Noël au Pays du Jouet

Noël au Pays du Jouet: The Magic of Christmas in the Capital of Toys

Every year in December, Moirans-en-Montagne, a small town in the Haut-Jura world-renowned as the French capital of toys, transforms into a life-size Christmas village thanks to the Noël au Pays du Jouet festival. For over thirty years, this unique event has celebrated the magic of Christmas by blending street arts, creative workshops, shows, and toy-making traditions.

A Three-Day Festive Program

The festival unfolds over three days, from Friday to Sunday, with a rich and varied program designed for the whole family:

• Itinerant Street Performances: Street arts companies offering theatrical, acrobatic, and musical shows in the town's streets.
• Creative Workshops: Led by toy makers and "cooking elves," these workshops allow children and adults to make wooden toys, decorate Christmas items, and prepare festive recipes.
• Christmas Tales and Stories: Storytelling performances for all ages.
• Puppets and Theatre: Puppet shows and theatrical performances.
• Quirky Brass Bands: Festive musical parades through the streets.
• Musical Performances: Concerts and musical entertainment.

The Christmas Market under the Grenette

The Christmas market, set up under the Grenette (Moirans-en-Montagne's historic hall), brings together about fifty exhibitors offering Christmas decorations, handmade toys, sculptures, paintings, jewelry, crafts, delicacies, and mulled wine. This market highlights local and regional know-how, in the spirit of the town's toy-making tradition.

Moirans-en-Montagne, Capital of Toys

The history of Moirans-en-Montagne is intimately linked to that of toys. Since the 18th century, artisans in this small Haut-Jura town have been making wooden toys, perpetuating a craft passed down through generations. The town is home to the Toy Museum, one of the largest in Europe, and hosts the Idéklic festival every summer. Noël au Pays du Jouet naturally fits into this tradition by offering an event where toys reign supreme.

An Event Driven by Passionate Volunteers

The association Noël au Pays du Jouet coordinates the event with the support of the municipality and numerous local partners. Dozens of volunteers mobilize each year to transform Moirans-en-Montagne into a place of celebration and sharing, perpetuating a tradition of over three decades.