24 evenings of Christmas shows: Caen’s Advent Calendar lights up Town Hall

Every evening at 6 pm, until 24th December, residents and visitors are invited to gather in front of the Town Hall for a moment of Christmas celebration.

The concept is simple but enchanting. Each evening, one of the building’s windows opens to reveal a new surprise. The programme features musical performances, singing, acrobatics, and other artistic displays. The events are free, open to everyone, and easy to access, located just a short walk from the city centre.

On 1st December, the tenor Cyrille Dubois had the honour of opening the first window of the calendar. The local star, from Ouistreham, performed well-known Christmas songs such as “Let it snow”, “White Christmas” and “Petit Papa Noël”. Over the course of his career, the Norman singer has also appeared on prestigious stages, including the Paris Opera.

To watch the remaining performances over the course of December, a tip is to arrive a little before 6 pm for a good spot, especially if you want some photos or to enjoy the performance without being too far away.

Because the event is held outdoors, it’s an excellent opportunity to combine the show with a stroll through Caen’s Christmas lights or a visit to the nearby Christmas market at the place de la République. You may make an evening of it, enjoying food stalls, seasonal treats, and the lively atmosphere around the city centre.