Christmas: a time of traditions in Eastern France

Traditions to savour

In the Grand Est region of France, people are rushing to get behind the stove to bake the biscuits of their childhood, the ones that remind them of afternoons spent by the fireside.

Mannele and bredele: end-of-year treats

Emblematic of the region, Christmas treats are a real tradition in the run-up to the festive season. From the very start of Advent, tasty aromas waft through family kitchens, proof that succulent little pastries are in the making. These include mannele, a fun little man made of brioche and chocolate chips, and bredele, little biscuits in a variety of shapes and flavours: stars, fir trees and rhombuses with a taste of aniseed, spices, honey or jam.

Red sugar from Maison Simon

A traditional craft, but above all a family epic, the Simon family's Sucre Rouge represents a unique expertise handed down from generation to generation. During the festive season, these sweets are a delight to savour: bewitchingly red, they depict Christmas animals, characters and objects. With every bite, you're transported back to childhood memories of a family Christmas by the fireplace.

Celebrating traditions

In the Grand Est region of France, Christmas is a time to share and enjoy!

The feast of Saint-Nicolas

Celebrated on 6 December, the feast of Saint Nicolas is a very old and popular tradition in the Grand Est region, particularly in Nancy, Saint-Nicolas-de-Port and Metz. The patron saint of children, schoolchildren and sailors, Saint Nicholas embodies generosity and protection, rewarding children who have been good. On the evening of 5 December, St Nicholas travels from house to house, accompanied by his donkey and the bogeyman: if the children have been good, St Nicholas gives them delicious gingerbread bearing his image and presents. If not, the bogeyman reprimands the less obedient. On St Nicholas Day, families gather together and children open their presents. Towns and cities celebrate with a host of events and parades.

Nativity scenes

At this time of year, cots depicting the Nativity scene are set up in churches, museums, village squares and even private homes. Some are veritable works of art, with their finely sculpted figures. Mechanical cots, traditional cots and even living cots... whatever the style, these scenes are admired like real paintings and we are delighted by this cultural richness that plunges us into the magic of Christmas.

Traditions to behold

As Christmas approaches, a breath of magic is blowing through the towns and cities of the Grand Est region. The towns and villages are lit up, the streets come alive and there are lots of smiles on everyone's faces - and with good reason: there's plenty to feast our eyes on!

The Christmas tree

The fir tree, the eternal tree of life, is a Christmas staple: every house, every shop and even every street is decorated with baubles, garlands and stars. In the Vosges mountains, you'll find the Centre International d'Art Verrier in Meisenthal, which has been making Christmas baubles with passion and expertise since 1999. Legend has it that a period of intense drought prevented Christmas trees from being decorated in the Vosges, due to a lack of fruit. A glass-blower from Goetzenbruck found an alternative by blowing a few baubles, and the CIAV has since taken up the torch. In Vannes-le-Châtel, you can now create your own Christmas bauble in the CERFAV glass workshop: a moment of creation and conviviality for the whole family! The big decorated Christmas trees are a must: in Strasbourg on Place Kléber, in Metz on Place de la République and in Nancy on Place Stanislas.

Christmas markets

The region is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, which attract visitors from all over the world every year. These markets are among the oldest and most authentic in Europe, creating a magical atmosphere in the heart of the region's towns and villages. With their gastronomy, crafts, entertainment and decorations, the Christmas markets have made a name for themselves in the Grand Est region. What do we like best? Their diversity: take a stroll through one of the emblematic markets in the major towns, the medieval markets or the local craft markets in the heart of the villages.