Christmas in Touraine: our ideas for festive outings
Touraine pulls out all the stops in December: castles decked out in their finest, fairy-tale illuminations, decorated Christmas trees, a host of gourmet treats... The Tourist Office shares its favourite activities for the festive season!
![Château de Chenonceau]()
Château de Chenonceau
1. For Christmas tree enthusiasts
The highlight of the festive season: Christmas in the land of châteaux
From 29 November 2025 to 4 January 2026, the festive spirit will be in full swing at the châteaux of Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Loches and Villandry: it's Christmas in the land of châteaux! Magical decorations, sparkling Christmas trees and baubles, light shows, scenes inspired by fairy tales and seasonal treats: each location will enchant young and old alike. To prepare for your visit, check out the full programme, as well as the 3, 4, 5 or 6 castle passes and even ready-made stays to experience the event in XXL style.
A little further afield...
For more festive fun in Touraine:
- Santa's Village at Montbazon Fortress: Christmas decorations, creative workshops, an ice rink and shows bring the medieval fortress to life during the festive season. From 29 November to 4 January – every weekend and every day during the school holidays (except 25 December). Information here.
- Magical Christmas at the Château de Candé in Monts: amid illuminations and Art Deco, Father Christmas sets up his workshop at the château. Saturday and Sunday 20 and 21 December from 10.30am to 6pm, by reservation. More information here.
- Christmas at Château Gaillard in Amboise: Dom Pacello's orangery sparkles with lights during the festive season and offers a range of activities such as a family treasure hunt, storytelling and Santa's tavern. From 29 November to 4 January, 10am to 6pm. More information here.
- Christmas at Château de Montpoupon: storytelling, Christmas tree decoration making and Santa Claus' arrival are all on the programme at Montpoupon! Saturdays and Sundays 6 & 7, 13 & 14 and 20 & 21 December from 1pm to 6pm. Information here.
![Village gourmand de Tours]()
Tours Christmas food village
2. For insatiable foodies
Roasted chestnuts, 100% local products, soft waffles and mulled wine to enjoy under wooden chalets: December is also the time for Christmas food markets! In Tours, numerous stalls dedicated entirely to gastronomy and winter delicacies are set up until early January. Find all the information and events not to be missed at these markets in our article ‘Christmas: events not to be missed in Tours’.
For a quick lunch or drink, head to the La Bodega des Pistes restaurant in Montbazon or the winter village in Tours, where you can enjoy a drink or a meal... in the warmth of a real cable car cabin! A cosy atmosphere, breathtaking views and mountain spirit guaranteed, without leaving Touraine.
Another suggestion is a ‘royal’ brunch in the Orangery of the Château de Chenonceau, available from 20 December to 5 January. Here, you can enjoy refined cuisine under the large glass roofs opening onto the winter gardens before enjoying Christmas in the land of châteaux. Booking is strongly recommended at the Orangery!
And because Christmas would be nothing without chocolate, the Château de Minière in Ingrandes-de-Touraine is organising wine and chocolate tastings until 31 December, in association with the Tours-based chocolate makers and roasters ‘Fèves’.
![Illuminations de la ville de Tours]()
Illuminations in the city of Tours
3. For those who want to see stars in their eyes
When night falls, the magic of Christmas comes to life in the streets of Tours thanks to the illuminations. There are several ways to admire them: on foot, by Fil Bleu horse-drawn carriage or during a guided night tour offered by the Tourist Office.
And for a panoramic view of the whole sparkling city, head up to the rooftop of the Central Library of Tours! Open on Wednesdays 3, 10 and 17 December from 4.30pm to 6.15pm with free access.
![Activités créatives pour Noël]()
Creative activities for Christmas
4. For artists at heart
Calling all creative minds! We have selected some workshops for you to enjoy a colourful winter!
At Prieuré Saint-Cosme, the former home of Ronsard, you can compose your own winter landscape in the form of a miniature painting to hang on the Christmas tree. This poetic interlude is open to 7-10 year olds, by reservation, on Mondays 22 and 29 December.
For a breath of fresh air, the Château de Villandry offers a fun workshop tour on the history of Christmas in France, Spain and the United States, followed by the creation of nature-inspired decorations.
In Leonardo da Vinci's former home, the Château du Clos Lucé, creativity is expressed in all its forms: Christmas wreaths, modelling, calligraphy and discovering Renaissance tableware and spices. These free workshops, which do not require registration, run until 3 January and are suitable for all ages, offering a different way to extend your visit.
For an extra dose of handmade crafts, head to the Tours Tourist Office on Saturday 27 December from 10.30am to 11.30am to create your own greeting cards with Tours-based watercolour artist Svetlana Naydenova. Register in advance at lemonlemoff.fr.
And to make your own Christmas decorations, head to the Récréatives workshop on 11 and 21 December in central Tours!
![Hôtel de ville de Tours]()
Tours City Hall
5. Start the year off right on 1 January
The best resolution for 2026? Treat yourself! Find our ideas for outings to enjoy the first day of the year in our upcoming article.
Bonus gift: for those who are always late with their gifts... head to the Tours Tourist Office shop or Tours Val de Loire Box for a 100% local Christmas!
Tours Val de Loire Tourist Office & Convention Bureau – 78-82, rue Bernard Palissy in Tours – open Monday to Sunday (except in January).
