Christmas in Saint Tropez
The Gulf of Saint-Tropez isn’t necessarily the first place that comes to mind when planning a Christmas holiday. Most people associate the area with long sunny days on the beach, and fun nights out in the height of summer. But after moving here full-time, we were pleasantly surprised the first time we went Christmas shopping and noticed the beautiful festive decorations and market stalls throughout Saint Tropez. The whole village is lit up with a charming and uniquely themed display of lights. From that moment on, evening strolls through the streets in December became a firm favourite.
Patinoire à ciel, Saint Tropez
Part of the Place des Lices used to be transformed into an open-air ice rink, which was very popular with both children and adults. In recent years, with the milder winters, it has been replaced by a roller-skate style rink – a fun hybrid we’d never seen before. Along the port, Christmas stalls offer the likes of gourmet hot dogs, raclette, truffle specialities, chocolat chaud and, of course, vin chaud and champagne. A few stalls sell toys and gifts, but most are geared towards having a good time and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
At the centre of the port, near the entrance to the fish market, a stunning light show is projected onto the row of houses facing the water. The theme changes every year, and it’s clear that a lot of thought and care goes into creating it. While some restaurants and bars close in the
Christmas light show at the Port of Saint Tropez
off-season or only open for lunch, some remain open throughout December – and a few all year round. Some of our favourites include Café Sénéquier (their chocolat chaud is the best ever!), Le Café, Café de Paris, and the restaurant and bar at Hôtel La Ponche.
Christmas tree in the port of Saint Tropez
On Christmas Eve, Santa Claus – or (more accurately!) Papa Noël – arrives at the port by boat and is accompanied by a lively entourage of elves as he’s driven through the village by his reindeer. The atmosphere is really special, with a mix of locals and visitors from far & wide. The whole spectacle is enhanced further by a wonderful display of fireworks. Our Christmas eve tradition is now a beachfront walk followed by a wander along the port in Saint-Tropez to soak up the atmosphere while waiting for Papa Noël to appear, topped off by a candlelit dinner. .
Christmas decoration in the streets of Saint Tropez
Christmas decoration in Place des Lices
There are many Christmas attractions in the area beyond Saint-Tropez town. These include a covered ice rink in Sainte-Maxime, several Christmas markets in different villages such as Port Grimaud, Cavalaire and Cogolin, and a crèche Provençale at the Chapelle Saint-Jean in La Garde-Freinet, one of several in the region
Christmas decoration in the port of Saint Tropez
Christmas market in the port of Saint Tropez
There are also many festive events, including concerts, storytelling, plays, musical shows, and Provençal Christmas wine and food tastings. The tourist offices in each village can provide detailed information, including dates and times.
Here are some links:
La Crèche par Maxime Codou | Exposition La Garde-Freinet | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Les ailes d’Hiver: Christmas magic at the mill | Show Grimaud | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Marché de Noël bio et éthique | Marché régulier Grimaud | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Christmas fireworks in Grimaud | Fireworks Grimaud | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Brocante de Noël | Second-hand market Sainte-Maxime | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Santa’s arrival | Local festival Saint-Tropez | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Feu d’Artifice de Noël | Fireworks Sainte-Maxime | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Légendaire” street show by Cie Remue Ménage | Show Saint-Tropez | Golfe de Saint-Tropez Tourisme
Port of Saint Tropez during Christmas
If you enjoy hiking or cold-water swimming, make sure you set aside a bit of time for both. The trails and beaches are just as beautiful in December as they are in summer, only much quieter. And with plenty of sunny days, being ‘off-season outdoorsy’ is just so much fun.