Christmas markets in Occitanie
From Toulouse to Montpellier, Occitanie offers colourful, festive Christmas markets. The southern accent, Gascon and Catalan specialities and a gentler climate appeal to anyone who prefers Christmas without the deep cold.
Markets in the region (16)
Opens in 48 days
Toulouse Christmas Market
Toulouse
From 26 November to 26 December 2026
Worth the weekend
Opens in 49 days
Montpellier Christmas Market: Les Hivernales
Montpellier
From 27 November to 30 December 2026
Worth the weekend
Dates to be confirmed
Albi Christmas Market
Albi
Day out
Dates to be confirmed
Carcassonne Christmas Market
Carcassonne
Day out
Opens in 43 days
Béziers Christmas Market
Béziers
From 21 November to 3 January 2027
Local favourite
Dates to be confirmed
Nîmes Christmas Market
Nîmes
Local favourite
Dates to be confirmed
Montauban Christmas Market
Montauban
Day out
Dates to be confirmed
Rodez Christmas Market
Rodez
Local favourite
Dates to be confirmed
Sète Christmas Market
Sète
Local favourite
Dates to be confirmed
Tarbes Christmas Market
Tarbes
Local favourite
Opens in 54 days
Alès Christmas Market
Alès
From 2 to 24 December 2026
Local favourite
Opens in 49 days
Castres Christmas Market
Castres
From 27 November to 31 December 2026
Day out
Dates to be confirmed
Perpignan Christmas Market
Perpignan
Day out
Dates to be confirmed
Narbonne Christmas Market
Narbonne
Day out
Dates to be confirmed
Cahors Christmas Market
Cahors
Local favourite
Dates to be confirmed
Millau Christmas Market
Millau
Local favourite
Regional specialities
Foie gras from the Gers, cassoulet, Catalan touron, Toulouse violets, armagnac, Agen prunes, apple croustade.
Christmas traditions
The Cacho-Fio is an Occitan tradition in which the eldest member of the family blesses a log before lighting it. The markets put local producers and Gascon produce centre stage.
Occitanie gives Christmas markets a southern softness. From the pink city of Toulouse to the ramparts of Carcassonne, by way of the sunny towns along the coast, this large south-western region combines Catalan traditions, generous food and outstanding medieval settings.
The signature markets
The Toulouse market, on Place du Capitole, is the liveliest. A hundred chalets, a big wheel, an ice rink and lights on the listed town hall. The Cité de Carcassonne hosts a market like no other, inside its UNESCO-listed medieval ramparts. More intimate, Montpellier runs a contemporary, designer-led market on Place de la Comédie. Sète and Perpignan complete the picture on the coast.
Specialities to try
Cassoulet in jars, foie gras from the Gers, duck breast, Lacaune charcuterie, Pyrenean cheeses, Languedoc wines. On the sweet side: Catalan chocolates, Limoux touron, rousquilles, croquants. And a mulled wine often based on Corbières or Faugères, more powerful than the Alsatian versions. The markets near the Spanish border also bring in turrón and Catalan neules.
Practical tip
Toulouse is just over 4 hours from Paris by TGV, Carcassonne 4h30. To visit several markets in one weekend, base yourself in Toulouse and make a return trip to Carcassonne by TER (45 minutes, €18). The Occitan climate lets you stay outdoors until late, but evenings can be chilly: pack a fleece.
Where to stay in Occitanie
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