Les Fééries de Noël

Les Fééries de Noël transforms Dijon's magnificent historic city center into an expansive winter wonderland each year, spreading festive magic across multiple iconic squares and streets for over five weeks. Unlike compact single-venue markets, this festival takes over Place de la Libération, Place de la République, Place Darcy, Rue de la Liberté, and Place François-Rude, creating a walkable Christmas trail through the heart of Burgundy's capital. At Place de la République, a soaring 40-meter Ferris wheel dominates the skyline while a 600 m² outdoor ice rink — complete with a scenic ice path encircling the Sadi Carnot statue — draws skaters of all ages. Friday and Saturday evenings bring themed skating nights, from fluorescent parties to New Year's celebrations. Place de la Libération hosts an 18-meter Christmas tree crafted from 361 smaller trees sourced from the Morvan Regional Natural Park, alongside a double-decker carousel and food chalets. The Christmas market itself lines Place Darcy through Rue de la Liberté, featuring nearly 40 chalets offering traditional treats, handmade crafts from local artisans supported by the Chamber of Trades, and a solidarity chalet spotlighting local associations. The festival's crown jewel is the nightly sound-and-light show projected onto the façades of the Ducal Palace (Hôtel de Ville) from December 19–29, with four performances each evening. On Christmas Eve, a beloved tradition dating to 1951 sees Father Christmas descend dramatically from the Tour Philippe le Bon tower to the delight of crowds below. The Cité Internationale de la Gastronomie et du Vin also hosts a creative Christmas village with additional markets and animations. Arrive on a weekday evening to enjoy the illuminations and sound-and-light show without weekend crowds.