Christmas markets in Forbach, Saint-Avold, and the coal-mining region
Music, and Culinary Delights for the Holiday Season in Moselle!
Step into the festive spirit of the Moselle Christmas magic in Forbach and Saint-Avold! Experience lively Christmas markets where culture, cuisine, and traditions come together to create unforgettable moments.
Christmas Delights and Treats in Forbach
Forbach City Centre
For the 2025 edition, Forbach adorns itself with its finest decorations and becomes a true temple of sweetness and light. From November 29 to December 23, 2025, the city centre comes alive with the flavours of Christmas and the charm of Moselle’s traditions.
Between gourmet chalets, magical decorations and musical entertainment, the city immerses residents and visitors alike in a warm and festive atmosphere. The Christmas Market, spread across three sites, brings together over 40 chalets of local artisans and producers, while the ice rink makes its long-awaited return for the delight of young and old alike.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
On Sunday, November 30, 2025, don’t miss the Best Homemade Christmas Cookie Contest! A true highlight of the festive season in Forbach, this event once again celebrates the creativity and indulgence of all participants.
The announcement of the results will take place at the Burghof, in the exceptional presence of Michel Roth, Michelin-starred chef, and Jérôme Anthony, who will reward the most delicious creations.
Schlossberg Park
The Lantern Trail makes its grand return to Schlossberg Park, transforming winter evenings into a truly enchanting stroll. Dozens of glowing creations, including the famous lantern featuring the Schlossberg, invite young and old alike to explore a magical world in the heart of the park.
New in 2025: a breathtaking drone light show will illuminate the sky over Forbach in a stunning ballet of light and music — an unforgettable spectacle not to be missed!
• GOOD TO KNOW!
A free shuttle will connect the city centre and Schlossberg, making it easy to enjoy all the festivities.
Hombourg-Haut City Center
From November 28 to December 28, Hombourg-Haut transforms into a sparkling Christmas village for the 4th edition of its Christmas Wonders.
Centre-ville de Hombourg-Haut
The town offers a range of activities for the whole family, including a Christmas market in Square Jean Derrieux and the castle courtyard, where 27 wooden chalets showcase local products and seasonal specialties like mulled wine and gingerbread.
The festive mood is enhanced with jazz concerts, fire shows, and creative workshops for children. Of course, Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas will also make appearances.
Hausen Castle
This year, the festivities are enhanced with new experiences, including the illumination of the Hausen Castle Park with more than 50 enchanting lanterns.
Visitors can also enjoy an ice rink on the forecourt for unforgettable moments of skating. With such a rich and varied program, the Christmas Wonders in Hombourg-Haut promise magical memories in a festive and sparkling atmosphere.
Authentic Christmas Market
Creutzwald | December 12 to December 21
The city of Creutzwald, in partnership with the Tourist Office, is organizing the 2025 Santa’s Village on the Square de la Bisten and part of the Market Square, right in the heart of the city centre.
Stiring-Wendel: A Festive Christmas
Stiring-Wendel | December 6 to December 14
In December, all of Stiring-Wendel will be buzzing with the spirit of Christmas — not only with its Christmas Market, but also with many events throughout the season: shows, the Saint Nicholas parade, and a visit from Santa Claus himself.
Sports highlight: as every year, the Christmas Run will take place on December 7, featuring three races — the Elves’ Run, the Santa’s Sack Tour, and the Christmas Run.
Christmas shops in Forbach, Saint-Avold, and Freyming-Merlebach
Visit the tourism offices in Forbach, Saint-Avold, and Freyming-Merlebach for a selection of top-quality MOSL gift ideas!
Immerse yourself in the world of Christmas Boutiques and let yourself be inspired by the unique creations from local artisans and producers. Give the gift of authentic presents that capture the festive spirit of Moselle.
Christmas Shop in Forbach :
Office de Tourisme de Forbach
📅 From 17 November to 24 December, Monday to Sunday
📍Pays de Forbach Tourist Office 57600 Forbach
Christmas Shop in Hombourg-Haut
Office de Tourisme Freyming-Merlebach Connexion
📅 From 28 November to 28 December
📍 19 rue de Metz 57470 Hombourg-Haut
Christmas Shop in Saint-Avold
Office de Tourisme de Saint-Avold Cœur de Moselle
📍 2 place Paul Collin 57500 Saint-Avold
📅 From 12 November to 30 December
Stay and Savor in the Moselle Region
Enjoy a selection of exceptional restaurants and accommodations in the Moselle, where great food and warm hospitality create an unforgettable experience.
Christmas in Moselle
From November 21 to December 30, the magic of Christmas enchants young and old throughout the Moselle.
Bundle up, grab your favorite hot drink, and set out on a journey through the Christmas season in the Moselle. This year again, the entire region is lit up, offering you a festive winter escape like no other.
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The Moselle Christmas celebrations in the mining basin
In the northeast of the department, the Forbach, Saint-Avold, and Moselle mining basin area offers warm and lively Christmas celebrations deeply rooted in local culture and the cross-border identity shared with Germany.
Gastronomy, music, Franco-German traditions, and conviviality are at the heart of the Christmas markets in this territory shaped by mining history and successive waves of European immigration.
When does the Forbach Christmas market open?
The Forbach Christmas market, “Noël aux Merveilles,” traditionally opens at the end of November and continues until the end of December.
Considered the second-largest Christmas market in Moselle after Metz, it mainly takes place in Schlossberg Park and the city center.
The program includes musical entertainment, parades, an amateur Christmas biscuit competition, and a light drone show.
The event attracts visitors from Moselle, the German Saarland, and Luxembourg.
Christmas markets in Saint-Avold and the mining basin
In Saint-Avold, the Christmas market brings life to the city center every year with local producers, artisans, and concerts.
In Creutzwald, Santa’s Village takes place every December on Bisten Square and the Market Square.
In Stiring-Wendel, the Christmas market includes shows, the Saint Nicholas parade, and the “Christmas Run” featuring several festive races.
Many other municipalities in the mining basin also continue the tradition of Moselle Christmas celebrations through events organized by schools, associations, and villages.
The Qualité MOSL Christmas counters of the region
Three Qualité MOSL Christmas counters are located throughout the Forbach / Saint-Avold territory.
The Forbach counter is located at the Pays de Forbach Tourist Office, the Saint-Avold counter at the Saint-Avold Cœur de Moselle Tourist Office, and the Hombourg-Haut counter is operated by the Freyming-Merlebach Connexion Tourist Office.
Each counter offers a selection of certified products and creations with its own opening dates and schedules.
A unique Franco-German identity in Moselle
Forbach and the mining basin share a deeply rooted history with the neighboring German Saarland.
This identity can be felt throughout the Christmas markets: German culinary influences such as currywurst, pretzels, gingerbread, mixed French and German Christmas songs, and many visitors coming from Saarbrücken and nearby border towns.
This atmosphere makes the mining basin Christmas markets distinct from those of Alsace or Metz and turns them into a unique Moselle Christmas experience.
When should you visit the Forbach Christmas market?
December weekends and evenings are the busiest periods, especially during concerts, entertainment, and parades held in Schlossberg Park.
For families, weekday afternoons during school holidays provide a calmer atmosphere and more child-friendly activities.
Schlossberg Park remains freely accessible throughout the festive season.
Several Qualité MOSL-certified accommodations also allow visitors to extend their stay in the region.