Christmas markets, festivals and celebrations in the Grand Est

💡 January: Nancy’s St Nicholas Festivities continue until 3 January 2027 and some of Colmar’s events run into extra time at the very start of the month; after that, it is a quiet period before the February carnivals.

Also in season: Strasbourg Christmas Market – ChristkindelsmärikKaysersberg Christmas MarketMetz Christmas MarketMulhouse Christmas Market – L’Étoffe de NoëlReims Christmas Market

💡 February: Out of season for the major festivals in this guide: this is the time of the Alsace carnivals, including Mulhouse’s, usually in February (check the programme). Make the most of it to note down the dates for summer and September 2027.

Also in season: Colmar Christmas MarketStrasbourg Christmas Market – ChristkindelsmärikKaysersberg Christmas MarketMetz Christmas MarketMulhouse Christmas Market – L’Étoffe de NoëlReims Christmas MarketSaint Nicholas Festival in Nancy

💡 March: A quiet month for festivities. If you are aiming for the World Puppet Theatre Festival (17–26 September 2027), book your accommodation in Charleville-Mézières now.

💡 April: Few major festive events: keep an eye out for the summer festival line-up announcements, especially the concerts at the Colmar Wine Fair.

💡 May: In Reims, the Fêtes Johanniques (Joan of Arc festivities) usually take place in late May or early June (check the date). It is also the moment to book for the Colmar Wine Fair and the Mirabelle Festival.

💡 June: On 21 June, the Fête de la Musique livens up every town in the region. Ticket offices for the summer concerts are open: don’t delay for the headliners.

Also in season: Mondial Air Ballons at Chambley

💡 July: The Alsace Wine Fair usually opens in late July at the Colmar exhibition centre (in 2026, from 31 July to 9 August); check 2027 dates on the official website.

Also in season: Mondial Air Ballons at Chambley

💡 August: In early August, the Colmar Wine Fair continues; in late August, Metz celebrates the mirabelle, with the election of the Mirabelle Queen and a parade on the lake (check the 2027 programme).

Also in season: Mondial Air Ballons at Chambley

💡 September: On the first Sunday of September, Ribeauvillé celebrates the Pfifferdaj with its grand costumed procession. In 2027, Charleville-Mézières hosts the World Puppet Theatre Festival from 17 to 26 September.

💡 October: A quiet period for festivals, but a crucial one for Christmas: book hotels and trains now for Strasbourg, Colmar or the big St Nicholas weekend in Nancy.

Also in season: Pfifferdaj – Ribeauvillé Minstrels’ FestivalWorld Puppet Theatre Festival

💡 November: The festive season opens: St Nicholas in Nancy from 20 November 2026, Colmar on the 23rd, Strasbourg and Kaysersberg on the 27th. Metz, Reims and Mulhouse usually open in late November (check official dates).

Also in season: Pfifferdaj – Ribeauvillé Minstrels’ FestivalWorld Puppet Theatre Festival

💡 December: The great St Nicholas parade takes place in Nancy on Saturday 5 December 2026. The Kaysersberg markets close on 20 December, Strasbourg’s on the 24th, Colmar’s on the 29th: come early in the month and on a weekday if you can.

Also in season: Reims Christmas Market