A Magical Launch
The meeting point is set for 5 PM this Saturday, November 29. To kick off the festivities, a musical parade will start from Place Sainte-Anne. Musicians, brass bands, and a friendly atmosphere will accompany the crowd through the streets of the historic center, heading towards Place du Parlement de Bretagne. It is there, at exactly 6 PM, that the official launch of the illuminations will take place. A moment eagerly awaited every year, where the facades, streets, and main avenues suddenly light up with thousands of tiny lights.
A City Transformed by Light
For this edition, Rennes is going big once again: 1,000 sparkling decorations, 10 kilometers of twinkling garlands, and a city center completely redesigned by light. As every year, a large portion of the decorations was created by the municipal staff: wooden chalets, sculpted sleighs, glowing arches, and poetic installations… all made from recycled wood sourced from the city's tree heritage. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate Christmas while showcasing local and responsible craftsmanship. The lights will twinkle every evening until January 4, 2026, with a scheduled turn-off at 11 PM, except on the evenings of December 24 and 31, when the magic will stay awake until the end of the night.
The Christmas Markets Are Also Opening Up
Last weekend, Rennes already kicked off the season with the opening of the Christmas market at Mail François-Mitterrand. This time, it’s…
It's the Christmas Village at the Parliament Square that opens its doors. Starting this Saturday, and until January 4th, you can wander among the chalets, savor delicious treats, or find little gifts between 12 PM and 9 PM.And that’s just the beginning: you’ll have to wait until December 19th to discover "Dream of Light," the all-new Christmas tale projected on the facade of the Town Hall. An immersive show is broadcast every 20 minutes between 6 PM and 9:40 PM, promised to be one of the highlights of the season.
The Breton capital will shine like never before!