Marseille transforms into a festive wonderland during the holiday season, thanks to its lively traditions, scenic waterfront, and vibrant neighborhoods. Unlike many cities that focus solely on market stalls, Marseille offers a unique blend of experiences—whether it’s cruising under the Christmas lights or wandering through bustling markets. We especially love the special Christmas boat ride in the Old Port, which combines a family-friendly cruise with the chance to see the city’s iconic harbor decorated for the holidays. Imagine Santa at the wheel, holiday music filling the air, and local treats to warm your hands—this makes for a memorable way to celebrate Christmas in the South of France.
What makes Marseille stand out as a Christmas destination is its mix of traditions and lively street life. From festive boat rides to scenic city walks, each experience offers a different way to soak up the holiday spirit. Whether you’re after a relaxed cruise, a lively market walk, or a stroll through beautifully decorated neighborhoods, Marseille has a holiday activity for you. Below, we’ve rounded up the top three Christmas tours and experiences, highlighting what makes each one special and helping you decide which fits your style.
We’ve put together a list of three distinct Christmas tours and experiences in Marseille, each offering a unique way to celebrate the season. From scenic boat rides to lively market explorations and festive city walks, these options cover a variety of interests and budgets. For more details, simply click the linked tour titles.
1. Marseille: Special Christmas Boat Ride in the Old Port
This family-friendly Christmas cruise is perfect for those wanting a cozy, festive experience on the water. The tour features a skipper dressed as Santa Claus, accompanied by holiday tunes, Christmas tea, and local treats, providing a warm and joyful atmosphere. The boat departs from the Old Port of Marseille and offers stunning views of the city’s historic harbor decked out in holiday lights.
What makes this experience stand out is its relaxed, intimate setting—ideal for families or anyone seeking a less hectic way to see Marseille during Christmas. The guide explains Provençal traditions on board, adding a cultural touch to the cruise. The 1-hour ride also includes a quick visit to Vallon des Auffes, a charming fishing neighborhood, offering a glimpse of local life just steps from the city center. The boat departs from behind the Mucem, with clear instructions provided during booking.
Bottom line: This tour offers a warm, festive start to your holiday in Marseille, especially suited for families with kids and those looking for a scenic, relaxing holiday activity. Its intimate size and cultural insights make it a memorable way to celebrate.
2. Marseille: Christmas Market Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour walking tour takes you directly into the heart of Marseille’s Christmas spirit at the Old Port. You’ll stroll through beautifully decorated streets, marveling at the dazzling light displays, and visiting the Christmas market stalls. The tour includes a taste of local life with a supper or appetizer at a cozy bar or restaurant, giving you the chance to sample Provençal cuisine amid holiday decorations.
A highlight of this experience is the chance to see the Christmas trees and Provençal clay figurines in their seasonal setting. The tour is perfect for those who want a lively, social experience and enjoy exploring on foot. It’s a great way to get a feel for Marseille’s holiday atmosphere and indulge in some festive shopping. The group size of up to 15 people ensures a personal experience, ideal for couples or small groups.
For New Year’s Eve, the tour culminates with a fireworks display, giving travelers a memorable send-off to the year. The tour provides an immersive holiday experience, combining sightseeing, food, and celebration in one compact package.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who love to explore local markets, enjoy culinary treats, and participate in Marseille’s festive traditions. It’s a lively option that captures the city’s holiday ambiance in a short time.
3. Marseille’s Festive Spirit: A Christmas Walking Tour
This 2-hour guided walk offers a more comprehensive look at Marseille’s Christmas sights, perfect for travelers wanting to see multiple neighborhoods. Starting from the Old Port, the tour explores the city’s iconic waterfront decorated with holiday lights and continues into the artistic neighborhood of Cours Julien, famous for its Christmas markets.
Highlights include browsing local artisan stalls, enjoying the street art scene, and shopping for holiday gifts on Rue Saint-Ferréol. The tour’s focus on art, shopping, and festive decoration makes it ideal for those wanting an authentic, city-wide celebration. The guided nature of this walk ensures you don’t miss the best spots for photos and holiday shopping.
During the walk, you’ll see the Canton of Marseille – Notre-Dame-du-Mont, and hear stories that bring Marseille’s Christmas traditions to life. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing with holiday cheer, especially if you’re visiting for a longer stay.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect for those who want an in-depth, city-wide Christmas experience, combining sightseeing, shopping, and local festivity. It’s especially suited for art lovers and holiday shoppers.
How to Choose the Right Christmas Experience in Marseille
When selecting your perfect holiday activity, consider your interests and schedule. If you’re traveling with family or want a relaxed introduction to Marseille’s Christmas traditions, the Special Christmas Boat Ride offers a cozy, scenic adventure. For those eager to dive into the holiday market scene with a social twist, the Christmas Market Walking Tour is ideal. Meanwhile, if your goal is to explore multiple neighborhoods and learn about the city’s holiday spirit, the Festive Spirit walking tour provides a broader picture.
Budget, time, and personal interests are key. The boat tour offers a short, intimate experience for families, while the walking tours suit those who want to see more of Marseille’s neighborhoods and festive decorations. Booking early is recommended, especially for the popular boat ride, to secure spots during the busy Christmas season.
In summary, Marseille offers a rich variety of Christmas experiences—whether it’s a cozy boat cruise, a lively market walk, or a city-wide festive tour. Two standout options are the special Christmas boat ride for a relaxed, family-friendly adventure and the Christmas market walking tour for an immersive holiday shopping experience. For those wanting an all-encompassing city tour, the Festive Spirit walk is a great choice.
No matter which you choose, booking early will ensure you don’t miss out on Marseille’s magical Christmas atmosphere. These tours offer a wonderful way to make your holiday in the South of France truly memorable.
