What are the dates and times of the Christmas festivities at Châtelaillon-Plage?

The Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas Festivities take place from 29 November 2025 to 5 January 2026 in the heart of the seaside resort. The Christmas Village is open every day from 11am to 8pm , and until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays to make the most of the illuminations. ? Closed on 25 December and 1 January.

Is admission to the Christmas festivities free?

Yes, access to the Christmas Festivities at Châtelaillon-Plage is completely free . The Christmas Village, the living cot, the Sainte-Lucie and the Magic Forest are all open to the public, so that everyone can enjoy the magic of Christmas. Only certain activities are subject to a charge, such as the merry-go-rounds, tobogganing and a number of specific activities on offer during the period.

How do I get to Châtelaillon for the Christmas events?

Châtelaillon-Plage is ideally located 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 motorway, exit at Châtelaillon-Plage. From Rochefort: head towards La Rochelle, take the Châtelaillon-Plage exit. On arrival, you’ll find free car parks at the entrance to the town , making it easy to get to Place Jean Moulin – the heart of the festivities – in less than 10 minutes on foot. These car parks are recommended if you want to avoid traffic in the town centre and get to the Christmas Village quickly and easily.

When is the "Baignade des Banquisards" and how can you take part?

The Baignade des Banquisards is Châtelaillon-Plage’s not-to-be-missed winter festive event! Every year, hundreds of participants plunge into the Atlantic Ocean in a joyous and friendly atmosphere. ? Date 2025: 28 December at 11am on the beach, opposite the Casino How to take part : Bracelets available from December 1 at the reception desks of the Town Hall, the Casino and Hyper U Beaulieu. Meet on the beach a few minutes before the big dive Enjoy a unique moment hosted by the organising team

When is the Living Crib performed?

The living nativity scene at Châtelaillon-Plage is on display from 20 to 23 December, every evening at 7pm, on the church forecourt.

What activities are on offer at Christmas?

Châtelaillon-Plage offers a full programme designed for families in Charente-Maritime. Not to be missed! The Christmas Market with its food and craft stalls The Magic Forest, a magical light trail The giant Sapin merry-go-round, the children’s merry-go-round and the toboggan slide The little Christmas train to take you around the resort The living nativity scene Concerts, creative workshops and shows throughout the month Father Christmas at various times All the activities are in the town centre, within easy reach of La Rochelle (15 mins) and Rochefort (20 mins).

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Under the twinkling lights of the giant Christmas tree, a tender moment shared between a mother and child at the Châtelaillon-Plage Christmas market.

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

Christmas festivities

In December, the people of Chatelaillonnais are busy preparing for the festive season, which is always a time for conviviality. The town is lit up by the little lanterns of the Lucie châtelaillonnais, while the 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 29 November 2025 to Sunday 5 January 2026, immerse yourself in the enchantment of Christmas! Explore the Christmas Village and enjoy a breathtaking view from the top of the giant Christmas tree merry-go-round!

In the heart of the green park at Châtelaillon-Plage, let yourself be carried away by the magic of Christmas and enjoy a unique moment with family and friends in the Magic Forest, where imagination and enchantment come to life to make the eyes of young and old shine.

A magical Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage

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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 is decked out in lights for Christmas! On the Place Jean-Moulin, the Christmas market brings together local craftsmen and producers to offer gift ideas and delicacies. Then climb on the giant fir merry-go-round to admire the sparkling lights in the heart of the town.

In the park, the Magic Forest transports young and old into the magical world of Mélimelon the elf, with his tales and Christmas secrets.
On the church forecourt, the living cot amazes visitors, with more than 80 volunteers re-enacting the Nativity in a sumptuous setting.

And to end the year on a frosty note, join us on Sunday 28 December 2025 at 11am for the famous Baignade des Banquisards!

2026 PROGRAMME TO COME

Christmas market

From 29 November to 31 December 2025, the magic of Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage awaits you, just a few minutes from La Rochelle!
Under the lights of the Christmas market, discover 30 chalets filled with delicacies and gift ideas.

? Rides & Father Christmas
Guaranteed thrills with Santa’s toboggan, carousel and Little Train!
And for a unique experience, climb aboard the giant Christmas tree merry-go-round: 13 metres of magic above the village.
Santa awaits you on Saturdays and Sundays from 2pm to 6pm.

✨ La Fabrique à souvenirs: A magical space for families

Christmas stories on Wednesdays (11am & 3pm) / Creative workshops at 4.30pm / Christmas concerts every Friday at 6pm.

? Christmas Market opening times

Sunday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm
Friday and Saturday: 11am to 10pm
Closed on 25 December and 1 January

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A magical moment for the children who came to meet Father Christmas at the Christmas market in Châtelaillon-Plage.

I love Christmas in Châtelaillon-Plage! I saw Father Christmas, ate a waffle and took the little magic train. It was so much fun!

Mathis, 8, Rochefort

The Living Crib: the big Christmas show for the people of Chatelaillonnais

It’s become a not-to-be-missed feature of the festive season 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 of song, dance and light.
A unique moment when the whole of Châtelaillon shares in the spirit of Christmas.

From 20 to 23 December at 7pm – Church forecourt

Baignade des Banquisards

❄️ Ready to shiver?
It’s the frosty event that Châtelaillon residents look forward to every year: the Baignade des Banquisards!

On Sunday 28 December 2025 at 11am, the beach at Châtelaillon-Plage, near La Rochelle, becomes the playground for hundreds of brave souls.
More than 500 participants in fancy dress dive into the Atlantic Ocean to celebrate the end of the year in good spirits!

It’s a fun, crazy and supportive event to enjoy with family and friends.
Join the adventure and show your heart’s content!

?️ Bracelets available from 1 December
→ at the town hall, Casino and Hyper U Beaulieu reception desks
? Event in aid of charity

Every year, the Baignade des Banquisards is my dose of madness and good humour! It’s impossible to end the year without taking an icy plunge at Châtelaillon-Plage.

Coralie, Châtelaillonnaise, aged 35

How do I get there?

By train, Châtelaillon-Plage station is served by TER Nouvelle-Aquitaine lines. From Nantes or Bordeaux, or from near La Rochelle or Rochefort, come by train and stop at Châtelaillon-Plage station. It’s easy, just download the TER Nouvelle Aquitaine application and off you go!

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

FAQ

What are the dates and times of the Christmas festivities at Châtelaillon-Plage?
Is admission to the Christmas festivities free?
How do I get to Châtelaillon for the Christmas events?
Châtelaillon-Plage is ideally located 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 motorway, exit at Châtelaillon-Plage.
From Rochefort: head towards La Rochelle, take the Châtelaillon-Plage exit.
On arrival, you’ll find free car parks at the entrance to the town, making it easy to get to Place Jean Moulin – the heart of the festivities – in less than 10 minutes on foot.
These car parks are recommended if you want to avoid traffic in the town centre and get to the Christmas Village quickly and easily.
When is the "Baignade des Banquisards" and how can you take part?
The Baignade des Banquisards is Châtelaillon-Plage’s not-to-be-missed winter festive event!
Every year, hundreds of participants plunge into the Atlantic Ocean in a joyous and friendly atmosphere.
? Date 2025: 28 December at 11am on the beach, opposite the Casino
How to take part :
Bracelets available from December 1 at the reception desks of the Town Hall, the Casino and Hyper U Beaulieu.
Meet on the beach a few minutes before the big dive
Enjoy a unique moment hosted by the organising team
When is the Living Crib performed?
What activities are on offer at Christmas?
Châtelaillon-Plage offers a full programme designed for families in Charente-Maritime. Not to be missed!
- The Christmas Market with its food and craft stalls
- The Magic Forest, a magical light trail
- The giant Sapin merry-go-round, the children’s merry-go-round and the toboggan slide
- The little Christmas train to take you around the resort
- The living nativity scene
- Concerts, creative workshops and shows throughout the month
- Father Christmas at various times
All the activities are in the town centre, within easy reach of La Rochelle (15 mins) and Rochefort (20 mins).