Christmas Village

The Christmas Village on Place de Verdun will take on an enchanting form this year, with its four giant bubbles housing automatons and luminous decorations. All set against a backdrop of fir trees, deer, bears and glittering elves, criss-crossed by a free little train (for children aged 3 to 6).

Right next door, you'll find the traditional wooden chalets surrounding the square, to enjoy with friends or family. A common chalet will also bring together solidarity associations to promote their actions. Still in the spirit of solidarity, the "Hotte Circulaire" chalet will be open to anyone wishing to drop off items in perfect condition (only decorations, toys, small appliances, but no books or clothes), which can be collected on site.

The program
- Friday, December 13 at 6pm: inauguration of the Place des Fêtes, concert by the Couleurs Vocales Atlantique choir, performance by the Jacopit dance school and a welcome drink.

- Wednesday December 18, 3pm to 5pm: vernissage of Christmas tree decorations created by children from municipal and community leisure centers, and a visit from Santa Claus.

- Tuesday December 24 at 3.30pm: Poussez pas Mémé brass band.

Christmas village cinema
Ages 7 and up. Bring your blanket for extra softness during screenings!

- Saturday, December 14 at 6pm: Mr. Jack's Christmas Carol by Henry Selick and Tim Burton, 1993, running time 1h15.
- Saturday, December 21 at 6pm: Santa et Cie by Alain Chabat, 2017, running time 1h32, subtitled version for the deaf and hearing-impaired.
- Saturday, December 28 at 6pm: Maman j'ai raté l'avion by Chris Columbus, 1990, running time 1h43.

Solidarity operations

- The Solidarity Chalet - From Saturday December 14 to Monday December 30: meet up with solidarity, charity and humanitarian associations in a dedicated chalet. It's an opportunity to buy ethical, handcrafted gifts, meet kind-hearted associations and help collect donations.
- Operation "Soupe des Chefs", 3rd edition - Saturday December 14: soups prepared by local restaurateurs will be sold by the Lions Club La Rochelle Doyen. Funds raised will go towards an "Animal Encounter" operation. Support for young people with disabilities.
- Operation "Christmas Balls" - Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15 - Saturday December 21 and Sunday December 22: with the Rotary Club La Rochelle Aunis, the Rotaract Club La Rochelle - Ile de Ré and the "Blouses Roses", come and decorate or write a message on the Christmas baubles that will adorn the trees in the square. All proceeds will go to the pediatric ward of Hôpital Saint-Louis in La Rochelle.
- La Hotte Circulaire - Free Zone - From Saturday, December 14 to Sunday, January 5: open to all, La Hotte invites you to drop off toys, games, home decor and small appliances, clean and in good condition, and/or to leave with an item of your choice, with no obligation to reciprocate. For logistical and sorting reasons, clothes, shoes, books, CDs and DVDs are not accepted.