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Christmas markets 2026 around Vichy

Published 5 November 2026

The first Christmas events in Vichy begin on 20 November 2026, with the lights being switched on and a firework display. Around the town, Cusset holds its Christmas market from 4 to 6 December and Gannat celebrates Christmas on 5 and 6 December. Several towns, including Vichy for its market and ice rink, have not yet published their 2026 dates: here is what is confirmed so far, and what to keep an eye on.

In Vichy: lights, shows and tours

According to the town council, the festive season starts on Friday 20 November 2026, with the Christmas lights switched on and fireworks at 7.30 pm. The town's events calendar already lists several dates:

• "Vichy d'eaux et de lumières": a sound and light show from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, from 5.30 pm to 7 pm.
• "Le lutin et les Secrets de Noël": a guided tour from 5 to 27 December, from 4.30 pm to 5.30 pm.
• "Opéra ouvre-toi !": the Opera house is open to visitors from 20 December to 2 January, from 1 pm to 6 pm.
• "Le bal des jouets": a show from 21 to 23 December.

The full programme is on the Noël à Vichy page of the town website (in French).

Christmas market and ice rink: 2026 dates still to come

At the time of writing, the town has not yet published the 2026 dates for the Christmas market, the ice rink or the chalets. As a guide, in 2025 the shopkeepers' Christmas market was held on place Charles-de-Gaulle from 12 to 14 December, the ice rink and fairground rides were there from 27 November to 4 January, and food chalets were open from 10 am to 10 pm. The Parc des Sources also hosted a Garden of Lights. These dates do not apply to 2026: check them before planning your days.

Cusset: a market in the historic centre

Five minutes from Vichy, Cusset holds its 27th Christmas market on 4, 5 and 6 December 2026. The chalets are set up in the old town: place Victor-Hugo, place Radoult de la Fosse, rue du Marché au Blé, rue du Président Wilson, rue Saturnin Arloing and square René Bardet. It is open on Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. More information on the Cusset town website (in French).

Gannat, Bellerive and Moulins

Gannat celebrates Christmas

On 5 and 6 December 2026, Gannat holds "Gannat fête Noël" at the Centre socioculturel and in the town centre, with a Christmas market, street parades and an evening event. Opening times have not yet been given: check with the Val de Sioule tourist office before you go.

Bellerive-sur-Allier

Across the river Allier, Bellerive held its "Village Ô Sources de Noël" on place de la Source Intermittente from 19 to 21 December 2025, with more than 50 stallholders. The 2026 dates have not yet been published.

Moulins

In Moulins, the Christmas market was held on cours Jean Jaurès from 12 to 24 December 2025. The 2026 programme is not yet online.

Clermont-Ferrand: the big market on place de Jaude

If you are after a large market, the one in Clermont-Ferrand, on place de Jaude, is announced from 27 November to 27 December 2026, with free entry. The announced opening times are 10.30 am to 8 pm on most days (2 pm to 8 pm on Mondays, until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays), closed on 25 December. This information comes from online event listings: the city had not yet updated its Christmas market page when we published.

Our tips for enjoying Christmas around Vichy

• Combine your outings: on Saturday 5 December, you can visit Cusset during the day and be back in Vichy for the light show in the late afternoon.
• Check the dates the week before. Christmas programmes are often published late; the Vichy Destinations tourist office, 19 rue du Parc, can help on 04 70 98 71 94.
• Remember the regular markets. Vichy's covered market and street markets are a good place for festive food: days and times in our article on Vichy's markets.
• Have a plan B if it rains: our ideas for Vichy in the rain work in December too, and our guide to Vichy with children lists family outings.

To be within walking distance of the lights and events, choose a place in the town centre. Our apartments and houses can be booked from one night, with cleaning and linen included. Any questions? Call us on 06 52 16 07 57 or see the your stay page.