Metz Christmas Market
The marvelous market across the five historic squares of Metz
2026
About Christmas in Metz
Christmas in Metz — edition 2026
Christmas in Metz 2026, « The Wonderful Market », takes place from November 20th to December 30th, 2026 in the historic squares of the city center. Over 120 chalets, magical illuminations, a Ferris wheel, the Lantern Trail, a Saint Nicholas celebration, and Lorraine gourmet activities punctuate five weeks of festivities.
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
Prices Christmas in Metz 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Metz
Access
The Metz Christmas Market is spread across the five historic squares of the city center, all accessible on foot from the train station.
- By Train: Metz-Ville station, 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: A31 (Paris-Luxembourg axis) and A4 (Strasbourg-Paris axis) motorways. Underground parking in the city center: Cathédrale (closest to Saint-Louis), République, Saint-Jacques. High traffic on weekends, plan to arrive early or use park-and-ride facilities with shuttle service.
- By Bus/Tram: LE MET' network, Mettis lines A and B, numerous stops in the city center. Lines operate extended hours during the Christmas market period.
- By Bike: VélOstan'lib stations in the city center. Beware of icy conditions in winter.
The Five Market Squares
- Place Saint-Louis: Village of traditions under the medieval arcades. Regional crafts, Christmas decorations, local Lorraine products.
- Place de la République: Grand illuminated Christmas tree, family entertainment, and, depending on the year, an outdoor ice rink.
- Place d'Armes: Gourmet chalets, mulled wine, regional specialties (quiche lorraine, flammekueche, Lorraine pâté).
- Place de la Comédie: Themed chalets and entertainment.
- Place de Chambre: Catering chalets and a friendly atmosphere.
Opening Hours
Place Saint-Louis: Sunday to Thursday from 11 am to 9 pm, Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm. Similar hours on other squares with variations depending on events. Special hours on December 24th and 31st. Closed on December 25th.
Dates
From late November to late December (approximately 5 weeks). The Lantern Path at Square Boufflers is accessible during the same period.
Prices
Access to the market is completely free. Only consumption, purchases, and certain specific activities are charged.
Special Events
Saint Nicholas on December 6th and 7th with parades through the streets. Musical program "Au c(h)œur des chants de Noël" with free choirs and concerts.
Contact
City of Metz: metz.fr
Tourist Office: www.tourisme-metz.com
OT Phone: 03 87 39 00 00
A Christmas Market Among the Most Beautiful in France
The Metz Christmas Market, renamed "Christmas in Metz – The Marvelous Market", is an unmissable winter event that transforms the city into a magical setting for over a month. With its five historic squares adorned with chalets, illuminations, and decorations, Metz stands out as one of the most popular Christmas destinations in eastern France, alongside Strasbourg and Colmar.
Five Squares, Five Atmospheres
Place Saint-Louis – The Village of Traditions
The historic heart of the market, Place Saint-Louis with its medieval arcades, hosts about fifty chalets dedicated to regional crafts and Christmas traditions. Local products are highlighted: gingerbread, bredele, jams, honey, ceramics, and artisanal decorative items.
Place de la République – The Grand Fir Tree and the Ice Rink
Place de la République hosts the grand illuminated Christmas tree and, depending on the year, an outdoor ice rink. Family entertainment and street performances are offered throughout the period.
The Other Squares
Place d'Armes, Place de la Comédie, and Place de Chambre complete the route with gourmet chalets, hot drink stands (mulled wine, hot chocolate), and food areas offering Lorraine specialties: quiche lorraine, flammekueche, Metz sausage, and Lorraine pâté.
The Magic of Illuminations
Metz adorns itself with its finest illuminations for the Christmas season. The facades of historic monuments, Saint-Étienne Cathedral, the shopping streets, and the trees in the city center sparkle with thousands of lights, creating a warm and magical atmosphere conducive to strolling.
Saint Nicholas
A highlight of the festivities, the celebration of Saint Nicholas on December 6th and 7th is a special moment. The patron saint of schoolchildren makes an appearance and parades through the city streets, accompanied by his magical procession. This event perpetuates a cherished tradition for the people of Lorraine.
Entertainment and Musical Program
The market offers a rich program of entertainment: concerts, choirs, shows for children, creative workshops, and the musical program "Au c(h)œur des chants de Noël". Artists and vocal ensembles perform in the streets and squares, filling the city with a festive musical ambiance.
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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