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Visit Metz and its Christmas markets

A true encapsulation of the Christmas spirit, Metz invites you to experience an enchanted Christmas from 21 November to 30 December 2025. Stroll through the pretty chalets of its Christmas markets, and discover the many events for all the family.

An enchanted Christmas in Metz

From 21 November, Metz will be decked out in a thousand and one lights, to the delight of young and old alike. Experience the magic of the festive season as you explore the narrow streets and glittering facades. Christmas markets, illuminations, merry-go-rounds, delicacies and a Ferris wheel: plunge into a dreamlike, timeless world in the heart of Metz at Christmas.

With 5 Christmas markets, Metz is one of the most beautiful towns in the Grand Est to visit at Christmas. Its Christmas market was voted the 3rd most beautiful in Europe in 2024.

The weekend of 6 and 7 December will be marked by the celebrations of Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of Lorraine, who will be making a spectacular and eagerly-awaited appearance in the streets of the city.

Experience the magic of the festive season in Metz

    Let yourself be carried away by the magic of the Christmas market in Metz

    One of the most beautiful markets in Europe

    Start your walk in the Place de la République, decorated with a huge Christmas tree and two merry-go-rounds, including a Christmas pyramid, that will take you back to childhood. Legend even has it that Father Christmas can be seen here! If you're feeling brave, take a ride on the City Skyliner and enjoy the view of the enchanted city from this panoramic tower.

    And for those with a sweet tooth, why not try some of the delicious Christmas specialities, mulled wine and other sweet treats on Place Saint-Jacques.

    If you're looking for the perfect present, head to Place Saint-Louis, where local artisans display their original creations. From leather goods and objets d'art to Christmas tree decorations and chocolates, you'll find plenty of gift ideas. Take the opportunity to admire its fascinating medieval facades.

    And to prolong the enchantment, take a ride on Santa's floating sleigh. This magical ride on the Moselle River will give you a unique perspective on the city's illuminations and the Lantern Trail. Finally, don't miss the new immersive show "Céleste", a creation combining video mapping and music, projected onto the façades of the Temple Neuf.

    Marché de Noël-Philippe Gisselbrecht Ville de Metz
    Noel à Metz

    The Lantern Trail

    If there's one place that children love in Metz at Christmas, it's the Lantern Trail in Square Boufflers. More than 2,000 lanterns line this illuminated trail dedicated to exploring Christmas traditions. It's a real daydream for the whole family to enjoy in the company of merry elves, teddy bears, dolls and illuminated gingerbread figurines.

    Plan your visit to the Metz Christmas markets

      Our ideas for things to do during your stay in Metz at Christmas

      Saint-Etienne's Cathedral, Metz

      Metz'sSaint-Étienne cathedral is the 3rd highest in France. It is also famous for its large flamboyant stained glass windows, to which famous painters such as Chagall contributed. Overlooking the roofs of the city and the Moselle, it is a jewel of Gothic architecture. During the Christmas period, you can also take a ride on the Ferris wheel, installed especially for the festivities, next to the cathedral. It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective!

      The covered market in Metz

      Opposite the cathedral, take a gourmet break at Metz's covered market. Savour local produce in a monument of great architectural beauty. During your visit to Metz at Christmas, this is the ideal place to grab a bite to eat at lunchtime and sample the region's delicious produce.

      Activities in Metz

        The Centre Pompidou-Metz

        A major cultural venue in the region, the Centre Pompidou-Metz is a must-see during your stay. It houses a major collection of modern and contemporary art. Throughout the year, it hosts temporary exhibitions and a wide range of live performances. It is driven by the same dynamism as the Centre Pompidou in Paris: to showcase the illustrious and emerging artists of the 19th and 20th centuries.

        The Cour d'Or museum

        As you stroll through the heart of Metz at Christmas, warm up at the Musée de la Cour d'Or. Ancient treasures, paintings from the Metz School and abstract art: discover the wealth of the permanent collections and themed exhibitions. The new entrance, a living space and coffee shop, is open to all visitors free of charge. It's a great opportunity to discover this unique architectural site.

        Frequently asked questions about Christmas markets in Metz

        This year's Metz Christmas Market runs from 21 November to 30 December 2025. Opening times are as follows: the Place Saint-Louis, Place Saint-Jacques, Place d'Armes and Place de la République markets are open Sunday to Thursday from 11am to 9pm and Friday and Saturday from 11am to 10pm. The Place de la Comédie market is open Monday to Friday from 5pm to 11pm and Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 11pm.

        During the Metz Christmas Market period, you can park in one of the city's park-and-ride facilities: P+R Rochambeau, P+R Woippy and P+R Foire Expo (guarded car parks); P+R Faubourg Magny, P+R Henri II Le Ban-St-Martin, P+R St-Privat-La-Montagne, P+ R Rotonde (free car parks). The Metz Christmas Market is also a 10-minute walk from the SNCF station.

        The Sentier des Lanternes takes place in the Jardin Boufflers, behind the Palais de Justice in Metz, next to the Place de la République. It is accessible from Boulevard Poincaré or Rue du Juge Pierre Michel.

        It runs from 23 November to 30 December and is open from Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 8pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 5pm to 9pm.

        Father Christmas and his ancestor, Saint Nicholas, will be making an appearance at the various Christmas markets in Metz over the weekends in December. Saint Nicolas is the patron saint of Lorraine's people and children, and he will be in the limelight on 6 and 7 December as part of the festivities dedicated to him! Be good and you're sure to come across them...

        If you enjoyed your visit to Moselle, here are a few ideas to keep the magic going in the Grand Est! From Lorraine to Alsace, many Christmas markets take place from the end of November.

        Not far from Metz, the Christmas markets in Nancy, known as the "villages of Saint Nicolas", will make you feel like a child again. In Alsace, the Strasbourg Christmas market is one of the oldest in France, and indeed in Europe. Colmar has a typical Christmas market, with its canals and half-timbered houses. A real postcard setting! A little further south, the Mulhouse Christmas market and its traditional fabrics will surprise you!

        Finally, in the Champagne region, Reims is the 3rd biggest Christmas market in France, with 150 chalets!

        Hotel-spa for lovers, gîte or furnished accommodation with the kids: the best thing is to choose accommodation close to the city centre. That way, you can take full advantage of the atmosphere and the illuminations that decorate the city at this time of year.

        If you're planning a weekend or longer stay in the capital of Moselle in December, we advise you to book your hotel as soon as possible! Every year at this time, visitors flock to this pretty Lorraine town!

        The Chargemap mobile application maps out public charging points across Europe for electric car drivers. The route planner allows you to plan your itinerary in an electric car and list the various recharging points required. The Chargemap Pass lets you recharge your electric vehicle on the various partner networks using a single recharging badge.

        For easy access to the Metz Christmas Market, we recommend parking in one of the city's car parks with charging points: Parking Indigo Pompidou (10 minutes by public transport to avenue Robert Schuman), Parking Indigo Metz Centre Commercial Muse (12 minutes), P+R Woippy (23 minutes).

        Need some inspiration?