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Christmas in Champagne

Discover the Christmas markets of Champagne

During the festive season, what could be better than popping open a bottle of champagne… in Champagne? From Reims to Troyes, this destination promises you a New Year’s Eve celebration as sparkling as a bottle of Ruinart. When December rolls round, the Grandes Maisons are decked out in festive lights, wooden chalets cheerfully pop up all over the Cité des Sacres, and the festivities kick off with a glass of mulled wine. There’s no doubt about it: the finest Christmas experience in the Grand Est region is to be found in Champagne!

3 reasons to raise a glass of Champagne at Christmas

1. To visit France’s third-largest Christmas market. Every year, Reims hosts over 150 market stalls, all sorts of entertainment and an XXL Christmas tree. It’s the perfect opportunity to stay in the capital of Champagne and wander amongst the stalls in search of the perfect gift.

2. To add a touch of sophistication to the festive season. Whether you’re in the mood for a wine tasting in a prestigious cellar or a visit to a Grande Maison in Reims or Épernay, make your Christmas Eve a celebration of Champagne!

3. To savour Champagne’s culinary delights. From foie gras with brut Champagne to a Yule log made with Reims pink biscuits, festive feasts in Champagne soon have you asking for seconds. Not to mention the world-famous sparkling wine*, which pairs perfectly with festive meals.

*Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health; please drink in moderation.

Booking accommodation in Champagne

Christmas markets to discover in Champagne

In Champagne, one market in particular makes a name for itself every year. It is, of course, the one in Reims, which is none other than the third-largest Christmas market in France. From late November to late December, the ‘Cité des Sacres’ (City of Coronations) is decked out with around a hundred illuminated chalets, a huge decorated Christmas tree and a Ferris wheel from which to admire the city aglow with a thousand lights. Along the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter, stroll amongst the food and craft stalls before heading off to visit Notre-Dame Cathedral. Who knows, perhaps you’ll find that one special gift you’ve been missing?

Whilst parents love stopping at the stalls to raise a glass of brut champagne* or mulled wine, the little ones prefer a visit to the Children’s Kingdom. Between the miniature train, a spin on the carousel and a meet-and-greet with Father Christmas in his igloo, there’s plenty to keep them entertained. Add to that musical parades and fun workshops, and you’ve got a market that the whole family will love!

Not far from Reims, don’t miss a visit to the beautiful town of Épernay, which is decked out every year for the Habits de Lumières event. During this festival, the capital of Champagne invites you to be dazzled by video projections on the town hall façade, musical performances, cellar tours, tastings and magical shows. And if you’re a fan of the Christmas spirit in the Grand Est region, be sure to explore the market in Troyes and its ‘enchanted bubbles’ display. Not forgetting Châlons-en-Champagne, where you can round off your market visit with a boat trip on the water… a truly colourful experience!

*Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health; please drink in moderation.

Festivities in keeping with Champagne traditions

It is particularly through its festive culinary traditions that the region stands out. Champagne* springs to mind, of course! From a bottle of Ruinart to Laurent-Perrier, not to mention Moët & Chandon and other local producers, the region graces the table with its finest vintages. Needless to say, a bottle of brut champagne is also THE gift most often found under the Christmas tree. A precious nectar to be enjoyed in moderation!

*Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health; please drink in moderation.

Festive flavours in Champagne

In Champagne, festive meals celebrate elegance and conviviality through recipes that are emblematic of the region. As a starter, discerning gourmets are delighted to be treated to a champagne-poached egg, drizzled with a creamy sauce, or a gratinated andouillette de Troyes, a hearty speciality from the Aube region that immediately sets the tone for the meal.

Next up are slow-cooked dishes in the purest Champagne tradition. The undisputed star of winter,the potée champenoise combines cabbage, potatoes, bacon and ham hock in a single casserole dish to create a hearty, rustic and comforting meal. Another sure-fire favourite is roast poultry, often served with tender vegetables or a fragrant gratin, complemented perfectly by a local white or rosé wine.

And because no celebration would be complete without a touch of sweetness, the ice-cream log, homemade gingerbread and pink biscuits from Reims provide a delightful sweet finish to the meal. The magical moment of unwrapping presents is often accompanied by a glass of brut champagne, to prolong the enchantment.

Find a sparkling gift in Champagne

Looking for the perfect gift? You’ve come to the right place. Whether at the market stalls in Reims or in the cellar of a Grande Maison in Épernay, there’s no shortage of sparkling gifts in Champagne.A personalised corkscrew, a bottle of vintage champagne, a wine gift set or a bottle of Moët & Chandon, Laurent-Perrier or Dom Pérignon champagne… Get ready to slip an exceptional gift under the Christmas tree.

For an even more original touch, why not give the whole experience as a gift? Rather than offering a bottle of champagne or a wine gift set, why not opt for a cellar tour? At the heart of a prestigious estate, your loved ones can uncover the secrets of champagne-making and sample a selection of excellent vintages during a tasting session. Or they could try a unique, immersive workshop on the art of glassmaking with the Lehmann Experience.

*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health; please drink in moderation.

Get into the spirit of the end-of-year festivities in Champagne

In December, the whole of Champagne lights up. In Reims, the huge Christmas market at the Promenades Jean-Louis Schneiter is an event in its own right. But the highlight of the show is undoubtedly the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral, which every year hosts a sound and light show. It’s a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in Reims’ heritage by discovering the day of a king’s coronation. With no shortage of fireworks to make it shine, this 83-metre-high monument shines brighter than ever!

Near Reims, Épernay is also gearing up to host its own show: Les Habits de Lumière. For the occasion, the Avenue de Champagne is transformed into a vast illuminated stage. What’s on the programme? Video mapping, a parade and a fireworks display. All followed by a cellar tour and a champagne tasting* at a Grande Maison for those who wish to take part. A Christmas just the way we like it in the capital of Champagne.

*Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health; please drink in moderation.

Our tips for planning your Christmas break in Champagne

With the end-of-year celebrations in Champagne fast approaching, here are all our tips for a truly sparkling break!

1. Plan your stay around the key events. If you’d like to see the light shows and enjoy the many activities on offer, aim to visit from the end of November onwards. It’s the perfect time to stroll around the Reims Christmas market, admire the illuminations at Notre-Dame Cathedral and marvel at the Avenue de Champagne in Épernay. To find out about all the events, check our calendar for the dates and times of each market.

2. Book your visits in advance. From Maison Ruinart to the Moët & Chandon estate, via Laurent-Perrier and other winegrowers, Champagne’s wine estates are extremely popular. That’s why it’s best to book your visit and/or tasting well in advance. Not forgetting the Pressoria experience, which invites you to embark on a unique sensory journey centred around this precious nectar.

3. Choose your accommodation carefully. The key to any successful holiday is, of course, your accommodation. Whether you’re looking to relax in a holiday cottage with a spa or prefer a guesthouse not far from the town centre, Champagne has everything you need to ensure your getaway is both comfortable… and memorable!

4. Choose the train over the car. With the Group Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on trains and coaches across the Fluo network for a whole day for €40 (groups of 2 to 5 people). The offer is available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

Our ideas for Christmas weekends and itineraries in Champagne

Make the most of this festive season to discover the treasures of Champagne. From Reims to Troyes, via Épernay and Châlons-en-Champagne, enjoy a sparkling getaway from start to finish.

Reims: the City of Coronations

• Stroll through France’s third-largest Christmas market
• Marvel at the light show on the cathedral’s façade as night falls
• Join a guided tour of the Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral
• Visit the Taittinger or Veuve Clicquot cellars, decorated for this magical time of year, and take part in a champagne tasting
• Take a ride on the Ferris wheel in Place d’Erlon to admire the illuminations

Épernay: the capital of Champagne

• Take a stroll along the Avenue de Champagne during the ‘Habits de Lumière’ show
• Take part in a champagne tasting at a legendary house such as Moët & Chandon, Perrier-Jouët or other producers
• Explore the surrounding wine-growing villages, such as Hautvillers, one of the birthplaces of champagne

Troyes: the City of a Hundred Steeples

• Stroll through the medieval streets and admire the illuminated half-timbered houses
• Explore the Christmas market on the Town Hall Square and choose between mulled wine or a glass of champagne
• Step inside Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul Cathedral to admire the nativity scene and the illuminated stained-glass windows
• Find a gift made in Champagne at the market or in one of the shops in the town centre

Succumb to the magic of Christmas in Champagne

During the festive season, Champagne is more sparkling than ever. A great reason to visit the Reims Christmas market, one of the largest in France, and to explore the many activities on offer with the family, particularly at the Kingdom of Children. Don’t forget to stop off in Épernay, where the magic of the winter season lights up the façades of the beautiful Avenue de Champagne and where the Grandes Maisons are decked out for the occasion. Finally, the medieval town of Troyes invites visitors to stroll around its Town Hall Square in a gourmet atmosphere, whilst Châlons-en-Champagne takes you on a colourful stroll along the Mau and the Nau. All that’s left is to raise a glass of champagne to this trip… Cheers!

: For a festive aperitif, brut champagnes remain the most popular: their freshness and liveliness pair just as well with seafood-inspired canapés as with heartier bites. Lovers of Blanc de Blancs will also find something to their taste, thanks to their finesse and delicate aromas. Some Houses even offer a special festive edition: the perfect opportunity to discover something new and share a moment of pure pleasure over some fine bottles.

: Yes, Champagne’s heritage lies at the heart of the Christmas markets. With a blend of traditional craftsmanship, local cuisine and traditional entertainment, each village showcases its centuries-old heritage. In Reims and Troyes, for example, you’ll find workshops dedicated to wine-growing, stalls showcasing local brut or white champagnes, and creations inspired by the Champagne countryside. It’s an authentic way to immerse yourself in the region’s history.

: Even in winter, Champagne offers lovely opportunities to get out into nature. With its dormant vineyards, classified hillsides and walks along the Marne, it’s perfectly possible to enjoy a breath of fresh air during your stay. Some estates organise guided walks through the vineyards or introductory sessions on local biodiversity, often followed by a tasting of brut or white champagnes. A lovely way to combine discovery and enjoyment!

: Every year, towns such as Reims and Épernay unveil their new features for the Christmas season: revamped sound and light shows, brand-new activities, refreshed displays… At the champagne houses, it is sometimes limited-edition cuvées or bottles specially designed for the festive season that cause a stir. With a blend of reimagined craftsmanship, immersive displays and experiences centred on the vineyards, the region is constantly reinventing itself.

: Whilst brut champagnes remain a safe bet, giving a blanc de blancs cuvée, an exceptional vintage or a limited edition allows you to go for a personalised gift. Some Champagne Houses even offer engraved gift sets or wine-tasting workshops as gifts: a great way to discover the heritage of Champagne in a different light. For nature lovers, some winemakers also highlight cuvées produced from specific plots or using more environmentally friendly methods.

: Absolutely. The cellars are often given a special makeover for the occasion, creating an even cosier atmosphere. The tastings give you the chance to compare different types of champagne, including bruts, whites and more exclusive cuvées. Just remember to book in advance: the Christmas event attracts large numbers of visitors, particularly around key events such as the ‘Habits de Lumière’.

Your Christmas in the Grand Est region

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