Christmas in Saint-Tropez 2026-2027: Christmas Markets, Harbour Lights and Provençal Traditions

In December, Saint-Tropez takes on a different look, revealing one of its most enchanting sides. The colourful façades of the old town sparkle with Christmas lights, the harbour is dressed in festive decorations and traditional wooden boats become part of a magical Mediterranean setting.

For Christmas 2026 and New Year 2027, this famous French Riviera destination has prepared a varied programme of events for residents and visitors of all ages. From 5 December to 3 January, Christmas markets, illuminated installations, performances, family activities and cultural events will bring the town centre to life, offering a different way to discover Saint-Tropez beyond its famous summer glamour.

Christmas lights illuminate the harbour of Saint-Tropez

The festive celebrations officially begin on Saturday 5 December, when the Christmas lights will be switched on at 6 pm on Quai Suffren, overlooking the Vieux Port. The ceremony will be accompanied by the Fifres et Tambours de Saint-Tropez, traditional local musicians playing fifes and drums, adding an authentic Provençal touch to the celebrations.

The spotlight will also fall on the pointus, the traditional wooden fishing boats that are an integral part of Mediterranean maritime heritage. Thanks to the Société Tropézienne des Voiliers de Traditions, these historic vessels will be decorated with illuminated installations, transforming the harbour into one of the most picturesque spots of the festive season.

The theme chosen for the 2026 Christmas illuminations is the crown, a decorative motif that will feature along the town’s façades, squares and promenades. The lights will remain on display until 10 January 2027.

Christmas markets in Saint-Tropez: local crafts and French specialities

The heart of the celebrations will be the traditional Christmas market, with wooden chalets lining the harbour from Quai Hippolyte-Bouchard to Quai Jean-Jaurès.

Organised by the local traders’ association Esprit Village, the market will feature local products, handmade creations and culinary specialities from different regions of France. Chocolate, biscuits, traditional sweets, gourmet treats and hot drinks will accompany visitors as they stroll between the stalls, with illuminated boats and festive reflections on the water providing a beautiful backdrop.

It is an ideal opportunity to discover local craftsmanship, find original Christmas gifts and enjoy the flavours of the region.

Disco Roller, Christmas train and family activities

One of the most original attractions of Christmas 2026 will be the Disco Roller, replacing the traditional ice-skating rink with a roller-skating experience.

A special skating area will be set up in Place du XVe Corps, featuring music, colourful lights and DJ evenings. Special events are scheduled for 18 and 19 December, 26 December and 2 January. Admission will be free, with roller-skate rental available on site.

From 19 December, several popular attractions will also return, including the little Christmas train departing from Quai Suffren, horse-drawn carriage rides and La Belle Roue, a traditional wooden carousel operated by hand.

These activities will turn the town centre into a festive meeting place for families and younger visitors.

The Enchanted Forest and the Provençal Nativity scene

From 12 December to 3 January, visitors will be able to explore the Forêt enchantée, an immersive Christmas trail designed to delight both children and adults.

Trees, animals, decorative scenery and illuminated installations will create a fairytale atmosphere along this enchanting route.

Another highlight will be the Crèche Provençale, displayed at Lavoir Vasserot during the same period. Created by volunteers from the Passions Traditions association, this miniature village features hundreds of santons, the traditional Provençal clay figurines depicting local characters, traditional occupations and scenes of everyday life.

More than a Nativity scene, it is a celebration of Provençal heritage and a charming representation of the region’s cultural identity.

La Pastorale du Rampèu: a celebration of Provençal culture

The Christmas programme will also include an event dedicated to local language and cultural heritage.

On Sunday 20 December at 3 pm, Salle Jean-Despas will host La Pastorale du Rampèu – La Meravihouso Vihado, a three-act theatrical performance featuring spoken and sung passages in the Provençal language.

Written in 1942 by Saint-Tropez poet Charles Martin and first performed in 1956, the play tells the story of the Nativity through characters and scenes inspired by traditional Provençal popular culture.

Admission will be free, offering visitors an opportunity to discover one of the most distinctive expressions of the region’s intangible cultural heritage.

Santa Claus arrives by sea on Christmas Eve

One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the festive season will take place on Christmas Eve.

On Thursday 24 December at 6.30 pm, Santa Claus will make a spectacular entrance into Saint-Tropez by sea, arriving aboard a tartane, a traditional Mediterranean sailing vessel. He will dock at Quai Suffren to meet the children.

This unusual arrival celebrates the town’s historic connection with the sea and its maritime traditions.

The evening will continue with the Provençal Christmas Eve vigil, followed by Midnight Mass at 11.30 pm in the parish church.

Brocante de Noël: antiques and vintage treasures

From 26 to 31 December, Place de l’Ormeau will host the Brocante de Noël, a special market dedicated to antiques and collectibles.

Antique dealers and collectors will present furniture, ceramics, posters, rare books, jewellery and vintage objects. It will be a great opportunity for visitors to discover unique pieces, browse unusual gifts and enjoy the atmosphere of the historic town centre.

New Year’s Eve in Saint-Tropez: Anchoïade and fireworks over the sea

31 December will feature two special events celebrating the town’s Mediterranean spirit and convivial traditions.

From midday, Quai Suffren will host the traditional Anchoïade, a convivial gathering centred around one of the region’s best-known culinary specialities. Made with anchovies, garlic and olive oil, this Provençal preparation reflects the flavours and traditions of Mediterranean cuisine.

In the evening, attention will turn once again to the waterfront. At 7.30 pm, a spectacular fireworks display will begin from Môle Jean-Réveille.

The fireworks will illuminate the harbour and the Mediterranean sky, providing a memorable setting in which to say goodbye to 2026 and welcome the New Year.

Christmas lights until 10 January: practical information for visitors

Although the official programme of Christmas events will end on 3 January, the festive illuminations will remain in place for a further week.

The light displays on the harbour façades will be visible every evening from 5.30 pm to 9 pm, while the other Christmas decorations will remain illuminated until midnight. Exceptions will apply on the nights of 24 and 31 December as part of the municipality’s energy-saving measures.

The decorations will remain on display until 10 January 2027, giving visitors another opportunity to discover Saint-Tropez in its winter setting.

A Mediterranean Christmas between local traditions and international glamour

Christmas in Saint-Tropez is much more than a programme of seasonal entertainment. It is an opportunity to rediscover the character of a town whose identity remains deeply connected to the sea, even during the winter months.

Alongside the Christmas lights, markets and performances, it is the Provençal traditions that give the celebrations their distinctive character: historic boats, santons, traditional music, theatre in the local language and the flavours of Mediterranean cuisine.

For a few weeks, this famous French Riviera destination puts its summer glamour aside and embraces a more intimate atmosphere, centred on community, culture and conviviality.

It is an invitation to visit Saint-Tropez in winter and discover a different kind of Christmas, where festive lights reflect on the Mediterranean and local traditions take centre stage.