What to do over the Christmas vacations

Immersive Christmas Evening

On December 20 and 21, immerse yourself in the magical world of Christmas at the Immersive Viking City for a special evening! A craft market, special entertainment and a treasure hunt will punctuate the evening in an immersive and interactive setting. Info and booking

Christmas shows

At Théâtre à l’Ouest :

• Au dodo Père Noël: The fairy and the druid magician, two very different friends, live together in the magic forest. It’s Christmas time, and tension is running high among the elves. Poupette, in her clumsiness, tries to relieve Santa’s stress, but ends up making a big mistake! More info
• Snow, a dog’s Christmas: It’s Christmas Eve and Santa’s little dog Snow is missing! Without his magical powers to make the reindeer fly, it’s impossible to distribute the presents! The chief elf and her sidekick have 24 hours to find him. More info

At the National Museum of Education:

• Professor Draco’s madness: Professor Draco must repair his time machine to save Santa Claus, who has been kidnapped in the past. Will he succeed in his mission before Christmas Eve? More info

At Corderie Vallois:

• The magic of Christmas has invaded the Corderie! Take part in the festivities with the whole family for a show followed by a grand tea party. More info

Refuge givré

Until December 29, Place Saint-Sever Take your children to enjoy a wide range of shows, from 35 to 55 minutes in length, and reveal their artistic souls by getting them to take part in workshops: little Christmas angels, perfume creation, upcycled leather tree hangers, instrument making, flower cards… More info

Christmas tales at Jumièges Abbey

December 23 and 30 Attend an immersive reading of Christmas tales from the Middle Ages, where legends and traditions are revealed in a medieval atmosphere in the heart of the most beautiful ruin in France. Information and booking

Christmas concerts

• Église Saint-Vivien, December 14, 4pm (choir)
• Jeanne d’Arc church, December 19, 8pm (choir)
• Espace du Palais, December 21, 2pm, 3:30pm, 4:30pm and 6pm (gospel)
• Abbatiale Saint-Ouen, December 22, 5pm (organ and singing)
• Saint-Thomas-de-Cantorbéry church, December 15, 4pm (choir)

Rouen Christmas Market

Until December 24 Savoyard specialities, pretzels, mulled wine, handicrafts… The chalets at the Christmas market are brimming with craft and gourmet products typical of the festive season. To find them, just follow the delicious smells and festive melodies! More info

Animals in museums

December 26, 27 and January 2, 3 Can you spot the animals in Rouen’s museum collections? They’re hiding in the Musée de la Céramique and the Musée du Secq des Tournelles. Bats, unicorns and dragons are just some of the animals to be found on this tour, which will reveal some surprising stories about Rouen’s iron and ceramics heritage. Information and booking

Magical Rouen

December 23, 31 and January 4 Your guide is a magician. Join him as he plunges into his family’s history and relives Rouen’s past through the eyes of his ancestors. You’ll explore the city’s past, from the construction of its castles to medieval festivals and court life, all enhanced by instructive, participatory magic tricks. Information and booking

Et Patati et Patrimoine

December 23, January 2 and 3 These workshops, part of the Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire label, are open to children aged 4 to 12. Designed to be fun, they are based on observation, to make heritage accessible to all. Themes: the role of Rouen’s buildings, stained glass workshop, the Gros-Horloge, animated greetings card.Info and booking

Dramatized reading at the Historial Jeanne d’Arc

Friday, December 27 Let the whole family enjoy the Historial Jeanne d’Arc, and hear the legends of yesteryear whispered by the fireside in medieval times. Information and booking

À la Table des Impressionnistes

Saturday, December 28 Accompanied by a guide, explore Rouen’s iconic streets and monuments that influenced the Impressionist masters. Then enjoy lunch at France’s oldest inn, with a menu inspired by Claude Monet’s notebooks.Information and booking

Wine and cheese tasting

December 19, 20, January 2 and 3Discover the best cheeses from Normandy and beyond with a passionate cheese-maker. Each cheese is accompanied by a historical anecdote and an unusual pairing to surprise your taste buds, in an authentic setting: the Taverne Saint-Amand. Info and booking

Pop-Up Dame Cakes at Printemps

Until January 4 The emblematic and enchanting Dame Cakes tearoom has taken over the central square of Printemps in Rouen. In this short-lived pop-up, you’ll find their unmissable artisanal sweets, as well as a selection of confectionery, exceptional chocolates, tableware and decorations!

Cooking and pastry-making classes

December 22 and January 5 Take part in cooking workshops at Chez Léon on Sundays, alongside a chef with a diploma from the Institut Paul Bocuse. On December 22, learn to cook gourmet bites, and on January 5, patisserie. Reservations on 06 76 91 86 97 or on Instagram

Horse-drawn tours of Rouen

On December 20 and 22, Gamin and Gibus, the Normandy cobs, invite you to hop aboard their horse-drawn carriage for a guided tour of the Saint-Ouen, Eau de Robec, Antiquaires, Saint-Marc and Saint-Maclou districts, and discover a piece of the heritage of “the city of a hundred steeples”. Information and booking

Unusual visits to the Aître Saint-Maclou

• Visit by night, December 26 and January 2: Usually closed in the evenings, Europe’s oldest ossuary opens its doors to visitors by night, providing an opportunity to discover the oldest ossuary in Europe in a magical, illuminated setting.
• Magical guided tour, January 3: This original tour is not limited to the enchantment of Christmas at Aître Saint-Maclou! Take the whole family on a fascinating tour of the history of this extraordinary site, accompanied by a surprising guide full of surprises.
• The Shape of Things to Come, until December 22: As you move through this tunnel of light, chromatic transitions illustrate variations in air quality on a city-wide scale. This eco-responsible artistic experience invites us all to take a poetic look at this environmental issue.

Reconstruction” exhibition Le Temps des Collections XII

Until June 2, 2025 Metropolitan museums explore the theme of Reconstruction, with reference to the commemorations of the Second World War and the challenges of the post-war period. The metamorphoses of Rouen, Elbeuf and Oissel, the industrial reconstruction of the region, the fire at the cathedral spire, the work of heritage restorers… Find out more

If you’re a fan of handicrafts and DIY, there are a number of Christmas and winter workshops taking place in Rouen and the surrounding area. We’ve put together a selection for you:

• Candle-decorating workshop at Aître Saint Maclou on December 24 and 31. More info
• Magic lantern workshop at the Historial Jeanne d’Arc on December 26 and January 2. More info
• Winter magnet workshop at the Musée des Beaux-Arts on December 23. More info
• Gingerbread factory workshop at the Fabrique des Savoirs on December 21. More info
• Frosted flower arrangement workshop at Musée Beauvoisine on January 3. More info