At the end of November, all of Metz is draped in the most beautiful lights and decorations, to immerse you in a festive end-of-year atmosphere! While you stroll between the chalets, among the scents of mulled wine and waffles, you won’t know which way to turn! Many activities, shows and guided tours enliven the festivities every year. There’s just enough to keep you busy until Christmas Eve!
Take to the heights! At 60 metres above ground, a trip on the big wheel will give you a breathtaking view of the city! Can you count all of the steeples in Metz city centre? Can you see the Centre Pompidou-Metz? It’s also a rare opportunity to see the many sculptures and decorations hanging from the cathedral up close.
In the shade of the big wheel, the chalets in Place d’Armes and their many culinary specialities will tickle your taste buds.
For snow sports enthusiasts, head to the République! Every year, the largest square in the city centre welcomes experienced skaters, as well as beginners, who are eager for a thrill. And for those who prefer to eat or sip a hot drink while waiting, the chalets are never too far! The shopping streets are only a stone’s throw away for your Christmas purchases.
Look no further, the king of chalets can be found in Place Saint-Jacques: “Qualité MOSL” certified, it highlights local crafts and gastronomy: enough to give you original present ideas all while supporting Moselle producers.
There are many cafés nearby where you can warm up or have a snack.
The medieval square combines with an unquestionable charm to create the best Christmas atmosphere in town.
The honourable 13th century houses, settled on their arcades, become illuminated at nightfall and reveal their slender facades and picturesque battlements.
Come and stroll among the chalets, between scents of mulled wine and crepes, go for a walk around the Christmas tree or simply go for a souvenir gift.
You have to go in the late afternoon: this is when the food carts in this gourmet square open and... begin to make your mouth water! You can taste complete dishes there, designed by Metz restaurant owners. Don’t go to the restaurant, the restaurant will come to you!
During the Christmas markets, the Inspire Metz Agency - Tourist Office offers guided city tours themed around the end-of-year festivities: tales and legends, festivals and popular traditions, Father Christmas, nativity scenes and churches... These tours, suitable for young and old like, end in one of the Christmas market squares with a wine or hot orange juice tasting.
Very famous in Lorraine, Saint Nicholas is of course entitled to his feast day in Metz. Place de la Comédie hosts shows and free activities for young and old alike over the course of one weekend at the beginning of December. Children will even have the chance to meet him in person! And if Saint Nicholas is too busy, don’t worry: you can wave to him from his sleigh, during the parade through the city on the second day of the festivities.
On Ile du Petit Saulcy, behind the Salle Fabert, a fairy-tale world awaits you at nightfall: free and accessible to all, the Sentier des Lanternes offers a stroll among illuminated characters and decorations. At the edge of the Moselle river and in the thermal mill, this romantic trail will charm you. So, get your camera ready!
Every year at the start of December, the Metz-Borny Famille Lorraine association organises a several kilometre long trail passing through the city centre, in order to (re)discover Metz and its Christmas atmosphere.
Organisation website: https://flmb.fr/
Beautiful books, candles, children's books and puzzles, figurines and Christmas decorations from local crafts, such as Christmas balls from Meisenthal or those from the Lehrer crystal factory, everything to relive traditions, create a warm Christmas atmosphere and prepare your gifts accessible to all at the shop of the Inspire Metz – Tourist Office agency.
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