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Sentier des lanternes à Metz

Christmas in the Moselle

Discover the Moselle’s Christmas markets

It is no coincidence that the Moselle is synonymous with Christmas. From Metz to Sarrebourg, the Christmas celebrations are by far the most eagerly awaited time of the year. From the traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas to the entertainment that brings the market stalls to life and the lights illuminating towns and villages, the magic of Christmas has lost none of its sparkle in the Moselle. Experience the festive season steeped in Moselle culture and add a touch of magic to your stay!

3 reasons to fall in love with the Moselle at Christmas

1. For its cosmopolitan Christmas atmosphere. As the Moselle is close to Germany and Luxembourg, it’s only natural to find certain customs from neighbouring countries here. Starting with the Christmas markets, reminiscent of the *Weihnachtsmärkte* found in most German-speaking towns – with the added bonus of quiche lorraine!

2. To experience the (real) Saint Nicholas celebrations. In the run-up to Christmas, it’s Saint Nicholas Day that’s celebrated above all else in the Moselle. The patron saint of Lorraine is honoured every year (6 December) with parades, fireworks and entertainment stalls for children. It’s a day deeply rooted in the local traditions of the Moselle.

3. For the magic of its Christmas markets. From Metz to the more intimate villages, the Moselle is decked out in illuminated wooden huts, open ice rinks and Christmas trees decked with lights. All this, combined with the region’s authentic atmosphere, never fails to win over visitors.

* German Christmas markets

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    Marché de Noël de Metz - Vin chaud partagé entre amis
    Noël à Metz

    Christmas markets to discover in Moselle

    If there’s one thing you simply must visit in Moselle this winter, it’s the Metz Christmas market. It’s worth noting that its huge Christmas tree, its City Skyliner (panoramic tower) and all its entertainment earned it the title of the third most beautiful Christmas market in France (and Europe) in 2024. It’s worth noting that the market is divided into five distinct sections, spread across various historic squares in the city. Your exploration begins at Place de la République, where the Christmas pyramid, the City Skyliner and the Ferris wheel will take you back to your childhood. As for those with a sweet tooth, they’ll be delighted to enjoy a slice of gingerbread with a glass of mulled wine* at one of the chalets on Place Saint-Jacques. Haven’t finished your Christmas shopping yet? The stalls run by local craftspeople on Place Saint-Louis are sure to give you some ideas.

    Speaking of Christmas markets in the Moselle, you simply can’t miss the one in Sarrebourg. Every year, this medieval town hosts a large Christmas village, the main attraction of which is the traditional market. As well as the wooden huts arranged around the illuminated Christmas tree, there’s plenty of carol singing and street performances. Not to mention the Christmas biscuit-making workshops (bredele), which bring parents and children together for a hands-on activity. As for the parade, it’s undoubtedly the highlight of this evening of pure Christmas magic in Moselle.

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

    Saint-Nicolas

    A Christmas marked by the traditions of Saint Nicholas in Moselle

    In Moselle, the Christmas festivities are centred around Saint Nicholas Day. Every year, the streets of Metz, Thionville and Sarrebourg are decked out in a sea of lights to celebrate the patron saint of the people of Lorraine and the patron saint of children. Brass bands, floats and fireworks: the festivities kick off on 6 December with the grand parade in Metz. On this very special day, the little ones take centre stage. With St Nicholas-shaped gingerbread, mannele* and chocolates, their Christmas stockings are quickly filled. But watch out for Père Fouettard, a mischievous character who might just steal a few presents…

    Deeply rooted in the DNA of the Moselle region, Saint Nicholas’s Day is a festival inspired by Bishop Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari. Legend has it that he brought three children back to life after a cruel butcher had turned them into salted meat. To punish him for this crime, the bishop decided to tie him to his donkey. And that is how Nicholas of Myra became Saint Nicholas, patron saint of the people of Lorraine and of children!

    *A brioche shaped like a little man, made by bakers in the Moselle region for Saint Nicholas’ Day

    marché de noël Metz

    A Christmas full of wonderful scents in the heart of the Moselle

    At the Moselle’s Christmas markets, the scents of cinnamon, honey and spices waft from the wooden chalets, instantly whetting the appetite. As you wander down an alleyway, treat yourself to a slice of Metz gingerbread – soft and delicately flavoured – or some delicious spritz, those spiral-shaped butter shortbread biscuits that are a staple of the festive season. To warm up, a glass of well-spiced mulled wine* always hits the spot, whilst the children tuck into a hot chocolate with cinnamon.

    Flavours from the Moselle region also feature on New Year’s Eve dinner tables. Roast capon with chestnuts is often the centrepiece of the meal, served with a gratin dauphinois or spaetzle – those golden Alsatian pasta shapes pan-fried to perfection. And to raise a glass in true style, there’s nothing like AOC Moselle wines, with their fruity aromas, or for a more full-bodied option, a cherry kirsch, a product of local expertise.
    When it comes to sweet treats, mirabelle plum stollen – a fruitcake lightly dusted with icing sugar – is a delight for those with a sweet tooth. And to round off the meal on a festive note, the Yule log remains a firm favourite, striking a balance between tradition and creativity. In the Moselle, Christmas is savoured in every bite and celebrated in an atmosphere that is as warm as it is authentic.

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

    Sentier des Lanternes

    The Christmas celebrations are underway in Moselle!

    Fancy finding something the whole family can agree on? You’re in luck – the Moselle has plenty of activities up its sleeve to delight young and old alike. Start by following the Sentier des Lanternes in Metz and immerse yourself in the traditions of a Moselle Christmas. Then head to Amnéville Zoo to experience the incredible Luminescences festival. What’s on the programme? Over 10,000 light installations spread across a 1.5 km trail. You’ll love it!

    Speaking of zoos, don’t miss a visit to the Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park either. To mark the end-of-year festivities, the park is decked out with a winter lights trail. As night falls, set off to meet Amarok, the spirit of the wolf, and let yourself be captivated by this immersive adventure in the heart of the forest. And for the more creative among you, head to the Moselle Glass Museum to discover the Christmas baubles created by a designer. A perfect gift for your loved ones. But watch out – it’s a limited edition!

    Luminescence

    Our tips for planning your Christmas break in Moselle

    In the Moselle, Christmas is always synonymous with a wonderful getaway. Discover all our tips and advice for organising a memorable holiday, combining fine dining, culture and tradition!

    1. Consider a trip between late November and mid-December. If you’d like to immerse yourself in the traditions of the Moselle during the festive season, this is the ideal time to visit. You’ll have the chance to take part in the Saint Nicholas celebrations (the weekend of 6 December) and can make the most of the markets without the crowds on 24 and 25 December.

    2. Broaden your horizons. Christmas in the Moselle isn’t just about Metz! Although the city is THE must-visit spot for the festive season, with its market and the Sentier des Lanternes, other villages in the Moselle have a charm all of their own. Starting with the medieval village of Sarrebourg, home to a delightful Christmas market; Forbach, with its pretty illuminations; and Sarreguemines, with its Faïencier Christmas market. For more events, do check out our festive events calendar.

    3. Choose accommodation that suits you. Whether you’re leaning towards a star-rated hotel just a stone’s throw from Saint-Étienne Cathedral in Metz or a lodge with a spa surrounded by nature in Saint-Quirin, the Moselle has everything you need for a Christmas break you won’t forget in a hurry. After all, choosing the right place to stay is also key to ensuring a great trip!

    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 one day for €40 (groups of 2 to 5 people). The offer is available on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

    Noëls de Moselle
    Manège Noël Metz
    Cathédrale Saint-Etienne de Metz
    marché de noël Metz et sentier des Lanternes

    Our ideas for weekend breaks and Christmas itineraries in the Moselle

    Get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of the festive season in Moselle… and to fall in love with the region. Starting from Metz, set off to discover the Moselle countryside on a trip to the Sainte-Croix wildlife park. Or treat yourself to a spa break focused entirely on wellbeing in Amnéville. Whichever you choose, a truly magical experience awaits.

      Christmas events in the Moselle by town

      Metz

      • Admire Saint-Étienne Cathedral and its huge nativity scene
      • Stroll around the third most beautiful Christmas market in Europe
      • Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the Ferris wheel
      • Stroll along the illuminated ‘Sentier des Lanternes’ trail

      Sarrebourg

      • Admire Chagall’s stained-glass window in the Cordeliers Chapel
      • Stroll through the Christmas market and explore the stalls run by local craftspeople
      • Spend a day at the nearby Sainte-Croix Wildlife Park, specially decorated for Christmas

      Thionville

      • Watch the Saint Nicholas parade and the shows on Place Anne Grommerch
      • Explore the Christmas village and treat yourself to a slice of quiche lorraine at one of the gourmet huts
      • Try out the famous Christmas ice rink with the family
      • Spend some time with Father Christmas
      marché de noël Metz
      Noël à Metz

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

      This year, let yourself be swept away by the festive atmosphere in the Moselle. From Metz to Sarrebourg, via Thionville and Sarreguemines, treat yourself to some bredele and mirabelle plum candied fruit at the Christmas markets, then feast your eyes on the illuminated churches and Christmas trees decked out in a thousand garlands. Meet Saint Nicholas and Père Fouettard, and dance to the beat of the floats and brass bands until the early hours. One thing’s for sure: your Christmas in the Moselle will be like no other!

      Your Christmas in the Grand Est region