This charming town in Val-de-Marne hosts a grand Christmas parade.

Looking for a delightful family outing in the Val-de-Marne to ring in the holiday season? We suggest heading to Saint-Maur-des-Fossés for its Grand Christmas Parade, promising to be truly enchanting. On Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., this charming town along the Marne transforms into a fairy-tale land, offering an spellbinding spectacle for children and adults alike.

This year, the parade invites us into the enchanting world of The Nutcracker. And from what’s planned, it promises to be truly spectacular. Eight fully electric floats will wind their way around City Hall, accompanied by nine choreographed tableaux and over a hundred dancers shimmering in glittering costumes. The procession starts at the top of Avenue Charles de Gaulle, creating a luminous journey through the heart of the city. The image of wide-eyed children marveling at this moving spectacle is already taking shape in our minds.

Of course, Santa Claus will be there, coming to greet all the little ones (and the grown-ups too, let's be honest) attending the show. He'll be accompanied by charming characters like Angus and Zou, creating a truly friendly and warm atmosphere. With illuminated floats parading through the evening shadows, we're promising an enchanting escape right in the heart of Val-de-Marne.

What truly stands out about this event is its community-focused and local spirit. The Saint-Maur Parade brings together local associations, municipal services for youth and seniors, and the city's recreational centers. This collective initiative offers residents a chance to get involved in community life and share genuine moments of camaraderie with their neighbors. The dancers' costumes, the floats' decorations, and the choreography of the performances are all the result of teamwork that beautifully embodies the true spirit of Christmas.

And if you want to extend the holiday cheer, we've got good news: the weekend will be filled with magic at the Christmas Market in the Park. This year, JCP has partnered with the Parc-Saint-Maur Neighborhood Committee to host this craft and artisan fair at the Protestant church, located at 42 Joffre Avenue. From Friday, December 19th to Sunday, December 21st, you can explore unique creations by certified artisans in a cozy atmosphere. The market opens on Friday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to browse the stalls before catching the parade. Warm up with a glass of mulled wine and enjoy some delicious pastries—all in support of the Telethon. A wonderful opportunity to do your Christmas shopping while supporting a meaningful cause.

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For those unfamiliar with Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, this charming town along the Marne River truly merits a visit. Often dubbed the "Venice of Val-de-Marne" thanks to the meandering loops of the Marne embracing it, the city offers a lush, tranquil setting just outside Paris. Visitors can admire stunning Belle Époque mansions, enjoy riverside guinguettes that evoke the classic Marne ambiance of yesteryear, and experience a high quality of life that attracts many families. The town even boasts three islands — Love Island, Wolf Island, and Pie Island — adding a touch of enchantment to its picturesque landscape.

Just a few RER A stops from central Paris, Saint-Maur stands out with its impressive architectural heritage and abundance of green spaces. The Abbey Park, home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery founded in the 7th century, is definitely worth a visit. After the parade, why not take a leisurely stroll along the Marne Quays, explore the charming streets of the town center, or stop by one of the cozy cafés in the neighborhood? In December, the town is beautifully decorated with festive lights, creating a cheerful holiday atmosphere that delights visitors and invites you to extend your walk a little longer.

Access to the Christmas parade is completely free and open to everyone, which is a bonus. Just show up along the route starting at 5:30 PM to enjoy the festivities. Our tip: arrive a bit early to grab a good spot, especially if you're bringing children who will want to see the floats up close. And don’t forget to dress warmly, as even though the atmosphere will be lively, December evenings can still be quite chilly.

In short, if you're looking for a great way to soak up the Christmas magic with your loved ones, don't miss the Grand Parade of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés on December 21st. Filled with electric floats, costumed dancers, and fairy-tale characters, the event promises to enchant the whole family. Meet us by the Town Hall from 5:30 PM to enjoy a magical, shareable experience in a festive setting. For more details, visit the official website of the City of Saint-Maur-des-Fossés.