Northwest Vendée Sparkles with Festive Cheer: A Complete Guide to Christmas Markets in 2025
As the holiday season approaches, the towns and villages of Northwest Vendée are transforming into enchanting wonderlands, alive with the spirit of traditional Christmas markets. From gourmet delights to handcrafted treasures, the scent of cinnamon, and the sounds of winter melodies, these events offer a magical experience for visitors of all ages. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the Christmas markets illuminating the region throughout November and December 2025.
November: Kicking Off the Festive Season
The Christmas market season begins on November 28th in Challans, hosting 10 exhibitors from 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Résidence Henry Simon – EPSMS du Pays de Challans – in partnership with Habitat et Humanisme (the Le Relais Fleuri guesthouse), the Notre-Dame school and high school. Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere and unique finds. Contact information is available at 02 51 68 89 80 or [email protected].
Also on November 28th, Saint-Christophe-du-Ligneron welcomes its 5th edition of “The 400 Rabbits” market. This family-friendly event features a pony ride, participation from the local school, an elf appearance, a music group performing at 6 p.m., and a visit from Santa Claus.
November 29th brings a flurry of activity. In Aizenay, the Charles-Marguerite d’Aizenay retirement home, in collaboration with La Maisonnée, will host a market from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2, route de Nantes. Attendees can enjoy musical entertainment, purchase food products and decorative items crafted by residents, and partake in catering and refreshments. Contact them at 02 51 94 60 79 or visit www.charlesmarguerite.fr.
Beauvoir-sur-Mer will also host a Christmas market on November 29th and 30th, featuring 12 local artisans, creators, and producers. The market will be held in the Green slate room, facing the town hall. For inquiries, contact 06 61 09 34 81 or [email protected].
Brem-sur-Mer prepares to welcome 50 exhibitors on November 29th and 30th at the Hall of the Brandais, Rue du Brandais, organized by Affair to follow production. Contact details are 07 70 02 89 92, 06 62 33 33 79, or [email protected].
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie will host a Christmas market at the Sainte-Croix school on November 29th, running from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The event promises concerts, children’s stories, and a visit from Santa Claus, showcasing 100% Vendée and handmade products. Notably, Christmas trees will be donated to families in need at the event’s conclusion.
Rounding out the weekend’s offerings, Saint-Maixent-sur-Vie will host a market organized by the APE of the Oiseau Bleu school, featuring Santa Claus, makeup, angling, pancakes, and bass music.
December: Continuing the Holiday Magic
The festive spirit continues into December. On November 30th, Soul Lance will host 50 exhibitors offering crafts, decorations, jewelry, and food products, alongside activities for children like a carousel, inflatable structure, carriage ride, photos with Santa Claus, and face painting, starting at 2 p.m. at Espace Prévoirie, rue Saint-Christophe.
L’Aiguillon-sur-Vie will host a market at the Rural Home on November 30th from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., complete with a visit from Santa Claus and the Sainte-Cécile fanfare at 3 p.m., along with mulled wine and delicacies. Registrations can be made at [email protected] or by calling 06 50 23 77 27.
Coëx will host around fifty exhibitors – artisans, artists, and local producers – on November 30th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Place du Docteur Brechoteau, with a sale of fir trees and entertainment for children.
La Guérinière will host a market on November 30th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Les Pinsonnières sports hall, rue des Pinsonnières, offering a refreshment bar and catering. Contact them at 06 60 06 72 29 or [email protected].
Saint-Urbain will host a market on November 30th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Avocette room, with 26 pitches available. Contact the town hall secretariat at 02 51 68 73 34 for more information.
Soullans will also host a market on November 30th at 10 a.m. at Espace Prévoirie, rue Saint-Christophe, featuring 50 exhibitors and children’s activities.
December Highlights
December 5th – 7th will see a flurry of activity. The Fenouiller will host 30 exhibitors, a free carousel, Santa’s chalet, and numerous surprises at place de la Ménarderie, rue du Center. Details can be found at 02 51 55 09 99 or http://le fenouiller.fr.
Grand’Landes will host a market from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., organized by the APE Titouan Lamazou school.
Île-d’Yeu will transform its inner harbor streets into a festive marketplace, organized by UCA, from December 5th to 7th.
Soul Lance’s River Nurseries will celebrate its 10th edition from December 5th to 7th, beginning on the 5th at 2 p.m. with 55 local artisans, artists, and producers. The event will feature entertainment, illuminations, a bar, catering, and a special anniversary concert with fireworks on the evening of the 5th.
La Barre-de-Monts will host a Christmas market on December 6th and 7th at Salle Espace Terre de Sel, Route de La Grande Côte, featuring 40 exhibitors, catering, and entertainment for children. Contact 06 61 09 34 81 or [email protected]. Additionally, “Christmas at Daviaud” will offer workshops, a local farmers’ and artisans’ market, and entertainment from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Le Daviaud, 817, route du Daviaud. Contact 02 51 93 84 84 or [email protected].
Commequiers will host a market on December 6th from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the multipurpose room, featuring activities for children and a photo opportunity with Santa Claus.
The Thorn will host a market on December 6th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., offering entertainment, catering, and a visit from Santa Claus.
December 13th and 14th will see continued festivities. Beauvoir-sur-Mer will host a market organized by the Ana-Lybellecourbes Association at Salle Sirocco, 61, chemin de la Chèvre, offering entertainment, refreshments, and Christmas tree sales.
Challans will host a market on December 13th and 14th at Place Victor Charbonnel, featuring artisans and pony rides.
Notre-Dame-de-Monts will host a Christmas party on December 13th at 4 p.m. on rue de Saint-Jean, featuring shows, fireworks, and a Christmas market.
Sallertaine will host a market on December 13th and 14th at the Tamaris Room, featuring demonstrations by artisans and tasting of local products. Contact 02 51 93 29 81 for details.
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez will host a craft market on December 13th and 14th at Jeanne-d’Arc island, featuring a photobooth, carousel, and Santa Claus.
Barbâtre will host a market on December 14th at Espace Océane, Place de l’Église, featuring photos with Santa Claus, face painting, and pony rides.
Peacock will host a market on December 14th at Espace la Gachère, featuring artisans, wooden games, a Lego competition, and a visit from Santa Claus.
December 19th – 21st will see Challans host another market at Place Aristide Briand, featuring local creators and producers.
Île-d’Yeu will host a market in the market square, in front of Mie Câline.
Bouin will host its 5th edition market on December 20th between the Place du Pavillon, the house and the Enclos room.
Brétignolles-sur-Mer will host a market on December 20th at Wales Square, featuring entertainment and a magical Christmas show projected onto the church.
Noirmoutier-en-l’Île will host a market from December 20th to January 2nd at Place de la République.
These Christmas markets promise a delightful experience for all, showcasing the rich culture and craftsmanship of Northwest Vendée. Visitors are encouraged to explore these festive events and immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.
