Every December, the iconic châteaux dotted around the Loire Valley region are illuminated with Christmas decorations. Festive decor is on display both outside and inside these historic castles. “Christmas in the Land of Châteaux,” which celebrates its fifth anniversary in 2021, takes place from early December until early January, with each château featuring a different theme.
This year’s theme at the overwater Château de Chenonceau is “Royal Paradise,” showcasing golden and white floral arrangements, snowy Christmas trees and bunches of flowers. Every arrangement is put together by the on-site floral workshop team, led by its designer who is recognized as a Meilleur ouvrier de France. Château Royal d’Amboise is planning on having a white Christmas this year, with snow and snowmen adorning the château and on display in the rooms. At Château de Chambord, guests can stay cozy with crackling fires, ornate decor, a massive decorated Christmas tree that stands tall through the famous double helix staircase, and hundreds of illuminated Christmas trees lining the gardens.
On select days in December and January, Château de Chambord will host special events featuring Renaissance music and dancing in period costume, besides film screenings, concerts, storytelling sessions and visits with Santa Claus. The gardens at Château de Villandry will put on their best winter finery with ornamental cabbages and leeks, boxwood lace and long alleys of lime trees, promising enchanting winter walks.
At Château de Cheverny, Christmas decorations take over the gardens and each room of the château, with lights illuminating the façade and displays featuring giant gingerbread men and a forest of candies.
For more information, visit www.touraineloirevalley.co.
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