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The Sarlat Christmas market 2026 runs from Wednesday 2 to Thursday 31 December, according to the Sarlat Périgord Noir tourist office. Around 70 chalets will fill the historic centre of this medieval town in the Dordogne. The opening ceremony is on Saturday 5 December at 6pm, with a free concert announced. Entry is free. Here is what we know, and what is still to be confirmed.
When is the Sarlat Christmas market in 2026?
The market runs from 2 to 31 December 2026. These dates appear on the tourist office listing and on the Festival en France website, updated on 8 October.
The opening ceremony takes place on Saturday 5 December at 6pm, on Place de la Liberté in front of the town hall. According to Festival en France, the Corsican band I Muvrini will give a free concert.
However, this year’s theme remains unconfirmed. Festival en France mentions a Corsican flavour, while an English tourist office page still refers to Italy, which was the 2024 theme according to the same site.
What are the opening times?
The tourist office has not yet released the detailed 2026 programme. Festival en France gives opening times of 10am to 8pm every day, until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
According to the same site, the market closes at 6pm on 24 and 31 December and stays closed on 25 December. These times match 2025, so the market will probably keep them, subject to confirmation by the tourist office.
Where is the Sarlat Christmas market?
The chalets stand on Place de la Grande-Rigaudie and Place du 14-Juillet, on the edge of the old town. A visit combines easily with a stroll through the medieval streets.
By car, Sarlat is reached via the A89 motorway and then the D704 road. Besides, the town also has a railway station. In 2025, public car parks were free except on Rue de la République, according to the Dordogne tourist board.
What about the 2025 edition?
With no published visitor figures, last year’s edition gives useful pointers. It ran from 3 to 31 December 2025, with an overseas France theme.
The tourist office winter newsletter announced more than 70 chalets. Fifteen chalets in the food area stayed open until 11pm at weekends.
The ice rink in 2025
Last year, a covered ice rink offered two areas, including one for toddlers. According to Dordogne Périgord Tourisme, a one-hour session cost €5 and a book of six sessions €25. Children under 5 paid €1. The organisers have not yet announced 2026 prices.
What does it bring to the Périgord Noir?
The organisers have not published attendance or economic impact figures for this market. Still, the event extends the town’s tourist season into the middle of winter.
It benefits local accommodation providers, restaurants and craftspeople. A few kilometres away, the Lascaux IV cave replica (article in French) also draws visitors all year round. Would-be exhibitors can read our guide on running a stall in France.
Planning your visit to Sarlat
The Sarlat Périgord Noir tourist office organises the event (3 rue Tourny, +33 5 53 31 45 45). Local tourism businesses can also share their offers on Info Communes, a French app. Our French Christmas markets 2026 calendar lists other key dates.
Sarlat Christmas market: key takeaways
- From 2 to 31 December 2026, on Place de la Grande-Rigaudie and Place du 14-Juillet.
- Around 70 chalets; free entry.
- Opening ceremony on Saturday 5 December at 6pm, Place de la Liberté.
- Announced times: 10am to 8pm, until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays; closed on 25 December (to be confirmed).
- Theme, ice rink and 2026 prices: awaiting the official programme.
Sources: Sarlat Périgord Noir tourist office, Festival en France, Dordogne Périgord Tourisme, 2025-2026 winter newsletter (pages checked on 5 November 2026). Featured photo: Didier Veillon / Unsplash.
