Christmas: not-to-be-missed events in Tours

Attention (big) kids and tinsel aficionados: the magic of Christmas is alive and well in Tours & Touraine! Christmas markets, glittering fir trees in castles, old-fashioned merry-go-rounds, encounters with Santa Claus... find out more about the places and dates you won't want to miss at the end of the year!

Christmas markets in the city center
Christmas markets
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without its traditional markets, wooden chalets and numerous craftsmen and women! Like every year, they offer gift ideas and seasonal culinary specialities in a warm and friendly Christmas atmosphere.
In the city center
The ideal place to find inspiration and gifts to put under the tree!
Where? Boulevard Heurteloup and Place de la Résistance, Tours.
When? From November 21 to December 28. Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., November 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., December 24 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and December 25 from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The gourmet village
The gourmet village
Pancakes, mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, tartiflettes, aligots... gourmets will be delighted!
Where? Place Anatole France, rue Nationale, Place Jean Jaurès and the station forecourt in Tours.
When? From November 21 to January 3. Open daily from noon to 10 p.m., late nights on Fridays and Saturdays until 11 p.m. Special openings on Thursday, December 25 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and January 1 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
For further information, click here.
Solidarity chalets
Combine festivities and sharing by collecting toys for Restos du Cœur and buying gifts for local associations.
Where? Boulevard Heurteloup and Place de la Résistance.
When? From November 22 to December 31 (December 24 for the Restos du Cœur chalet).
Local Christmas markets in Tours and the surrounding area
Chalets are also being set up in the city of Tours' neighborhoods and in other towns in the metropolitan area. Find the full program here.
Festivities in Tours
Festivities in Tours
There's so much to do with the whole family this Christmas!
Rides and attractions
A 40m-high Ferris wheel, a 1,000m² roller-skating track with a DJ set, old-fashioned carousels with wooden horses or giant fir trees - until 4 January, enjoy the fairground attractions in the city centre. Where? Place Anatole France, Place de la Résistance, Place Jean-Jaurès, Parvis de la Gare and Boulevard Heurteloup. When? From 21 November to 4 January. Schedules, locations and information available here.
Meet Santa Claus
Santa's stroll through the markets is sure to please the little ones. Where will you be? Boulevard Heurteloup and Place de la Résistance. When? Saturdays December 6, 13, and 20, Sundays December 7, 14, and 21, Monday December 22, Tuesday December 23, and Wednesday December 24.
Free make-up and caricature
If you want to shine, why not opt for a make-up session at the end of the year? Where? Place de la Résistance. When? From November 21 to December 27, every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
On the unusual side, have your portrait drawn by a caricaturist! When and where? On Fridays December 12 and 19 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Boulevard Heurteloup and on Sunday December 21, Monday December 22, and Tuesday December 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Place de la Résistance.
Photobooth
Immortalise your end-of-year memories! Where? Place de la Résistance. When? Sundays, November 30 and December 14, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Boulevard Heurteloup, and Fridays, November 28, December 5, and December 26, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Place de la Résistance.
Admire the Christmas Lights from the Rooftop of the Library
For the holiday season, the auditorium of the Central Library in Tours is opening its rooftop terrace to visitors in the evening. This is a unique opportunity to admire the Christmas lights at Portes de Loire, the city’s sparkling views, and the majestic Loire River under the stars. Fans of panoramic views can even take a ride on the Ferris wheel right next door!
Where? Central Library - 2 bis avenue André Malraux, Tours
When? Wednesdays, December 3th, 10th, and 17th, from 4:30 PM.
How to get to the city centre easily by public transport?
Reduced fares are available on Fil Bleu transport services during the festive season. Bus and tram tickets are €1.90 for an unlimited day on weekends in December (except 27 and 28) and on the last weekend in November (+ €0.10 for media). The park-and-ride facilities allow you to park and travel by bus or tram all day for €4.10 (valid for 1 to 4 people per vehicle, with a supplement of €0.10 per additional person) and are free for season ticket holders.
Among the new features, the 71 line will run exceptionally on Sundays in December (excluding the 29th) from 13:00 to 19:00, with service every 20 minutes.
For a more bucolic trip, the horse-drawn carriage will be running from 20th to 31st December (excluding public holidays), leaving from the Musée des Beaux-Arts for 45-minute trips at 11am (except Sundays), 3pm, 4pm and 5pm. Tickets, sold by the horsewoman or via the Fil Bleu app, cost €1.80 or are free for valid monthly season ticket holders.
Finally, for New Year's Eve, the tramway will run every 30 minutes between midnight and 06:00, and the N1 and N2 night buses will offer exceptional departures at 01:00, 02:00, 03:00 and 04:00 in the morning.
A little further afield... experience Christmas in the châteaux of the Loire Valley!
A little further afield... experience Christmas in the châteaux of the Loire Valley!
From 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the festive spirit will be taking over seven of the most famous châteaux in the Loire Valley with the ‘Christmas in the land of the châteaux’ event. In each location, magical decorations, staging and unique events based on legends, tales and sweets are sure to delight young and old alike. Read the dedicated blog article to find out all about the programme, the turnkey breaks and enjoy the event at special prices thanks to the pass!