The December practical guide for guests of the Hotel Bellevue – Old Port
From your room or from our La Caravelle bar, you are at the heart of the festivities: markets, illuminations, shows, concerts, children's entertainment… Here is the complete program to best organize your stay in December.
📅 from late November to early January
Christmas Market – Lower Canebière
- ⏰ Every day: 10am – 20pm (until 21pm Fri. & Sat.)
- 📍 Bottom of La Canebière (8 min walk from the hotel)
- ❄️ More than 50 chalets: artisans, creators, local specialties, gifts.
Ideal for a stroll before drinks at the Old Port.
📅 from mid-November to early January
Nativity Scene Fair – Port Quay
- ⏰ Every day
- 📍 Quai du Port (2-minute walk! Opposite the Hotel Bellevue)
- 🧑🎨 The oldest nativity scene market in France.
A must-see during your Provençal Christmas, absolutely worth visiting during your stay.
📅 November 29 – January 4
Christmas lights
- 📍 Old Port, Canebière, Rue de Rome, Panier, Joliette
- 💡 Illuminated every evening
From the Hotel Bellevue, you can enjoy a direct view of the port's illuminations.
📅 From November 30th to December 20th (Wed., Sat., Sun.) & every day during the holidays
Children's Village – Bargemon Square
- ⏰ 10am–13pm & 14pm–20pm
- 📍 Place Bargemon (10 min walk)
- 👧 Workshops, face painting, Santa Claus, games, bubbles.
The family event of December.
📅 December 6
Saint Nicholas Day – Children's Entertainment
- 📍 Old Port
- 🎈 Strolling entertainment, giant plush toys, surprises.
A festive day at the foot of the hotel.
📅 December 13–14
Concerts and entertainment for the “Christmas Magic” weekend
- 📍 Old Port & City Center
- 🎤 Musical groups, brass bands, choirs, illuminated parades.
📅 December 20 – BIG EVENT
Gospel Philharmonic Experience Concert – Free
- ⏰ 18 p.m.
- 📍 Old Port
- 🎶 Gospel songs + symphony orchestra
A powerful, magical moment to experience from the port… or from the balcony of La Caravelle for the luckiest.
🎇 Drone show & fireworks
- ⏰ As soon as night falls
- 📍 Old Port
- 🌌 The sky over Marseille is ablaze.
The best spot? Directly below the hotel or from the windows facing the port.
📅 All season
Cultural events & Christmas concerts in Provence
- ⛪ Churches, squares, theatres
- 🪕 Provençal songs, traditional concerts, choirs, family shows.
🎄 Suggested itineraries from the Hotel Bellevue
1. The perfect family day out
- Morning: Children's Village – Bargemon Square
- Lunch: Lunch at the Old Port
- Afternoon: Nativity Scene Fair + Christmas Market
- Evening: Port illuminations from La Caravelle 🌟
2. A romantic evening
- Illuminated stroll along the port
- Cocktails at La Caravelle with a view of the lights
- Concert or nighttime show
3. A 100% Christmas spirit weekend
- Saturday: Market + illuminated trail
- Sunday: visits to the decorated Panier district + nativity figurines + hot chocolate at the port
