Les Fééries de Noël - Place de la Libération

At the heart of Dijon's sweeping Place de la Libération, Les Fééries de Noël transforms the city's most iconic baroque square into a breathtaking Christmas destination each year from late November through early January. Framed by the magnificent façades of the Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne, this market offers a setting that few European Christmas celebrations can rival. The centerpiece of Place de la Libération is a towering 18-meter Christmas tree, constructed from 361 smaller trees sourced from the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan — a nod to Dijon's environmental commitment. A double-decker carousel delights families, while two food chalets serve seasonal treats to keep visitors warm. The square's most spectacular event is the nightly sound-and-light show projected onto the Ducal Palace façades, running from December 19 to 29 with four performances each evening at 18:00, 18:30, 19:00, and 19:30. On Christmas Eve, a single special performance at 18:15 leads into the beloved tradition — dating back to 1951 — of Father Christmas descending from the top of the Tour Philippe le Bon tower to distribute papillotes to children gathered below. The broader Fééries de Noël festival extends across the city: a 40-meter Ferris wheel and 600 m² outdoor ice rink at Place de la République, a traditional Christmas market with nearly 40 stalls along Place Darcy and Rue de la Liberté, and a carousel at Place François-Rude. Local artisans supported by the Chambre des Métiers, the CréArts collective, and a solidarity chalet round out the shopping experience. Arrive early on December 24 to secure a prime spot for the Father Christmas descent — it draws enormous crowds and is the emotional highlight of the entire festival.