Sometimes, you visit a place thinking it will just be “something nice to do with the kids” — and you leave with real magic in your heart. That’s exactly how I felt at Santa’s Castle in Dunkirk.
Every winter, the city turns its beautiful town hall into a real-life fairytale. Yes — the Dunkirk town hall actually transforms into Santa’s Castle. From the outside, the building already looks impressive, but at Christmas it becomes something completely different: lights everywhere, garlands at the doors, soft music in the air, and children whispering excitedly while waiting to go inside. Before you even step in, you feel the atmosphere.
What touched me most is knowing how this castle is created. It isn’t built by a big company — it’s made by people from the city, who truly care. Around forty municipal workers designed and assembled everything, guided by the ideas of Jacques-Olivier Simon, a retired city employee whose imagination still brings joy to thousands of kids each year. When you walk through the rooms, you can almost feel the love and effort behind every scene.
Inside, each space invites you to slow down. Toy trains, snowy villages, giant books, twinkling trees… children move from one scene to another with wide eyes, and honestly — as parents, we do too. I found myself stopping, smiling, and thinking, “This is exactly what Christmas should feel like.”
And then, of course — comes the moment. Meeting Santa.
It isn’t rushed, it isn’t commercial. Santa listens, smiles, and somehow makes every child feel special. Watching my child speak to him was one of those quiet family moments I want to keep forever — the kind you remember long after the decorations come down.
What I really appreciated is how well everything is organized. You don’t feel pushed; you have time to enjoy, take photos, and simply live the moment together. It’s also manageable for families with young children, strollers, or grandparents — something that matters a lot when we travel.
After the visit, we wandered outside a bit more, enjoying the Christmas lights and the festive mood around the square. Dunkirk may not be the first city you think of for a Christmas trip — but maybe that’s what makes this experience so special. It feels authentic, warm, and truly family-friendly.
If you plan to go, my advice is simple: take your time. Let the kids explore, ask questions, and enjoy the details. Bring your camera, a warm jacket, and be ready to feel like a kid again yourself.
We left Santa’s Castle with that soft, glowing happiness that only Christmas can bring. For us, it wasn’t just a visit. It was a shared memory — and exactly the kind of place I love discovering and sharing on Family Travel Guide.
Practical Tip for 2026: Arrive Before Opening Time
If you’re planning to visit Santa’s Castle in 2026, here’s my best advice: arrive before 2:00 p.m., ideally a little earlier than the official opening time. The experience has become more and more popular, and families who arrive later in the afternoon often face long lines.
When doors open, the flow is smooth and pleasant — but after 2:00 p.m., waiting times can easily increase and range between 40 minutes and 1 hour, especially on weekends and during school holidays. Arriving early not only reduces stress, it also lets children enjoy the magic without feeling tired before they even get inside.
Bring a small snack, dress warmly, and make it part of the adventure — a calm start makes the visit even more magical.
📍 Dunkirk Town Hall
Place Charles Valentin, 59140 Dunkerque, France
