The 9 Most Beautiful Christmas Markets in Europe
Provence, France :Christmas Flavors, Santons & The Treize Desserts
Provence is where Christmas feels like a warm embrace: fragrant, colorful, full of handcrafted charm and ancient traditions.
From mid-November through December, towns and villages organize intimate Christmas markets where local artisans showcase decorations, santons (little clay figurines), scented soaps, pottery, and tables offer the treasures of the season.
One of the most cherished rituals here is the Gros Souper (Big Supper) on Christmas Eve, followed by the beloved Thirteen Desserts (Les Treize Desserts), a spread of thirteen sweet treats representing Jesus and his twelve apostles.
Among them: la pompe à l’huile (olive oil brioche), white and black nougat, dried fruits and nuts, fresh fruit (oranges, mandarins, pears), calissons from Aix, quince paste, oreillettes (thin fried pastries), and more.
The nativity scenes are deeply symbolic and beautifully crafted. Santon fairs begin in many villages in mid-November.
These little figurines, handmade and painted, portray not just the Holy Family but an entire Provencal village: shepherds, bakers, fishmongers, doctors, each with character.
Other Provençal traditions enrich the experience:
– Sainte-Barbe’s Day (December 4), when wheat and lentils are germinated and later placed in the nativity, as a symbol of abundance.
– Midnight Mass, often accompanied by carols in Provencal dialect, and in some places a pastorale (dramatic-crèche with villagers in costume) adds theatrical charm.
Markets in Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Avignon, Aubagne and many villages sparkle with lights, serve local delicacies and offer both gifts and gastronomic treats.
Immerse yourself in these Provencal Christmas markets and experience the spirit of Christmas in South of France.
