Ideas for trips and outings in Moselle this Christmas
Embark on the Moselle Christmas Trail
The Moselle Christmas 2024 programme will be available soon
From 24 November to 30 December, the magic of Christmas will be transporting young and old throughout Moselle.
Wrap up warm and take your favourite hot drink with you on a fabulous journey through the Christmases of Moselle... Once again this year, the whole of the Département is decked out in its finest lights to offer you a magical interlude in the heart of winter...
THE WHOLE OF MOSELLE LIGHTS UP FOR NOËLS DE MOSELLE
Like a veritable explosion of enchantment, Noëls de Moselle lights up the whole department for almost six weeks
From traditional markets to fiery parades, from storytelling under the Christmas tree to the Lantern Trail, Moselle's squares are decked out in traditional decorations (baubles, biscuits, etc.) and original displays (a living nativity scene, a forest train, etc.). In Moselle, Christmas entertainment is always in the plural.
As night falls, make haste to the Sentier des Lanternes (Lantern Trail), extend the evening by browsing the Christmas markets and stop off at the MOSL Quality Chalet to stock up on gift ideas.
Escape for a weekend to Meisenthal and rediscover the traditions of the glassblowers; make your children's eyes shine by treating them to a meeting with Father Christmas, whose Village is in Sierck-les-Bains, or with Saint-Nicolas and his many parades.
In December, in Moselle, get ready for an enchanting escapade that will leave you with stars in your eyes!
NOT TO BE MISSED IN MOSELLE this Christmas
Where the ma begins...
The must-sees, the unforgettables, everything that makes Moselle Christmas what it is.
The Moselle Lantern Trail - Metz
24 November to 30 December ✨ The Square Boufflers is magically lit up once again, inviting you to celebrate the festive season in the most magical of surroundings.
Father Christmas Village - Sierck-Les-Bains
25 November to 17 December ✨ Father Christmas and his merry band of elves will be taking up winter residence in Sierck-Les-Bains, surrounded by Christmas trees, Christmas decorations and some 1,700 stuffed animals!
The Magic Christmas Forest - Sarrebourg
December 2 to 27 ✨ A magical trail in the heart of the Place des Cordeliers. Accompanied by our friends the gnomes who will tell you the magical story of Christmas and take you on a journey from the Pays de Sarrebourg to Lapland.
Bitche illuminated - Bitche
6 to 29 December ✨ The Parc du Stadtweiher is transformed into a magical setting, with 76 lanterns bringing to life the legends of Father Christmas and Saint Nicholas.
Fééries · Hombourg-Haut
24 November to 30 December ✨ This year's theme is tradition, with a focus on music and gastronomy.
Luminescences · Amnéville
21 October to 1 April 2024 ✨ Welcome to Paradise is an enchanting journey to somewhere else. Get ready to embark on a totally exotic trip to paradise.
The art of glassmaking - Meisenthal
15 November to 16 December ✨ Discover the genesis of the 2023 vintage of Meisenthal's iconic blown glass ball
Christmas Market . Forbach
2 to 23 December ✨ You'll be delighted to find a whole host of local specialities in a magical atmosphere. Lots of surprises await you, including storytelling at the foot of the tree!
OUR IDEAS for Christmas holidays in moselle
Just 1 hour 20 minutes from Paris, the Moselle region offers you the chance to enjoy a fabulous experience and share in the enchantment of Christmas. A destination without limits for magical escapades...
It's a natural Moselle, often surprising, that reveals itself to visitors every winter as the festive season approaches. A Moselle sublimated by its legends and traditions, but also by its original features. Visit its unrivalled heritage, explore its unique terroir, relax to the rhythm of its events... At Christmas, discover the Moselle in a different way thanks to our holidays.
What if Christmas was told to you?
Throughout the festive season, Moselle's Christmases are all about storytelling. In Forbach, Bitche, Sarrebourg, Hombourg- Haut, Sierck-les-Bains, Bouzonville, Florange, Metz and Thionville, you'll find "Les Noëls de Moselle contés au pied du sapin".
Take a seat at the foot of the big white Christmas tree, with its colourful lanterns, and experience the magic of Christmas. La Boule de Cristal, L'Âne de saint Nicolas, Le Sapin de lumière et Quercus Luminis, La Véritable histoire de saint Nicolas and Les Contes de l'Avent: these six tales will be broadcast on an immersive sound journey for all the family, to the sound of the mischievous Des Miracles elves and the resolutely spellbinding contemporary music of Mélanie Gerber.
An event for all the family.
100% Moselle gifts
Christmas in Moselle also means a host of Christmas chalets and boutiques to help you find THE perfect gift.
For the fourth year running, the MOSL Qualité chalet will be taking up residence on the Place de la République, at the foot of the gigantic Christmas tree.
But it's not the only one, as the MOSL Quality Counters will be spreading out across the region. These short-lived shops sell only products from MOSL Quality approved craftsmen and producers, so you're sure to find what you're looking for for your festive gifts and tables!
Moselle, the birthplace of the Christmas bauble
The glass Christmas bauble... a Moselle creation!
People began decorating trees to celebrate Christmas in the 11th century... but back then, they hung red apples on them, as a reminder of the tree of paradise.
The first decorated Christmas trees, as we know them today, date back to the 15th century: alongside apples, sweets and cakes were added... A tradition that flourished until the drought of 1858...
That year, the fruit trees in Moselle didn't bear any fruit, and the children had no decorations to hang on their Christmas trees.
So an ingenious glassblower in Goetzenbruck decided to blow a few apples... in red glass to brighten up the trees and, above all, the children's faces. Thus began the tradition of glass baubles...
It lasted until 1964 in Goetzenbruck, when the glassworks stopped making them, plunging the origins of Christmas baubles into oblivion...
But that was without counting on the Centre international d'art verrier (CIAV), which opened its doors in 1992, giving them a new lease of life! Housed in the former Meisenthal glassworks, the CIAV has helped to revive this age-old tradition.
"Stella" designed by Jean-Simon Roch, 2023
A rustle of sequined fabric that twirls in a pirouette. A silhouette breathes across the stage. A clamour from the audience.
As if by magic, from the sky, Stella appears and begins her show!
Father Christmas star of the Lehrer 2023 ball
This year, Cristallerie Lehrer is honouring the most emblematic figure of the festive season: Father Christmas, of course!
His slightly satin-finished profile is integrated into a rounded shape to give him an expression reminiscent of Christmas.
Celebrate the magic of Christmas in Moselle
Experience the magic of Christmas in Moselle with ideas for holidays and family outings for the end-of-year holidays.
Moselle has over 200 ideas for outings and events to help you enjoy an unforgettable holiday, and discover all the magic of Christmas in Moselle: parades, events, storytelling, the Lantern Trail, something to delight young and old alike this festive season.
Discover the Christmas markets in Moselle... just a stone's throw from Alsace
Moselle, with its centuries-old traditions and unique charm, is the ideal place to experience the magic of Christmas markets. Every year, these events attract thousands of visitors who come to discover handicrafts, culinary delights and magical entertainment. Discover the most beautiful Christmas markets in Moselle, which have nothing to envy the Alsatian Christmas markets!
The must-see Christmas markets in Moselle
Metz Christmas Market
The Metz Christmas market is undoubtedly one of the most emblematic in the region. Located in the heart of the city, it is spread over several squares, each with its own unique atmosphere:
- Place Saint-Louis: famous for its wooden chalets, this historic square is home to local craftspeople selling handmade objects, Christmas decorations and gastronomic specialities.
- Place de la République: famous for its Ferris wheel, which offers a panoramic view of the illuminated city, and is a must for families and thrill-seekers alike.
- Place d’Armes: around the majestic Saint-Étienne cathedral, this square offers a traditional market with local produce and live music.
Montigny-lès-Metz Christmas Market
Less well-known but just as charming, the Montigny-lès-Metz Christmas market is ideal for those looking for a more intimate atmosphere. The stalls offer craft products, local delicacies and entertainment for children, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Thionville Christmas Market
Thionville's Christmas market stands out for its diversity and festive atmosphere. With its many stalls, it's the perfect place to sample local specialities such as mulled wine, pretzels and other Christmas delights. The illuminations and decorations add a magical touch to the market.
Why choose Moselle's Christmas markets?
The Christmas markets in Moselle stand out for their authenticity and diversity. Here are just a few of the reasons why they are among the most beautiful and popular:
- Enchanted atmosphere: the twinkling lights, carols and magical decorations create a magical atmosphere that captivates young and old alike.
- Artisanal products: Moselle's Christmas markets showcase local talent with a wide range of craft products, from handmade jewellery to wooden toys.
- Local gastronomy: visitors can enjoy local specialities such as mulled wine, Christmas cakes and other heart-warming delights.
- Activities for all: children's rides, street shows and creative workshops make the Christmas markets fun for all the family.
Moselle's Christmas markets offer a unique and authentic experience that delights all visitors. Whether you're looking for original gifts, gourmet delights or just a nice family outing, Moselle's Christmas markets are sure to delight.
Discover why Moselle is the ideal destination for celebrating the magic of Christmas.