Christmas in Sarlat Christmas in Sarlat

A different theme every year

Every year, Sarlat transforms into a spectacular winter wonderland from early December until the end of the month as the town hosts a Christmas market that’s bursting with festive cheer, dazzling decorations and activities for the whole family.

The best part? Every year, Sarlat picks a new country as the main theme, ensuring that no two Christmas seasons are ever the same. Many countries have already been picked, from the UK to Norway. This year Sarlat is about to put on a cracker of a show, Italian style!

Sarlat Sparkles in the Holiday Season

What really sets Sarlat apart during the holidays is its magical yuletide atmosphere. The town is beautifully decorated with sparkling lights, festive garlands, and enchanting displays, creating a holiday scene straight out of a storybook.

With no two years ever the same, Sarlat’s Christmas market is always full of delightful surprises. The blend of local culture, festive activities, and a charming medieval backdrop makes it one of the most enchanting holiday destinations in France.

The heart of the Christmas magic lies in Place de la Grande Rigaudie and Place du 14 Juillet, where over 70 wooden chalets offer everything from unique Christmas gifts to local handmade crafts.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the market buzzes with activity.

Feeling peckish after all that shopping? Don’t worry—there’s a whole section of chalets dedicated to food in the Place Gourmande. Open late (until 11 p.m. on weekends and school holidays), these food stalls serve up a variety of delicious treats. From hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts to local specialties, you can fuel up before hitting the market again. It’s the perfect excuse to linger a little longer under the festive lights.

Meet Father Christmas

...and go through your wishlist in French

No Christmas market is complete without a visit from Father Christmas himself! Sarlat has set up a cosy little village on Place du 14 Juillet where you can find Santa’s toy workshop. You can even pop in for a chat, hand over your Christmas list, and snap a photo with him.

Santa will be in town every weekend and Wednesday right up until 4 p.m. on December 24th. After that, he has to jet off for his annual tour around the world (no surprise there), but before he goes, there’s plenty of time for a festive selfie or two.

And if you’re lucky, you might even catch Santa strolling through the Christmas market itself, spreading cheer and checking his list twice as he mingles with the crowds.

Sarlat's Ice Rink

Glide Through the Season

One of the highlights of Sarlat’s Christmas season is the ice rink, set up for both kids and adults alike to enjoy. Whether you’re an expert on skates or someone who clings to the edges for dear life (we’ve all been there), the rink is a must-visit. Outside school holidays, the rink opens from Monday to Friday in the afternoons (5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) and all day on weekends. During the school break, it’s open every day from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m., so you’ve got plenty of time to practice your spins—or your penguin waddle.

Hop On the Christmas Train

If wandering through Sarlat’s beautiful medieval streets isn’t enough, you can hop aboard the little Christmas train that runs throughout the market.

This cheerful ride offers guided tours in both French and English, taking you through the heart of the town and sharing all the fascinating stories and secrets that make Sarlat so unique.

It’s a great way to sit back, relax, and take in the festive lights and scenery.

Parking and Practical Info

Now, here’s a little Christmas gift you didn’t know you needed: free parking!
During the Christmas season, all public car parks and boulevards in Sarlat are free, with the exception of Rue de la République. So, you can focus on enjoying your holiday without worrying about parking meters or time limits.

The market itself is easy to navigate, with plenty of signs pointing you to the different stalls, Santa’s village, and the ice rink. And if you’re wondering when to visit, don’t stress—there’s something happening every day.