Marseille Christmas Market 2024

Marseille Christmas Market

Enjoy a delightful seasonal experience at the annual Marseille Christmas Market this December.

• Stay close to the Christmas Markets at the Maisons du Monde Hôtel & Suites, a Travel Proud certified property in the Port. We love the hotel’s location, right in the heart of the busy old town. Rooms are stylish, yet cosy and feature designer touches and high-end amenities, and breakfast was delicious with lots of local produce.

Marseille’s Christmas Market

• Next Edition: Monday, December 2nd to Monday, January 6th 2024.
• Marseille’s Christmas Market occurs at Quai de la Fraternité at Marseille’s Old Port.
• The market features 40+ wooden chalets offering Christmas market food, gifts, and souvenirs.
• Purchase some unique gifts, including delicious traditional fresh products from around Provence.
• On weekends, enjoy live entertainment, shows, magicians and music, plus a visit from Santa.
• Enjoy some of the best views of the Port in the Sofitel Marseille Vieux-Port. We love its chic rooms, breathtaking views of the Port of Marsella and tasty breakfasts. Their spa is sublime, the perfect place to relax after a day of Christmas shopping.

Artisan Market

• Next Edition: Weekends in early December, from 10 am to 7 pm.
• Discover unique gifts made by skilled craftsmen and artists in the gay-friendly district of Cours Julien.
• Browse the Marché des Créateurs, a weekend market typically held on the first two weekends in December.
• Products include delicacies, cosmetics, candles, perfumery, sculpture, engraving, jewellery and painting.

Traditional Christmas Gifts

• Christmas in Marseille, much like in the rest of Provence, is steeped in tradition and local customs. The following products are especially popular in the Markets.
• Les Savons de Marseille (Marseille Soaps) – Traditional soaps made from vegetable oils, famous for their purity and cleansing properties.
• Crèche Provençale (Provençal Nativity Scene) – Hand-painted terracotta nativity figures representing not only the Holy Family but also various traditional village characters such as the baker, the fishwife, and the shepherd.

Gay Marseille

• The heart of gay life in Marseille is in the 6th arrondissement, the Cours Julien district.
• A bohemian quarter filled with trendy bars, quaint cafés, and a mosaic of street art.
• Nearby, the La Plaine area is known for its eclectic market and party atmosphere.
• Le Panier, just a stone’s throw from the Vieux Port, is Marseille’s oldest quarter.
• Its narrow, winding streets are home to artisan shops, galleries, and cafes that welcome all visitors.

Christmas Lights

• Marseille lights up with festive Christmas decorations starting on December 1st. 
• Different parts of the city are illuminated, including the Port, city centre, and La Canebière.
• Visitors can also enjoy the “Foire aux Santons” for nativity scene decorations.

Nuit de Lumière

• December 21st – Enjoy “Nuit de Lumière”, a pyrotechnic show adding to December’s festive atmosphere.
• The Karnavires Company produces the event at Quai du Port by the city hall.
• Nuit de Lumière includes a 40-minute show with illuminated characters and performances, followed by guest DJs.
• The show resembles a grand cabaret under the open sky.

Recommended Hotels in Marseille

Here are the Hotels we recommend that keep you close to all the action,

Hotel C2    InterContinental    Grand Hotel Beauvau    Alex Hotel & Spa