Christmas entertainment in Pays d'Aubagne

Christmas markets & crafts

Aubagne‘s famous Santon and Ceramics Market traditionally brings the town centre to life throughout the Advent season. Here you can discover the region’s signature santon and ceramic craftsmanship, and find a handmade gift or authentic piece to complete your nativity scene.

In Peypin, the Christmas market on 29 and 30 November transforms the town into a festive little village, where you can wander from stall to stall selling decorations, local produce and winter treats, while enjoying the entertainment and a horse-drawn carriage ride. Roquevaire, meanwhile, will be lighting up the streets around its town hall on 5 December to welcome craftspeople, winter flavours and activities designed for the little ones, including donkey rides and a funfair. From 5 to 7 December, it’s the turn of La Penne sur Huveaune to launch the festivities with its Christmas market and a host of activities. In Auriol, December 13 and 14 are devoted toone of the biggest markets in the area, with more than a hundred craftspeople, a re-enactment of old trades, food stalls, nativity scenes, Santons and the traditional Christmas table, making this a not-to-be-missed event for lovers of authenticity.

Concerts and shows

The Christmas season is also punctuated by enchanting shows. In Aubagne, on 13 and 14 December, the Orchestre d’Harmonie d’Aubagne offers a festive familyconcert combining film music and Christmas classics. A few days later, on 19 December, the Voix Animées will be offering a warm musical moment with a repertoire combining old tunes, traditional pieces and popular sounds.

Provençal shows also feature prominently: on 30 November in Aubagne, ” Le Murmure du Pastre ” invites the public to discover the traditions of the calendar in the company of little santons who tell the stories of the customs and legends of Provence in a soft voice. La Crèche Vivante, presented at Comoedia on 6 December, revisits the story of the Nativity through more than forty traditional characters. Finally, on 7 December, the ‘ Gros Souper ‘ show celebrates the Provençal wake, retracing the ritual of the meagre meal and the thirteen desserts, accompanied by traditional music and dance.

Fireworks and parades

The magic of Christmas is also expressed through light parades and firework displays. In Peypin, the Unicorn Parade on 29 November features unicorns dancing down the Avenue de la République, followed by a children’s choir and a firework display to light up the evening.

In La Destrousse, the evening of 5 December will see the village immersed in a veritable winter wonderland thanks to the Christmas lights. The evening continues with magical entertainment and ends with a colourful fireworks display!

On 6 December,La Bouilladisse will also be hosting a fireworks display to round off the day’s entertainment.

Finally, in Aubagne, on 21 December, the Father Christmas Parade will sparkle in the eyes of young and old alike, before giving way to a fireworks display at 7.30pm. /!The fireworks display will be postponed until Saturday 3 January at 7.30pm, and the parade until 4 April 2026.

Entertainment, snacks and ice rink

There’s plenty for families to enjoy. In La Bouilladisse, the children’s Christmas party offers non-stop entertainment, shows, a free snack and even a photo opportunity with Father Christmas. Mascots, inflatable structures and the street show ” La Parade de Lune ” at the end of the afternoon make up an ideal programme for the youngest visitors.

In Auriol, from 20 December to 3 January, the Place du Village is transformed into a temporary ice rink. With sliding sessions, merry-go-rounds and food-trucks, it’s a place where the whole family can share a festive moment. Gloves must be worn, and the rink is closed on 24 and 25 December and 1 January. La Penne sur Huveaune will also have its own ice rinkfrom 20 December!

Guided tours for families

In Aubagne, the ” Aubagne à l’heure des crèches ” ( Aubagne at cot time ) tours, on 20 and 27 December, offer a fun and informative way to explore the town. Children and adults alike can learn about the origins of Sainte-Barbe wheat, the ritual of the thirteen desserts and the history of pastoral care, while admiring the cots set up along the way.

Children’s workshops at Le Petit Monde de Marcel Pagnol

Take advantage of workshops specially designed to awaken their senses and imagination. Thesenses workshop offers a fun way to discover the world through touch, smell, sight and hearing, in a gentle atmosphere conducive to family exploration.

The musical storytelling workshop is just as magical: guided by Maria, the children let themselves be carried away by stories set to the rhythm of instruments and adapted to the season. These sessions, combining music and storytelling, create a warm and soothing interlude to share together.

Provençal traditions

Calendar traditions are at the heart of local festivities. The various events are a reminder of the importance of the Provençal heritage, the small trades represented in the cots and the customs handed down from generation to generation. On 6 December at the Poterie Ravel, visitors can listen to storytelling, admire a live nativity scene and traditional dances, and sample the thirteen desserts in a warm atmosphere.

In Roquevaire, the descent of the shepherds on24 December has become an emblematic event: sheep, donkeys, fifes and drums accompany a traditional procession that ends with a convivial moment over wine and hot chocolate.

Christmas carols

Christmas carols set the pace for the whole of Provence, with traditional Armenian songs in Roquevaire, Celtic carols in Auriol, and Ukrainian and Provençal repertoire in Cadolive. Each commune offers a different but warm atmosphere, immersing the public in the musical spirit of the festive season.

Nature and walks

The hills of Garlaban and the landscapes of the Pays d’Aubagne invite you to enjoy some rejuvenating winter walks. The surrounding paths, bathed in soft light at this time of year, are perfect for a nature break between two Christmas events.

There’s nothing better after the end-of-year meals than to take some exercise in the Pagnol hills and enjoy the peace and quiet.