Bordeaux will once again dazzle with thousands of fairy lights this festive season. The city has put on some spectacular illuminations that will festoon its most beautiful avenues for almost an entire month.

This year’s display will use low-energy LED garlands and fir trees from nearby Corrèze and Tarn to embody the themes of solidarity and ecology. Here’s a whirlwind tour of the places you absolutely mustn’t miss this Christmas.

1. The Allées de Tourny Christmas Market

It’s the biggest Christmas market in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. There are more than 150 traditional wooden huts with all the trimmings, huddled beneath the twinkling trees of this magnificent esplanade.

2. The giant Christmas tree in Place Pey-Berland

Standing opposite the door of Bordeaux Cathedral, at 16 metres high and with garlands bedecking its branches, is the city’s biggest Christmas tree. There is another tree – only 8 metres tall this time – in Place de Stalingrad on the other side of the Garonne.

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Ambiance de Noël à Bordeaux 🎄#christmas #bordeaux #marchedenoel #placepeyberland #illuminations

Una publicación compartida de @ _belviaggio el 2 Dic, 2018 a las 9:20 PST

3. The Cours de l’Intendance illuminations

This superb, highly photogenic avenue is given a special makeover each Christmas. This year, it will be adorned with magnificent glistening cones. At the end of the street, the Intercontinental Bordeaux Le Grand Hôtel will also be donning its Christmas finery.

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🌲🎅 Noël 🎅🌲 #bordeaux #bordeauxmaville

Una publicación compartida de 🌞🐢🌺🐠🐋🌴 NaLaya 🌴🐳🐠🌺🐢🌞 (@nalaya.voyagesphotos) el 1 Dic, 2018 a las 11:47 PST

4. The Christmas tree carousel

The quintessential Christmas decoration will be transformed into a thrilling children’s merry-go-round alongside a little cabin selling crêpes, waffles and hot chocolate.

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Pour les plus impatients voici le sapin en action! 🎄🎅🏼💫 .

Una publicación compartida de Le Sapin De Bordeaux (@sapin_de_bordeaux) el 21 Nov, 2017 a las 1:12 PST

5. The infinite view down Rue Sainte-Catherine

The longest pedestrianised shopping street in Europe takes on a whole new look at Christmas. Its 46 illuminated crossings really give a sense of the beauty and scale of this street, which seems to go on forever. Its neighbour, Rue Porte Dijeaux, is decorated to match.

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Una publicación compartida de Soukar Louai (@louai_soukar) el 26 Dic, 2016 a las 3:05 PST

6. The Pey-Berland social market

This market runs from 7 to 24 December and closes Bordeaux’s Social Economy and Solidarity month. Young traders and artisans from the surrounding area take pride of place. It’s the ideal place to buy locally made gifts.

7. The Promenade Sainte-Catherine Christmas tree

A magnificent Christmas tree has sprung up in this shopping centre’s inner courtyard, accompanied by a sleigh and reindeer. Father Christmas will be there every weekend in December to hand out presents and have his photo taken.

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Christmas 🎁

Una publicación compartida de ╰☆╮ (@esther_denisart) el 3 Dic, 2018 a las 7:04 PST

Merry Christmas to all!