Un Noël animé à Istres
Pics
Pics
Presentation
A JOURNEY INTO THE LAND OF LANTERNS TO KICK OFF THE FESTIVITIES
Step into the magic of the holidays on Friday, December 5 at 6:30 pm with the Light Parade, marking the launch of Istres’ Christmas illuminations. The Lotus Bleu Company will enchant the streets with a poetic and festive illuminated procession. Five performers adorned with glowing costumes offer a wandering show blending dance, street theatre and visual magic — a delightful moment for all ages, bringing sparkle to the eyes of children and adults alike and opening the festive season in Istres with brilliance.
At the same time, the lanterns will light up for the very first time! Wander through an extraordinary garden created especially for the holidays with a unique and original lantern exhibition. Discover a colourful outdoor installation throughout the town centre, glowing at nightfall and mixing visual poetry with wonder. Around one hundred monumental lanterns await you — fantastic animals, plant motifs and winter scenes.
Gospel singing will round off the day at Place Georges Darrason, filling the evening with music!
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Christmas markets will take place at the Domaine de Sulauze on December 6, at the Domaine des 3B on Saturday December 13, and at La Grange d’Entressen on December 14.
You can also enjoy the Christmas Market and its “Place des Délices” in the town centre on Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21. Come and savour the spirit of Christmas! Between gourmet chalets and local crafts, treat yourself to seasonal delights as you stroll through a festive, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Istres, on Boulevard Paul Painlevé.
Opening on Friday 19 at 5 pm until 10 pm. Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm.
CHRISTMAS GRAND PARADE IN THE TOWN CENTRE
The Christmas Grand Parade invites you into the world of toys on Saturday, December 20 from 6 pm! Magic fills the air with a sparkling, enchanting show. This unique procession brings dream and reality together through 11 themed scenes, with new music, new choreography and brand-new mascots!
Joined by the students of Pulsion, the parade will light up the eyes of the whole family. Wonder guaranteed for children… and their parents!
THE PROVENCAL CHRISTMAS TRAIL
By the glow of lanterns, wander through the narrow streets of the historic centre and discover the traditions of a Provençal Christmas.
Along the way, meet local heritage associations who will sing, dance and introduce you to the 13 desserts, the Christmas table, santons and more. This friendly, family-friendly walk offers a wonderful way to rediscover Provence’s festive customs, ending with a warm moment shared around soup, hot chocolate or mulled wine during the final gathering.
In collaboration with local tradition and hiking associations.
Saturday, December 14 at 5 pm and 5:30 pm. Free, upon registration → Register here
FUEGO, FIRE SHOW by Cirque Indigo
Sunday, December 21 at 6 pm and 7:15 pm, Kiosque Marie-Mauron
Let yourself be captivated by Fuego from the Cirque Indigo company, a dazzling show combining fire juggling, fire-breathing, acrobatics, dance and pyrotechnic effects. Two spectacular 30-minute performances await you!
CHRISTMAS TREASURE HUNT “THE UNFINISHED CALENDAR”
Starting Saturday, December 20, the Tourist Office invites you to take part in a Christmas treasure hunt in the town centre!
Pick up your booklet at the Istres Tourist Office (free of charge) and explore the streets in search of the treasures of our beautiful town.
A fun, family-friendly trail to experience the magic of the holiday season!
LUMINOUS PARADE “THE BEAR TAMER”
Sunday, December 14 at 5:30 pm, in the town centre
In a magical atmosphere, The Bear Tamer invites the audience into a timeless moment where a man interacts with a herd of glowing bears. Guided by their master, these majestic creatures come to life in a dance blending strength, grace and emotion. A hypnotic luminous ballet enhanced by fantastical music.
A captivating and immersive show that will amaze children and adults alike.
MOON PARADE
Tuesday, December 23 at 5 pm
Cirque Indigo invites visitors young and old to discover the enchantment of its Moon Parade, a dynamic light-filled performance. Sparkling costumes and circus acts will energise the town centre before the magical arrival of Santa Claus at the Port de l’Olivier.
The parade will start at the Maison des Traditions at 5 pm, followed by a fixed performance at the Port de l’Olivier while awaiting Santa’s arrival.
SANTA CLAUS ARRIVES IN ISTRES
Tuesday, December 23 at 5:30 pm
Christmas magic will shine brightly in Istres with the long-awaited arrival of Santa Claus at the mini-port of l’Olivier. Before his grand entrance, the audience will be invited to dream thanks to Cirque Indigo and its spectacular acts. Then Santa will appear over the water to the delight of children, accompanied by his evening “reindeer”, the rowers of l’Olivier.
ESCAPE GAME "SAVE CHRISTMAS"
A Christmas-themed escape game in a caravan, right in the town centre! This original activity is offered by the Tourist Office on Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December.
Story
We are just minutes away from the big departure, the moment when the magic of Christmas reaches its full splendour. Santa Claus kisses Mrs Claus, climbs onto his sleigh and sets off to deliver gifts across the world. One night to deliver countless presents that will make children and adults dream.
But this year, Christmas may not happen! A terrible mistake has just occurred, and it is up to you to restore the magic of Christmas and fix it. Christmas must be saved! Let the adventure begin!
Game suitable from age 6. Price 10 €. Registration at the Tourist Office → Register
CHRISTMAS WEREWOLF
In the “Wild East”, the small hamlet of Ystrio is getting ready to celebrate Christmas, but it has recently become the prey of Werewolves. Before the villagers disappear one by one, step into the shoes of one of them and try to discover who among you are the werewolves. Unless you are one of the creatures yourself…
Activity offered in collaboration with the troupe “Les ImposteurEs”.
Saturday, December 20 at 3 pm and 5 pm. Price: 5 €. From age 10.
Registration at the Tourist Office → Register
KARTING, LASER GAME & CLIMBING WALL
From Friday 26 to Wednesday 31 December, 10:30 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 7 pm.
Exceptionally open on Friday 26 December from 1 pm and closing on Wednesday 31 December at 5 pm.
Karting and electric mini-cars
Esplanade Charles-De-Gaulle turns into karting tracks and becomes your winter playground. On a 1000 m² area for older participants and a 250 m² area for little ones near the Étang de l’Olivier, enjoy an action-filled experience with karting and electric mini-cars.
Price: 5 € for 5 minutes.
Laser game
Challenge your opponents with your laser gun inside a maze of nearly 100 m². Combine strategy and quick reflexes for a fun and competitive experience to enjoy with friends or family.
From age 6. 4 to 10 players.
Price: 2 € for 10 minutes.
Climbing wall
Looking for a challenge? Try climbing or improve your skills. A climbing wall set up near the Étang de l’Olivier will allow both children and adults to test their agility and sense of adventure in complete safety.
From age 3.
Price: 2 € for 10 minutes.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AND CHILDREN’S SHOWS FOLLOW ONE AFTER ANOTHER
Many Christmas concerts and shows will fill children’s hearts with festive magic at the end of the year.
5 December - Gospel singing from 5:30 pm to 8 pm, Place Georges-Darrason
6 December - Meet your mascots, from 2 pm to 5 pm, Boulevard Paul-Painlevé
10 December - “Le Noël des Bambins”: Guignol puppet show at 2:30 pm and 4 pm, upper Allées Jean Jaurès
10 December - Musical show “Galaxie provisoire” at 3 pm, Espace 233
10 December - “Le Noël des Bambins”: “The Wolf Who Wanted to Change Colour” at 3:30 pm, upper Allées Jean Jaurès
11 December - Christmas show “Boîte de nuits” at 5:30 pm, Magic Mirrors
13 December - Meet your mascots, from 2 pm to 5 pm, Boulevard de la République
16 December - Candlelit Christmas concert “Christmas Carols” at 7 pm, Sainte-Famille Church
17 December - “Le Noël des Bambins”: musical tale “Le Rêve de Tika” at 2:30 pm and 4 pm, Forum des Carmes
17 December - “Le Noël des Bambins”: tale “Minuit et des poussières” at 3:30 pm, Place Patricia-Tranchand
17 December - Charity Christmas concert by the MPT at 6:30 pm, Magic Mirrors
19 December - Singing, street performance and show “The Christmas Ladies” at 6 pm and 7:15 pm on Boulevard Paul-Painlevé
19 December - Christmas singing “Noël Gospel”, part of the 33rd departmental Christmas singing tour at 5 pm, L’Usine
20 December - Interactive concert Bab et les chats “En Famille” at 11 am, Espace 233
20 December - Meet your mascots, from 2 pm to 5 pm, Forum des Carmes
20 December - Christmas show “C’est la fête” at 5:30 pm, La Grange
20 December - DJ Bodega evening from 8 pm to midnight, Fontaine moussue
21 December - Nacha Slavianka choir at 11:30 am, Boulevard Paul-Painlevé
21 December - Fire show “Fuego” at 6 pm and 7:15 pm, Kiosque Marie-Mauron
22 December - Christmas concert, organ and lyrical singing at 7 pm, Notre-Dame-de-Beauvoir Church
24 December - “Le Noël des Bambins”: Christmas tale “Toc Toc Noël” at 11 am, Place René Prola, Sainte-Famille Church













