10 original ideas for a magical Christmas break in Grand Est
When Christmas comes around, Grand Est transforms into a festive wonderland. A wide range of magical experiences are available from mid-November to late December: you just have to choose which one is right for you! Need some inspiration? Discover our ideas for original outings to make unforgettable Christmas memories.
Feel like a kid again in magical Metz
Follow the smell of gingerbread to the Metz Christmas markets. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel for a spectacular view of the cathedral and the wooden chalets. Then, go for an atmospheric family stroll along the Sentier des Lanternes: at nightfall, hundreds of elves, teddy bears and wooden soldiers light up Square Boufflers.
Be charmed by the creativity of the people of Mulhouse
Cosmopolitan Mulhouse, marked by its incredible industrial history and street art, continues to surprise. When the festive period comes around, crowds flock to admire its fabulous Christmas cloth, a pattern created each year to decorate the entire city. Leaving without some of this iconic cloth would be a real fashion faux-pas!
Meet Saint Nicholas in Nancy
In Grand Est, the arrival of the patron saint of children in early December is as eagerly anticipated as the arrival of Father Christmas. Young kids can hardly wait to meet Saint Nicholas and receive some sweets! From 9 to 10 December, parades in honour of the saint make Nancy’s heart beat, ending on a high in the most beautiful square in Europe.
Enter enchanting bubbles in Troyes
In the runup to Christmas, curious bubbles appear in front of the town hall in Troyes. Discover an unusual immersive experience in a Christmas of old with the "Le plus grand des Noëls à Troyes” (The biggest Christmas in Troyes) tale and spectacular bubble decor in the three squares in the town centre. Enjoy a magical stroll – kids can even write their letter to Father Christmas along the route.
Marvel at the giant Christmas tree in Strasbourg
Where else would you be able to admire the biggest Christmas tree in Europe each year but in the heart of the “Capital of Christmas”? The majestic tree takes centre stage in the middle of the oldest Christmas market in France, surrounded by countless wooden chalets, which give off a delicious scent of mulled wine. You’re bound to want to take a photo or two in the face of such glittering grandeur!
Stroll through the XXL Christmas market in Reims
From the coronation of kings to the end-of-year celebrations, Reims thinks big. We love exploring the third largest Christmas market in France! For a fully immersive experience, treat yourself to a glass of champagne and take in the illuminations from up high on the Ferris wheel. What could be more romantic?
Teleport into a Christmas postcard in Colmar
Fancy celebrating Christmas in winter scenery that’s straight out of a fairy tale? Colmar is bound to charm you with its famous illuminations and six Christmas craft markets, each more irresistible than the last. And speaking of the irresistible, take a stroll along the canals of this charming “Little Venice”, lined by colourful half-timbered houses.
Celebrate the Champagne art of living in Épernay
The “Capital of Champagne” decks itself out in lights from 8 to 10 December for the Habits de Lumière festival. Spend three days jam-packed with festivities discovering the famous Avenue du Champagne and Épernay’s major champagne producers at their best. With shows, champagne bars, fireworks, a vintage car show and food contests, discover the Champagne art of living in a nutshell.
Discover the legends of Ardennes in Charleville-Mézières
The mysterious lands of Ardennes are rich in folklore. From 27 November to 31 December, these legendary characters and stories come back to life in the enchanted forest of Charleville-Mézières. Be swept away by the magic of Christmas during this wondrous adventure, and keep your eyes peeled for trolls, elves and the goddess Arduinna!
Experience the magic of Christmas in the mountains
Snow-covered pine trees, delicious cheese fondue and a crackling fire: the ultimate recipe for happiness in the mountains! The Massif des Vosges offers all this and far more besides. Torchlight descents, Christmas markets and illuminated villages transport you into a dream world. You’ll even catch yourself scanning the starry sky for Father Christmas...