Christmas in Amboise
Christmas in Amboise and the Loire Valley Châteaux: a month of magical events in the heart of the Loire Valley!
From November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, experience the Magic of Christmas in Amboise and the Châteaux of the Loire Valley! In the cradle of the Loire Valley châteaux, a magical atmosphere invades towns and villages, in the wake of Christmas in the Land of Châteaux. The châteaux and villages of the Val d’Amboise are adorned with their finest finery and immerse you in a magical world. Christmas markets, illuminations, light parade, magic shows, Christmas carols, family entertainment… The Val d’Amboise sparkles with a thousand lights and invites you to experience an enchanted interlude. Winegrowers, artisans and merchants open their doors for gourmet tastings to discover the most delicious specialties of Touraine. With family or friends, experience the Magic of Christmas and enjoy a wonderful stay in the heart of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley.
Christmas in the chateaux of Amboise
“O Beautiful Fir Trees” at the Royal Château d’Amboise
For Christmas in the Land of Castles, from November 29th to January 4th, fir trees take over the interiors of the Royal Château of Amboise. Dressed in their finest festive attire, these majestic trees tell magical stories.
More information to come
“Christmas Magic” at the Château du Clos Lucé
From November 29th, the Château du Clos Lucé invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world of elegance through the color copper. The Clos Lucé is adorned in its finest decorations to celebrate this time of year, a time of warmth and togetherness. The decorations create an atmosphere where the spirit of Christmas blends harmoniously with the history and timeless charm of the château.
Christmas at the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard
At the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard, red, green, and gold make hearts shine brighter! From November 29, 2025, to January 4, 2026, the enchanting illuminations will beautify the castle’s exterior, while Santa’s toys will spill out at the foot of the fireplace under the watchful gaze of a majestic 5-meter Christmas tree. Stories and a treasure hunt will immerse you in the magic of the Christmas holidays.
Christmas Photo contest
From November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, participate in the “Christmas at the Castles in Amboise” photo contest.
- Visit at least one of the Amboise castles: Domaine Royal de Château Gaillard, Château du Clos Lucé, or Château Royal d’Amboise, between November 29, 2025 and January 4, 2026.
- Get your camera ready and take your best photos of the decorated interiors.
- Select your best photo and send it to jeuconcours.amboisetourisme@gmail.com, specifying the location and date of your visit, your name, email address, and phone number.
- A jury will select the 10 best photos, which will then be put to a public vote on the Tourist Office’s Facebook and Instagram pages.
The winning photo will be announced on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Christmas markets in Amboise and tastings
Christmas market of Nazelles-Négron
Sunday, November 30- Grange de Négron
Crafts and local products – On-site catering
Christmas market of Cellier Leonard de Vinci – Limeray
Friday 28 and Saturday 29 November (9am-6pm) – raffle and craft market
Christmas market of Cangey
Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November – Community Hall – Crafts and local products
Open house at la Grange Typhaine Amboise
Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December – 10-6
Christmas market of Saint-Ouen-les-Vignes
Sunday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – Rural Center
Crafts and local products – On-site catering
Christmas market of Amboise
December 12 to 14, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. – City Center
Crafts and local products – On-site catering
Christmas market of Lussault-sur-Loire
December 14 from 11.00 am to 4.00 pm
at the Disco Soup event, Pôle XXI – plant exchange, entertainment, concert, refreshments
Christmas market of Limeray
December 24
Discover the vendors from the Limeray market, and also a few surprises.
Christmas Open House at Domaine Dutertre – Limeray
Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th December, from 9:30 am to 6 pm: tours of the cellars, museum, and winery; local producers will be present.
Tasting at Galland Epicerie de Terroirs Amboise
- Saturday, November 8: Malbec takes center stage with wines from Cahors, presented by producer Didier Jouves
- Saturday, November 15: Wines from Central France with Domaine Sérol from the Côtes Roannaises and the Laurent family from Saint-Pourçain
- Saturday, November 22: Wines from Château Coupe-Roses in the Minvervois, with producer Sarah Frissant
- Saturday, November 29: Scotch whiskies from the Flatnose distillery, with producer Donald
- Saturday, December 6: Foie gras and Pineau des Charentes from Maison Lhéraud, with the producer
- Saturday, December 13: Champagne with producer Pierre Trichet
- Saturday, December 20: Black truffle afternoon from Richelieu, with truffle grower Hervé Lefort
Concerts, shows and evening entertainment
Sleigh Ride at the Aimé Césaire Media Library
Saturday, December 6th at 11:00 AM
Immerse yourself in the heart of winter with music, songs, and nursery rhymes for an interactive winter and Christmas tale – free, registration required at 02.47.57.22.93A luminous procession through the streets of Amboise
Saturday, December 6 at 6 p.m.
Dancers and acrobats will take over Place Michel Debré for a grand, poetic Christmas procession. The procession will begin at Place Michel Debré, enliven the town center, and end at Quai du Général de Gaulle, culminating in a finale in front of the Saint-Florentin church, at Espace Henri d’Orléans.
Concert by the Chanteloire Vocal Ensemble – Saint-Denis Collegiate Church
Friday, December 12 at 8.30 pm
Under the direction of Thibaut Cablé, the Vocal Ensemble will be accompanied by the Bella Note Quartet and pianist Olivier Nizier.
Christmas Tales – Leonardo da Vinci Room and Museum of Art and History
Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 December at 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Free
Proptimbank Concert – Amboise Town Center
Saturday, December 13th at 2pm and 4pm
Christmas Carols – Amboise Town Centre
Sunday, December 14th at 3pm and 5pm
Candlelit Nighttime Stroll at the Royal Château d’Amboise
Discover the Royal Château d’Amboise, magnified by the glow of hundreds of candles. A soft and magical atmosphere for a unique moment of wonder!
Saturday, December 13th for Saint Lucia’s Day
Friday, December 26th and Monday, December 29th “Christmas Special”
Entrance to the château is via separate time slots (6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
“Mina’s Enchanted Bedtime” Show at the Royal Château d’Amboise
Mina’s Enchanted Bedtime is a fun and magical show combining theater, opera, magic, and songs… by the Opéra Clandestin.
Tuesday, December 30th at 11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Reservation required – €4 in addition to the entrance fee
Christmas Choir Parade
Joyful, festive, and magical, the choir will stroll through the town of Amboise. An event presented by the Merchants’ Association.
Saturday, December 20
The Big Bag by the Troll Company at the Aimé Césaire Media Library
Saturday, December 20th at 3 pm
A storytelling performance about winter with a live illustrator. The Big Bag flies over continents, crosses oceans, annoys the bad guys, and makes children laugh… Reservations required: 02.47.57.22.93
Dreams of the Orient, Harmony Concert – Beaumarchais Theatre
Saturday, December 20th at 8:30 pm
A festive and magical choir will stroll through the town of Amboise. An event presented by the Merchants’ Association.
Christmas Organ Concert – Collegiate Church of Saint-Denis
Sunday, December 21st at 4.00 pm
Christmas Organ Concert by Pierre de Kergommeaux.
Guided tours
Christmas through the Centuries at the Royal Château of Amboise
Why were Christmas trees hung upside down? What was the symbolism of their decorations? Our tour guides will help you discover this during the hour-long “Christmas through the Centuries” guided tour of the royal residence!
From December 20th to January 4th, daily at 3:00 p.m.
Reservation required and no extra charge.
Mathurine’s Secrets at the Château du Clos Lucé
Friday 26, Monday 29, Tuesday 30, and Wednesday 31 December at 11:00 AM and 3:15 PM for €5 (ages 7 and up)
Discover the Château du Clos Lucé in Amboise, in the company of Mathurine, Leonardo da Vinci’s cook. A fun and interactive tour, encountering the creative genius of this great Renaissance master.
Reservations at billetterie.amboise-valdeloire.com
Meeting point: Château du Clos Lucé
Theatrical Tours at the Château du Clos Lucé
In the castle’s rooms, actress Pierrette Dupoyet brings Leonardo da Vinci to life. The Renaissance genius confides in visitors like an old friend, recounting his journey from Italy to Amboise, his close relationships with Francis I, and the inventions he conceived at Clos Lucé.
December 29, 30, 31 + January 2 and 3 at 2 pm, 3 pm, and 4 pm
No registration or additional charge.
Christmas workshops in Amboise and family activities
The Elf Hunt in Amboise
Mischievous elves have appeared in town. Find them one afternoon! Hot chocolate will be served! Meet at the AFN Square
Saturday, December 13th at 3:30 pm
Christmas Gnomes in Amboise
Search for Christmas gnomes in the shop windows of the Val d’Amboise. Gift vouchers will be awarded to the daily winners.
December 9-24 – Free
Christmas Tales at the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard
Settle comfortably by the Christmas tree and let yourself be enchanted by the magic of Christmas stories.
Every day at 4 pm
Grand Christmas Riddle Hunt at the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard
For little and big elves alike; set off in search of riddles scattered throughout the estate and discover the magic of the Christmas decorations while having fun.
Self-guided daily.
Christmas Horse-Drawn Carriage in Amboise
Travel through the streets of Amboise in a Christmas horse-drawn carriage, accompanied by Elsa, the Snow Queen. An activity offered by the Merchants’ Association.
Sunday, December 21 – Free
Sculpting Workshop at the Château du Clos Lucé
Artist Antoine Fantoni from Tours will guide participants in creating a figurine in clay (for adults) or in plastiline, a material similar to modeling clay (for children).
December 21, 22, and 23 – 2 pm to 5 pm
Drop-in sessions, no registration required / Duration: approximately 45 minutes
Christmas Storytelling at the Château Royal d’Amboise
A storytelling session for children ages 7 to 10 by Jean-François Talon, who draws on local and traditional stories to bring the magic of Christmas to life.
Tuesday, 23rd at 2 p.m. – reservation required (€3 in addition to the admission fee)
Christmas Wreath Workshop at the Château du Clos Lucé
Floral designer Marjolaine Bougrier Vaucelles will guide participants in creating a Christmas wreath.
December 21 to January 3 (except December 24, 25, and January 1) – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Drop-in workshop, no registration required / Duration: approximately 30 minutes
Calligraphy on Greeting Cards Workshop at the Château du Clos Lucé
Under the guidance of Antoine Fantoni, participants will learn the basics of calligraphy and create their own personalized greeting card.
December 26, 27, and 28 – 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Drop-in, no registration required / Duration: approximately 45 minutes
“Renaissance Cooking and Table Setting” Workshop at the Château du Clos Lucé
Two fun workshops exploring the flavors and traditions of yesteryear: “Discovering Spices of the Middle Ages and Renaissance” and “The Art of Table Setting.” The workshops conclude with a tasting of “Fleur de Lys” cinnamon and ginger biscuits, accompanied by a hot beverage.
December 29 to January 3 (except January 1) – 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Drop-in, no registration required / Duration: approximately 30 minutes
Christmas in the Loire Chateaux
Six of the Loire Valley’s greatest châteaux are celebrating the holiday spirit with exceptional tours and activities: it’s “Christmas in the Land of Châteaux” in Touraine. Marvel at each of these six monuments, which explore iconic Christmas themes: toys, lights, delicacies, porcelain, stories, legends, and winter nature. All share the same goal: to bring a sparkle to the eyes of children and adults alike!
Among the châteaux participating in Christmas in the Land of Châteaux in 2026: Château Royal d’Amboise, Château de Chenonceau, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Villandry, Royal City of Loches, and Chinon Fortress.
Christmas Pass in the Land of Castles
During the event, these castles offer special rates for visits (3-castle pass: €43 / 4-castle pass: €54 / 5-castle pass: €66 / 6-castle pass: €75), and discounts with several partners (grocery stores, activities, etc.).
