Christmas lights in the Grand Est region

Experience the magic of Christmas in the Grand Est

Let’s be clear: if there’s one region where you can truly experience the magic of Christmas, it’s the Grand Est! Here, the Advent season is sacred, rich in numerous time-honoured festive traditions. As night falls, town centres are decked out in magical lights on every street corner. The atmosphere is wonderfully warm, filled with the comforting scents of cinnamon and biscuits. Wooden chalets, brimming with handcrafted treasures, dot this fairytale landscape. Everywhere, cheerful chatter fills the air, mingling with traditional melodies. Come and experience this enchanting interlude for yourself… A guaranteed trip down memory lane!

8 Christmas light displays not to be missed in the Grand Est

Every year, as December approaches, the Grand Est region rediscovers a magic all of its own: that of some of the oldest and most authentic Christmas markets in Europe. Here are a few unmissable destinations in the region where you can admire the most beautiful Christmas lights.

The chandeliers on Rue des Hallebardes in Strasbourg

Strasbourg and its historic centre are the perfect place to rediscover the wonder of the Christmases of our childhood. There’s magic in the air, and it’s even more palpable as night falls, when the picturesque alleyways – such as Rue des Hallebardes with its famous Baccarat chandeliers or Rue des Orfèvres – begin to sparkle with a thousand lights. An absolute must-see!

Take a stroll to Place Kléber, where the Grand Sapin is lit up every day, enveloping the area in a magical and cosy atmosphere. Its installation at the end of November is a spectacle in itself! At its base, a fairy-tale setting and lush greenery invite you to fully immerse yourself in the Alsatian Christmas spirit.

The Petite Venise district in Colmar

Thanks to its picturesque architecture, Colmar boasts a postcard-perfect setting that comes to life thanks to the Christmas lights. Along the quays of Little Venice, the richly decorated half-timbered houses compete in sparkling creativity, whilst garlanded boats glide along the canals, creating a magical scene unique to Alsace.

In the old town, the Koifhus and the Maison des Têtes are illuminated every evening, revealing their architecture in spectacular light.

Also not to be missed: the sound and light show at the Unterlinden Museum, which combines projections and soundscapes for an immersive experience at the heart of Colmar’s heritage. The Old Town’s luminous atmosphere and its Christmas market add an extra touch to the magic of the place.

The Sentier des Lanternes in Metz

The unmissable Christmas event in Metz is the Sentier des Lanternes! Set in Square Boufflers, this magnificent light display unveils a fairy-tale setting: over 2,000 lanterns illuminate a free night-time walk, where young and old alike stroll with their eyes wide open!

Continue your tour of the city to discover other equally sparkling illuminations: head to Saint-Étienne Cathedral, nicknamed the ‘Lanterne du Bon Dieu’, which is aglow with a thousand lights during the Christmas festivities. Directly opposite, take a seat on the Ferris wheel set up for a ride offering exceptional views of the illuminated streets. Then catch the immersive show ‘Céleste’, a unique visual experience to be enjoyed inside the Temple Neuf. Finally, if you’re visiting Metz in early December, celebrate local traditions during the magical weekend dedicated to Saint Nicholas!

Place Stanislas in Nancy

Nancy’s most beautiful illuminations can be found on the stunning Place Stanislas. Every evening from late November to early January, the square hosts a magical (and free) sound and light show projected onto the façade of the Town Hall. The programme features illuminated scenes depicting the legend of Saint Nicholas.

In Nancy, the Christmas festivities are inextricably linked to Saint Nicholas’ Day. Don’t miss the festive weekend in early December, when the Grand Parade lights up the streets: illuminated floats, giant puppets, brass bands and illuminated sculptures form a procession that is as poetic as it is spectacular. The parade usually sets off on a Saturday in the late afternoon (around 5 pm), from Place Carnot to Place Stanislas. Get ready to collect sweets and enjoy some wonderful family moments!

The Ferris wheel and the Promenades in Reims

In Reims, the atmosphere skilfully blends the magic of Christmas with the Champagne way of life. Hop aboard the Ferris wheel to enjoy a dazzling panoramic view of the city and the majestic Christmas tree. You’ll also love the unique view of the Christmas market on the Hautes Promenades, which is decked out every year in spectacular lights, including an enchanted forest that’s a big hit with children. On the cathedral forecourt, don’t miss the fantastic sound and light show, which adds a truly spectacular dimension to the decorations on display.

Good to know: About thirty minutes from Reims, Épernay also celebrates the festive season with ‘Les Habits de Lumières’, an unmissable event that lights up the Avenue de Champagne and its prestigious champagne houses from 11 to 13 December. It’s the perfect opportunity to combine both stops for a festive weekend in the heart of the Champagne vineyards.

The ‘champagne cork’ in Troyes

Succumb to the charm of Troyes’ Christmas lights! The ‘champagne cork’ is the name given to the historic centre of the city, so nicknamed because of its shape. Famous for its cobbled streets and superb half-timbered houses, it comes alive with the magic of Christmas and its warm, festive atmosphere. An ideal setting for a leisurely stroll around the Christmas market, surrounded by the irresistible aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts!

What’s more, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, illuminated in the evening, provides a striking backdrop when viewed from the narrow streets of the historic centre. Rue Champeaux, one of the city’s most photographed streets, encapsulates much of the magic all on its own: dark half-timbered houses, golden lanterns and decorated shop windows line the street, creating a picture-postcard atmosphere.

The Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières

The beating heart of the festive season in the Ardennes, the splendid Place Ducale in Charleville-Mézières is decked out every year in sumptuous illuminations around the Christmas market. Nicknamed the ‘Little Place des Vosges’ for its harmonious proportions and red-brick pavilions, the Place Ducale takes on an even more spectacular air under the winter lights.

For families, the open-air ice rink and the illuminated fairground rides add a festive touch that children won’t forget in a hurry. The Grand Sapin, standing in the heart of the square and richly illuminated, always comes from the region’s forests. Magical!

Illuminated façades in Alsatian villages

Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Hunspach… These charming villages along the Alsace Wine Route seem straight out of a Christmas story.

Each village has its own luminous treasures. In:

- Riquewihr, the medieval ramparts and the Dolder Tower are aglow with fairy lights, creating a unique corridor of light.
- Eguisheim, a circular village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. The illuminated central fountain and the narrow streets radiating out from the Counts’ Castle create a picture-postcard scene.
- Kaysersberg: the medieval market hall, brought to life by local craftspeople, lends an authentic atmosphere to the market, even during the festive season.
- Hunspach (another winner of the ‘Most Beautiful Villages’ award) charms visitors with its typically Alsatian oriel-fronted houses, their corbelled windows highlighted by warm lights in the winter night.

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