Christmas markets in Reunion Island are the perfect combination of tradition, local crafts and local flavours. Every year, as the end-of-year celebrations approach, the intense island is adorned with its most beautiful colours to welcome young and old alike. But what makes these markets an unmissable event?
These festive events are much more than just an opportunity to do your Christmas shopping. They are a real journey to the heart of Reunion Island culture. The stalls are full of unique artisanal products, made with passion by local creators.
Semi-precious stone jewelry, sandalwood objects, colorful textiles, basketwork… There is something for all tastes and budgets. Gourmets will not be left out, with a wide selection of local products: spices, jams, arranged rums, honey, exotic fruits… Enough to delight the taste buds and fill your basket with local delicacies.
Why not extend this experience by staying in Reunion Island? The island offers a multitude of breathtaking landscapes, from white sand beaches to green mountains and cirques. For an unforgettable stay, choose our Exsel hotels and restaurants .
In this article, we invite you to discover:
- The festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets in Reunion Island
- The essentials of local crafts
- Local products to taste
- Good reasons to choose Exsel for your stay
Ready to live a unique experience? Then follow us on this journey to the heart of the magic of Christmas in Reunion Island.
The essentials of the Christmas markets in Reunion
Christmas market in Saint-Leu
𝐋𝐢𝐞𝐮: 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐝𝐮𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐞, 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭-𝐋𝐞𝐮𝐬𝐭
🔹 Share : 16 & 25 122
🔹 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬: 𝟗𝐡 – 𝟐𝟎𝐡𝟑𝟎
Christmas markets in St Paul
December 14th 7 pm-11pm on the St Paul seafront for this colorful Christmas market. Free entry for the public.
December 21-24 : Rue Suffren and covered market in Saint-Paul.
Located not far from the Christmas markets, the Exsel Alamanda and Ermitage Boutik hotels are perfect establishments for your Christmas holidays in Saint-Paul!
Christmas market in St Gilles-les-Bains
December 21 : Place Paul-Julius-Bénard in Saint-Gilles-les-Bains.
The Exsel Floralys Hotel welcomes you to its comfortable and friendly establishment for Christmas! You can also stay at the Roseaux des sables Residence , ideal for a successful family vacation!
Christmas Markets in St Louis
The City of Saint-Louis is organizing two “Christmas Markets” for the end-of-year celebrations:
– Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 December 2024 at La Rivière, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
– Saturday December 21 and Sunday December 22, 2024 in Saint-Louis, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If you are coming with your family, the Exsel Austral hotel in Saint-Denis would be the best option. You will be able to stay in the capital. On the other hand, if you prefer to recharge your batteries during your vacation and discover the south of the island, the Victoria hotel or the Holy Land hotel , located in Saint-Pierre would be a great option.
On the program:
A magical evening under the stars
- Entertainment for young and old
- Tastings of local products
The festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets in Reunion Island
An immersion in the magic of Christmas
As the end-of-year holidays approach, Reunion Island is adorned with its most beautiful colours to welcome the Christmas markets . These festive events are an unmissable event for the people of Reunion Island and tourists in search of authenticity.
Entertainment for all tastes
Christmas markets in Reunion Island are not limited to simple stalls. They offer a multitude of activities for young and old:
- Concerts : Local groups come to liven up the markets with traditional music and modern covers.
- Workshops : Children can take part in creative workshops to make Christmas decorations.
- Tastings : Visitors can discover the flavors of Reunion cuisine through tastings of local products.
A magical setting
To immerse visitors in the Christmas spirit, the organizers take care with the decoration of the markets:
- Lighting : Fairy lights and magical illuminations create a warm atmosphere.
- Decorations : Christmas trees, balls and sparkling stars embellish the place.
Summary table of activities offered during Christmas markets in Reunion
| Animation | Description |
| Concerts | Local groups liven up the markets with traditional and modern music. |
| Creative workshops | Children can make Christmas decorations. |
| Tastings | Visitors can discover the flavors of Reunion cuisine. |
The essentials of local crafts
The Christmas markets in Reunion Island are a real showcase for local crafts. Reunion Island creators exhibit their works, the fruit of ancestral know-how and great creativity. But what are the must-see local crafts to discover during these events?
Jewelry, an ode to nature
Handcrafted jewelry is particularly popular with visitors. Designers draw inspiration from the nature of Reunion Island to create unique pieces. Semi-precious stones such as lapis lazuli, amethyst and obsidian are widely used. There is also jewelry made from sandalwood , known for its delicate scent and relaxing properties.
Basketry, an ancestral art
Basketry is an ancestral art in Reunion Island. Craftsmen use natural fibers such as rattan, bamboo or vetiver to create useful and decorative objects. Baskets, hats, lamps … The possibilities are endless!
Textiles, an explosion of colors
Handmade textiles are another feature of the Christmas markets in Reunion. Colorful fabrics and geometric patterns are very popular. Tablecloths, cushions, clothes … Designers compete in imagination to offer original and unique pieces.
Summary table of local craft essentials
| Category | Raw materials | Products |
| Jewelry | Semi-precious stones, sandalwood | Necklaces, bracelets, earrings |
| Basketwork | Rattan, bamboo, vetiver | Baskets, hats, lamps |
| Textiles | Cotton, linen, silk | Tablecloths, cushions, clothes |
Decorative objects, a touch of authenticity
Handcrafted decorative objects are perfect for adding a touch of authenticity to your interior. These include wooden sculptures , shell objects and ceramics with original shapes.
In short, local crafts in Reunion Island are a real treasure. The Christmas markets are the ideal opportunity to discover the talent of the creators and bring back unique souvenirs.
Local products to taste
The Christmas markets in Reunion Island are also an opportunity to discover the unique flavors of the island. The stalls are full of local products that will delight the taste buds of gourmets.
The emblematic spices of Reunion Island
- Pepper: Grown on the highlands of the island, Reunion pepper is renowned for its intense aroma and slightly fruity notes.
- Ginger: Used in cooking to spice up dishes, ginger is also known for its medicinal properties.
- Turmeric: This bright yellow spice gives dishes a vibrant color and adds a slightly spicy flavor.
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
Reunion Island offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, often tastier than those found in mainland France.
| Fruit | Special feature |
| The mango | Juicy and sweet flesh, many varieties |
| Lettuce | Small red fruit with rough skin, delicate flavor |
| The Victory Pineapple | Orange-yellow flesh, tangy taste |
| Vegetable | Special feature |
| The brède | Cassava leaves eaten as vegetables |
| The darling | Squash with a mild flavor, widely used in Creole cooking |
| Sweet potato | Rich in starch, many colorful varieties |
Processed products
Many processed products made from fruits, vegetables and spices are also offered at Christmas markets .
- Jams
Taste exotic fruit jams, such as mango, guava or passion fruit.
- Arranged rums
Arranged rums are local specialties obtained by macerating fruits, spices or plants in rum.
- Honey
Honey from Reunion Island is renowned for its quality and variety of flavors.
By tasting these local products, you will discover all the richness and diversity of Reunion Island gastronomy.
To extend this taste experience, there is nothing like a stay in Reunion Island. The Exsel hotel and restaurant offer you refined Creole cuisine, made from fresh, local produce.
This table will give you an idea of some essential Creole dishes:
| Plat | Main ingredients |
| The dear ones | Meat or fish cooked with spices and coconut milk |
| Sausage rougail | Creole sausage cooked with tomatoes, onions and spices |
| Gratin dauphinois | Potatoes au gratin with crème fraîche and cheese |
So, don’t hesitate any longer and come and discover the flavors of Reunion Island!
Choose Exsel for your stay in Reunion: a haven of peace in the heart of the island
Discover a haven of peace at the Exsel Hotel.
Comfortable and warm accommodation
- Spacious and bright rooms
Relax in an elegant and comfortable environment, tastefully decorated to offer you a most pleasant stay.
- Modern equipment
Enjoy optimal comfort thanks to our modern equipment: air conditioning, flat-screen television, free Wi-Fi connection…
- Personalized services
Our team is here to listen to all your requests and offer you a tailor-made stay.
Refined Creole gastronomy
Our restaurant invites you on a culinary journey to the heart of Reunion Island tradition. Our chef, passionate about local products, offers you a varied and tasty menu, made from fresh and seasonal products .
| Typical dishes | Key ingredients |
| Carry madras | Meat, vegetables, spices |
| Sausage Rougail | Creole sausage, tomatoes, onions |
| Stew | Beef, red wine, spices |
Privileged access to the island’s activities
Exsel hotels are an ideal starting point for exploring the wonders of Reunion Island. Near the hotel, you can:
- Bathe in the turquoise lagoons
- Hiking in the cirques
- Discover the endemic flora and fauna
- Visit museums and historical sites
By choosing Exsel, you are opting for an authentic and unforgettable stay in Reunion.
