From Aix to Sanary via Cassis, our ideas for outings to prolong the magic of Christmas

A light show on the port

Last New Year's Eve, we enjoyed the light show in Cassis. During the Christmas holidays, the whole village lights up. The port is transformed into a veritable living array of lights. So, every evening, the magic happens, the facades of the houses light up and come alive to evoke the wonderful story of Christmas in images and colors. Not to be missed under any circumstances.

Christmas continues in Marseille with the 222nd edition of the Santon Fair which takes place until January 5 in the Old Port. There we come across the shepherd, the ravi, the fisherman, the baker and the latest creations of the artisans. It's still time to do some shopping. At the bottom of the Canebière, we head to the Christmas market. Wooden chalets are in place. 40 artisans and creators offer an anthology of local products. You can finally pop onto the Quai de la Fraternité to put on your skates on the temporary ice rink. It's also until January 5th.

The magic of Christmas at the castle

It's an original and atypical Christmas at Oraison since it takes place until December 31 in the rooms of the castle. The visit takes the form of a circuit where we discover a “lollipop tree”. This is the place for young children old enough to say goodbye to their pacifier, offer it to Santa or the elves and decorate that tree. The Santa Claus mailbox also remains open. The spinners' association is offering an exhibition on the theme of 13 desserts. A Provençal nativity scene is finally on display.

From 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Price: 2 euros

Light shows in town

The illuminations were launched at the end of November in the streets of the city center. The light shows continue until January 5. During the holidays, the streets and squares of Aix are adorned with lights and invite you to take a stroll. The opportunity to discover the luminous sky of the Cours Mirabeau and the Allées, the decorated squares and the messages in Provençal projected on the walls. Until December 31, you can also enjoy the Christmas market chalets, the Santon fair and rides for children.

The 12th edition of the Unusual Nights festival is not over. Every day, there are original shows, fantastic creatures crossing the alleys. This Saturday, it's time for the Inko Nito company and the Éclosion de Céleste show on Place d'Inguimbert from 5:35 p.m. Christmas is also the unusual chapel of Léon where a friendly dragon welcomes you in a cave, “frosty” activities (ice rink and ski simulator to go down legendary slopes), a Provençal nativity scene and a tasting of the 13 Christmas desserts … Not to be missed. And it's all free.

Until January 2, we head to Sanary-sur-Mer in the Var to enjoy the last festivities during the Christmas holidays. The illuminations and decorations are distributed between the historic center and the port. Come and discover the luminous route set up through 18 magical stages. Finally, we fell in love with the Pointus, these traditional fishing boats highlighted for the Christmas holidays.

The Christmas village in Plan-de-Cuques is set up until December 29. On site, the chalets are full of pastries, Christmas wreaths, beauty products, wooden toys, jewelry, textiles. This Saturday, to liven up the day, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., there's a magical strolling parade: at 4 p.m., zumba, Christmas dances; at 6 p.m., flash mob with the MJC and in the evening, themed activities.