What are the dates and times of the Christmas celebrations in Châtelaillon-Plage?

The Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas festivities take place from 28 November 2026 to 31 December 2026 in the heart of the seaside resort. The Christmas Village is open every day from 11.00 am to 8.00 pm , and until 10.00 pm on Fridays and Saturdays so you can make the most of the illuminations.

Is entry to the Christmas festivities free?

Yes, entry to the Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas Festivities is completely free . The Christmas Village, the live nativity scene, the Saint Lucy procession and the Enchanted Forest are all free to visit, so that everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas to the full. Only certain attractions require a fee, notably the fairground rides, the toboggan run and a few specific activities on offer during the festive period.

How do I get to Châtelaillon for the Christmas festivities?

Châtelaillon-Plage is ideally situated 15 minutes south of La Rochelle and 20 minutes north of Rochefort, making it the perfect destination for a family Christmas outing. By train The Châtelaillon-Plage TER station is just a 5-minute walk from the Christmas Village. An ideal choice for visitors coming from La Rochelle, Rochefort or Surgères. By car From La Rochelle: take the N137 expressway, Châtelaillon-Plage exit. From Rochefort: head towards La Rochelle, taking the Châtelaillon-Plage exit. On arrival, you’ll find free car parks at the entrance to the town , allowing you to easily reach Place Jean Moulin – the heart of the festivities – in under 10 minutes on foot. We recommend using these car parks to avoid traffic in the town centre and to enjoy quick and easy access to the Christmas Village.

When does the “Baignade des Banquisards” take place, and how can I take part?

The Baignade des Banquisards is the unmissable festive event of the winter in Châtelaillon-Plage! Every year, hundreds of participants take the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean in a joyful and friendly atmosphere. Date for 2026: Sunday 20 December at 2.30 pm on the beach, opposite the Casino To take part: Wristbands available from 28 November at the reception desks of the town hall, the Casino and Hyper U Beaulieu Meet on the beach a few minutes before the big plunge Enjoy a unique experience hosted by the organising team

On which days is the live nativity scene performed?

The live nativity scene in Châtelaillon-Plage will be staged from 20 to 23 December, every evening at 7.00 pm, on the church forecourt.

What events and activities are on offer over Christmas?

Châtelaillon-Plage offers a comprehensive programme designed for families in Charente-Maritime. Among the unmissable events: The Christmas Market with its food and craft stalls The Enchanted Forest, a magical illuminated trail The giant Christmas tree carousel, the children’s carousel and the toboggan slide The little Christmas train for a ride around the resort The live nativity scene Concerts, creative workshops and shows throughout the month Father Christmas will be present on various dates All the events take place in the town centre, easily accessible from La Rochelle (15 mins) and Rochefort (20 mins).

Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage: magic and traditions by the sea

Christmas celebrations

In December, the people of Châtelaillon are busy preparing for the festive season, which is always a time of conviviality. Lights illuminate the town, carried by the little lanterns of Châtelaillon’s ‘Lucie’ figures, whilst shop windows are decked out in their finest decorations. In the heart of the town, the Christmas market comes to life, and the festivities can finally begin.

From Saturday 28 November to Sunday 31 December 2026, immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas! Explore the Christmas Village and enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of the giant Christmas tree carousel!

In the heart of the town, on Place Jean Moulin, discover the Christmas Village and its food and craft chalets. With gift ideas, seasonal treats and family entertainment, enjoy a magical moment and soar to new heights on the unmissable giant Christmas tree carousel!

In the municipal park, the Enchanted Forest opens its doors to a marvellous world, filled with magical characters and sparkling lights. Let yourself be swept away by the Christmas spirit and share unforgettable moments with family or friends, in keeping with the traditions of Châtelaillon.

A magical Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage

Christmas decorations on a market in Châtelaillon-Plage, with copper cauldrons and Father Christmas boots, a festive atmosphere in Charente-Maritime. — ©
Festive spirit at the Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas market, with lights, decorations and winter treats
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Photographe Lucie Poinsatte @luciep.photographie

Just a few minutes from La Rochelle, Châtelaillon-Plage invites you to embark on ‘The Great Christmas Journey’, from 28 November to 31 December 2026! On Place Jean-Moulin, the Christmas Village awaits you with its food and craft stalls, its giant sledge, its little elves’ train and its unmissable giant Christmas tree carousel. This year, you can also hop aboard Father Christmas’s sleigh – the big new attraction for 2026!

On Saturday 12 December, follow the traditional Saint Lucy’s Day parade, with its hundreds of lanterns, to the Christmas Village, where the magic continues amidst the illuminations of the Enchanted Forest.

From 20 to 23 December at 7.00 pm, head to the church forecourt for the Living Nativity Scene, a sound and light show that brings the Nativity to life in a stunning setting.

Finally, on Sunday 20 December at 2.30 pm, it’s time for the famous Baignade des Banquisards! Put on your best fancy dress and join the brave swimmers for a dip that’s as chilly as it is festive, on the beach opposite the Casino!

DETAILED PROGRAMME TO FOLLOW

Christmas market

From 28 November to 31 December 2026, set off on a magical Christmas adventure in Châtelaillon-Plage, just a few minutes from La Rochelle!

In the heart of the town, the Christmas Village immerses you in a magical atmosphere with its food and craft stalls. With crêpes, hot chocolate, seasonal specialities and gift ideas, let yourself be swept away by the magic of the festive season!

🎠 Fairground rides and meet-and-greets with Father Christmas
Soar to new heights on the unmissable giant Christmas tree ride, whizz down the toboggan run and hop aboard the elves’ little train! New for 2026: Father Christmas’s sleigh promises an enchanting journey.

And keep an eye out: Father Christmas will be waiting for you at weekends and during the school holidays, from 19 to 25 December, for some truly magical encounters!

✨ The Memory Factory: moments to share
Make yourself comfortable to listen to wonderful Christmas stories and rediscover the joy of wooden games to enjoy with the whole family.

You can also enjoy Christmas carols and concerts, scheduled for 28 November, 5, 11, 18 and 19 December at 7.30 pm.

🕒 Christmas Market opening hours
Sunday to Thursday: 11.00 am to 8.00 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11.00 am to 10.00 pm

I love Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage! I saw Father Christmas, had a waffle and went for a ride on the magical little train. It was brilliant!

Mathis, aged 8, Rochefort

The Living Nativity Scene: the Châtelaillonnais’ grand Christmas show

It has become the unmissable festive event in Châtelaillon-Plage.
A few days before Christmas, more than 80 volunteers don costumes and lights to bring the beautiful story of the Nativity to life on the church forecourt.

Kings, shepherds, angels and live animals come to life in a moving spectacle, featuring songs, dances and illuminated scenery.
A unique occasion when the whole of Châtelaillon shares in the Christmas spirit.

20–23 December at 7.00 pm – Church forecourt

The Banquisards’ Swim

❄️ Ready for the Banquisards’ big dip?

It’s the craziest event of the year in Châtelaillon-Plage! The famous Banquisards Swim is back for a mad yet friendly occasion, just a few minutes from La Rochelle!

On Sunday 20 December 2026 at 2.30 pm, meet on the beach opposite the Casino for a memorable dip in the chilly waters of the Atlantic! Superheroes, bees or zany costumes… Dig out your best fancy dress and join the hundreds of brave souls ready to brave the cold in high spirits!

Laughter, thrills and a festive atmosphere guaranteed! An unmissable event to share with friends or family, to end the year on a note of madness and solidarity.

🎟️ Wristbands available from 28 November
→ At the chalets in the Christmas Village, at the Casino and at Hyper U Beaulieu.

Event in aid of a charity.

Every year, the Baignade des Banquisards is my dose of madness and good humour! I just can’t bring the year to a close without that icy dip at Châtelaillon-Plage.

Coralie, from Châtelaillon, aged 35

How do I get there?

By train, Châtelaillon-Plage station is served by the TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine lines. Whether you’re travelling from Nantes or Bordeaux, or from the areas around La Rochelle or Rochefort, come by train and get off at Châtelaillon-Plage station. It’s simple: just download the TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine app and off you go!

By car: situated just 10 km south of La Rochelle, the seaside resort is easily accessible by car via the A10 motorway and the N137 road.

FAQ

What are the dates and times of the Christmas celebrations in Châtelaillon-Plage?
Is entry to the Christmas festivities free?
Yes, entry to the Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas Festivities is completely free. The Christmas Village, the live nativity scene, the Saint Lucy procession and the Enchanted Forest are all free to visit, so that everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas to the full.
Only certain attractions require a fee, notably the fairground rides, the toboggan run and a few specific activities on offer during the festive period.
How do I get to Châtelaillon for the Christmas festivities?
Châtelaillon-Plage is ideally situated 15 minutes south of La Rochelle and 20 minutes north of Rochefort, making it the perfect destination for a family Christmas outing.
By train
The Châtelaillon-Plage TER station is just a 5-minute walk from the Christmas Village.
An ideal choice for visitors coming from La Rochelle, Rochefort or Surgères.
By car
From La Rochelle: take the N137 expressway, Châtelaillon-Plage exit.
From Rochefort: head towards La Rochelle, taking the Châtelaillon-Plage exit.
On arrival, you’ll find free car parks at the entrance to the town, allowing you to easily reach Place Jean Moulin – the heart of the festivities – in under 10 minutes on foot.
We recommend using these car parks to avoid traffic in the town centre and to enjoy quick and easy access to the Christmas Village.
When does the “Baignade des Banquisards” take place, and how can I take part?
The Baignade des Banquisards is the unmissable festive event of the winter in Châtelaillon-Plage!
Every year, hundreds of participants take the plunge into the Atlantic Ocean in a joyful and friendly atmosphere.
Date for 2026: Sunday 20 December at 2.30 pm on the beach, opposite the Casino
To take part:
Wristbands available from 28 November at the reception desks of the town hall, the Casino and Hyper U Beaulieu
Meet on the beach a few minutes before the big plunge
Enjoy a unique experience hosted by the organising team
On which days is the live nativity scene performed?
What events and activities are on offer over Christmas?
Châtelaillon-Plage offers a comprehensive programme designed for families in Charente-Maritime. Among the unmissable events:
- The Christmas Market with its food and craft stalls
- The Enchanted Forest, a magical illuminated trail
- The giant Christmas tree carousel, the children’s carousel and the toboggan slide
- The little Christmas train for a ride around the resort
- The live nativity scene
- Concerts, creative workshops and shows throughout the month
- Father Christmas will be present on various dates
All the events take place in the town centre, easily accessible from La Rochelle (15 mins) and Rochefort (20 mins).