During 1 month, share unforgettable moments with family or friends in the 4 corners of the city: giant bubbles and luminous fountains in Gambetta, medieval camps in the City, a visual immersion in the Christmas universe under the Halles Prosper Montagné, virtual reality, the return of the ice rink place Carnot but also the park of Santa Claus and its inevitable big wheel on the square Chénier…
Created in 2005 by the Mayor of Carcassonne, Gérard Larrat, the Magic of Christmas has continuously reinvented itself and grown, becoming over the years a must-see event in the South of France, even attracting thousands of Spaniards annually, surpassing the borders of France. This Magic of Christmas has welcomed generations of Carcassonne children since its inception.
With a mix of classic attractions and new experiences, the City of Carcassonne has planned a magical programme to delight both young and old. This enchanted interlude, eagerly awaited by all the people of Carcassonne, also draws hundreds of thousands of tourists each year who will stroll through the streets of the town centre and the Cité, enjoying the entertainment and festive illuminations.
“I created the Magic of Christmas as a family celebration, with children at the heart of the programme. I designed it as an enchanted break for a month, so that children, their parents, their grandparents, and even their great-grandparents could gather around this event and share moments of joy, wonder, and magic together. In a world where current events are becoming increasingly anxiety-inducing, it has become important, if not vital, to offer the people of Carcassonne moments of celebration and reunion. The Magic of Christmas plays this role and even goes beyond that, as I wanted it to cater to all audiences by offering free activities for young people so that all Carcassonne residents, without exception, could take part.” Gérard Larrat, Mayor of Carcassonne
The Cité of Carcassonne kicks off the festivities with the Saint Nicholas Festival, where, during the weekend of 7th and 8th December, medieval troops take over the ramparts and streets of the Cité.
The highlight of this weekend is the traditional Torchlight Parade in aid of the Téléthon: the public is invited to join this procession, which is accompanied by music performed by medievalists in costume.
In a fantastic and illuminated atmosphere, wander through a magical forest populated by increasingly fantastical creatures.
A free, open-air exhibition that transforms Square Gambetta into an enchanted, luminous, and magical garden, sure to captivate both young and old alike! This year, the Christmas Artisan Market makes its debut on Square Gambetta, where passionate craftsmen display their handmade treasures, creating a true paradise for lovers of authenticity and originality.
Numerous musical performances will also liven up the market throughout the month! Finally, children will be able to enjoy the traditional flying chairs carousel; not to mention the grand sound and light show, “The Incredible Story of Carcassonne”, projected onto the façades of the Fine Arts Museum.
Lace up your skates, ready? Go! The iconic ice rink returns to its spot on Place Carnot! Glide around the Neptune Fountain on real ice, before strolling towards the Christmas Market stalls, where you’ll find a wide variety of gift ideas and delicious treats.
Many other highlights await you: musical performances, an advent calendar with chances to win gifts, and of course, the many magical parades that will wander through the streets of the town centre.
Are you a thrill-seeker? Take the wheel of a kart and race around the track at Place Eggenfelden to feel the rush of speed and overtake your opponents. For the little ones, head to the track under the Prosper Montagné Halls: behind the wheel of an electric mini-car, which they can choose to drive themselves, your children will zoom around a dedicated track just for them.
Back again, the rooftop and its cable cars offer an intimate setting where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with friends or family at the mountain chalet: a relaxing space with a stunning panoramic view of the medieval Cité! On the ground, don’t miss the must-see curling rink, the Virtual Reality zone, and the Christmas Laser Game, all making a return to Place Général de Gaulle.
The traditional Christmas rides are back to entertain you on Square André Chénier, with nearly fifteen attractions offering a mix of thrills, dreams, and magic… There’s something for everyone! And because big adventures work up an appetite, chalets will provide a tasty break between rides.
