Known to be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France, the Metz Christmas market enchants with its festive and warm atmosphere. Spread across the city's emblematic squares, the various Christmas markets in Metz offer different features to delight visitors. To help you make the most of your visit, we have put together all the practical information and the must-see attractions at the Metz Christmas market.

6 of the best Christmas markets in Metz

  1. Place de la République Christmas market
  2. Place d'Armes Christmas market
  3. The Christmas market on Place Saint-Jacques
  4. The Christmas market on Square Boufflers
  5. The Christmas market on Place de la Comédie
  6. The Christmas market on Place Saint-Louis

If, after browsing our list of the best Christmas markets in Metz, you still have questions about how to organise your visit, we strongly recommend that you read our FAQ special - Christmas markets in Metz.

Good to know: the Metz Christmas market is part of our ranking of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France 2024

The 6 Best Metz Christmas Markets 2024

1. The Christmas market at Place de la République

a christmas tree with lights and a tower at the metz christmas market 2024
The first Christmas market in Metz not to be missed is the one on Place de la République, with its huge Christmas tree. This Christmas market, which is popular with locals for its many attractions, is ideal for families. With its traditional wooden pyramid, its observation tower over 81 metres high and its Christmas-themed rides, Place de la République is full of festive cheer.

After you've enjoyed all the attractions at this Christmas market and taken your photo under the Christmas tree, head to the Christmas market at Square Boufflers, where you can admire ‘Le Sentier des Lanternes’ (the lantern path).

The Christmas market at Place de la République at a glance

    • What we love: The wooden Christmas pyramid
    • Opening times: From 23 November to 30 December 2024
      Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
      Friday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
    • Address: Place de la République in Metz

2.  Place d'Armes Cathedral Christmas Market

a ferris wheel in front of a building at the metz christmas market in france 2024

Our next pick for the best Christmas markets in Metz 2024 is the Place d'Armes Christmas Market in front of the cathedral, also known as the market of floating lights. This Christmas market in Metz France, with its illuminated Ferris wheel right next to the cathedral, is definitely one of the most beautiful in the city. This enchanting setting explains its reputation, as this market has become one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe (it was named Europe's most beautiful Christmas market in 2023). As you stroll through the aisles between the huts, you might even come across Santa Claus, adding a touch of magic to this fairytale scene. This market in the heart of Metz is on a par with the Alsatian markets!

Overview of the Christmas market on Place d'Armes

  • What we love: the decoration of the roofs of the chalets
  • Opening hours: from 23 November to 30 December 2024
    Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00
    From Friday to Saturday from 11:00 to 22:00
  • Address: On the Place d'Armes in Metz

3. The Place Saint-Jacques Christmas Market

christmas stalls at the metz france christmas market

If you are a foodie and especially love to enjoy the typical Christmas stews, then the Christmas market of delicacies in Metz is the Christmas market you should not miss! On Place Saint-Jacques, you can taste the delicious dishes offered by the restaurateurs in their wooden huts.

There is a wide range of gourmet dishes, from mountain classics such as tartiflette to burgers with a regional touch, and a refined selection of festive dishes such as smoked salmon and Burgundy snails. This is just the thing for many hungry visitors.

The Christmas market on Place Saint-Jacques at a glance

  • What we love: the tartiflette at Chez Manu
  • Opening hours: 23 November to 30 December 2024
    Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00
    Friday to Saturday from 11:00 to 22:00
  • Address: On Place Saint-Jacques in Metz

4. The Square Boufflers Christmas Market in Metz

the christmas market in metz france illuminations

The Christmas market at Square Boufflers is undoubtedly the most enchanting in Metz and one of the favourites of the Experiencegift team! You will walk through a fairytale world thanks to its lantern path, which has become an unmissable meeting place for visitors in search of magic. Every year, more than 400 lanterns illuminate the park, creating a fairytale trail that evokes Christmas traditions in a captivating atmosphere. These unique installations, which range from glittering elves to glowing puppets, transform every corner of the square into a work of art made of light and amaze children and adults alike. With its illuminations and joyful atmosphere, the Sentier des Lanterns is the jewel in the crown of Metz's Christmas markets.

The Square Boufflers Christmas Market at a glance

  • What we love: it's hard to choose a particular decoration because every installation is incredible!
  • Opening hours: from 26 November to 30 December 2024
    Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
    On 24 December from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Closed on 25 December
  • Address: In the heart of Square Boufflers in Metz

5. The Christmas market on Place de la Comédie

food stall at the metz christmas market 2024

The Christmas market on Place de la Comédie in Metz is also a favourite with food lovers. With large tables set up in the middle of the market, you can enjoy the delicious creations of the restaurateurs without the crowds of Place Saint-Jacques or Place Saint-Louis. The chalets in this square take the form of wagons, so you can embark on a culinary journey that will awaken your senses.

An overview of the Christmas market on Place de la Comédie

  • What we love: its warm atmosphere
  • Opening hours: From 23 November to 30 December 2024
    Monday to Friday from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
    Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
  • Address: On Place de la Comédie in Metz

6. The Place Saint-Louis Christmas Market in Metz, France

christmas market in metz france
The last Christmas market in Metz on our list is the Christmas market on Place Saint-Louis. With an illuminated carousel that can be seen across the square, this Christmas market offers a warm atmosphere that reflects the mood of the Christmas villages. Enjoy the mulled wine and the gingerbread that is freshly baked at the market. You'll also find plenty of unique Christmas gift ideas at this market, as many designers have stalls at Place Saint-Louis.

The Place Saint-Louis Christmas market at a glance

  • What we love: its carousel
  • Opening times: from 23 November to 30 December 2024
    Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00
    Friday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Address: On Place Saint-Louis in Metz

FAQs: Your Questions About The Metz Christmas Markets 2024

christmas market in metz france 2024
Are you now clued up about the Christmas markets in Metz? Perfect, now all you have to do is pack your suitcase. If you still have questions about how to organise your visit to Metz, we have compiled the most frequently asked questions about the Christmas market in Metz in this section.

When is the Christmas market in Metz in 2024?

In 2024, the Christmas markets in Metz will start on 23 November and end on 30 December 2024. The decorations on Sentier des Lanternes will be on display from Tuesday 26 November and will also end on 30 December 2024.

What are the opening hours of the 2024 Metz Christmas market?

Depending on which Christmas market you visit in Metz, the opening hours may vary. Below you will find the opening hours of the different markets:

  • The Christmas markets in Metz on Place Saint-Louis, Place Saint-Jacques, Place D'Armes and Place de la République:
    Sunday to Thursday from 11:00 to 21:00
    Friday and Saturday from 11:00 to 22:00
  • The Christmas market on Place de la Comédie:
    Monday to Friday from 17:00 to 23:00
    Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 to 23:00
  • Christmas market on Square Boufflers
    Monday to Thursday and Sunday from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
    Friday and Saturday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
    On 24 December from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    Closed on 25 December

Christmas Market in Nancy or Metz: which Christmas market is more beautiful?

christmas markets in metz france 2024
If you are unsure whether to visit the Christmas market in Metz or Nancy this year, we're here to help. The choice depends largely on your personal preferences for the festive atmosphere, attractions and traditions that are typical of each city.

The Christmas markets in Metz are known for their many illuminated squares and spectacular attractions, such as the Ferris wheel on the Place d'Armes and the Sentier des Lanternes, a fairytale walk through the Jardin Boufflers that amazes young and old alike. The Metz Christmas market is spread over several locations in the city centre and is appreciated for its lighting and the many chalets.

The Christmas market in Nancy is a real Santa Claus village. It honours the patron saint of Lorraine with a large Santa Claus parade in December. The Nancy market, which is located in such emblematic places as Place Stanislas and Place Charles III, is a friendly and welcoming market that brings locals and visitors together.

For a light and artistic experience, Metz is the ideal choice, while Nancy attracts those in search of traditions and entertainment around Saint Nicholas.

Where can you park to get to the Metz Christmas Market?

If you are going to Metz by car, here is a list of the various car parks available throughout the city:

  • P+R car parks
    Park + Ride Woippy
    Park + Ride Rochambeau
    Park + Ride Henri II
    Park + Ride Faubourg Magny
    Park + Ride Foire Expo
  • Paying car parks
    Saint-Thiébault car park
    Saint-Jacques car park

Where can you eat at the Christmas market in Metz, France?

eat pretzels at the metz christmas market 2024
There are plenty of food stalls at the Christmas markets in Metz, particularly at the one on Place de la Comédie, the delicatessen Christmas market. But if you want to sit down in one of the best restaurants in the city of Metz, here are our favourite places:

  • Casa Ricci (Italian cuisine): Deborah Cassini and Jérémy Riccuiti prepare authentic pasta dishes with homemade sauces such as Napolitaine or Carbonara Napolitaine in a vintage setting, decorated with flea market finds and climbing plants.
  • Le Bistrot de G (French cuisine): This restaurant has a cosy atmosphere, with comfortable benches, an elegant bar and a decor inspired by the Nancy school. The menu offers traditional, generous cuisine with stews.
  • La Popote (regional cuisine): run by Marine and her all-female team, this bouchon from Metz offers a friendly atmosphere and homemade dishes in a cosy setting. The must-tries include tender kidneys, veal head with gherkin sauce, beef tartare and delicious desserts, which are ideal for lovers of generous and authentic cuisine.

At the Christmas Market of Flavours, we recommend you try the dishes prepared in the following huts:

  • La Tartiflette de Chez Manu: the Chez Manu chalet offers warming dishes such as tartiflette, munstiflette and this year's new addition, croziflette, based on Savoyard crozets.
  • The burgers at the Restaurant du Château: this chalet offers foie gras and smoked salmon on toast, but its four original burgers, including the ‘Royal Lorrain’ with foie gras and mirabelle plum, are what make it stand out.
  • Saumon et Caviar: this chalet offers festive specialities including Burgundy snails, Royan raviole with morels, smoked salmon with blinis and crème fraîche, and Madagascar caviar.

Gift a Trip to Metz this Christmas with our Experience Gift Cards

fun christmas gift ideas are experience gift cards
Do you want to surprise a loved one with a Christmas gift that will transport them to the most beautiful Christmas destinations? At Experiencegift, we've made it super easy to gift experiences this Christmas. Whether you want to gift:

  • A flight with Flightgift
  • A hotel with Hotelgift
  • A train ride with Traingift

All of our experience gift certificates are valid for 2 years, and can be personalised and sent in multiple formats to meet your gifting needs.  Choose from luxury gift cards that are sent for free worldwide and also digital versions such as PDF or an e-gift card if it's a last-minute gift. Plus, the beauty of our experience gift cards is that they give the power to your recipient as to how they want to use it. From the date to the location, they can easily organise their gifting experience when it's most convenient to them making them perfect for every gift recipient from uncles, boyfriends, and girlfriends to grandads! Our experience gift cards can truly do it all!