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Rennes Christmas 2026 starts on 28 November and ends on 3 January 2027, according to the city’s tourist office. The big new feature is the Luminéales du Thabor, an after-dark light trail in the Thabor park. The cloister of the Jacobins convent also opens for the festive season. However, the exact dates of the 2026 Christmas markets have not yet been published. Here is what is confirmed, and what still needs checking.
Rennes Christmas 2026: what are the dates?
Rennes, the capital of Brittany, announces its « Cet hiver à Rennes » (This winter in Rennes) programme from 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. It brings together Christmas markets, street lights, projections on the city hall, a funfair and guided tours. The tourist office (office de tourisme) updated its official page on 4 November 2026.
However, the tourist office does not yet give the exact dates of each market. It is therefore best to check its website before planning a trip.
What are the Luminéales du Thabor?
This is the main new feature this year. The Luminéales du Thabor, subtitled « Des Noëls dans le monde » (Christmases around the world), is an open-air trail in the Thabor park. Visitors enter on Place Saint-Melaine.
The trail is open from 27 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, from 7pm to midnight. It has ten stops, with songs, light effects and installations. The tourist office suggests allowing about 1 hour 15 minutes. The ticket office is online, so this is a paid event; check the official website for prices.
Where are the Christmas markets in Rennes?
In 2025, Rennes had several markets. The largest stood on the Mail François-Mitterrand, with a big wheel. A Christmas village also filled the Place du Parlement de Bretagne, and a makers’ market filled a marquee on Place Hoche.
These events are likely to return in 2026, but nobody has confirmed their dates yet. To be safe, we are not repeating last year’s opening times here. We will update this article as soon as the organisers release the dates.
Rennes Christmas 2026: what else is on?
The Jacobins convent cloister
The public can visit the cloister of the Jacobins convent free of charge from Saturday 19 December 2026 to Sunday 3 January 2027. Lights, shows and tastings are on the programme, according to the tourist office.
L’Effet fêtes by Les Tombées de la Nuit
The local arts festival Les Tombées de la Nuit presents « L’Effet fêtes » between 27 and 30 December 2026, including a performance at the Saint-Melaine palace. Visitors book on the tourist office website.
Lights and projections
The winter programme also includes street lights and projections on the city hall. In 2025, these projections were free. However, the city has not yet released the 2026 times.
How should you plan your visit?
First, note that the tourist office desk is closed on 25 December and 1 January. Next, book the Luminéales in advance through the online ticket office. Finally, use the metro to reach the historic centre, which gets very busy in December.
Planning more trips? See also the Caen Christmas market, or read this article in French.
Rennes Christmas 2026: key takeaways
- Winter programme: 28 November 2026 to 3 January 2027.
- Luminéales du Thabor: 27 November to 3 January, 7pm to midnight, ticketed.
- Jacobins cloister: free entry from 19 December to 3 January.
- L’Effet fêtes: 27 to 30 December, booking required.
- Christmas markets: 2026 dates not yet published by the tourist office.
Source: Destination Rennes tourist office, « Marchés de Noël et fêtes » (updated 4 November 2026), accessed 11 November 2026. Featured photo: Pascal Bernardon / Unsplash.
