Event Dates
From: Monday, December 2, 2024
To: Monday, January 6, 2025
Enjoy a delightful seasonal experience at the annual Marseille Christmas Market this December
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
Where to stay close to all the gay bars.
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The Hotel C2 is our preferred hotel in the city
with stunning architecture & large rooms
For further information and advice on
The Christmas Market visit The Website.
Vieux-Port (Old Port): The heart of Marseille, featuring historic architecture, lively markets, and waterfront dining.
Le Cours Julien / La Plaine: Recognized as the informal gay district of Marseille, vibrant and lively with a plethora of bars, clubs, and cultural events catering to the LGBTQ+ community.
Le Panier: A charming, historic neighborhood known for its narrow, winding streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant arts scene.
1 Place Daviel, 13002 Marseille, France
48 Rue Roux de Brignoles, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône 13006, France
4 Rue Beauvau, Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône 13001, France
13 Place Des Marseillaises, 13001 Marseille, France
3 Rue Sénac de Meilhan, 13001 Marseille, France
The one and only gay club in Marseille offering a big dance floor and good DJs, This gay club opend in 1991 and is still going strong
28 Rue Mazagran, 13001 Marseille, France
The oldest French gay leather hard BDSM club created in 1967
On the ground floor is the bar, Upstairs the changing rooms with individual locked lockers, in the basement you have access to the sling, a Saint Andrew's cross, private cabins, a cage and various accessories.
94 Cr Julien, 13006 Marseille, France
Real nice gay bar a great place to have a drink, on Cours Julien. Shaded terrace, nice cocktail menu. The staff are very welcoming.
7 Rue Saint-Bazile, 13001 Marseille, France
L'Annex Bar made in Marseille is a gay bar that is hetero-friendly.
A cute gay bar with outside seating cosy atmosphere and friendly staff.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.
24 Cr Honoré d'Estienne d'Orves, 13001 Marseille, France
Becoming over the years an institution of artistic life in Marseille, the Polikarpov gay bar is a meeting place for the electro-rock-punk-jazz-hip hop scenes and a crossroads of cultural influences
3 Rue Jean-Pierre-Moustier, 13001 Marseille, France
A nice gay caffe bar, relaxed with friendly service
28 Rue du Berceau, 13005 Marseille, France
Well Known gay cruise & fetish club offering various themed nights during week, with DJ's on weekends. Closed on Tuesdays.
Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Marseille that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Take a walking tour of the Christmas Markets.