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The Sarlat Christmas market Our TOP 5 not-to-be-missed activities

If you’d like to experience one of the greatest events in Sarlat, head for the Sarlat Christmas market in the Périgord Noir ! What has become a true institution is also the second largest market in the Aquitaine region!

Don’t miss a thing: discover the not-to-be-missed activities at the Christmas market of Sarlat-la-Canéda.

1. Stroll through illuminated streets

in an old-fashioned atmosphere

Take advantage of the winter season to make an enchanted escapade: come discover – or rediscover – the unique patrimony of the medieval town of Sarlat with its magnificent holiday illuminations.

And because Sarlat always has Christmas surprises in store for you, each year the market takes on the colours of a new destination! Scandinavia, Russia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom… Where will the next journey take us?


2. Shopping at the chalets

of the Christmas market

The Sarlat Christmas market is the ideal place to find a gift that will sparkle under the tree. More than 50 chalets open their doors to you here! They are arranged along Place de la Grande Rigaudie and Place du 14 juillet. Amble along the colourful stands of local products and crafts, and you’ll see that temptation is difficult to resist. Jewellery, bags, clothing, soaps, decorative objects and a number of gourmet products: the choice is yours.


3. Enjoy a taste of the Périgord

on the “bistronomique” gourmet square

At the heart of the Sarlat Christmas market, a gourmet square awaits, serving up both local products and the specialities of that year’s destination of honour.

So… Ready for a gourmet stopover ? Step up to a bar table and enjoy foie gras, truffles, caviar of the Périgord, and – depending on the year – choucroute garnie, fish-and-chips or even kouglof with a glass of vodka. Lovers of traditional tastes might enjoy a glass of classical mulled wine.


4. Enjoy family activities and entertainment

As a family or with friends, the Sarlat Christmas market is a chance to try out new activities and enjoy entertainment in the enchanted décors of the illuminated medieval town.

An important feature of the Christmas market, the ice skating rink is set up each year on the central square! Feel free to take to the ice for one of the “dance floor” evenings held so that you may skate to music.

And if that’s not thrilling enough, a figure skating show will delight the whole family.

The youngest of the family will appreciate the baby rink, a safe place to learn to skate. Laughs guaranteed!

On Wednesdays, weekends and Christmas holidays, the media library also welcomes you, free of charge. Here, children may try our creative workshops and discoveries with a number of Christmas games and activities.


5. Welcome and meet Father Christmas

Welcome Father Christmas on the evening of the market opening! For the occasion, Sarlat takes on its most splendid illuminations, promising spectacular surprises… A not-to-be-missed Christmas event.

To enjoy these Christmas delights in Sarlat as a family, feel free to come visit Father Christmas at his house and discover how toys are made at his workshop. This is the perfect opportunity to have a photo taken on his knee and to whisper in his ear what you’d like for Christmas. Children are welcome to drop their Christmas lists off in Father Christmas’ letterbox, at the centre of the market!

End the year with the sweetness of the Sarlat Christmas market
Although the town bustles in the summertime with various forms of street entertainment, the Christmas period is more peaceful and tranquil here in the Capital of the Périgord. Leave your car on the outskirts of town and enter on foot!

The Sarlat Christmas market is set up for three weeks of December, principally on the Place de la Grande Rigaudie and Place du 14 juillet in front of the post office.

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