The association “Cléry Son Histoire en Lumière” offers an immersive experience in Renaissance festivities, to be discovered throughout your visit:
Strolling performances inside the château featuring characters in Renaissance costumes
Traditional games in the Hunting Room on the ground floor
Medieval and Renaissance dances
Knights’ combat demonstrations at 4 p.m. in the French gardens (weather permitting)
Presentation of weapons and armor
Dates: November 29, 30; December 6, 7, 13, and 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
All activities are offered by the association Cléry Son Histoire en Lumière
Children will be invited to paint chocolate plaques in the shape of Christmas trees or Santa Claus using cocoa butter-based paint and food coloring. They will be able to take their creations home with them.
The chocolate painting workshops will be held on November 29 and 30, as well as December 6, 7, 13, and 14, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free, no reservation required.
The Max Vauché workshop has also taken over the castle’s former kitchens with two chocolate sculptures celebrating the fairy tales of our childhood: the tail of The Little Mermaid and a table with a candelabra from Beauty and the Beast. The first took 140 hours to make and weighs 65 kg, while the second took 70 hours and weighs 55 kg of chocolate. Free admission.
From November 29, visitors can try the games and pastimes enjoyed by sovereigns and the court during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries.
Enthusiasts of the Grand Siècle can try their hand at Trou-Madame, a game very popular during the reign of Louis XIV.
For fans of more traditional games, the Game of the Goose, checkers, and Fox and Geese are available for all visitors to enjoy.
Games are self-accessible from November 29.
December 6, 7, 13, and 14, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., then December 20 and 21, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Through entertaining and playful stories, readers take turns captivating the youngest members of the audience. Everyone will discover this in a relaxing atmosphere, thanks to the ambiance of the fireplace, in the Salle des Illustres on the ground floor of the château.
December 22 and 23, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., then December 24, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., narrated by Émilie Marmion
Inspired by the mystery of Chambord and its estate, author Émilie Marmion will be telling her Lutins de Sologne stories from December 22. These magical tales highlight the natural balance of Chambord in order to raise children’s awareness of the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Inside the castle, children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, take photos with him, and chat about the magic of Christmas.
November 29 and 30, and December 6, 7, 13, and 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and December 20, 21, 22, and 23 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
A nature guide introduces visitors to the estate’s flora with a creative workshop. Children are invited to make a greeting card using plants collected in the estate’s forest. At the end of the workshop, the children leave with their souvenir creation.
December 7, 13, and 14 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
December 20, 21, 22 and December 26 to January 3 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except December 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and January 1 when the château is closed).
Dancers, fencers, and musicians from the Cavalcade company will transport young and old alike into the romantic world of the Renaissance. Amidst the Christmas decorations, these performances remind visitors that they are in the castle of François I and that the festivities span the ages.
From December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. (except December 24 and 31, when it closes at 4 p.m.) on the tour route.
Concerts are offered by the Chambord School Horns. The traditional and friendly spirit of these gatherings is appreciated by all.
December 21 and 28 (times to be announced)
Castle opening hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from November 29 to December 19, 2025, and January 4, 2026.
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from December 20, 2025, to January 3, 2026 (except December 24, 25, 31, and January 1)
The château closes at 4:00 p.m. on December 24 and 31 (last admission: 3:30 p.m.). Annual closure on December 25 and January 1.
Last admission 30 minutes before the château closes. The French gardens close 30 minutes before the château
From December 20 to December 30, the French gardens will close at 5:00 p.m. On December 24 and 31, they will close at 3:30 p.m.
