Plan your visits for Christmas 2026
The first announcements for the 2026–2027 season are available. Find dates, opening hours and source links on the following pages:
- La Garde-Freinet: 2 December 2026 to 24 January 2027; detailed opening hours on the page
- Comps: 21 November 2026 to 17 January 2027
- Banon: opening ceremony on 13 December 2026, visits until 31 January 2027 according to the schedule, evening openings on 22 and 29 December
- Grignan: 5 December 2026 to 7 March 2027
- Sorgues: Marius Lancelin's nativity scene, 23 November 2026 to 6 January 2027
- Saint-Saturnin-lès-Avignon: opening ceremony announced for 29 November 2026; programme to be reconfirmed
- Mane: 26 December to 2 January, then Sundays in January, 14:00–17:00
- Carpentras: nativity scene at the tourist information office, 23 November 2026 to 5 February 2027
- Castellet-en-Luberon: outdoor nativity trail in the village streets, 15 December 2026 to 15 January 2027; church opening to be confirmed
- Avignon: Christmas market on Place de l’Horloge, 28 November 2026 to 2 January 2027
Announcements reviewed on 30 October 2026. The reports and photographs in this section are kept as archives. Dates given for previous editions are not the Christmas 2026 programme.
Christmas in Provence has a magic all its own. Preparations begin in early December, on Saint Barbara's Day, when wheat grains or lentils are put to sprout in saucers and glasses. They symbolise renewal, the hope of spring and nature's rebirth. Christmas trees are decorated and nativity scenes set up with santons, the traditional figurines that became a Provençal Christmas custom in the 19th century.
From December onwards, nativity scenes adorn homes and churches throughout Provence. In towns and villages, the familiar characters of Provençal folklore gather around the Holy Family. The Provençal nativity scene remains a living tradition. Imaginative, beautiful settings are brought to life through the patient, careful work of dedicated volunteers.
Visit the Christmas nativity scenes of Provence
The Christmas nativity scene in La Garde-Freinet The Provençal nativity scene in this small village in the Massif des Maures, in the Var, is a remarkable expression of local culture.
Christmas nativity scene in Banon Banon's nativity scene is one of the most beautiful and most popular in Provence.
The large animated nativity scene in Sorgues Discover our 2019 report on Alain Marie's nativity scene, alongside practical information for Christmas 2026.
Christmas nativity scene in Les Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer Arlette Bertello's monumental Provençal nativity scene is one of the finest in Provence.
Monumental Provençal nativity scene in Tarascon Some 500 santons fill the Chapelle de la Persévérance in Tarascon's old town.
Christmas nativity scene in the Célestins church in Avignon In a splendid, newly restored historic setting.
Michel Bonnaud's animated nativity scene A magical display in Saint-Géniès-de-Comolas, in the Rhône Valley area of the Gard.
Christmas nativity scene at the Palais du Roure For Christmas 2019, the Palais du Roure displayed the santons of the Confrérie des Gardians.
Christmas nativity scene in Monteux A monumental display in the Chapelle des Pénitents Noirs.
Provençal nativity scene in Comps (Gard) A 100 m² display created by Romain Rodriguez, a young nativity scene designer and santon maker from Comps.
Santon makers of Provence
Santon makers shape their figurines from clay. Some are true artists, able to give their characters a spark of life.
Santons Gassies Baudoin Gassies is a santon maker in Aiguines, a village above Lake Sainte-Croix and the Verdon.
Véronique Dornier Based in Brantes (Vaucluse), Véronique Dornier specialises in blue santons.
Jean-Marie Fontanille A santon maker in Pujaut, near Avignon, Jean-Marie Fontanille models large clay figurines.
Isoline Fontanille Based in Pujaut, near Avignon, Isoline Fontanille creates delicate santons sought after by collectors.
Liliane Guiomar Liliane Guiomar creates true masterpieces. An exhibition in Arles celebrated this outstanding santon maker.
Magali Montagard Magali Montagard makes traditional santons at La Crémade, near Pernes-les-Fontaines.
Christmas markets and santon fairs and exhibitions
Christmas is also a time for gifts. Shoppers and visitors flock to the Christmas markets held throughout December, as well as the santon fairs and exhibitions. These popular events offer an enjoyable outing as winter settles over Provence.
Christmas markets in Provence In Pernes-les-Fontaines, Mouriès and Aix-en-Provence.
Santon fairs and exhibitions In Carpentras, Châteaurenard, Sisteron and Caderousse.