Rouen Christmas Market Guide 2024 (Events & Illuminations)

Last Updated on 28th October 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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The medieval city of Rouen is characterised by its grand Gothic cathedral, abundance of timber-framed houses, and association with Joan of Arc, who was allegedly burned at the stake in the town centre.

The city also happens to be the capital of Normandy and is where the Rouen Christmas Market takes place on an annual basis. Here’s your complete guide to visiting the market, as well as travel tips, and what to know before visiting.

Please note that the Rouen Christmas event is known as Rouen Givrée, translated as ‘Frosted Rouen’. 2024 is the 16th edition of the annual Rouen Christmas event.

2024 Rouen Christmas Market dates: TBC (dates for 2023:Thursday 23rd November – Sunday 24th December)

Market open times: 2 pm to 8 pm Monday, 11 am to 8 pm Tuesday to Thursday, 11 am to 9 pm Friday, 10 am to 9 pm Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm Sunday.

Rouen Christmas Market Locations

Place de la Cathédrale

Unlike other cities in France which host Christmas Markets, the entire city is not turned into one sprawling Christmas Market. Instead, the traditional wooden chalets are concentrated on Place de la Cathédrale, which hosts several glittering Christmas trees, as well as wooden chalets painted white.

Once in front of the cathedral, visitors will soon find a wide array of several dozen chalets (42 to be precise) selling everything from unique gifts (biscuit porcelain lamps, jewellery, and the like) to a number of Christmas market foods and drinks. Every day the market is open until 8 PM.

Place de la Calende

A smaller Christmas Market can be found just a few hundred metres away from the main Christmas Market, on Place de la Calende. Lying in the shadow of the iconic Rouen Cathedral, the market comprises of around half a dozen stalls.

This Christmas Market is particularly unique in that it features creators and artisans selling products and gifts that were made in Normandy. There is also a beautiful carousel, which lies directly at the base of the cathedral.

Place du Vieux Marché

Though not nearly as large nor comprehensive enough to be considered a Christmas Market, there is a small stall selling hot drinks and quick snacks on Place du Vieux Marché.

There is also a tiny children’s carousel. Typically, there is usually a grand wheel (ferris wheel) and an ice skating rink, though this was not present in 2021 and 2022.

Christmas Market food in Rouen

If you’ve ever visited a Christmas Market in Europe before, then you’ll know that the most important aspect of any visit is the food. And between sweet and savoury options, visitors to the Rouen Christmas Market are simply spoiled for choice!

There is a space to eat and drink with standing tables that is set up to the right hand side of the market when facing the cathedral head on. Some unique specialities of the market include hot mulled cider or a hot Calvados with honey.

Other winter activities in Rouen

See Christmas Lights

While the market isn’t 24/7, there are other winter festivities that you won’t want to miss out on your time in the capital city of Normandy. Of course, one of the best attractions of the city during the winter is all of the beautiful illuminations.

Some of the best Christmas lights in Rouen include along rue de Gros Horloge (which, of course, is home to the impressive Rouen clock), as well as in Place du Vieux Marché, which is home to La Couronne, which is alleged to be the oldest inn in France. For more inspiration about the Normandy capital, be sure to check out our free and self-guided Rouen walking tour.

Visit the Nativity in Rouen Cathedral

Yet another festive display in the city that’s well worth checking out is the Nativity display, which can be found within the cathedral itself. Rouen’s main ecclesiastical building is free to visit and is a must-see while in the city.

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