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Christmas at Chambord 2026 runs from Saturday 28 November until mid-January 2027 at the largest château in the Loire Valley. This year, moreover, the decorations and Christmas trees follow a Gargantua theme. The national estate that runs the château has announced visits from Father Christmas, storytelling, historic games and a Christmas show. Here are the dates, opening hours, ticket prices and closing days to know before you travel.
Chambord stands in the Loir-et-Cher département, in the Centre-Val de Loire region. However, the château is managed by a public body, the Domaine national de Chambord, which publishes its programme on its official website. We therefore checked the practical details on 14 November 2026.
Christmas at Chambord 2026: what are the dates?
According to the official event page, the Christmas season runs from 28 November 2026 to 17 January 2027. However, the estate’s events calendar gives an end date of 16 January 2027. So if you are planning to visit on the last weekend, check chambord.org the day before.
The season also covers the French school Christmas holidays, which are the same across all three French school zones. As a result, this is the busiest period. For other ideas nearby, see our guide to the Orléans Christmas market.
What is the theme this year?
The chosen theme is Gargantua, the giant created by the Renaissance writer Rabelais. In addition, the trees, decorations and lights are made by around forty apprentices from the École nationale des fleuristes de Paris, a national florists’ school, according to the estate. The photos on the official site still show the 2025 edition, though, so the final result will only be visible at the opening.
Which activities are planned?
The estate’s calendar lists several events, each with its own dates:
- Meet Father Christmas: 28 November to 23 December;
- Storytelling sessions: 29 November to 20 December;
- Games from the 16th to 18th centuries: 28 November to 17 January;
- Nature activities: 28 November to 30 December;
- Renaissance activities: 28 November to 13 December;
- Show « Le Réveillon de Gargantua »: 19 December 2026 to 2 January 2027.
By contrast, the website does not mention a Christmas market on the estate. Nearby cities do have one, for example the Tours Christmas market.
Christmas at Chambord: opening hours and closing days
According to the estate’s opening hours page, the château and gardens are open:
- 9am to 5pm from 26 October to 18 December 2026;
- 9am to 6pm from 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027;
- with early closing at 4pm on 24 and 31 December.
The château is closed on Friday 25 December 2026 and on 1 January, both public holidays in France. Consequently, plan your visit for another day.
How much does a ticket cost?
The price list published by the estate is valid until 31 December 2026. It distinguishes between visitors from the European Economic Area (EEA) and others:
- €21 full price for EEA nationals or residents, with proof;
- €18.50 reduced price for EEA visitors;
- €31 full price and €28.50 reduced price for non-EEA visitors;
- free for under-18s, and for EEA nationals aged 18 to 25, with proof.
Furthermore, the website does not announce any Christmas surcharge. January 2027 prices are not yet listed.
Where can you park?
The estate states that parking costs €8 per day for cars in car parks P0, P2 and P3, and €15 for 24 hours for motorhomes in P2. Car park P0 is also free for disabled visitors. The page does not give a year, however, so these prices should be confirmed on site.
Why it matters for the area
Chambord is one of the most visited sites in the Loir-et-Cher. Therefore, a seven-week Christmas season brings visitors in the middle of winter, which benefits hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in the commune (the smallest French local authority) and the surrounding area. You can also read this article in French.
Christmas at Chambord: key takeaways
- From 28 November 2026 to 17 January 2027, on a Gargantua theme.
- Open 9am to 5pm until 18 December, then 9am to 6pm until 3 January.
- Closed on 25 December and 1 January; early closing at 4pm on 24 and 31 December.
- Tickets from €21 for EEA residents, free for under-18s.
- Christmas show from 19 December to 2 January.
Sources: Domaine national de Chambord, pages on the festive season, opening hours, prices and parking, consulted on 14 November 2026. Featured photo: Dorian Mongel / Unsplash.
