Royal Christmas in the castles

From 29 November to 04 January 2026

The great châteaux of the Loire open their doors all year round, and are decked out in enchanting colours in December to celebrate the magic of Christmas. For young and old alike, the interior and exterior decorations, each more beautiful than the last, will transport you out of time. Some themes will even surprise you!

Over the years, the châteaux have evolved their decorations according to themes, collaborations and international trends. At the Château de Blois, a “contemporary art” atmosphere revisits Christmas. You’ll find luminous shapes that reflect the joy of living. Chaumont-sur-Loire takes us back to the 19th century, to the time of the Princes de Broglie. Lavish receptions and guests from all over the world came together for sumptuous end-of-year celebrations. This year, you’re invited! The rooms have been decorated to delight you with elegance and voluptuousness.

Family spirit reigns at Château de Cheverny. Large tables and delicacies are the order of the day. In every room, you’ll feel like you’re plunging into your childhood dreams on Christmas Eve. The gardens and trophy room are also decorated. The most enchanting of châteaux, Chambord, looks like Father Christmas’s village: tree-lined avenues, a reading corner, a show – everything is designed to make you dream. The illuminations take place from 3.30pm to 11pm.

The town of Blois and its castle are looking for the spirit of Christmas in the lights designed by artist Jérémy Bellot. His large glass structures reflect a symphony of colours on the façades and rooms of the monument. There’s plenty to keep you busy in the town.

Blois Castle 28 November to 04 January

From 28 November, in the paved courtyard of the château, a moon of wishes shimmers a prism of colours on each façade, while in the gardens, the Under the Cloud swing brings out a symphony of coloured beams. Garlands of lights magically bring the chapel back to life.
The highlight of the show: two colossal stars, 5 metres high, set in the immense Salle des États Généraux, will create a dialectic with its bewitching midnight-blue vault.

Friday 19 December: Candlelight concert, in the exceptional atmosphere of the Salle Gaston d’Orléans(booking required).

The House of Magic

Opposite the château, the Maison de la Magie has invited renowned magicians to entertain visitors on every floor of the house. The daily show is a tango and magic act. A fascinating and elegant futuristic universe with holograms, light shows and drones invading the space!

Place du château de Blois: large Christmas village with crafts and delicacies. Large antique merry-go-round.

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Chaumont Castle 29 November - 11 January

“Dreams of Yesteryear” takes visitors back in time to the preparations for Christmas Eve during the era of Prince and Princess de Broglie, the last private owners of the estate (late 19th/early 20th century). During the Belle Époque, the avant-garde refinement of their receptions attracted the greatest personalities from the courts of Europe and beyond, including the Shah of Persia and the Indian maharajas. Inspired by The Notebook of a Chambermaid, discovered on site during the winter of 2001-2002, and in the spirit of the Downton Abbey series, An Immersive Tour brings to life the excitement of these memorable festivities.

The programme is currently being finalised.

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Château de Cheverny 29 November - 18 January

Christmas at Château de Cheverny is more than just a tradition: it’s been an institution for almost 30 years! Giant illuminations in all the gardens, every room in the château carefully decorated, a forest of sweets in the trophy room, an enchanted horse-drawn carriage… ! And don’t forget the façade, lit up in Christmas colours as soon as night falls! This year, new decorations inside the château will transport you into a gourmet Christmas atmosphere, like the Christmas table in the main dining room, where the parquet floor has just been restored. Not forgetting the trophy room, with its superb painting. And don’t forget the aisle of giant gingerbread men and colourful mugs that will guide you to the Orangerie, where you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate, the house speciality.

Father Christmas Day (date to be announced): every year, a day of Christmas magic, followed by a presentation of gifts and a photocall in the Trophy Room, in the presence of Father Christmas, Mother Christmas and their elves. Everyone can warm up with homemade hot chocolate and mulled wine, before listening to Christmas carols.

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Illuminations Jardin A La Francaise 2018 Chambord C Olivier Marchant

Chambord Castle 29 November - 4 January

Chambord invites families to marvel at this enchanting setting, with its traditional decor, contemporary inspirations, costumed events and shows.

Highlights :

A major new magic show by Gaël the magician from 20 December 2025 to 3 January 2026.
3 sessions a day at 10.30am, 2.30pm and 4.30pm, except on 24 and 31 December at 10.30am and 2.30pm.
Decorated around the theme of fairy tales, particularly those by Hans Christian Andersen, whose death is being celebrated 150 years ago this year.
A Christmas village atmospherearoundthe castle and “Around the Well”, with a carousel and 3 Christmas chalets.
A one-hourChristmas-themedguided tour to discover the origins of the festive season through the history of the château, and in particular its heyday in the 18th century.
Activities every weekend in December: parades, ancient games, Renaissance dances and demonstrations, chocolate painting, nature workshops, etc.

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CASTLE PASSES Christmas

5 packages to marvel at the Christmas atmosphere in the 4 major châteaux of the destination at the best price.

4 Châteaux 61€

The Pass you need to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the Christmas atmosphere in the châteaux of the Loire Valley.

61 €per adult

CHRISTMAS: Blois – Chambord – Cheverny – Chaumont – EN

With this Pass’Châteaux package, visit four of the Loire Valley’s must-see châteaux under the magical Christmas lights.

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3 Châteaux 45€

CHRISTMAS: Blois – Chambord – Chaumont – EN

With this Pass’Châteaux package, visit three not-to-be-missed châteaux in the Loire Valley, with their fabulous Christmas decorations. Give the gift of this...

45 €per adult

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©Chambord Noel 2024 Leonard De Serres 2 Scaled 1|Leonard De Serres

CHRISTMAS: Chambord – Cheverny – Chaumont – EN

A Pass’Châteaux to discover a magnificent overview of the history of the châteaux of the Loire during this magical period of Christmas festivities.

45 €per adult

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CHRISTMAS: Blois – Cheverny – Chaumont – EN

A Pass’Châteaux to discover a magnificent overview of the art and history of the châteaux of the Loire in their festive attire.

45 €per adult

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CHRISTMAS: Blois-Chambord-Cheverny – EN

Visit three of the Loire Valley’s great châteaux at Christmas, and you’ll get a good overview of the different styles, periods and themed festive decorations.

45 €per adult

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Children's tickets

Entertainment

29Nov19Dec

Décorations de Noël et illuminations de ChambordChambord

18Oct1Nov

À toi la vie de châteauBlois

20Dec20253Jan2026

Spectacle de Noël par Gaël le magicienChambord

20Dec20254Jan2026

La Magie en MouvementBlois

29Nov202511Jan2026

Noël au château de Chaumont-sur-LoireChaumont-sur-Loire

19Dec

Concerts CandlelightBlois

29Nov20254Jan2026

Noël au Château Royal de BloisBlois

29Nov202518Jan2026

Un Noël magique au Château de ChevernyCheverny

29Nov30Nov

Noël à La MagnanerieBourré

29Nov20254Jan2026

Noël à ChambordChambord

28Nov19Dec

Rêves chromatiques au Château royal de BloisBlois

22Dec23Dec

Murmures NocturnesBlois

29Nov30Nov

Noêl au Château de Meung-sur-LoireMeung-sur-Loire

7Dec

Atelier Origami spécial NoëlMer

1Dec31Dec

Le passe-droit du château !Blois

20Dec20254Jan2026

Spectacle d’ombres chinoises : La plume bleueBlois

The Christmas festivities add to the already natural charm of our Loire châteaux. More than just a part of our historical heritage, they are part of our everyday lives, and spending Christmas in the heart of these sumptuous monuments will leave an indelible mark on our childhood souls. The gardens are dotted with magnificent decorations, and the Château de Cheverny, for example, is a pleasure to wander through, its paths lined with hundreds of gifts and each room an enchantment for the eyes.
The Château de Chambord is also decked out in its finest finery, with avenues of fir trees in the gardens and areas filled with large tables elegantly decorated with a theme. On the banks of the Loire, other châteaux are celebrating the festive season: the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is in full swing, as it was in the time of the Princesse de Broglie. Follow the river to Meung-sur-Loire, Amboise, Clos Lucé and Château Gaillard.

On the Cher, Chenonceau is decked out in lights. For an even more unusual souvenir, visit the tuffeau cellars of the Magnanerie de Bourré. In addition to the markets, there’s a rich Christmas programme, with numerous workshops organised in the Loire châteaux, and particularly in Blois, with the Des Lyres d’hiver programme. These events and exhibitions will allow you to discover the treasures of our heritage in a whole new light.