At Christmas time, fairy tales come to life in Grand Est
Fancy adding a touch of magic to your festive season? Head to the home of the Christmas tree and Christmas market. From late November, Eastern France is whipped into a whirlwind of excitement. Wondering where to spend Christmas in France? Look no further! Be charmed by this irresistible festive atmosphere!
Where fairy tales come to life
Christmas traditions are so deeply rooted in Eastern France that the entire region dances to their beat throughout December. Discover the Feast of Saint Nicholas celebrations. Be amazed by the lights that take over every window. Excite your taste buds with must-try regional delights. And most importantly, create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
Stop wondering which Christmas market to visit – those in Eastern France offer everything you desire! From Reims to Strasbourg, prepare to experience a real-life fairy tale in a region that has become a master in this field
Our dream places to stay
Christmas magic at Hotel Colombier Suites – Colmar
Give the gift of Christmas on the Alsace Wine Route
The magic of Christmas in Colmar at Hôtel Le Colombier
La Cour de Lise – discover the Christmas markets of Alsace
New Year atmosphere in Champagne – Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel
2-day stay Magic of Christmas in Mulhouse
Saint Nicholas Weekend at the Maison Carrée
Gite les Cigognes and the Magic of Christmas
Gift voucher – Nordic break at the Domaine du Hirtz****
Christmas Market Stay Strasbourg and Haguenau
A memorable festive season
Immerse yourself in festive events
Need a little extra help to decide where to spend Christmas in France? As well as its famous Christmas markets, Eastern France has designed the perfect festive calendar for a memorable holiday. Visit our iconic towns following the Christmas stories and legends trail. Between Christmas carols in Colmar and jazz concerts in the streets of Reims, your ears will be in seventh heaven! For an XXL Christmas, step inside the giant enchanted bubbles in Troyes and be amazed by the Christmas lights in Épernay. Keep an eye out – a spectacle may lie behind any corner!
Our activities for an unforgettable Christmas
Advent wreath or table decoration workshop
Gift card “Animalier d’un jour au Parc Argonne Découverte
The Écomusée d’Alsace celebrates Christmas
Discover Alsace’s villages and Colmar’s Christmas market
Christmas in the Garden at Parc de Wesserling – Beauty and the Beast
Atelier de V’anne’rie – Gift vouchers
New Year atmosphere in Champagne – Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel
2-day stay Magic of Christmas in Mulhouse
Saint Nicholas Weekend at the Maison Carrée
Gift voucher – Nordic break at the Domaine du Hirtz****
Go wild for gourmet Christmas flavours
From Christmas markets to Michelin-starred restaurants, Eastern France has a constellation of specialities, each tastier than the last.
Start your culinary journey with a stroll around a Christmas market. The stalls are piled high with Alsace bredele biscuits, pink biscuits roses de Reims and Lorraine gingerbread. Be carried away by the comforting scent of mulled wine which fills the streets! Warm up at a restaurant with a few local specialities paired with local wine. Unless you’d prefer to go straight to the source and visit the countless wine cellars of Champagne and Alsace decked out for Christmas!
Let's eat!
Discovery menu in 4 acts at the Restaurant Au Crocodile
Well-being and Relaxation Escale – Hotel-Restaurant and Spa *** Europe Haguenau
René Lalique menu for two at the 2 star restaurant Villa René Lalique
Gift certificate to Continental Hotel Restaurant ****
Continental menu for two at the Continental Restaurant in Reims
Gastronomic break at the restaurant Le Diamant – Hôtel Résidence Les Vallées
Our restaurant gift certificates – Le Cheval Blanc
Gastronomic dinner at the starred restaurant “Le Royal
A Made in Eastern France
Christmas list
Our artisans sure are talented! When the festive period comes around, their creativity reaches new heights. Between ornate baubles, wooden toys, traditional fabrics and original ceramic creations, you will find everything you need to treat your loved ones and decorate your interior this Christmas.
Find what you’re looking for at the best Christmas markets in France. Make the most of the host of factory shops offering high quality at low prices. Wander from shop to shop in historical city centres all lit up for Christmas.
And you’re sure to please someone dear to you by giving them the perfect gift! A night in an outstanding establishment, a gourmet dinner, a relaxing day out for lovers, a weekend for two or as a family… so slip a little Eastern France under the Christmas tree!
Celebrate Saint Nicholas: there’s an original idea
In Eastern France, the legendary patron saint of children has a very special aura and is almost as important as Father Christmas. On 6 December, kids work themselves up to a fever pitch of excitement, hoping to receive sweets for being good and fearing the wrath of Père Fouettard if they’ve been naughty.
Grand parades of musicians and artists fill the streets illuminated by Christmas decorations. Watch with a mannele – a little man made of savoury milk bread – in your hand. The Feast of Saint Nicholas is a magical and amazing festival that everyone should experience at least once in their life – another reason to choose Grand Est if you want to spend Christmas in France!
Come celebrate the Feast of Saint Nicholas in Nancy !Share your Christmas in Eastern France
With its Christmas lights and charming Christmas markets, you’re bound to want to post some of this magic on social media. After all, isn’t sharing what the festive season is all about? See your best shots below
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