Take advantage of the end-of-year vacations to discover Bordeaux in a different light. Unusual experiences, a moment in the vineyard or a tasting workshop, all you have to do is choose.
What to do during the Christmas vacations in Bordeaux
The Christmas holidays are approaching and you want to get into the holiday mood for a weekend, a stroll or a shopping getaway in Bordeaux? If so, let us surprise you with a host of acts to do with the family, friends or loved ones: themed tours, illuminations, shows, as well as good addresses to fill up on gourmet delights.
Animations, rides, decorations and light displays
This year, Bordeaux once again dons its finest finery to celebrate the magic of Christmas from November 28, 2025. The traditional Christmas Market takes up residence in the heart of the city, on Place des Quinconces, until December 28, while the illuminations will keep Bordeaux's streets sparkling until January 4.
Don't miss the must-see moment of the festivities: the illumination of the famous glass rabbit on Place Pey-Berland. Designed by artist Arnaud Lapierre, this monumental work of glass and steel will enhance the cathedral's surroundings. Standing 11 meters tall, this exceptional tree has established itself as the real star of the festive season in Bordeaux.
Christmas surprises: entertainment for all ages
- Video projection shows: the Opera House of Bordeaux will be illuminated with a never-before-seen mapping, from December 6 to January 4 and from 5:30 pm to midnight, on Place de la Comédie.
- The magic of merry-go-rounds : find Monsieur Caramel's famous carousel on the allées de Tourny, overlooking the Grand Théâtre. Then, at the Christmas Market, a merry-go-round in the shape of a fir tree invites families to settle into Christmas baubles. Finally, for thrill-seekers, the grande roue offers a lovely panorama over the whole illuminated city from the Place des Quinconces, from November 28 to January 4.
- A skating rink : from November 22 to January 4, head to the Allées de Tourny to glide along the Bordeaux skating rink (11am > 10pm).
- Events throughout Bordeaux : numerous festive events complete the program, ensuring a warm atmosphere in all Bordeaux neighborhoods.
- Christmas Market entertainment: from opening to closing, the Bordeaux Christmas Market features entertainment, including shows, music, strolls and, of course, the presence of Santa Claus.
Tours to do during the Christmas vacations in Bordeaux
Without a doubt one of Bordeaux's most spectacular monuments, the Opera House is one of the few to retain an auditorium built entirely of wood. In the company of a tour guide, come and discover its façade, its vestibule, its grand staircase and its auditorium visible from a glassed-in dressing room.
And if you're coming with your children, then embark on a 3.5-billion-year immersive journey with the Virtual Reality Expedition: Life Chronicles. Or maybe you'd rather travel back to Ancient Egypt?
And what better way to admire Bordeaux's beautiful facades from the river? Climb aboard the Sicambre for a dinner cruise or sail into the Port de la lune aboard the Yacht de Bordeaux for a commented aperitif cruise "Vin et Canelé".
How about a tour of Bordeaux's Christmas markets?
Topping the list, Bordeaux's Christmas market returns to the Place des Quinconces from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, December 28, 2025. Every day from 11am to 9pm, more than 100 chalets with handcrafted creations and gourmet treats await you. If you're coming with the family, be sure to stop by Santa's chalet or the area dedicated to charities.
While we no longer need to introduce the unmissable X-mas market in Darwin (from December 5 to 7, then from December 12 to 14, 2025), a number of initiatives on either side of the Garonne are well worth a visit. Come and find works of art, original prints and pretty cards at POLA's christmas market on December 13 and 14 (from 3 pm to 8 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 7 pm on Sunday). To find handcrafted gifts that stand out from the crowd, head to l'i'boat - Blonde Venus, which is celebrating the 13ᵉ edition of its famous Epic Market (Saturday, December 7 from 10 h to 19 h).
Envy more creations? Here are our favorite arty Christmas markets.
Christmas shows in Bordeaux
- The Grand Cirque Arlette Gruss: find this year a new show "Parenthèse" from December 19 to January 25 with world stars who will dazzle us at Place des Quinconces.
- Bordeaux Opera House: the must-see symphony concert will take us on a journey on December 11, 12 and 14 at the auditorium. And as Christmas is also the perfect season to plunge into the magic of the theater, l'Opéra will bring us back to life the famous play Romeo and Juliet until December 31.
- Concerts and shows at the Arkéa Aréna : Indochine will open the ball from December 3 to 6, while ballet fans can admire Carmina Burana on December 11. Finally, let yourself be transported to the heart of ancient China with Shen Yun from December 27 to 31.
Christmas specialties and treats in Bordeaux
The chocolatiers of Bordeaux are bursting with talent and creativity! France's first visitable organic chocolate factory, Origines has taken up residence in Darwin and immerses you in a fairytale Christmas atmosphere. Between visits or shopping sprees, push open the doors of historic Bordeaux houses like Cadiot Badie, Saunion and Darricau. Creativity and savoir-faire are the watchwords of younger houses: the two workshops of Thierry Lalère (rue Fondaudège and rue Bouffard) or Hasnaâ, with its boutique on rue de la Vieille Tour. The latest addition to the family of Bordeaux chocolate makers is Alain Ducasse, who delights chocolate lovers with his beautiful boutique recently opened on rue des Remparts. And for a comforting break between shopping and Christmas strolls, here's our selection of the best places to drink an excellent coffee.
