In the heart of the Christmas Market on Place Saint-Jacques, the Inspire Metz Christmas shop offers a multitude of gift ideas for the whole family. All your gifts are already wrapped and under the tree? Treat yourself to a cultural break with one of the many themes of the guided tours organised by the Tourist Office.
A visit to Metz is a must to experience the magic of Christmas. Beginning on 18 November, the soft aromas of cinnamon, spices and pine fill the streets of this vibrant city. The Christmas lights enhance the exceptional gilded architectural heritage of the town. While eagerly awaiting the first snowflakes and the countdown to Christmas Eve, discover our 5 favourite reasons to come and experience the wonder of Christmas in Metz.
On 3 and 4 December 2022, head to the Place de la Comédie to experience the magic of the Saint Nicholas festival! The Artist’s Village of Saint Nicholas takes over the square in front of the opera-theatre with a solidarity market organised by charities. It’s the perfect spot for Christmas shopping, where you can find a handmade gift to put under the tree! Also on the programme: activities for kids and theatrical and artistic games by the theatre companies Compagnie des 4 Saisons and Compagnie Atelier Mobile.
The event of the weekend: the traditional Saint Nicholas parade on 4 December in the centre of town. Magically decorated floats ride through Metz in the presence of the patron saint of Lorraine and of schoolchildren, before arriving at Place de la Comédie at nightfall. A spectacular show for the whole family brings this enchanting weekend to a close.
Beginning on 26 November, take a walk on the colourful and magical trail that starts at Square Boufflers. At nightfall, teddy bears, elves, gingerbread hearts and toy soldiers light up the park. 400 lanterns dot this poetic circuit, created from the imagination of the illustrator Guy Untereiner. Inspired by the folklore of Moselle, the artist brings these fairy-tale like characters to life, on a trail that will take you back to your fondest childhood memories.
Across from the majestic Saint-Etienne Cathedral, take a ride on the largest temporary big wheel in Europe, taking passengers to a height of 66 m. At the top, the panorama is breathtaking. Take in the stunning view of the cathedral and its architectural details from this exceptional vantage point.
Our tip: take a ride at night, when the illuminations complement the golden hues of the famous ochre-coloured Jaumont stone of the town.
Back on firm ground in the little Christmas Market on place d’Armes, be sure to visit the cathedral, also known as the “Lantern of God.” The building has the largest expanse of stained-glass windows in France, with 6500 m².
What better way to celebrate the Christmas spirit than with a gourmet break! Just below the majestic Metz Cathedral, a visit to Place de Chambre is a must for foodies! Local restaurants offer all kinds of specialties in their little chalets on the square. With sweet treats and savoury delicacies like oysters, foie gras and snails, there’s something to please all tastes! At nightfall, revel in delights for your taste buds and your eyes while enjoying the warmth of the braziers.
After a stroll among the chalets in the squares of the town centre, shopping for treasures to slide under the Christmas tree, treat yourself to a well-deserved break in Place Saint-Louis. Right near the majestic, 17 m-tall Christmas Pyramid put up on the square every year, Chez Mathilde serves a variety of drinks at their chalet, including a delicately-spiced mirabelle plum white mulled wine*. Enjoy it at the chalet or while admiring the poetic wooden horses on the nearby carrousel.
* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health. Consume with moderation.
