The arrival of the shepherds Allauch 24 December

For a traditional provençal start to Christmas make your way to Allauch on the border of Marseille to see the shepherds leading their sheep from the hills. It's a performance in Provençale by volunteers, though the sheep probably dont get a choice. If you're driving dont try to park in old village because that's where it all happens. You can also take part in midnight mass via a big screen outside the church, there's not room for everyone inside. It Starts at 10:30pm but get there early to avoid the traffic.

Christmas Art Fair 22 and 23 December

Still looking for that special present for someone? Fancy treating yourself? Just want a break? In the Gallery Hors-Les-Murs/HLM at 20 rue Saint Antoine (tram stop Place Sadi Carnot) the Christmas art fair continues until 6pm on Friday 23. If you're there at the end you can start your Christmas with a wee vin chaud. The fair is selling a variety of art work, books and original presents at reasonable prices. Everything on show comes from local galleries.

Christmas market with a difference 17 and 18 December

Still haven't found that ideal present? Why not try this market, you're sure to find something original. It's at Cours Julien (metro line 2 Notre Dame du Mont) Saturday and Sunday 17/18 December.

Benjamin Britten Carols at Christmas 16 December

The Chorale Feminin Hymnis, accompanied by Anne-Sophie Daupin on the harp, are performing the Ceremony of Carols at the Eglise Saint Barnabé, Place Caire (metro 1 next to Saint Barnabé station). It starts at 8:30 on Friday 16 December and it's free.

Setting the Panier alight - December 16

On Friday 16 December, there's a festival of light, starting at 5:30 at the Accoules Bell tower (behind the Hôtel de Ville), with a torchlight procession, lighting up the bell towers, fire-eaters, jugglers, fireworks and a concert in the Eglise Saint Laurent with the Angelos Chroale. What more could you wish for on a dark winters eve?

An evening of Jazz 8 December

At the Cri du Port, starting at 8:30pm Francesco Bearzatti, a gifted clarinet and saxophone player dedicates an evening to Duke Ellington,  and Exultet Trio (accordion, guitar and percussion) provide their very own version of hybrid jazz. Not to be missed. It costs 15€ (plus 1€ membership).

Francesco Bearzatti

Exultet Trio

Dance Performance at Le Merlan 8 December

As part of the modern dance festival Dansem, Nacera Belaza performs "Le Temps Scellé". With a dance style that is intense but also minimal, she tries to touch the spirit. Nacera Blaza works with her sister and other collaborators to provide a personal, memorable and moving performance. Details are on the Merlan Theatre website.

Nacera Belaza

Donkey Day 4 December

For children of all ages. In the village of Allauch, a day dedicated to donkeys, with rides, a procession of donkeys and a market. Details are on the village website.

Donkey Day