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Christmas in the Vosges

At Christmas, the Grand Est region sees life through rose-tinted glasses… or rather, through the Vosges! From Gérardmer to Épinal, the entire Vosges mountain range is ablaze with festive events and Christmas markets to celebrate one of the most wonderful times of the year. Whilst the festivities begin as early as the start of December with Saint Nicholas’ Day, they continue well beyond. Combining magic and tradition, experience a Christmas in the Vosges that you won’t forget in a hurry.

3 reasons to choose the Vosges for Christmas

1. For the magical atmosphere of the Vosges Mountains. From Lake Gérardmer to the ski resorts of La Bresse, this destination promises you a Christmas shrouded in magic. Amidst pine forests and snow-covered chalets, enjoy the winter breeze in the Vosges!

2. For its mountain villages and traditional Christmas celebrations. In Gérardmer, La Bresse, Thann or the Bruche Valley, December brings a breath of magic and conviviality to the craft markets and the illuminated chalets. That’s the true Christmas spirit, Vosges-style!

3. For a break nestled between lakes and mountains. What better destination than the Vosges Mountains to spend Christmas in a cosy wooden chalet? Whether by Lake Gérardmer or high up in the mountains, get ready to enjoy a Munster cheese fondue whilst unwrapping presents by the fireside!

Spend the festive season in the Vosges

    Noël à Gérardmer
    Noël à Gérardmer

    Christmas markets in the Vosges to explore

    As the festive season approaches, the Vosges Mountains are transformed to host their much-anticipated Christmas markets. First up is the onein Épinal, also known as the Village of Saint Nicholas. With its grand parade, musical entertainment and horse-drawn carriage rides, it is by far one of the most festive in the Vosges. For those hoping to unearth some hidden gems to slip under the Christmas tree, head to the Christmas market in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges. From handmade jewellery to local produce, there’s no shortage of craft goods on offer!

    If you prefer Christmas markets with a slightly more intimate atmosphere, head to Gérardmer. What’s on the programme? Around twenty wooden chalets where you can sample regional cheeses, Vosges sweets or even delicious Vosges-style grated potatoes. As for entertainment, your children can meet the singing reindeer at Father Christmas’s house. But watch out for the mischievous elves!

    As for those planning to celebrate Christmas in the Bruche Valley, there’s plenty to keep you busy. From the Christmas markets in Rothau, Natzwiller and La Broque, to the sales of Advent wreaths and bredele, not to mention the lively concerts in Schirmeck, the festive spirit is very much in the air. Let the festivities begin!

    Find the dates and opening times for the various Christmas markets in the Vosges

    Fantasticable en hiver
    Tendre hiver à La Bresse

    The Vosges at Christmas: a holiday at the summit

    Fancy extending the magic of Christmas in the Grand Est region? Treat yourself to a stay with a warm, traditional atmosphere in the Vosges Mountains. Whether you’re in the mood for a cosy weekend combining rail sledging and an eco-lodge in La Bresse, a wooden chalet and a spot of reading overlooking Lake Gérardmer, or a mountain gîte with a spa and Nordic bath in the heart of the forest, the Vosges have everything you need to make your Christmas break unforgettable.

    Can you hear it? The fire is crackling gently in the fireplace. Can you smell it? The delicious aroma of melted Munster cheese fills the chalet. Can you see it? The sun’s last rays glint off the snow-covered fir trees, whilst the mountains stretch as far as the eye can see beyond your window. All that’s missing is a platter of crisp bredele and a few traditional carols to complete the picture of a magical Christmas in the Vosges!

    Noël à Gérardmer
    Noël à Gérardmer

    Get into the spirit of Vosges traditions this Christmas

    St Nicholas’ Day holds a special place in the Vosges. Just as in Lorraine and Alsace, the patron saint of children is celebrated on the weekend of 6 December. In Épinal, the lighting of the Christmas tree on the Place des Vosges marks the start of the festivities. As for entertainment, the traditional parade of floats and brass bands promises visitors a lively evening. And for those feeling peckish, the Saint Nicholas village and its food chalets are just a stone’s throw away!

    In Gérardmer, Saint Nicholas certainly doesn’t go unnoticed either. To honour him, a parade is organised every year in this historic mountain resort in the Vosges Mountains. On this occasion, the patron saint doesn’t come empty-handed! In his sack, hundreds of kilos of sweets are ready to be handed out to young and old (children) alike. An event that the sweet-toothed amongst you won’t want to miss for anything in the world!

    Petit déjeuner de noël
    Confiserie des Hautes-Vosges

    A gourmet getaway to the heart of the Vosges for an authentic Christmas

    When winter sets in, the Vosges warm the heart with its generous and authentic cuisine.
    Whether at Christmas markets or gathered round a large table, local recipes invite you to share. Golden Vosges-style pie, Vosges-style smoked meat, artisanal bacon and ‘tofailles’ – a slow-cooked dish made with potatoes, onions and bacon – all make for plates bursting with flavour. And for a crispier treat, enjoy pan-fried potato shavings, golden brown in the frying pan.

    When it comes to sweet treats, little Christmas biscuits, with hints of cinnamon or vanilla, come in the shapes of stars, Christmas trees or hearts. Sweets from the Vosges delight the taste buds with their aromas of fir, honey or red berries, derived from mountain plants – a tradition that the Confiserie des Hautes Vosges has been upholding since 1986. Added to this are the brioche-style mannala, enjoyed from St Nicholas’ Day onwards, and of course the traditional Yule log, an essential part of festive meals. In the Vosges, Christmas is celebrated through authentic flavours and recipes brimming with generosity. Ready to turn it into a real feast?

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

    Our tips for planning your Christmas break in the Vosges

    Fancy a holiday in the Vosges that’s 100% Christmas magic? Discover all our tips for planning your winter break from A to Z!

    1. Book your accommodation in advance. From wooden chalets to holiday cottages with spas and ski lodges, accommodation in the Vosges can be in high demand at Christmas – and throughout the winter in general. Start checking offers as early as October so you don’t miss out on your dream accommodation.

    2. Plan your travel dates to suit your preferences. If you’d like to immerse yourself in the local traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, opt for a weekend or a longer stay in early December. If you’d rather experience the customs surrounding Christmas, go for a trip around 25 December. You can always extend your stay if you want to see in the New Year in the Vosges!

    3. Think about outdoor activities. Whilst Christmas markets are an integral part of a festive break in the Vosges, so too are winter activities. From snowshoe walks to wildlife spotting, not to mention a toboggan ride on a track, there are plenty of ways to marvel at the Vosges landscapes.

    4. Broaden your horizons. Make the most of your stay in the Vosges to explore the Alsatian Christmas villages. From Ribeauvillé to Eguisheim, via Kaysersberg, these welcoming places promise festive celebrations marked by togetherness and authenticity. Kill two birds with one stone!

    5. 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.

    Noel a Gerardmer
    Noël à Gérardmer
    Col de Grosse Pierre

    Our ideas for Christmas weekends and itineraries in the Vosges

    With its pine forests and snow-capped peaks, the Vosges Mountains invite you to enjoy an extraordinary Christmas break. If you’re looking to unwind, treat yourself to a chalet with a spa near Lake Gérardmer or in the heart of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. Sports enthusiasts, meanwhile, will be tempted by a nature getaway amongst mountain ridges and lakes, or a weekend devoted entirely to skiing and snowshoeing (weather permitting). As for couples, they’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to their romantic getaway, whether it’s a spa lodge in the heart of nature, a unique night under the stars or a spa break in Bains-les-Bains. All that’s left to do is choose!

    Carrousel de Noël à Gérarmder

    Christmas activities in the Vosges, by town

    Gérardmer

    • Combine cross-country or downhill skiing with a walk around the lake
    • Stroll amongst the chalets at the Christmas market and go ice-skating on the Place du Tilleul
    • Watch the grand parade in honour of Saint Nicholas
    • Set off on one of the walking trails starting from the ‘Pearl of the Vosges’

    La Bresse

    • Explore the Christmas market on the Place du Champtel
    • Enjoy the ski slopes at this renowned resort
    • Savour a (genuine) Vosges-style fondue in a mountain restaurant
    • Relax in a chalet’s spa with views of the Vosges mountains

    Saint-Dié-des-Vosges

    • Set off in search of the most indulgent chalet at the Christmas market
    • Visit the Romanesque cathedral in Saint-Dié-des-Vosges
    • Attend an Advent concert

    Your winter activities in the Vosges

      Noël à Gérardmer
      Noël à Gérardmer

      Discover the magic of Christmas in the Vosges

      If there’s one event in the Grand Est region you simply mustn’t miss, it’s Christmas in the Vosges! Whether you want to gather the whole family round a plate of Munster raclette in La Bresse, curl up with your other half in a wooden chalet with a spa in Gérardmer, celebrate the patron saint of children with a brass band in Épinal, or go and meet Father Christmas at one of the beautifully lit markets… There are plenty of good reasons to succumb to the magic of the festive season in the Vosges!

      Need some inspiration?