Le Grand Noël at Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte 2024, a magical holiday experience

Every year, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte enchants us with its decorations and illuminations, immersing us in the magic of the festive season. Young and old alike are invited to discover this sumptuous residence, which takes on the allure of an enchanted castle during this not-to-be-missed end-of-year event in the Paris region. From November 16, 2024 to January 5, 2025, we're off to discover Le Grand Noël, which celebrates its 19th edition this year, with a magical immersion experience for all the family.

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The magic happens as soon as you arrive and discover a majestic avenue of decorated fir trees lining the main courtyard. Inside the château, the warmth of the open fire and the decorations in the ceremonial rooms draw us into a magical world, with a theme that changes from year to year. Monumental projections, illuminated gardens and other events are always part of the program, providing a festive, timeless experience that takes us back to our tender years.

For the 2024-2025 season, the Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte puts fairy tales in the spotlight, bringing back to life the classics of our childhood. The Nutcracker, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks and Alice in Wonderland - the cult characters who have lulled us to sleep from an early age are on board for an immersive adventure on the frontiers of the imagination!

Christmas at Vaux-le-Vicomte on video :

A look back at the 2023 edition

Last year, the theme of the Grand Noël de Vaux le Vicomte was theFrench art of living. The Musée des équipages, decorated by Maison Goodwill, plunged us into the Christmas spirit with its creations and automata. Each room in the château unveiled its own universe, thanks to collaborations with renowned French houses including Bernardaud, Christofle, NH Paris and Valombreuse. As you strolled through the different rooms, you could discover exceptional pieces that enhanced the tables and buffets.

The highlight of the visit, the Grand Salon was transformed into a crystalline, frosted world. A monumental fir tree over 8 meters tall dominated a grandiose New Year's table, surrounded by snow-covered fir trees and a 360-degree projection created by Mageo Productions.

In the Salle des Buffets, there was also a surprise: a staging by Chantal Thomass, combining 17th-century fantasy and a buffet d'abondance. It featured a mix of decorative elements and fashion creations by the famous designer.

Another attraction awaited us that year: the interactive show "Il était une fois..." (Once upon a time...), a fun creation by the Compagnie des Arlequins based on the fairy tales of Charles Perrault. The show invited us to become actors in the story and save the characters from the famous author's tales.

The day ended with a monumental projection of "The King arrives tomorrow" on the château's façade. A 7-minute show retracing a day in the life of Nicolas Fouquet, with scenes depicting the hustle and bustle before the King's arrival.

The illuminated gardens also offered a host of family activities. Toasting marshmallows, learning the art of fly tying in the 17th century, or taking part in a treasure hunt... what adventures in this dreamlike setting! Horse-drawn carriage rides, also offered here, are a unique way to discover the French gardens. These are available at weekends and during school vacations. And last but not least, the château's boutique is brimming with treasures and gift ideas, perfect for immortalizing this enchanting experience.