Metz Christmas Market: one of the most beautiful in France
A Dazzling Christmas for the Winter Holidays!
As the year-end holidays approach, the Metz-Orne area lights up with twinkling lights and festive activities. Celebrate winter in this vibrant city where tradition meets innovation. From Christmas markets to luminous events, experience unforgettable moments with family and friends!
The Lantern Path of the Moselle Department
Square Boufflers, Esplanade, Metz
Imagine a winter evening in Metz, the city blanketed in snow, the cobblestone streets illuminated by sparkling garlands guiding you to the Place de la République and then to the Esplanade. As you stroll along, the lights grow brighter, and the trees come alive with vibrant colors.
Here begins a journey where the magic of Christmas unfolds, and each step takes you deeper into a world where imagination intertwines with reality.
The Lantern Path is more than just a winter walk; it’s an immersion into the stories and traditions of Christmas. Iconic figures like Saint Nicholas and Père Fouettard await visitors, each bringing a touch of mystery or kindness.
The ancient trees, adorned with patterns of dancing stars and hearts, lead you to animated scenes where Advent, the ice rink, and even Santa's train station unveil their enchanting worlds.
New for 2025: A monumental lantern designed by apprentices from the UIMM Lorraine Training Center
For the first time, the Lantern Trail welcomes a unique creation produced by seven BTS apprentices from the UIMM Lorraine Training Center in Yutz. Aged 18 to 24, they dedicated nearly 100 hours of work over several weeks—from 3D design to the installation of light garlands—supervised by their instructors.
The result: a monumental 4-meter lantern-tree combining strength and elegance, featuring a central mast topped with a rotating star to facilitate maintenance. The structure is covered with a green fabric made in the Vosges and assembled by a local seamstress, showcasing 100% regional craftsmanship.
CÉLESTE at the Temple Neuf
From 14 November 2025, Metz will host CÉLESTE, an immersive light and music show, the first of its kind in France. Designed by architect-artist Jérémie Bellot and produced by Mosellan native Matthieu Gauthier, this project combines video mapping, lighting, and an original sound creation to reveal, like never before, the interior of the Temple Neuf.
Luminescences “Fiesta Latina”
Amnéville Zoo
Under the sparkling stars of Moselle, get ready for an unforgettable luminous adventure at the Amnéville Zoo, where the fourth edition of the “Luminescences” festival takes you into the vibrant world of the Fiesta Latina.
This year, “Fiesta Latina” celebrates the magic and richness of Latin American cultures through a captivating light show blending traditions, music, and dazzling colors.
At nightfall, the zoo transforms into a 1.6 km enchanted trail, illuminated by more than 10,000 lanterns and monumental light sculptures. Each step reveals spectacular scenes inspired by Mexico, the Andes, Brazil, the Caribbean, and pre-Columbian civilizations — for a Christmas both exotic and universal.
Discover the Metz Christmas Market
Christmas in Metz shines on the international stage, with a market voted the third most beautiful in Europe and the top choice for families. Spread across five locations, over 130 stalls light up the city, each creating a unique atmosphere for a complete immersion in the holiday magic.
Place de la République
The grand Christmas tree and the City Skyliner, an 81-meter high observation tower, will transport you into the Christmas spirit with stunning views of Metz.
Place Saint-Jacques
Here lies the Village of Delights, where you can savor spiced sweets, mulled wine, and other treats in a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Place Saint-Louis
Continue your visit at the Village of Traditions, where local craftsmanship takes center stage amid medieval ruins. Kids will love the beautiful carousel here.
Places d'Armes
Don’t miss the giant Ferris wheel at the foot of Saint Etienne Cathedral, offering an exceptional panoramic view of the entire city.
Place de la Comédie
Discover the Gourmet Village, where you can enjoy a complete meal in cozy stalls.
Good to know:
For this edition, public transportation will be free on weekends, allowing you to fully enjoy the enchanting Christmas atmosphere in Metz.
For the second year in a row, Santa’s Floating Sleigh, a free river shuttle, will transport visitors parking at the Palais des Sports and the ice rink to Quai des Régates (in the city center, at the foot of the cathedral).
Also:
On December 6th, the Illuminated March of Metz will return for its 31th edition, even more magical with a renewed route through the illuminated streets of Metz.
Rediscover the most beautiful monuments and Christmas markets in a truly unique and festive atmosphere.
From Advent to Christmas in Marange-Silvange
Place du Colibri – from 6 to 28 December 2025
From the start of Advent, Marange-Silvange lights up, immersing residents and visitors alike in the festive spirit. More than 50 sparkling lanterns and several colourful chalets transform Place du Colibri into a charming little Christmas village.
On the programme: a Christmas market, concerts, parades and entertainment for the whole family, all in a warm and joyful atmosphere that continues until Epiphany.
With 25,000 visitors in 2024, this friendly event continues to spread the magic of Christmas in Moselle.
Christmas Magic in Hagondange
Municipal Park – from 13 to 21 December 2025
In Hagondange, the magic of Christmas takes place in the heart of the Municipal Park, transformed for the occasion into a place of wonder. A sparkling trail of 50 lanterns and 6 gourmet and festive chalets invites young and old alike to stroll in a warm and joyful atmosphere.
Throughout the evenings, parades, shows, workshops and concerts bring the park to life for a bright, friendly, and family-oriented Christmas.
With 9,000 visitors in 2024, the event confirms its success and promises new moments of sharing and enchantment.
But also... Courcelles Sparkles
Town centre – 13 & 14 December 2025
The streets of Courcelles-sur-Nied come alive for a lively and friendly Christmas market. Among 8 decorated chalets, tents and garages, craftsmen and local associations welcome visitors in a musical and theatrical atmosphere.
On the programme: choirs, brass band, storytellers and street performances set the pace for two days of bright, family-friendly celebrations.
With 6,000 visitors in 2024, the event continues to make the heart of the village shine and to offer moments of sharing and Christmas magic.
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 Shops in Metz
Visit the Metz tourist office to discover a selection of gift ideas 100% Quality MOSL!
Dive into the world of Christmas Counters and explore the unique creations of local artisans and producers. Give authentic gifts that light up the festive spirit in Moselle!
Metz Christmas Counter:
📅 From 21 November to 30 December, Monday to Sunday (closed on 25 December)
📍 Inspire Metz Agency, 57000 Metz
Qualité MOSL Christmas Chalet:
📅 From 21 November to 30 December, Monday to Sunday (closed on 25 December)
📍 Place de la République, 57000 Metz
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.
Our other ideas for Christmas breaks in Moselle
Lights, music and traditions!
Dive into a natural Christmas in Moselle!
Celebrate the magic of Christmas with art and tradition
Culture and delicacies for Christmas in Moselle!
What are the dates of the Metz Christmas Market?
The Metz Christmas Market traditionally takes place from mid-November to the end of December, with the official opening usually held during the last weekend of November. Daily opening hours vary depending on the day, with later closing times on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Lantern Trail also has its own evening opening hours, generally starting at 5 p.m. For the exact dates of the current edition, please consult our website.
Is the Metz Christmas Market the most beautiful in Lorraine?
Metz was ranked the third most beautiful Christmas market in Europe in 2024. Its location in the Grand Est region, easy access from Paris via the high-speed rail line (1h22), five lively squares, 130 chalets, and more than 200 exhibitors make it one of the leading Christmas destinations in Lorraine.
Moselle is also home to other remarkable Christmas markets, including Forbach, Sarreguemines, Sarrebourg, and Bitche, each offering its own atmosphere and complementing the Metz experience.
Where can you eat at the Metz Christmas Market?
The gourmet chalets spread across the five squares offer Lorraine and Alsatian specialties such as tartiflette, flammekueche, and sauerkraut, as well as Moselle dishes including quiche lorraine, pâté lorrain, smoked meats, and sweet treats.
For a warm indoor meal, the covered market of Metz, located opposite the cathedral, brings together local producers and food artisans in a remarkable heritage building.
Many restaurants in the city center also highlight Moselle cuisine, several of which are featured on our website. The Chalet Qualité MOSL allows visitors to meet certified local producers.
Where can you park for the Metz Christmas Market?
Several park-and-ride facilities (P+R) provide easy access to the city center during the holiday season. The market is also reachable within a ten-minute walk from Metz train station and via the Le Met’ bus network.
Where can you see Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas in Metz?
Santa Claus and Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Lorraine and children, regularly appear throughout the city’s Christmas markets during December weekends.
Saint Nicholas celebrations take place in early December with festive parades, choirs, family shows, and entertainment throughout the city center. It is one of Lorraine’s most important holiday traditions for families.
Is it worth visiting Metz at Christmas?
Christmas in Metz offers much more than a traditional market. Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the third tallest cathedral in France with its Gothic stained-glass windows including works by Chagall, the UNESCO-listed Imperial District, the illuminated Imperial Station, the Centre Pompidou-Metz, artistic installations, and Advent concerts create an exceptional cultural atmosphere during the festive season.
How much does mulled wine cost at the Metz Christmas Market?
Prices for hot drinks such as mulled wine, hot chocolate, and mead vary depending on the chalet and recipe. Each exhibitor sets its own prices, generally in line with those found at the major Christmas markets of the Grand Est region.
Several chalets also offer meal-and-drink combinations suitable for a gourmet break, as well as mulled wine recipes using local or Moselle spices.
Combine your visit with a stay in Metz
To fully enjoy the Christmas market and the many attractions of Metz, a weekend or short stay is highly recommended. Accommodation in Metz and the surrounding area allows visitors to combine lively city-center experiences, countryside estates, and gourmet dining.
To extend the experience, the other Christmas markets in Moselle — Forbach, Sarreguemines, Sarrebourg, and Bitche — are all located less than one hour from Metz.