Christmas is coming to Marseillan!

Things to look forward to in December

Sara Verrall

12/4/20234 min read

Santas Chalet on Marseillan Port
Santas Chalet on Marseillan Port

He sees you when you're sleeping
He knows when you're awake
He knows when you've been bad or good
So be good “For Goodness Sake”

Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town
Santa Claus is coming to town

And all the times and dates that Santa, Père Noël, will be visiting Marseillan this month are displayed on his cabin, so you don't need to keep checking the skies for signs of Rudolph and his crew!

Just pick a time, between 11th and 23rd December, and wait in front of Santa's door at his Chalet on the Port. And be sure not to step in any reindeer's poo!

You'd better watch out
You'd better not cry
You'd better not pout
I'm telling you why ...Santa Claus is coming to town.

He's making a list
He's checking it twice
He's going to find out
Who's naughty and nice ... Santa Claus is coming to town.

Santa Claus is coming to Town!

The AMEA artists market kicked off our Festive Month this weekend

With talented local artists, from Marseillan and the local area, demonstrating their flair and creativity, there was a spendid selecition of Christmas fare for visitors to choose between.

Christmas decorations
Christmas decorations
Beautiful glass jewellery stall
Beautiful glass jewellery stall
Market stall of warm scarves
Market stall of warm scarves
Jewellery display
Jewellery display

Jewellery, clothing, books, decorations, tasty treats and even a custom-made recipe book ... and a chance to win a surprise prize on the Tombola stall, too.

It was a chance to meet again some of the cheerful characters who bring their smiles to the summertime Night Market ... but this time in our cosy village hall.

Marseillan “Musiques en Thau” is doing it again!

Combining the best of Scandinavian and French talent to bring us a Free Concert in the delightful setting of Église Saint Jean-baptiste on Sunday 10th December.

Not only have the tireless organisers managed to tempt back our beloved jazz songstress, Elisabeth Melander, to delight our ears with her stylised renditions of jazz classics and Christmas favourites. They have also enlisted Marseillan resident Par Jonasson, to give a special guest performance on this sparkling evening. Par is accustomed to singing with a choir before royalty and Nobel Prize winners in his native Sweden, and we look forward to his fine baritone voice resonating to the heights of the lofty aisles of the church of Saint Jean the Baptist.

Elisabeth is accompanied on this very special evening by the trio who made such sweet music with her last summer, at the Festival on the Port in Marseillan. Cédric Chauveau on piano, Michel Altier on double bass and Michael Santanastasio on drums will provide the Mediterranean warmth and colour, as Elisabeth guides us into her smoothest jazz grooves. Starting at 20h on 10th December, we urge you to follow your heart to the heart of Marseillan town and join us for what promises to be a truly memorable event.

Supported by our local Mairie, the Norwegian Embassy and Music Norway, the Association – and its benefactors – are uniting the entire community of Marseillan with the common language and love of all; music.

Concert poster Marseillan church
Concert poster Marseillan church
"Yay! The Chalets are back !"

CHRISTMAS CHALETS ARRIVE!

Looked over by the first stone statue of Marianne, erected in 1878 by the wise people of Marseillan who chose stone over metal, to be sure she would never be melted down for weapons in any future war. She’s had a couple of facelifts since her original creation, and brings her aire of timeless beauty to this peaceful square at all times of year.

In December, she smiles benignly as a whole host of festivities erupt at her feet, however. Jugglers, musicians, stilt walkers and a host of colourful street entertainers jostle to entertain the happy crowds from the Opening Ceremonies on 9th December right through until the Feast of Epiphany, on 6th January 2024.

Place Marianne with Xmas chalets
Place Marianne with Xmas chalets

If you – like us – adore hot, spiced wine, an array of festive nibbles, and browsing cheerful market stalls from daylight hours until late in the evening, then come and join us and find out for yourselves why Marseillan has such an enviable reputation for Festive Fun!

Oh … and if you’ve never visited the animated creche in the old stone marketplace, just along from the Town Hall – go now!

You might not believe your eyes …

sparkling festive balloons
sparkling festive balloons