Accueil Discover The Loire Châteaux Christmas at the châteaux: step into the Christmas spirit!
Decorating the Christmas tree, opening the advent calendar with the children, looking for that perfect present… The magic of Christmas comes round every year to the great delight of both young and old! In December in the Loire Valley, the events and activities planned at the châteaux will guarantee you magical moments. Prolong the experience with a tour of the Christmas markets and make amazing memories for all the family!
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS AT THE HEART OF THE LOIRE CHÂTEAUX
Why not experience the magic of Christmas at a Loire Château? Every year in December, the largest châteaux in the region are brought to life and decked in lights to celebrate the festive season. Grandiose decorations and exhibitions, illuminations and sweet treats… There’s plenty to bring sparkles to your eyes!
Olivier Marchant – Domaine National de Chambord
N Wietrich – Ville de Blois
JC Coutand – ADTTouraine
CHRISTMAS IN THE LAND OF CHÂTEAUX IN TOURAINE
Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Langeais, Loches, Villandry… In December, seven of the biggest Loire Châteaux celebrate the magic of Christmas together through an amazing series of visits. Each château has its own theme that will delight young and old! Treats and festive meals at Azay-le-Rideau, miniature decorations at Amboise, a floral symphony at Chenonceau, myths and legends about Father Christmas at the Royal Fortress of Chinon, lights at Langeais, fairytales at the Royal City of Loches, winter decoration in the château and gardens of Villandry… Everything has been carefully planned to bring sparkles to your eyes and those of your children!
Léonard de Serres – Domaine National de Chambord
Christmas at Chambord
Throughout December, the Christmas lights at the Château of Chambord transform it into a true fairytale castle! You will be irresistibly enthralled by the many floral decorations, wreaths and lights of all shapes and sizes. It is a unique sight that will fascinate both young and old. Many events and activities are also held during this magical season.
Christmas at Chaumont-sur-Loire
At the Château of Chaumont-sur-Loire, the festive decorations feature stunning flower arrangements that bring the magic into the historic and private apartments. The Honour Staircase sets the tone of this poetic and joyful atmosphere with its breathtaking allure! Children’s creative workshops and readings of tales are also organised at the weekends and during the school holidays. Magical!
Leighton Gough
N. Wietrich
Christmas at Blois
A royal Christmas for a royal Château! During the festive season, the Château of Blois guarantees an exceptional experience, with fairytale installations and stunning decorations. A special programme for the whole of December offers events, creative workshops and unique visits. Just opposite the Château, the Maison de la Magie also celebrates Christmas with dazzling shows.
Christmas at Cheverny
At Christmas, all the rooms in the Château of Cheverny are carefully decorated and the gardens are lit up by giant decorations. The highlights of the visit include the forest of sweets in the Trophies Room, the magical carriage and the lights on the façade of the building that deck it in festive colours at nightfall!
Chateau de Cheverny
J.c. Coutand – ADT Touraine
CHRISTMAS AT CHÂTEAU GAILLARD
For Christmas, Château Gaillard, the Orangers Palace, puts its best foot forward. A towering fir tree adorns the grand entrance, and in the dining room, a superbly decorated table awaits guests… Story readings, a great Christmas hunt, creative workshops, illuminations and delicacies from The Citrus Counter… welcome young and old to enjoy the magic of Christmas!
CHRISTMAS AT CHÂTEAU DU CLOS LUCÉ
In December, the spirit of Christmas comes to the Château du Clos Lucé. Leonardo da Vinci’s beautifully decorated home shares its warm, elegant atmosphere with visitors. Christmas scenes and dramatized tours, horse-drawn carriage rides in the Leonardo da Vinci park, creative workshops, and more…. Come experience the magic of Christmas at the Château du Clos Lucé.
L. de Serres – Château du Clos Lucé – Parc Leonardo da Vinci
What more is there to say? Celebrating Christmas at the Loire Châteaux is the perfect opportunity to soak up the magic of the yuletide season and enjoy an unforgettable experience!
When the Loire Valley celebrates Christmas
The Christmas season is also the perfect time to discover châteaux that you may not have explored before: you might well be surprised by Meung-sur-Loire, La Ferté St-Aubin, La Bussière and Sully-sur-Loire! Their unique charm and enchanting atmosphere will guarantee you a visit filled with unforgettable moments!
The Beauval Zoo Park is also a must-see during the festive season. At nightfall, follow the illuminated alleys to meet the animals in the park and let yourself be guided by the glowing silhouettes of animals throughout the visit. Treats and numerous events are also on the programme!
The best Christmas markets in the Loire Valley
What better place to plunge into the festive spirit than a Christmas market? The smell of gingerbread and mulled wine, beautiful lights, happy faces… Christmas is here! Some people come to simply enjoy the atmosphere, while others are looking for authentic gifts or come to taste the local specialities. The most famous markets in the Loire Valley are held in Blois, Tours and Orléans. Follow the guide!
Tours Christmas market
Every year, Tours is decked out in its finest for the Christmas market! That said, there’s not just one Christmas market awaiting you in the city centre, but three! Stroll between the chalets and soak up the festive atmosphere. Several features will bring sparkles to the eyes of both children and parents, from the charming carrousel on Boulevard Heurteloup to the famous Magic Tree ride on Place de la Résistance. If you’ve got a head for heights, climb aboard the magnificent Ferris wheel for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Loire!
Blois Christmas market
In Blois, the month of December is packed with Christmas festivities as part of the famous Des Lyres d’hiver festival. Every year, unique and unusual events bring sparkles to the eyes of young and old and offer a whole host of things to do, including the Christmas train, the large ice rink in the city centre, the toboggan slope and visits to Father Christmas… It is the perfect place to enjoy time with the family in the run-up to Christmas!
Orléans Christmas market
Discover Orléans as you’ve never seen it before! Throughout December, the city is lit up with thousands of lights that will immerse you in a twinkling yuletide atmosphere. The Christmas market is spread over several locations within the city, including Place du Martroi where a giant Ferris wheel awaits you! Stroll between the craft chalets with their inspiring gift ideas; foodies will no doubt stop at the chalets of local producers, while children will love the fun rides and Father Christmas’s village! A convivial atmosphere is guaranteed!
Come and celebrate Christmas in the markets, châteaux and other landmark locations in the Loire Valley!
Armandine Rue
Hugues Villemain
