Metz Christmas Market
The marvelous market across the five historic squares of Metz
2026
About Christmas in Metz
The Metz Christmas Market, known as "Noël à Metz – Le Marché merveilleux," is one of the most popular Christmas markets in France. From November 20th until the end of December, it spreads across five historic squares in the city center—Saint-Louis, Saint-Jacques, République, d'Armes – J.F. Blondel, and de la Comédie—featuring 130 chalets filled with local crafts, regional products, and Lorraine delicacies. The market is complemented by festive illuminations, a Ferris wheel, the City Skyliner panoramic tower, and the enchanting Sentier des Lanternes.
Christmas in Metz — edition 2026
The Metz Christmas Market, known as the "Marché merveilleux," transforms five city-center squares—Saint-Louis, Saint-Jacques, République, d'Armes – J.F. Blondel, and de la Comédie—with 130 wooden chalets and festive illuminations from November 20 to December 30, 2026. The experience is enhanced by a Ferris wheel on Place d'Armes, the City Skyliner panoramic tower on Place de la République, Santa's floating sleigh rides, and the immersive "Céleste" show at the Temple Neuf. Additionally, the Sentier des Lanternes, organized by the Moselle Department, will light up Square Boufflers from November 22 to December 30.
2026 Edition — from November 20th to December 30th
For its new edition, Christmas in Metz – The Wonderful Market will be held from Friday, November 20th to Wednesday, December 30th, 2026. As every year, the market features over 120 chalets in the emblematic squares of the city center: Place de la République, Place d'Armes – J.-F. Blondel, Place Saint-Jacques, Place Saint-Louis, and Place de la Comédie.
Highlights
- Lantern Trail at Square Boufflers (starting November 21st-22nd): a free illuminated path offered by the Moselle Department, with over 2,000 lanterns and Christmas characters (Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, elves).
- Ferris wheel at Place d'Armes, offering a panoramic view of the city and Saint-Étienne Cathedral.
- Saint Nicholas on December 6th and 7th, with a parade and magical procession through the city center streets.
- Santa's floating sleigh: boat rides to discover the illuminations and the Lantern Trail.
- An ice rink at Place de la République, depending on the year.
The full details of the 2026 musical program and activities will be published by the City of Metz and the Tourist Office closer to the event.
Highlights Christmas in Metz 2026
- Over 120 chalets in 5 historic squares of the city center
- Free Lantern Trail at Square Boufflers (2,000+ lanterns)
- Panoramic Ferris wheel at Place d'Armes
- Saint Nicholas on December 6th and 7th
- Magical illuminations and Lorraine gourmet specialties
Programme Christmas in Metz 2026
The market, from November 20 to December 30, 2026
- Places Saint-Louis, Saint-Jacques, République, and d'Armes – J.F. Blondel: Sunday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm
- Place de la Comédie: Monday to Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-11pm
- Closes at 4pm on December 24, closed on December 25, closes at 8pm on December 30
Sentier des Lanternes (Square Boufflers), from November 22 to December 30, 2026
- Friday and Saturday: 5pm-9pm
- Sunday to Thursday: 5pm-8pm
Attractions and entertainment
- Ferris wheel · Place d'Armes – J.F. Blondel
- City Skyliner, panoramic tower · Place de la République
- Santa's floating sleigh, rides on the lake · free, times to be announced
- "Céleste" immersive show · Temple Neuf, Place de la Comédie
- City-center shops open on Sundays, November 22 and 29, and December 6, 13, and 20
Prices Christmas in Metz 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Metz
Access
The Metz Christmas Market is spread across five historic squares in the city center, all within walking distance of the train station.
By train: Metz-Ville station is served by TGV from Paris (1h20), Strasbourg (1h30), Luxembourg (50 min), and Nancy (35 min). The station is a 10-minute walk from Place de la République and 15 minutes from Place Saint-Louis.
By car: Accessible via the A31 (Paris-Luxembourg axis) and A4 (Strasbourg-Paris axis) motorways. Metz has 16 parking lots, including park-and-ride (P+R) facilities; expect heavy traffic on weekends.
By bus/tram: Use the LE MET' network, lines Mettis A and B. The network and P+R parking lots are free on Saturdays and Sundays until December 27, 2026.
The five market squares
- Place Saint-Louis: Regional crafts and Lorraine terroir products under medieval arcades.
- Place Saint-Jacques: Chalets and entertainment.
- Place de la République: The City Skyliner panoramic tower.
- Place d'Armes – J.F. Blondel: Ferris wheel and gourmet chalets.
- Place de la Comédie: Chalets and the "Céleste" immersive show at the Temple Neuf.
Opening hours
Place Saint-Louis, Saint-Jacques, République, and d'Armes – J.F. Blondel: Sunday to Thursday 11am-9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am-10pm. Place de la Comédie: Monday to Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am-11pm. Closes at 4pm on December 24th, closed on December 25th, and closes at 8pm on December 30th.
Dates
From November 20 to December 30, 2026 (41 days). The Sentier des Lanternes at square Boufflers is open from November 22 to December 30 (Friday-Saturday 5pm-9pm, Sunday to Thursday 5pm-8pm).
Prices
Access to the market is free. Only certain attractions (Ferris wheel, City Skyliner) and food/drinks are subject to a fee.
Contact
City of Metz: metz.fr. Tourist Office (Inspire Metz agency): www.tourisme-metz.com. Tourist Office phone: 03 87 39 00 00.
One of France's most visited Christmas markets
The Metz Christmas Market, rebranded as "Noël à Metz – Le Marché merveilleux," takes over five historic city-center squares for over a month, complete with 130 chalets, sparkling lights, and festive decorations. Metz stands alongside Strasbourg and Colmar as one of the premier Christmas market destinations in eastern France.
Five squares, five unique atmospheres
Place Saint-Louis — The historic heart of the market, set under medieval arcades, featuring regional crafts and local Lorraine specialties.
Place Saint-Jacques — Cozy chalets and local entertainment.
Place de la République — Home to the City Skyliner, a panoramic tower offering stunning views of the city's illuminations.
Place d'Armes – J.F. Blondel — A giant Ferris wheel and gourmet food chalets.
Place de la Comédie — Charming chalets, late-night weekend hours until 11pm, and the "Céleste" immersive show at the Temple Neuf.
Other attractions
The Sentier des Lanternes, created by the Moselle Department, lights up the square Boufflers from November 22nd to December 30th. Santa's floating sleigh offers rides on the lake for a unique view of the city lights (access is free; schedule to be announced). Local shops and artisans in the city center will be open on Sundays, November 22nd and 29th, and December 6th, 13th, and 20th.
Where does it take place — Christmas in Metz
Christmas in Metz in brief
History of Christmas in Metz
Edition 2025 Nov 2025Other festivals near Metz
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Published by Valentin Contard, festival listings writer. Reviewed, corrected and approved by Christophe Contard, editor-in-chief. .
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