from November 3rd, 2025 to December 20th, 2025, with opening hours adapted to school terms.

    Price : €7.50 (€7 reduced price)

    The Funfair

    On the Cours Mirabeau , the funfair displays its attractions for all ages:

    • Ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the illuminated city
    • Children's rides
    • Thrill rides for older children
    • Games and plush toy stalls

    Opening hours : From 11am to 8pm during term time; until 10pm on weekends and school holidays.

    The Palace of Games

    Located in the Consuls' Hall of the Archbishop's Palace-Museum , the Palace of Games invites young and old to discover a playful and enchanting world. This space offers an immersive experience in the wonderful world of games and toys, with numerous board games, a space for toddlers, and wooden toys.

    Access : Archbishop's Palace-Museum, Town Hall Square
    Price : €2 supplement in addition to the entrance ticket

    Santa's House

    Located in Place du Forum , at the Fée Bistande toy library , Santa's house welcomes children in a magical setting. Families can meet the real Santa Claus and leave with a souvenir photo in this enchanting installation.

    Opening hours : Until December 24th, closed on Mondays

    Shows and Street Performances

    Throughout the Fééries festival, numerous talented companies offer free shows and street performances in the heart of the city:

    The announced shows (reference to previous editions)

    • The Ice Princess : a frosty stroll through the heart of the city
    • Beauty and the Feast : an enchanting and poetic stroll, in the Town Hall square
    • Transformers : Musical parade with superheroes, Place des 4 Fontaines
    • The Tale of the Hedgehog : a luminous hedgehog with a walking library
    • It Cartoon : a street musical comedy featuring Disney songs
    • Jolis Mômes : a swing concert with a 90s vibe

    Activities are mainly concentrated on Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and during school holidays .

    Heritage and Culture

    Christmas Lights

    Narbonne is adorned with its most beautiful lights to create a magical atmosphere:

    • The Archbishop's Palace-Museum transformed into a giant gift with its spectacular red bow
    • A giant Christmas tree in the Town Hall square
    • Anchor Passage decorated like a Christmas village
    • Illuminations in all the streets of the historic center

    The Exhibitions

    Exhibition "Fashion in Majesty"

    • Location : Archbishop's Palace-Museum, Saint-Martial Chapel and Art Trail
    • Dates : From September 19, 2025 to February 22, 2026
    • Theme : Prestigious clothing from the Renaissance to the 19th century with the Ducs et Dentelles fashion house
    • Opening hours November-February : Every day except Tuesday, from 10am to 12:45pm and from 2pm to 5pm
    • Price : Free entry to the Saint-Martial chapel; Monumental Pass (€12/€8) or Narbonne Museums Pass (€23) for the Art Trail

    "Gustave Fayet" Exhibition

    • Location : Archbishops' Palace-Museum
    • Dates : From October 24, 2025 to January 23, 2026
    • Theme : A modern vision of landscapes

    The Historical and Gourmet Tour

    A unique experience to discover Narbonne in a different way:

    Description : Discover the region's iconic products and explore its rich culinary heritage through the ages. Accompanied by a passionate guide (Olivia), stroll through the city center in search of gourmet treasures, enjoying historical anecdotes and tastings along the way.

    Dates : From December 1, 2025 to January 3, 2026

    • Every Friday in French at 10am
    • Every Saturday at 10am

    Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes
    Prices : €15 adults / €10 children (3-12 years)
    Departure : Tourist Office, 31 rue Jean Jaurès (formerly 25 rue du Pont des Marchands)
    Booking : Online ticketing

    Other Guided Tours

    Guided tours with storytelling are offered to rediscover the city from a different perspective:

    • Medieval Narbonne
    • Bourg district
    • Gothic monuments
    • Birthplace of Charles Trenet

    Ticket office and departure : Archbishop's Palace-Museum Shop

    Extension to the neighborhoods and Narbonne-Plage

    The Christmas festivities aren't limited to the city center. The Narbonne-Plage also offers its own Christmas market with a toy exchange and a charity chalet on Boulevard de la Méditerranée .

    Practical Information

    Parking

    Parking facilities in December:

    • 2 hours of free parking every Wednesday in metered parking spaces in the city center (information from previous editions to be confirmed)
    • Free every day between 12pm and 2pm
    • Free on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
    • Free park-and-ride facilities : Victor Hugo, Théâtre, Maraussan, Carnot

    Paid parking zones (excluding facilities):

    • Green zone : 2 hours max, €2/hour
    • Yellow zone : 5 hours max, €1.20/hour
    • Paid service available Monday to Friday from 9am to 12pm and from 2pm to 6pm

    Free Transport and Shuttles

    City cars – Free shuttles:

    City bus line 1 : Serves the city center every 10 minutes, Monday to Saturday from 7:40 am to 7:20 pm

    • Stops: Jean Jaurès / Cathedral / Town Hall / Victor Hugo / Pont de l'Avenir / Theatre / Narbo Via / Rossini / Les Halles / 4 Fontaines

    City bus 2 : Serves park-and-ride facilities every 15 minutes, Monday to Saturday from 5:30 am to 9:30 pm

    • Park and ride facilities: Maraussan and Carnot

    Free on Saturdays December 7, 14 and 21 : Citibus (public transport in Greater Narbonne) will be completely free on these three Saturdays.

    Contacts and Information

    Côte du Midi Tourist Office

    Narbonne Town Hall

    • Place de l'Hôtel de Ville CS 80823, 11785 Narbonne Cedex
    • For further information: Sales and Marketing Department

    Accessibility

    • Accessible parking spaces available opposite the main sites
    • Accessible city shuttles for people with reduced mobility
    • Free parking for holders of the Mobility Inclusion Card

    Special Events Nearby

    Solidarity Concert "Let's Help Aude"

    • Date : Monday, December 1, 2025 at 8 p.m.
    • Venue : Narbonne Arena
    • Artists : Francis Cabrel, Cali, Olivia Ruiz, Nadau, 3 Cafés Gourmands, and others
    • Cause : Support for victims of the summer 2025 fires
    • Proceeds : Donated in full to the Aude Solidarités association

    The Black Frame

    • Dates : December 12, 13 and 14, 2025
    • Venue : Narbonne Arena
    • Show : A prestigious new equestrian show with original staging.

    Practical Tips

    To fully enjoy the Enchantments :

    • Opt for public transport : The free Citadines shuttles will drop you off right in the heart of the action.
    • Plan your visit : Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays have the most activities.
    • Book your guided tours : The historical and gourmet tour is very popular
    • Arrive early for the sound and light show : The best seats in the Archbishop's Garden go fast
    • Enjoy extended weekend hours : The market and attractions stay open later

    Christmas Markets in the Surrounding Area

    If you wish to extend the experience, other Christmas markets are held in the Aude region:

    • Carcassonne – The Magic of Christmas : From December 3rd to January 3rd, Place Carnot
    • Gruissan : Sometime in December
    • Fabrezan : December 13, Place de la République
    • Cuxac-d'Aude : December 14th, Cuxac Market Hall

    Key points to remember

    • Dates : From July 15 to 19, 2025 at Château l'Hospitalet near Narbonne
    • Lineup : Texas, Ibrahim Maalouf, Earth Wind & Fire Experience, Michel Polnareff, Christophe Maé
    • Package : Gala dinner + concert + after-party from €295 per person
    • Dress code : A different dress theme each night (Bohemian-Chic, Electro-Glitter, Retro-Funk, Vintage , Folk-Rock)
    • Reservations : Limited places, advance booking strongly recommended
    • Accommodation : Special packages at our establishments La Villa Ambrosia (with indoor pool and jacuzzi) and La Maison Gustave (B&B with cathedral view)
    • Transportation : Shuttles are organized between our establishments and the festival.
    • A complete experience : Music, gastronomy, wines and the Mediterranean art of living, all brought together in an exceptional nature

    The Christmas festivities in Narbonne are much more than just a Christmas market. They are a true celebration of the magic of the holidays, transforming the entire city into a winter wonderland for over a month. Between Provençal traditions, illuminated historical heritage, immersive shows, and entertainment for all ages, Narbonne offers an authentic and magical Christmas experience in the enchanting setting of the Côte du Midi.

    Whether you are a food lover with the gourmet tour, passionate about heritage with the exhibitions and the sound and light show, or simply looking for a convivial moment with family, the Christmas Magic 2025 promises unforgettable memories in the warm atmosphere of the south of France.

    Key points to remember

    The Christmas Magic 2025 in Narbonne takes place from November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026 , offering more than a month of magical festivities in the city center, neighborhoods and Narbonne-Plage.

    The must-haves

    The Sound and Light Show remains the flagship event, transforming three heritage sites (Passage de l'Ancre, Cloître de la Cathédrale, Jardin de l'Archevêché) from December 14th to 24th into a living museum with immersive video mapping. Not to be missed under any circumstances.

    The Christmas Market stretches along the Promenade des Barques with 39 wooden chalets offering a friendly atmosphere, local produce, and culinary specialties. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (11:00 PM for restaurants), closed December 25th and January 1st.

    Activities for everyone

    The synthetic ice rink (Promenade des Barques), the funfair with Ferris wheel (Cours Mirabeau), the Palais du Jeux (Palais-Musée des Archevêques) and Santa's House (Place du Forum) guarantee fun family moments.

    shows and street performances regularly enliven the city center, particularly on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

    Cultural experiences

    The Historical and Gourmet Tour (Fridays and Saturdays at 10am, December 1st - January 3rd) combines heritage and gastronomy with a passionate guide. Prices: €15 adults / €10 children.

    The exhibitions at the Palais-Musée (Fashion in Majesty and Gustave Fayet) complement the experience with a visit to Narbonne's heritage.

    Convenient access

    Free transport : The Citadines 1 and 2 shuttle buses provide continuous service to the city centre and park and ride locations (Victor Hugo, Théâtre, Maraussan, Carnot).

    Free parking : Between 12pm and 2pm daily, all day Saturdays/Sundays/public holidays.

    Three Saturdays with 100% free bus travel: December 7, 14 and 21 for all Citibus services in Greater Narbonne.

    Special Event

    The New Year's Concert by the Narbonne Wind Orchestra on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 4 p.m. at Narbonne Arena will bring the festivities to a beautiful close.

    Golden Council

    plan your visit for a weekday (Wednesdays) or weekend. Arrive early in the evening for the sound and light show to secure the best seats. The official website cotedumidi.com remains your best source for up-to-date information on schedules and detailed events.

    Extend the magic: Your cozy haven for the enchanting Christmas season

    After strolling through the illuminated aisles of the Christmas market and enjoying the parades, imagine returning to the comfort and warmth of an exceptional setting. Our two charming houses, located in the heart of Narbonne, are the ideal retreat to fully experience the magic of the holidays.

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