Christmas and festive weekends :
events not to be missed in the Grand Est

A weekend at a Christmas market

With their unique atmosphere and magical ambience, Christmas markets are an essential part of the festive season, especially in the Grand Est region. Take a stroll through the magical world of Christmas!

A Christmas market in town

Are you ready to be amazed? The towns and cities of the Grand Est are transformed into places enchanted by the magic of Christmas as soon as their emblematic markets open. Colourful and lively, we love wandering from chalet to chalet to find that little gift missing from our sack or to sample a Christmas delicacy.

More intimate markets

The Grand Est is also home to some exceptional skills, developed by passionate producers and craftspeople. Along the Alsace Wine Route, the villages host local producers' markets, medieval markets and even associations that sow the magic of Christmas. During these more intimate events, you can meet the producers and take the time to enjoy a cup of hot chocolate, while letting yourself be transported by the enchantment of the surroundings.

Magical sound and light shows

When night falls, the monuments and facades of some towns become enchanted, giving way to a veritable festival of lights. Here, the night takes on a bewitching allure as it unveils truly enchanting tableaux vivants.

Les Habits de Lumières in Epernay

In December, the town ofEpernay in the Champagne region is the setting for Les Habits de Lumière. As night falls, the Avenue de Champagne is transformed into a glittering array of colours to showcase the street and the great Champagne Houses that have built its reputation. During the day, the spotlight is on gastronomy, with starred chefs, winegrowers and champagne houses joining forces to showcase the French art of living. Last but not least, a parade of vintage vehicles featuring almost 400 vehicles will be taking to the streets of the town: a fine tribute to the cultural and gastronomic wealth of Épernay and the Champagne region.

Métamorph'eau'ses in Châlons

Make your way to the Quai des Arts pier as soon as night falls. Once you're aboard an electric boat, you can take your place and watch a performance that's unique in Europe: a travelling sound and light show on water. Throughout the journey, we follow the spellbinding voice of Ondine, the nymph of the Mau et Nau and narrator of our expedition. In front of us, images projected onto the monuments create a magical spectacle.

Some parades

The end-of-year festivities attract a host of processions. What do we love about them? The sheer variety: light parades, ancient costumes or flying machines... magical creatures of all kinds parade through the streets of Eastern France at Christmas.

Saint Nicolas parade in Nancy

In Nancy, Lorraine, Saint Nicholas is celebrated on 6 December. At the end of the day, we take our places so as not to miss anything of the long-awaited Saint Nicolas parade. When the sun goes down, it's the turn of the garlands and illuminations to light up the town. It's a magical moment in the streets, as floats designed and decorated by the towns and cities of the Metropole parade around the theme chosen for the year. There are fantastic creatures, dancers and brass bands, and of course the star of the show: Saint Nicholas!

St Nicholas Day in Metz

A not-to-be-missed event in the city to celebrate this Lorraine tradition, the Metz Saint Nicholas parade is the highlight of the festivities organised throughout the weekend. Each year a theme is chosen to enliven the parade. The parade begins on Place de la Comédie, where St Nicholas appears on the balcony of the Opéra-Théâtre, before travelling 1,400 metres through the city. Six decorated floats and over 300 participants enliven the parade. Children are spoilt for choice, with sweets handed out and various shows put on. And if they feel like it, they can leave their letters of good wishes with Saint-Nicolas and Père Fouettard.

A journey of a thousand and one colours

At Christmas, the streets of the Grand Est region are decked out in the most beautiful illuminations to create a uniquely magical atmosphere. As you cross paths with emblematic Christmas figures and colourful animals, you'll rediscover your inner child.

The Luminescences trail at Amnéville Zoo

At Amnéville Zoo, discover the park as you've never seen it before. An immersive night-time experience that transforms the zoo into a light and sound show, thanks to a 1.4km trail through the zoo's alleys, made up of more than 10,000 light installations. The lights recreate landscapes and sculpt giant animals such as giraffes and elephants: a spellbinding, magical show that celebrates the unique beauty of nature.

The Lantern Trail in Metz

Head for Square Boufflers near Metz city centre to stroll along an enchanted trail. During the Christmas period, almost 2,000 illuminated figures come to life under the square's 200-year-old trees. Nutcrackers, elves, candy canes, gingerbread men, polar bears, reindeer: all the emblematic Christmas characters line the paths, guaranteed to fill you with wonder! It's the perfect family experience, captivating young and old alike.

Winter light trail at the Parc animalier de Sainte-Croix

Get ready for a truly immersive experience at the Parc Animalier de Sainte-Croix in Rhodes. Along the illuminated trail "In Search of Winter", you'll be immersed in a magical atmosphere in the heart of the park. You're about to embark on an exceptional night-time walk illuminated by artistic installations and light displays that showcase the park's flora and fauna.