Metz on the verge of dethroning Strasbourg as Christmas capital? Voted the 3rd most beautiful Christmas market in Europe in 2024 after Gdańsk (Poland) and Zagreb (Croatia), the city of Metz took first place in the category of best Christmas market in Europe for families. The capital of Lorraine also ranks 2nd, behind Montbéliard but ahead of Strasbourg, of the best Christmas markets in France in 2025. The Metz Christmas market welcomed 3.5 million visitors in 2024, according to Orange Fluxvision, compared to 3.4 million in Strasbourg. A figure to be put in the conditional, Alsace and Lorraine would not have the counting system, according to France Bleu. A figure which, however, shows to what extent the Lorraine city positions itself as a serious competitor to the Alsatian city.
Magical urban illuminations
Since the end of November, the cobbled streets and pretty medieval Jaumont stone facades typical of Metz have been adorned with a thousand lights – no less than a thousand low-consumption LED lights – plunging the historic heart of the city into a winter’s tale atmosphere. The new city, organized around the Pompidou center, is not left out in terms of decorations.
Artistic craftsmanship and local production in the spotlight
Until December 30, the approximately 130 chalets of the Wonderful Christmas Market have taken over five emblematic squares in Metz, including 3 solidarity chalets and a handicapped-accessible chalet allowing 20 local associations to sell handmade products.
Artistic craftsmanship and local production are therefore in the spotlight. More than 47% of exhibitors are Moselle traders, more than 34% of whom come from the territory of the Metz Eurometropolis. The Metz Christmas market also obtained the 1st level of the Eco-manifestations label, in favor of sustainable development. Every Christmas market weekend, buses and park and ride (P + R) of the Le Met’ network are free.
In Metz we find everything that makes the Christmas spirit: twinkling lights, carousels, mulled wine, gingerbread, handmade gifts, regional specialties to taste. In short, an enchanting meeting for young and old alike. 20 Minutes visited on the occasion of St. Nicholas Day on December 6th and 7th.
