In Provence, Christmas does not begin on 25 December. It begins the day the santon makers set up their stalls on the Old Port. This year, everything starts in mid-November.
The Marseille Santon Fair
France's oldest santon fair returns to the Old Port from 14 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Since 1803, it has been the meeting place of Provençal santon makers, and this edition brings together 21 craftspeople exhibiting their painted clay figurines.
The opening takes place on Sunday 15 November, with the santon makers' Mass in Provençal at 10:30am at the Saint-Cannat les Prêcheurs church, followed by the official tour of the stalls.
Practical information:
- Quai du Port, Old Port, 13001 Marseille
- Free entry
- Opening hours: check the fair's official website, which gives them
Other Christmas markets in the region
At the same time, Marseille (city centre) and Aix-en-Provence also open their Christmas markets, from mid-November. Exact dates, locations and hours are to be checked with the Marseille and Aix-en-Provence tourist offices.
Getting there without stress
In the festive season, parking at the Old Port or in central Aix is close to a miracle. Whether you are in Toulon, La Ciotat, Bandol, Salon-de-Provence or elsewhere in the region, MR Taxi drops you right on site, 24/7, with a guaranteed maximum price at booking. If the place is hard to reach, I will give you an easily accessible meeting point.
For cruise passengers on a stopover in Marseille, a half day with a driver lets you combine the Old Port and its santons, then Aix-en-Provence. The van carries up to 8 passengers, ideal for families or groups.
It is advisable to book at least 24 hours ahead, but even at the last minute I adapt and find a solution. Estimate your trip on the Private transport page or contact us to book.
