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Sons et Lumière de Saint Nicolas

Christmas in Lorraine

Discover the Christmas markets of Lorraine

Whilst the Christmas celebrations in the Grand Est region are unrivalled, Lorraine is no exception to the rule. From Nancy to Metz, stone façades and Romanesque cathedrals are decked out in lights and decorations to kick off the end-of-year festivities. More than just a time for exchanging presents, Christmas brings a touch of magic to Lorraine, particularly with the world-famous Saint Nicholas celebrations. With fun activities, illuminations at the markets and towns buzzing with excitement, the spirit of community really comes to life from the end of November onwards. All you have to do is come and discover it for yourself!

3 reasons to fall in love with the festive season in Lorraine

1. For its architecture, made even more stunning by the Christmas decorations. Lorraine is, above all, home to a remarkable cultural heritage. From the elegant Place Stanislas to the immense Saint-Étienne Cathedral, via the town centres of Verdun and Épinal, these places alone are enough to take your breath away. So just imagine discovering them bathed in the magic of Christmas, with all the festive lights and illuminations. It’s enough to leave you speechless!

2. For its Saint Nicholas celebrations. The city of Nancy pays particular attention to these traditional festivities, which are, incidentally, listed as part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the most beautiful celebrations dedicated to Saint Nicholas in Europe!

3. For its central location in the Grand Est region. Lorraine lies close to Alsace and the Vosges, making it the ideal base from which to explore the region during this magical time of year. After strolling around Nancy or Épinal, why not make a stop-off in Strasbourg to discover Europe’s oldest Christmas market? Don’t miss a stop in Gérardmer either, for a relaxing break nestled between the lake and the mountains.

Booking accommodation in Lorraine

    Marché de Noël de Nancy
    Grande roue devant la cathédrale de Metz à Noël

    Christmas markets to discover in Lorraine

    The simple pleasures of Christmas also include strolling past the market stalls with a glass of mulled wine* in one hand and a slice of gingerbread in the other. In Lorraine, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to visiting the markets! Starting with those in Nancy, known locally as the ‘Villages of Saint Nicholas’. From Place Stanislas to Place Charles III, a giant Christmas tree, a Ferris wheel and a carousel delight young and old alike. Here, Père Fouettard even has his own open-air café near the Porte de la Craffe!

    What if we told you that Metz, in Moselle, is home toone of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe? Just head to Place de la République and climb to the top of the Christmas pyramid to see for yourself. Not to mention the City Skyliner, which towers over the entire market and the city of Metz. As for those looking for gift ideas, head to Place Saint-Louis for a stroll amongst arts and crafts and Christmas chocolates!

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

    Sentier des lanternes à Metz
    Mapping de Saint-Nicolas sur l'hôtel de ville de Nancy

    Light displays and events: the magic of Christmas in Lorraine

    In Nancy, the magic of the festive season is very much in the air. And the sound and light show on Place Stanislas certainly backs that up! As night falls, the facades of the town hall come to life with a colourful projection mapping display telling the story of Saint Nicholas. A moment out of time that is sure to immerse you in the unique Christmas atmosphere of Lorraine. Not to mention the traditional torchlit procession in the heart of the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. All the ingredients are in place for a memorable Christmas city break in Lorraine.

    In Metz (in Moselle), let yourself be enchanted by Saint-Étienne Cathedral and its flamboyant stained-glass windows, illuminated for the festive season. After sampling a few Christmas specialities on Place Saint-Jacques, take the iconic Sentier des Lanternes. In the heart of Square Boufflers, this illuminated trail invites you to immerse yourself in Christmas traditions, amongst gingerbread figurines and cheerful elves. Your children will love it!

    In Amnéville, immerse yourselves as a family in the magic of the Luminescences festival. As night falls, the zoo gives way to a trail stretching over a kilometre, where more than 10,000 light installations await you. It’s a real feast for the eyes!

    Défilé de la Saint Nicolas

    A Christmas steeped in tradition in Lorraine

    Whilst Saint Nicholas’ Day is celebrated throughout the Grand Est region, it is inextricably linked with Lorraine. And with good reason! A relic of Bishop Nicholas of Myra, who inspired the figure of the protector of children, now rests in the town of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port. Legend has it that one day he appeared at the home of a cruel butcher, who then confessed to him that he had cut up and turned three children into salted pork. As a great saviour, the bishop then held up three fingers above the dish and brought the children back to life. To punish this malevolent being – better known today as Père Fouettard – he decided to tie him to his donkey. Since then, he has become the patron saint of the people of Lorraine, as well as the patron saint of children. Hence the importance of paying homage to him every year on 6 December!

    In Nancy and Metz, this custom is deeply rooted in local tradition. Over the course of a weekend, locals and tourists gather to watch the traditional grand parade. Then, it’s time to head to Place Carnot or Place Stanislas to marvel at the parades of floats, brass bands, shows and other festive entertainment. Inside the Basilica of Saint-Nicolas-de-Port, don’t miss the torchlit procession in honour of Saint Nicholas. Alongside these local traditions, there are of course Christmas carols and live nativity scenes, creating a truly Lorrainian atmosphere!

    Goûter de la Saint-Nicolas
    Goûter de Saint-Nicolas

    Christmas flavours in Lorraine: a feast of mouth-watering treats

    It’s impossible to imagine a Christmas market in Lorraine without its unmissable sweet treats! From the moment you step between the market stalls, the scents of cinnamon, vanilla and chocolate envelop you in a comforting atmosphere. Here, traditions are savoured with the heart.

    On closer inspection, the undisputed star is gingerbread! It’s often decorated with the image of Saint Nicholas and handed out to children to reward them for their good behaviour. Equally iconic is the brioche shaped like a little man, perfectly soft and moist, which delights children and adults alike. Added to this are the delicious Christmas biscuits in a variety of shapes: stars, Christmas trees, moons… and the famous red sugared sprinkles, bright and shiny, which you slip into your pockets as a memento of a Lorraine Christmas.

    But Lorraine also offers a treat on the savoury side, with its piping hot, flaky ‘bouchées à la Reine ’. All of this goes wonderfully with a spiced mulled wine or a glass of Côtes de Toul, perfect for bringing out the flavours of Christmas. And for the little ones, hot chocolate remains a must-have on winter walks. One thing’s for sure! In Lorraine, the magic of Christmas is also found in its culinary specialities!

    Our tips for planning your Christmas break in Lorraine

    Fancy exploring Lorraine through the prism of Christmas? Discover all our tips and advice for planning your holiday (or weekend break) and soaking up the magic of the festive season.

    1. Choose the period from mid-November to early January to visit Lorraine when it’s blanketed in a magical winter scene. From the traditions of Saint Nicholas (6 and 7 December) to the Christmas markets – known here as ‘Saint Nicholas villages’ – the whole region comes alive at the end of the year!

    2. Book your accommodation in the historic centre. Whether you’re planning to stay in Nancy, Metz or Épinal, choose hotels close to Lorraine’s main must-see attractions (Place Stanislas, Saint-Étienne Cathedral, etc.) to be right in the thick of the Christmas festivities. Consider choosing a hotel with a spa for a weekend of total relaxation!

    3. Use public transport to get around. In the major towns of Lorraine or Moselle, such as Nancy or Metz, public transport is very efficient for getting between different attractions, such as markets, events and shows. And to travel from town to town or village to village, consider taking the train or driving.

    4. Choose the train over the car. With the Group Pass, you can enjoy unlimited travel on trains and coaches on 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.

    And if a weekend seems too short to soak up the magic of Christmas in Lorraine, why not extend your stay… and broaden your horizons! A Michelin-starred hotel just a stone’s throw from Place Stanislas or a period house in the heart of Metz (in Moselle)... Turn your Christmas weekend into an unforgettable stay in Lorraine!

    Luminescence
    Marché de Noël
    Procession aux flambeaux
    Noël à Metz

    Our ideas for weekend breaks and Christmas itineraries in Lorraine

    Make the most of a Christmas break or weekend in Lorraine to immerse yourself in the magic of the region. From Metz to Nancy, via Verdun and Épinal, let yourself be swept away by the enchantment of the festive season.

      Christmas activities in Lorraine, by town

      Marché de Noël de Nancy

      Nancy

      • Admire the illuminations on Place Stanislas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
      • Stroll through the Art Nouveau district
      • Watch the Saint Nicholas parade
      • Explore the many craft stalls in the heart of the Saint-Nicolas Villages
      • Try some Nancy bergamots and gingerbread at the market on Place Charles III

      Grande roue devant la cathédrale de Metz à Noël

      Metz

      • Explore the Christmas market around Saint-Étienne Cathedral
      • Stroll along the Sentier des Lanternes
      • Discover the unmissable Centre Pompidou-Metz

      Riquewihr et son marché de noël

      Épinal

      • Stroll through the illuminated streets of the historic centre
      • Stroll around the Christmas market to find plenty of gift ideas
      • Visit the Musée de l’Image
      • Go for a walk in the Vosges Mountains

      Let yourself be swept away by the magic of Christmas in Lorraine

      In the Grand Est region, Lorraine is at the helm… of your Christmas break! With its remarkable heritage enhanced by festive lights, its markets featuring huge Christmas trees, fairground rides and open-air cafés, and its traditions centred on Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of Lorraine, the region invites you to experience a festive season you won’t forget in a hurry. Whether it’s climbing to the top of the Christmas pyramid in Metz, attending a show based on the legend of Saint Nicholas in Nancy, discovering Lake Gérardmer under its frosty blanket, or treating yourself to a wellness weekend in Épinal… There are plenty of good reasons to succumb to the magic of Christmas in Lorraine.

      FAQ – Everything you need to know to plan your Christmas break in Lorraine!

      The ideal time to visit is from mid-November to early January. These dates cover the whole of the Advent celebrations, the St Nicholas villages and the major family events organised throughout the region. By choosing this time of year, you’ll be able to enjoy the Christmas markets in comfortable conditions, as these dates generally allow you to avoid the crowds associated with the school holidays. For a more relaxed visit, coming on a weekday or later in the day is also a good option, as weekends tend to be particularly busy. Don’t forget to check the market calendar to plan your visit as effectively as possible!

      With light displays, shows, craft markets and illuminated trails such as the Sentier des Lanternes, there’s something for all ages. It’s also a chance to discover some of the skills involved in glassmaking, such as Christmas bauble blowing at CERFAV!

      Yes, that’s actually one of its highlights! From handmade crafts and gourmet specialities to immersive experiences, the region offers plenty of gift ideas to give to others or to take home after your stay.

      The villages of Saint-Nicolas in Nancy, Place Saint-Louis in Metz and the markets in Épinal are home to many local craftspeople. You’ll find everything from handcrafted creations to traditional treats, perfect for the Advent season.

      Yes, in this well-connected region, public transport runs smoothly. Whether travelling between Nancy, Metz and Épinal or the small villages in the surrounding area, it’s possible to go on several outings by train or bus, particularly during the Advent season. The Fluo Group Pass offers unlimited travel for groups of 2 to 5 people for €40 a day. It is valid on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays across the entire train and coach network. To find out more, visit this page: Weekend Group Pass for travelling by train in the Grand Est region.

      Your Christmas in the Grand Est region