Christmas in Saint-Raphaël: A Month of Lights, Magic, and Family Celebrations

In Saint-Raphaël, the Christmas season begins on December 6th, launching a full calendar of events for both children and adults. With spectacular lights, itinerant shows, markets, and traditional celebrations, every corner of the city becomes a magical holiday village, enchanting residents and visitors alike until the start of the new year.

Highlights of the Festivities

The first major event takes place on Saturday, December 6th from 5:30 p.m., when over sixty performers—including circus artists, dancers, musicians, and fantasy characters—will symbolically light up the city.
The route includes three iconic locations: quai Albert-1er, illuminated with festive lights; the forecourt of Notre-Dame-de-la-Victoire Basilica, featuring a video projection show; and Jardin Bonaparte, hosting the first grand fireworks display.

On Tuesday, December 23rd at 6:00 p.m., Santa Claus will arrive at Beaurivage parking, followed by the Toy Parade with around fifty performers processing to Rada du Veillat, culminating in another fireworks show at 7:00 p.m.

For New Year’s Eve, Jardin Bonaparte will become an open-air party venue: from 6:30 p.m., a DJ set and live performances will entertain the public until the 7:30 p.m. fireworks, ringing in 2026 in style.

Markets, Gourmet Chalets, and Festive Lights

The seafront will host thirty chalets offering gifts and gourmet treats, open from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (extended to 8:00 p.m. during school holidays and 9:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; December 25th and January 1st from 2:30 p.m.).

On Esplanade Delayen, a large chalet will serve crêpes, churros, waffles, hot chocolate, and other specialties from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (until midnight during holidays). Live music will accompany the market on Fridays and Saturdays in the afternoon and evening, and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Place Coullet will also be a central hub, featuring five rides and several food chalets open with extended hours. Complementing the experience, a city-wide light installation project will illuminate Jardin Bonaparte (9:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.), the Vieux-Port, and the basilica (video projections from 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.).

Tradition and Holiday Spirit

Among the highlights is the large Christmas tree donated by Sankt Georgen, Saint-Raphaël’s twin city since 1972, displayed in front of the Tourist Office.
At the Centre Culturel, from December 11th, visitors can admire the Provençal nativity scene, featuring hundreds of figurines depicting traditional regional life.

Citywide Events for Everyone

The December program spans the entire city: Santa Claus regatta, live nativity scene, musical parades, Conservatory concerts, pétanque tournaments, and neighborhood events in Boulouris, Dramont, and Agay, including family shows, Christmas lotteries, and the traditional New Year’s Day swim.

The ARCOR association will offer musical performances every weekend in Place Coullet and roaming shows in the historic center on December 13th, 20th, and 23rd.

Free Parking

To facilitate participation, the covered Coullet, Bonaparte, and Lamartine parking lots will be free every Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., in addition to the two hours of free parking in blue zones.

Saint-Raphaël invites everyone to experience a sparkling December, filled with magical lights, engaging shows, and holiday traditions, ensuring a festive season to remember.