Monéteau Christmas Market

A Christmas Market Born from Franco-German Twinning

The Monéteau Christmas Market was born in 1999 from an initiative by the Monéteau Twinning Committee, an association that has united the town in the Yonne region with the German town of Föhren, in Rhineland-Palatinate, for many years. From the very first edition, the ambition was clearly stated: to offer a Christmas market rooted in the tradition of Alsatian and Germanic markets, with the authenticity and warmth that characterize them. Nearly thirty years later, the event has become a must-see in the Auxerre agglomeration and throughout the Yonne department.

Each year, the volunteers of the Twinning Committee mobilize several weeks of preparation to set up the 70 wooden chalets on the church square and adjacent parking lots, install the illuminations, and orchestrate a rich and varied entertainment program. The event attracts visitors from Monéteau, Auxerre, and the entire region, who come together to share the conviviality of this unique festive moment.

70 Chalets in the Pure Alsatian and German Tradition

The heart of the market is the church square, completely transformed from Friday evening into an illuminated Christmas village. The 70 wooden chalets host professional exhibitors and local artisans, producers from the Burgundy region, creators of gifts and decorations, and of course, the loyal representatives from the twin town of Föhren.

The German delegation holds a prime spot in this market and offers typical specialties that transport visitors across the Rhine:

• Reibekuchen: crispy potato pancakes, served hot and generously topped
• Bratwürste: grilled sausages in the German style, a must-have at Rhenish Christmas markets
• Schwenkbraten: marinated pork tenderloin with spices, cooked over an open fire
• Zimtwaffeln: cinnamon waffles, light and fragrant
• Bretzels: golden and salty, perfect for a quick snack
• Glühwein: homemade mulled wine with spices, served steaming hot in the December chill
• Roasted chestnuts and sweet Christmas specialties

Alongside these flavors from Germany, local stands showcase products from the Yonne and Burgundy region: Yonne wines, cheeses, gingerbread, honey, artisanal jams, as well as tableware, original gifts, decorative items, and handcrafted creations.

A Festive and Family-Friendly Entertainment Program

Beyond the chalets, the Monéteau Christmas Market stands out for its rich entertainment, designed for all generations:

• Santa's Grotto: Open both days, it welcomes children for a magical visit. Santa Claus also roams the market in his sleigh, accompanied by his elves, to distribute surprises to the youngest.
• Santa's Workshop: Every Sunday afternoon, children are invited to discover the secrets of toy making and let their imagination run wild.
• Illuminated Parade: A highlight of Saturday evening, this magical procession crosses the market at dusk. Light-up bracelets are given to children to participate in the magic of the procession.
• Fireworks: Every Saturday evening at 7:15 PM, a pyrotechnic show lights up the Monéteau sky, offering a moment of pure wonder to all visitors.
• Choir Concert: On Sunday afternoon, the local choir entertains the market with Christmas carols and festive covers.
• Flower Exhibition at the Church: The Monéteau church hosts a beautiful flower exhibition during the weekend, inviting contemplation and serenity.
• Craft Exhibitions: Lacemakers and patchwork artisans showcase their creations with live demonstrations, highlighting traditional skills.
• Telethon Stand: The Twinning Committee annually supports AFM-Téléthon by providing a free stand for donation collections.

An Event Rooted in the Life of Monéteau

Monéteau is a commune in the Yonne with nearly 5,000 inhabitants, located on the immediate outskirts of Auxerre, on the right bank of the Yonne River. A residential and dynamic town, it has a rich associative fabric, of which the Monéteau-Sougères Twinning Committee is one of the driving forces. It is this committee that, from the beginning, has organized the Christmas market with the support of the municipality.

The market is held on the church square and surrounding parking lots, an open-air venue accessible on foot from the entire village. Its proximity to Auxerre, less than 5 kilometers away, makes it an easily accessible event from the Auxerre agglomeration and surrounding towns. The event is entirely free, in keeping with the popular and convivial spirit given to it by its founders.

With some 27 editions under its belt in 2025, the Monéteau Christmas Market is now part of the festive heritage of the Yonne. It testifies to the vitality of the Franco-German friendship ties forged with Föhren, and the voluntary commitment of an association that offers its fellow citizens a moment of magic and sharing each year.