Orleans Christmas market 2026: dates, opening hours and locations, 27 November to 27 December

The Orleans Christmas market will run from Friday 27 November to Sunday 27 December 2026, the City of Orleans has announced. Stalls will line the Loire quays, Place de Loire and Place de la République. The market will be open every day from 11am to 8pm, with late opening on Fridays and Saturdays. The fairground rides will stay until 3 January 2027. Here are the dates, hours and practical details confirmed so far.

When does the Orleans Christmas market open in 2026?

The City of Orleans has set the opening for Friday 27 November 2026. The market closes on Sunday 27 December 2026. It therefore lasts a full month, including every Advent weekend.

The fairground rides are the exception. They will run until Sunday 3 January 2027, which covers the second week of the French Christmas school holidays. Orleans is the main city of the Loiret department, south of Paris. For other cities, see our guide to French Christmas markets in 2026.

Equestrian statue of Joan of Arc on Place du Martroi in Orleans — The statue of Joan of Arc on Place du Martroi, in the heart of Orleans. Photo: Andre Chipurenko / Unsplash

What are the Orleans Christmas market opening hours?

The hours announced by the city are easy to remember:

every day, 11am to 8pm;
Fridays, until 9pm;
Saturdays, until 10pm.

So Friday and Saturday evenings are the longest. On the other hand, weekday late afternoons are often quieter for a stroll.

Where is the Orleans Christmas market?

For 2026, the city lists three sites: the Loire quays, Place de Loire and Place de la République. The route thus links the river with the city centre.

The detailed programme has not been published yet. The number of stalls, this year’s theme and ride prices are still to be confirmed. For reference, the 2025 edition had around sixty stallholders on Place du Martroi, according to the city. The big wheel cost €6 (€5 for under-10s). These 2025 figures do not apply to 2026 until the city confirms them.

Big wheel lit up at night during the Orleans Christmas market — A big wheel lit up at night. Photo: Fabien Bellanger / Unsplash

Who runs the stalls?

The city ran a call for applications, which closed on 7 July 2026. It was open to traders, craftspeople, designers and producers. Local charities could also take part. In addition, the city said it would favour environmentally friendly approaches.

How to plan your visit to Orleans

The Orleans Métropole tourist office is at 23 Place du Martroi. It offers a guided tour on the history of Christmas in Orleans, by booking only. Dates and prices should be checked on its booking website.

For transport, the city refers visitors to the TAO network (tram and bus) and to its parking pages. On late-opening evenings, the tram saves you looking for a parking space. Finally, if you are touring the Loire Valley, the Tours Christmas market (in French) is also worth a visit.

The Loire at sunset in Orleans — The Loire at sunset, close to the stalls on the quays. Photo: Raphael Peillon / Unsplash

All official information is published on the City of Orleans website (in French). You can also read this article in French.

Orleans Christmas market: key takeaways

Dates: Friday 27 November to Sunday 27 December 2026.
Fairground rides open until Sunday 3 January 2027.
Hours: 11am to 8pm daily, until 9pm on Fridays and 10pm on Saturdays.
Locations: Loire quays, Place de Loire and Place de la République.
Programme, number of stalls and 2026 prices: not yet published by the city.

Sources: City of Orleans (orleans.fr, 2026 Christmas market call for applications and 2025 edition page, accessed 10 November 2026); Orleans Métropole tourist office. Featured photo: snap wander / Unsplash.