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The Clermont-Ferrand Christmas market opens on Friday 27 November 2026 on Place de Jaude and runs until Sunday 27 December. The organiser lists 73 wooden chalets, a big wheel beside the Christmas tree and free entertainment. Opening hours change with the day of the week, with late evenings until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Here are the dates, times, programme and tips for getting there.
Clermont-Ferrand is the main city of Auvergne, in the Puy-de-Dôme department of central France. Every winter, its huge central square, Place de Jaude, becomes the heart of the festive season. In 2026, entry and entertainment remain free, according to the official market website.
When is the Clermont-Ferrand Christmas market in 2026?
According to the official website of the market, the 2026 edition runs from 27 November to 27 December. In other words, it lasts a full month, from the first weekend of Advent until two days after Christmas.
The chalets stand on Place de Jaude, close to the shopping streets and the cathedral. To compare with other cities, see our guide to French Christmas markets in 2026.
What are the opening hours?
Times vary by day. These are the hours published by the organiser for 2026:
- Monday: 2pm to 8pm;
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 10.30am to 8pm;
- Friday and Saturday: 10.30am to 10pm.
Some special hours also apply. According to local listings, the market opens at 5pm on 27 November. It is also expected to close at 5pm on 24 December and to stay closed on Christmas Day. So check the hours page of the official website before you set off.
Do you have to pay to get in?
No. Access to the square and to the entertainment is free. However, shopping, food and the big wheel are paid for. The organiser has not yet published the 2026 price of the big wheel.
What can you find at the Clermont-Ferrand Christmas market?
The organiser lists 73 chalets selling crafts, gifts, regional produce and food. Meanwhile, the tree and the big wheel form the centrepiece of the square.
The programme on the official website includes:
- a Christmas parade on Friday 27 November, opening day;
- the Hepatix brass band on Friday 4 December, 7pm to 9pm;
- a batucada with Sambagogo on Friday 11 December, 6pm to 9pm;
- a brass band on Sunday 27 December, 4pm to 7pm, for the closing day;
- photos with Father Christmas almost every day.
According to the local listings site Evous, giant wooden games are also planned on 9 and 23 December, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. Finally, a toy collection for the Restos du Cœur charity is announced from 27 to 29 November.
How do you get to the Clermont-Ferrand Christmas market?
The tram is the easiest option. Line A stops at Jaude, right next to the market. Drivers can leave their car at a park-and-ride on the edge of the city and then take the tram.
City-centre car parks charge a fee and fill up quickly on Saturdays. It is therefore best to come on a weekday or in the early afternoon. Many other French cities open their chalets at the same time, such as the Lyon Christmas market.
When should you go to avoid the crowds?
Monday afternoons and weekday mornings are the quietest times. By contrast, Friday and Saturday evenings draw the biggest crowds, especially in December. For families, Wednesdays are a good compromise.
Other Christmas markets near Clermont-Ferrand
Clermont-Ferrand is not the only festive stop in Auvergne. The historic district of Montferrand also hosts its own, smaller Christmas market. You can read this guide in French in our original article.
Clermont-Ferrand Christmas market: key takeaways
- Dates: Friday 27 November to Sunday 27 December 2026, Place de Jaude.
- Hours: Monday 2pm-8pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday 10.30am-8pm; Friday and Saturday 10.30am-10pm.
- Free entry and entertainment; 73 chalets and a big wheel.
- Highlights: parade on 27 November, concerts on 4, 11 and 27 December.
- Best access by tram, line A, Jaude stop.
Sources: official website of the Clermont-Ferrand Christmas market (marche-noel-clermont.com) and Evous Clermont-Ferrand listings, consulted on 8 November 2026. Featured photo: Daniels Joffe / Unsplash.
