As you stroll through the charming streets of Dijon in the winter, you’ll be transported to a wonderland of French culture, architecture and gastronomy.
This picturesque city in eastern France offers a unique experience during the winter months, with fewer crowds and the chance to explore its historic landmarks without the summer heat.
And what better way to get into the festive spirit than by visiting the Dijon Christmas Market?
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know to make the most of your visit, including dates, opening times and local specialties.
Dijon Christmas Market
During the Christmas season in Dijon, you’ll find the city beautifully decorated with fairy lights and festive wreaths.
Place de la Libération is home to an 18-metre tall Christmas tree and historic carousel, while the Ferris wheel and ice skating are located at Place de la République.
As you explore the cobblestone streets, you’ll discover vendors in pine chalets selling locally produced mulled wine, hot chocolate, handmade crafts, decorations and gifts.
Be sure to try specialties from the Burgundy region, such as pain d’épices (gingerbread), mustard, epoisses cheese and Bœuf bourguignon for a true taste of Dijon. The full range of specialties is listed below.
Dates and Location
Dijon Christmas Market dates: 29th November to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Place de la Libération, Place Darcy, Place de la République and rue de la Liberté.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, in the main squares and Porte Guillaume, Notre-Dame Church, rue Verrerie, Place du Bareuzai and Square des Ducs.
Santa: Yes. Père Noël descends onto the Place de la Libération on the 22nd December (unconfirmed) at 6:30pm.
Ice skating: Yes, at Place de la République.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, but limited.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes, if you can manage cobblestones.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Reason to visit: The giant Christmas tree, light trail and the food in this city of gastronomy.
Recommended tour: Cheese and wine pairing session.
Specialities: Burgundy mulled wine, pain d’épices (gingerbread), mustard, epoisses cheese.
Where to stay: Hostellerie Du Chapeau Rouge is a stylish hotel, 5 minutes from the huts.
Convenient Hotels
The historic city centre is the place to be for any visit to Dijon. I recommend Hostellerie Du Chapeau Rouge as it’s a calm and comfortable hotel with the added bonus of a Michelin-star restaurant.
Event Location
What to Expect
Regional Specialties
- Coq au Vin: This classic Burgundy dish deserves a spot on any traditional table. Coq au vin is a slow-cooked chicken dish, braised with luscious Burgundy wine, garlic and herbs. Mushrooms and pearl onions are often added towards the end of cooking for additional richness.
- Boeuf Bourguignon: Another iconic dish from the region, boeuf Bourguignon is a testament to the expertise of the Burgundy cookery. It consists of tender beef slowly simmered in a hearty, full-bodied red Burgundy wine. The addition of mushrooms, onions, and carrots brings a certain rustic charm to the dish, transforming it into a rich, meaty stew.
- Gougère: Often served as an appetiser, gougère is a delicate cheese puff made with a savoury choux pastry mixed with cheese. Typically, the cheese of choice is the nutty and delicious Comté.
- Escargots de Bourgogne: If you’re after an authentic Burgundy experience, escargots de Bourgogne are not to be missed. These snails are prepared in a rich, buttery garlic sauce full of parsley and shallots.
- Oeufs en Meurette: A traditional Burgundy dish with a twist, Oeufs en Meurette are poached eggs served in a red wine sauce. Traditionally, this sauce contains bacon, onions and mushrooms, creating a beautifully balanced dish with delicate poached eggs.
- Potée Bourguignonne: Now, let’s move to something vegetarians would enjoy. Potée Bourguignonne is a traditional vegetable stew from the region. It’s brimming with cabbage, carrots, potatoes, and leeks, all simmered until perfectly tender. Vegetable stock and a generous assortment of herbs infuse the stew with an incredibly satisfying depth of flavour, making it a perfect main course.
- Poireaux en Vinaigrette: A light starter, poireaux en vinaigrette consists of tender leeks served with a tangy vinaigrette. The leeks are cooked until they’re soft and sweet, then dressed with the vinaigrette, creating a vibrant dish packed with flavour.
- Tarte à la Frangipane: This rich, almond-filled tart is a favourite dessert in the region. The sweet, nutty flavour of the almond cream filling is complemented by a flaky, buttery pastry crust.
At the Food Stalls
- Pain d’épices: I’ll let you in on a little secret. The air in Dijon is filled with the irresistible aroma of pain d’épices, a local gingerbread specialty. Stalls serve this sweet treat with almond slivers or candied fruits.
- Vin Chaud: There’s no more iconic winter drink than vin chaud (mulled wine). It’s a classic, heated with cloves, cinnamon and sometimes even a dash of brandy.
- Crêpes: A festive market in France would be incomplete without a stall serving delicious, piping hot crêpes. The fillings range from simple sugar to more indulgent Nutella or chestnut cream.
- Cheese Fondue: Pots of cheese fondue simmer at some stalls. This communal dish is a favourite winter warmer, made from a blend of local cheeses melted with wine and served with chunks of crusty bread for dipping.
- Bourgogne Truffles: Some stalls specialise in local truffles, a delicacy in the region. Often served shaved over hot dishes or incorporated into various food products, they’re a unique treat.
- Roasted Chestnuts: Cooked over an open fire and served in paper cones, these nuts are the perfect snack to munch on while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Saucisson Chaude: Saucisson chaude is a hearty street food option. This sausage is often served in a baguette with mustard.
- Epoisses Cheese: Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the locally produced Epoisses cheese. It’s a soft, creamy cheese with a distinctive strong flavour that’s a true representation of the region’s dairy heritage.
- Bratwurst: Last but not least, even though Bratwurst is not a local specialty, it’s a common sight at these kinds of events.
What to Buy
Burgundy Wines: As you wander around the stalls, you’ll come across a range of Burgundy wines. Known for their delicate flavours and rich, complex aromas, this wine from the surrounding vineyards is an excellent gift.
Burgundy Mustard: Dijon isn’t just known for its wines and gingerbread – it’s also the birthplace of the famous Dijon mustard. Characterised by its smooth texture and distinctive tangy taste, it’s a gourmet gift that embodies the region’s flavours. You can find beautifully packed jars ready to be gifted to friends and family back home.
Decorations: Many artisans sell handmade decorations ranging from classic baubles to more unique items. I suggest you look out for decorations crafted from local materials.
French Cheeses: No trip to Dijon would be complete without indulging in some of the region’s delicious cheese. You can find a huge variety of French cheeses at the market.
Pottery and Ceramics: Dijon has a long tradition of pottery and ceramics. From ornate dinnerware to decorative pieces, each item encapsulates the artistry and craftsmanship of the region’s talented potters.
Chocolates and Confectionery: French chocolates are renowned for their rich, luxurious flavours, making them an indulgence that’s difficult to resist. You’ll also find other sweet treats, such as ‘nonnettes’, a traditional gingerbread filled with marmalade.
This guide to the best Christmas markets in France is a great resource for is you’re looking to experience more winter destinations in the region.
Destination Dijon is a useful resource for planning your trip. It provides information on things to do, transport options and the latest events.
Sustainability Tips
- Stay in Eco-friendly Accommodations: These places prioritise practices such as energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and sourcing locally produced goods. Most importantly, they use renewable energy for their electricity.
- Travel Responsibly: As a responsible tourist, consider how you navigate the city. Dijon is well connected by trams and buses, making it easy to explore the city while reducing your carbon footprint. Alternatively, the city’s bicycle rental scheme, DiviaVélodi, is an excellent way to enjoy the sights while keeping your environmental impact minimal.
- Support Local Producers: You can contribute to Dijon’s local economy and reduce carbon emissions associated with transporting goods by shopping at local farmers’ markets. Marché des Grésilles and Marché de la Fontaine d’Ouche are vibrant markets where you can buy locally grown produce, artisanal goods, and regional specialties.
- Eat Sustainably: Be mindful of your food choices while dining in Dijon. Vegetarian meals or dishes made with locally sourced ingredients can help reduce your carbon footprint.
- Respect Local Traditions: To enjoy the beauty of Dijon responsibly, it’s crucial to respect local customs, traditions, and the environment. When visiting local attractions, such as the magnificent Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy or the historic Dijon Cathedral, follow the guidelines to preserve these heritage sites.
- Avoid Food Waste: As you indulge in the culinary delights of Dijon, be mindful of portion sizes to avoid wasting food. Many traditional dishes in Dijon are quite hearty, so consider sharing a dish if you’re not a big eater. Also, don’t hesitate to ask for a takeaway box in restaurants to prevent unnecessary waste.
If you would like to leave a review, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research.
Christine
Loved this/ makes me wanna go there ( I’ll be in Lyon)
Is the Christmas market open on a Sunday? Do you know?
Thank you,
Christine
Andrea Anastasakis
Yes, it’s open on Sundays. Let me know if you go and what you think about it.
Christine ferrari
Thank you – I will and I’ll read this while taking the train there!
Thank you- I don’t go to Lyon until December 14th!! Dijon and their Christmas market will be my side trip!!!