Les Lumières de Noël de Montbéliard

Les Lumières de Noël: The magic of Christmas in Montbéliard since 1987

In 1987, the Montbéliard Commercial Union (UCM) imagined a year-end holiday celebration inspired by Alsatian Christmas markets, colorful, lively, and warm. A committee comprising the UCM, the Tourist Office, the Festival Committee, and the City of Montbéliard was created to invite artisans around the Saint-Martin temple. This first Christmas market was an immediate success and has been growing ever since.

A European-scale Christmas Market

Today, Les Lumières de Noël de Montbéliard is ranked among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. Approximately 160 chalets are set up in the historic center of Montbéliard, offering a wide range of products:

• Crafts: Pottery, turned wood, glassware, jewelry, Christmas decorations, handmade candles
• Gastronomy: Mulled wine, gingerbread, cancoillotte, Montbéliard sausage, comté cheese, chocolates
• Regional Products: Jura honey, jams, Franche-Comté charcuterie

Magical Illuminations

The city center of Montbéliard is adorned each year with spectacular illuminations that transform the streets and historic buildings into a fairytale setting. The Château des Ducs de Wurtemberg, the Saint-Martin temple, and the facades of the old town are lit up with scenographies renewed each year.

Activities and Cultural Program

Beyond the market, Les Lumières de Noël offers a rich and varied program of activities:

• Concerts: Choirs, brass bands, and Christmas music concerts in the streets and at the temple
• Exhibitions: Contemporary art, nativity scenes from around the world, artisan crafts
• Themed Guided Tours: Discovering the Württemberg heritage and Christmas traditions
• Children's Activities: Creative workshops, puppet shows, meeting Santa Claus
• Outdoor Ice Rink: Located in the heart of the market, sometimes open until January

A Guest Region Each Year

Each edition highlights a guest region from France, which presents its products and culture in a dedicated space. In 2025, it was the Corrèze region that was honored with the Origine Corrèze operation.

Over 550,000 Visitors Annually

Les Lumières de Noël attracts over 550,000 visitors each year, making it the largest cultural and tourist event in the Pays de Montbéliard and one of the most popular Christmas markets in France.