Dijon Christmas Market 2024: A Gourmet Paradise

Dijon doesn’t get much attention as a winter destination, but as an incredible gastronomic city, it’s worth visiting year-round. In winter, there’s the added attraction of the Dijon Christmas Market, where you can sample gourmet specialties and do some festive shopping.

Next, I’ll share the 2024 dates, which are currently unconfirmed, but an update is expected soon.

Dijon Christmas Market

Dates – Unconfirmed

Dijon Christmas Market dates: 29th November to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).

Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in July. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Place Darcy, Place de la Libération (Children’s Village) and Place de la République (Ferris wheel and ice skating).
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: Cheese and wine pairing session.
Public transport: Tram stop: Foch Gare or Darcy for Place Darcy. République for Place de la République. Walk to Place de la Libération.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Travel tips: Dijon’s old town has a great atmosphere with many restaurants and gift shops. It’s walkable and pedestrian-only in some central areas.
Where to stay: Mama Shelter is a stylish boutique hotel, between Place Darcy and Place de la Libération.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: In the main squares and Porte Guillaume, Notre-Dame Church, rue Verrerie, Place du Bareuzai and Square des Ducs.
Santa: Père Noël descends onto the Place de la Libération on the 22nd December (unconfirmed) at 6:30pm.
Ice skating: At Place de la République.
Reason to visit: The giant Christmas tree, light trail and the food in this city of gastronomy.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Limited. Ask individual vendors, but beware of cross-contamination.
Specialities: Burgundy mulled wine, pain d’épices (gingerbread), mustard, epoisses cheese.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes, if you can manage cobblestones.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.

Convenient Hotels

There are plenty of hotel options in central Dijon. I think it’s nice to stay near Place de la Libération not only for the markets but also for museums, independent shops and department stores, and many of the city’s best places to eat out.

Mama Shelter is a stylish boutique hotel in this area, conveniently located between Place Darcy and Place de la Libération.

Read our French Christmas Markets List for ideas if you’re looking to experience more winter destinations in the region.

Event Location

Captured a moment that embodies the holiday season? Tag your photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets — we can’t wait to see your festive finds!

What to Expect

Towards the end of the year, Dijon is beautifully decorated with fairy lights, festive wreaths, and baubles. Start your visit at Place Darcy, which is close to the train station. Then head down Rue de la Liberté, a great shopping street with festive shop window displays.

Rue de la Liberté leads straight to Place de la Libération, where you’ll find many pine chalets with food and gifts. It’s also the location of the city’s main Christmas tree and a vintage carousel. Other activities, like the Ferris wheel and ice skating rink, are located at Place de la République.

Regional Specialties

• Boeuf Bourguignon: An iconic dish from the region, it consists of slow-cooked beef simmered in full-bodied red Burgundy wine.
• Coq au Vin: Braised chicken cooked in Burgundy wine with garlic and herbs.
• Gougère: A cheese puff using choux pastry mixed with Comté cheese.
• Escargots de Bourgogne: French snails are prepared in a buttery garlic sauce full of parsley and shallots.
• Oeufs en Meurette: Poached eggs served in a red wine sauce.
• Potée Bourguignonne: A traditional vegetable stew with cabbage, carrots, potatoes and leeks.
• Poireaux en Vinaigrette: Tender-cooked leeks served with a tangy vinaigrette.
• Tarte à la Frangipane: An almond cream tart with a buttery pastry crust.

At the Food Stalls

• Vin Chaud: There’s no more iconic winter drink than mulled wine.
• Pain d’épices: A kind of dense gingerbread, usually with almond slivers or candied fruits.
• Crêpes: A classic market food and street food. The fillings range from simple sugar (my favourite!) to more indulgent Nutella or chestnut cream.
• Cheese Fondue: Pots of cheese fondue simmer at some stalls, served with chunks of baguette.
• Bourgogne Truffles: Buy truffles direct from producers.
• Roasted Chestnuts: Another winter classic snack.
• Saucisson Chaude: Grilled sausage served in a baguette with mustard or your choice of topping.
• Epoisses Cheese: A regional soft cheese with a distinctive strong flavour.
• Bratwurst: Try some German sausages while you’re there.

What to Buy

• Burgundy Wines: So many to choose from. Buy at the market or from nearby specialty stores.
• Burgundy Mustard: Try the many types of the famous Dijon mustard. You can find beautifully packed jars ready to be gifted or for yourself.
• Decorations: French baubles and decorations.
• French Cheeses: These are hard to resist!
• Pottery and Ceramics: Dijon has a long tradition of pottery and ceramics. I still have a cute ceramic mustard jar and serving spoon from my visit years ago.
• Chocolates and Confectionery: Box sets are great gift options. Other sweet treats are available, such ‘nonnettes’, a traditional gingerbread filled with marmalade.

Travel Information

Destination Dijon is a useful resource for planning your trip. It provides information on things to do, transport options and the latest events. It’s also helpful for specific details on museum and gallery exhibitions, including opening times and ticket information.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-friendly Hotels: These places prioritise energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and sourcing locally produced goods.
• Travel Responsibly: Dijon is well connected by trams and buses, making it easy to get around. Alternatively, the city’s bicycle rental scheme, DiviaVélodi, is an affordable and low-impact travel option.
• Support Local Producers: Marché des Grésilles and Marché de la Fontaine d’Ouche are interesting markets where you can buy locally grown produce, artisanal goods and regional specialties.
• Eat Sustainably: Vegetarian and plant-based meals or dishes made with locally sourced ingredients can be more sustainable.
• Respect Culture: Visit local attractions like the Palace of the Dukes, Dijon Cathedral and other heritage sites.
• Avoid Food Waste: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid wasting food.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.