Christmas in the Loire Chateaux
Christmas in the Loire Chateaux lights up six of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley!
From November 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Christmas in the Land of Castles illuminates 6 of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley! From Amboise to Chenonceaux, from Azay-le-Rideau to Villandry and from Chinon to Loches, the magic of Christmas takes over these famous monuments and immerses you in the magical atmosphere of the most wonderful time of the year!
Christmas in the Loire Chateaux: 6 castles, 6 worlds
For a few magical weeks, the history of the kings, queens, and great figures of the Loire Valley coexists with the tales and legends that have inspired young and old alike for generations. Each château has its own unique world, from the magic of toys to gourmet delights and dazzling floral displays. Amboise, Chenonceaux, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Chinon, and Loches have put together a program of exceptional events for Christmas in the Land of Châteaux.
The Passes Christmas in the Loire Chateaux
Exceptional discounts to maximize your visits
Book your Christmas Pass in Castle Country now and benefit from an exceptional rate. Choose your package for 3, 4, 5, or 6 castles and visit the castles at your leisure. The Passes are completely open, with no need to choose the name of the castles you’ll visit when purchasing. Convenient!
Royal Chateau of Amboise
Childhood Dreams of Christmas: Oh, Beautiful Fir Trees!
The venerable conifers have left their boreal forests to grace the Royal Château of Amboise. Magnificent displays immerse you in the magic of legends, halfway between French history and the wonders of Christmas. Storytelling, music, and family entertainment mark Christmas in the Land of Castles, the most wonderful time of the year!
“Nighttime Candlelight Stroll” evenings, on December 13, 26, and 29, 2025, by reservation. Prices: €15/adult, €13/student, €11/child, and €7/member.
Christmas Night Tour on Saturday, December 20, until 8:00 p.m. Regular prices.
“Christmas Through the Centuries” Guided Tour: Why were fir trees hung upside down? What was the symbolism of their decorations? This is what our tour guides will introduce you to 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
A Christmas tale 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, December 23rd at 2:00 p.m. – reservation required (€3 in addition to the entrance fee)
“Mina’s Enchanted Bedtime” show: a fun and magical show combining theater, opera, magic, and songs… by the Opéra Clandestin.
Tuesday, December 30th at 11:00 a.m., 3:30 p.m. – Reservation required – €4 in addition to the entrance fee
Chateau of Chenonceau
Far North
A frosty breeze blows from the Far North! A blanket of white blankets the decor of the Château des Dames. The grand gallery is transformed into a marvelous snow-covered birch forest. In the kitchens, the tables are covered with delicately frosted dishes and immaculate floral arrangements.
Christmas Brunch at L’Orangerie, during the school holidays.
Christmas Evening on Tuesday, December 23rd, with the château open until 8 p.m. and a demonstration by floral designer Jean-François Boucher;
Christmas scenography tour with Jean-François Boucher (Fridays, December 5, 12, and 19 at 10 a.m. / €55)
Holiday masterclass (Fridays, December 26 and January 2 at 10 a.m. / €90), unique Christmas tours (every Saturday from November 29 to January 3, at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. / €45)
Food and wine pairing tastings at the Cave des Dômes (Fridays, December 19 and 26, and January 2 at 6 p.m. / €65).
Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau
Treats in the Kingdom of Fairy Tales
The arts of fine dining take center stage at the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, in the magical atmosphere of the most beautiful tales. The Snow Queen sets her table while Snow White decorates her majestic Christmas tree. The greatest French firms, such as the Gien pottery factory, enhance the decor, blending dreamlike and imaginary.
Christmas evening opening on Saturday, December 13, 2025, by reservation. The château closes at 10:30 p.m. (last admission at 9:45 p.m.). Prices: €16, free for children under 18.
Gourmet tours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from December 23, 2025 to January 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Duration: 1.5 hours, ages 7 and up, by reservation. Prices: €19 adults, €8 children.
The castle’s inverted tales, a tour designed by Esmé Planchon, storyteller and children’s author. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from December 23, 2025 to January 2, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. Prices: €16 adults, €8 children.
Chateau of Villandry
At Christmas, nature comes to the castle
For Christmas in the Land of Castles, nature comes to the castle as an extension of the gardens. Reindeer, owls, and squirrels transform the castle into a veritable enchanted forest. The gardens are dressed in their winter finery for a relaxing stroll among finely carved boxwood and multicolored cabbages.
Full program coming soon
Royal City of Loches
Tales of the Royal City
Tableware takes center stage at the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, in the magical atmosphere of the most beautiful tales. The Snow Queen sets her table while Snow White decorates her majestic Christmas tree. The greatest French houses, such as the Gien pottery factory, enhance the decor, blending dreams and imagination.
The Christmas Color Hunt, for ages 2 and up. Independent play with a booklet provided at the entrance to the Royal Lodge. Every day, admission to the site is charged.
Storytelling for families with children ages 3 to 12. At the Royal Lodge, Sunday, December 7 and every day from December 20, 2025, to January 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Duration: 40 minutes. Reservations required. Admission fee included: €15, reduced rate €13, free for children under 7.
Themed tour “A Castle in Winter,” open to all ages (children 12 and up). In the dungeon, Wednesday, December 31st and Friday, January 2nd at 11 a.m. Duration: 1 hour. Reservation required. Admission fee included: €15, reduced rate €13, free for children under 7.
Christmas Evening Open: open to all ages on Monday, December 29th, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Discover the floral and plant decorations, and enjoy the “Alice” tour led by the actors of the L’Intruse company. Admission fee to the site.
Royal Fortress of Chinon
Christmas Treasures
For Christmas in the Land of Castles, gold, a symbol of light, magic, and wonder, inspires a magical journey created by floral designer Géraldine Leclerc.
A story woven with gold thread: a one-hour storytelling treasure hunt for young visitors during school holidays, on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m., by reservation. Price including Fortress admission: €15 adult, €13 child (7-18 years old).
Guided Christmas tour every Saturday and Sunday in December, and on January 3 and 4 at 3 p.m., by reservation. Duration: 50 minutes. Price including Fortress admission: €15 full, €13 reduced.
Christmas Evening on Sunday, December 28: Steampunk Elves fire show by the Taprobane company (three 30-minute walks).
Frequently asked questions
What is Christmas in the Loire Chateaux?
Christmas in the Loire Chateaux is an event organized in six Loire Valley châteaux during the holiday season. It involves lighting and decorating the monuments around festive and magical themes.
When does Christmas in the Loire Châteaux begin?
Christmas in the Loire Châteaux begins on Saturday, November 29, 2025, and ends on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Which châteaux are participating in Christmas in the Loire Châteaux?
Six châteaux are participating in Christmas in the Loire Chateaux: Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Loches, and Villandry.
How do I book my visit for Christmas in the Loire Châteaux?
The Christmas in the Loire Châteaux Pass is available to visitors who would like to visit three, four, five, or six of the participating châteaux. It can be booked online or purchased at the Val d’Amboise Tourist Office ticket office. It is also possible to book individual tickets for any of the châteaux.
And what about the other Loire Valley châteaux?
Other Loire Valley châteaux are decorated and offer activities for Christmas. In Amboise, the Royal Estate of Château Gaillard and the Château du Clos Lucé are decked out in their finest to amaze visitors. The entire Christmas program is available on our online calendar.
