Discover all the Christmas activities and events in Caen la mer. Dive into the magic of the holidays with Christmas markets, ice rinks, shows, illuminations and meetings with Santa Claus !
A magical Christmas in Caen
The city of William the Conqueror is adorned with its most beautiful lights to amaze young and old as the holidays approach!
In addition to the traditional illuminations, the City of Caen and its partners have prepared a sack full of entertainment for you! Between shows, Christmas market, ice rink and Santa’s chalet, the most magical month of the year will also be the liveliest!
An enchanted fireworks display
No need to wait until December to enjoy a magical Christmas atmosphere! Join us at the foot of the castle on Saturday, November 28, at 9 pm to admire the fireworks display launched from the ramparts!
The Amazing Advent Calendar
Every evening at 6:30 pm from December 1st to 23rd (at 6:00 pm on the 24th), a surprise awaits you in one of the windows of the Caen City Hall – be it a performance, a song, an acrobatic act, or more! Don’t miss out, as each “window” in this calendar opens only once!
The “Christmas Spark” magic lantern
From December 4th to 31st, every 15 minutes, the Saint-Sauveur church hosts an immersive, poetic shadow-puppet tale. Follow Nono and his little sister Santa on an adventure in the heart of the Far North, as they search for the Christmas spark!
Christmas Parades
Les Rives de l’Orne is celebrating Christmas with two parades by the company Remue-Ménage: Be Hop on November 29 and Canopée on December 13. Join at 3:30 pm or 5:00 pm to experience these vibrant, colorful shows!
The magic of the Christmas markets in Caen la mer
Whether you are looking for gift ideas or just for pleasure, take the time to stroll through the Caen Christmas market! From November 28 to December 29, 2026, around fifty chalets will take you from Place de la République to Boulevard Maréchal Leclerc. You’re sure to find some gift ideas there – and, in any case, the shops in the town center will be open to welcome you, even on Sundays, from November 22nd through December 27th!
To kick off the festivities, let yourself be guided through the downtown streets on November 28th at 5:30 pm by a cheerful troupe of luminous elves. Set to the enchanting, live-performed rhythms of the handpan, this procession promises a delightful, fairy-tale interlude.
Pssst… Santa Claus is getting ready to arrive in Caen! On December 5th at 5:00 pm, he’ll pull in aboard the “Polar Express,” accompanied by his elf and the Christmas market mascots – all to the sounds of the brass band, Caen Calva Caennexion. You can then catch him on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting at 4:00 PM, right up until December 23rd—just before he sets off on his big journey!
The greediest ones will surely fall for a waffle or a pancake. We have already cracked !
You will not be without meeting Santa Claus who will welcome you in his house. Finally, if the cold stings your fingers, you can warm them up with a good mulled wine or a chocolate !
Finally, in Carpiquet or in Castine-en-plaine, many communes are also organizing a Christmas market to enchant your end of year. You will find them all below, prepare your sack, gift ideas will fly !
Fairy-tale animations
Shows, tours, family entertainment and fireworks make up a wonderful December calendar.
In the illuminated city
On December 9 and 16, the Tourist Office invites you to share an astonishing visit of the wonders of Caen dressed in its Christmas lights.
To the rhythm of stories and anecdotes, town houses, squares, churches and abbeys will reveal all their beauty and charm !
Vaka, a winter evening gathering
From December 4 to 31, Place Saint-Sauveur takes on a Nordic atmosphere with Vaka – a winter terrace inspired by Viking gatherings. With cozy blankets, fir trees, festive lights, and a host of activities, it’s the perfect place to come together for a warm, convivial experience in the heart of the Christmas magic!
Ferris wheel – A big comeback!
The Ferris wheel is making a grand return to Caen! Head up high from Place Courtonne between November 28 and January 3 to see Caen and its surroundings from a new perspective, including a lovely view over the Saint-Pierre basin.
Ice rinks
And to celebrate the end of the year in style, find our selection of partner restaurants on the New Year’s Eve page in Caen la mer.
