Montbéliard Christmas Market

A market that punches above its weight

Montbéliard is a small town of 25,000 people. Yet its Christmas market draws more than 500,000 visitors a year, which makes it one of the busiest in France relative to its population. The secret? A consistent commitment to quality since 1986, and a lighting display that would put big cities to shame.

Les Lumières de Noël, the Lights of Christmas, is the event's official name. It is not just a market but a complete transformation of the town. Every street, every building, every tree is lit with care. The Château des Ducs de Wurtemberg, up on its rise, watches over it all like a fairy-tale backdrop.

A rigorous selection of exhibitors

What sets Montbéliard apart from so many other markets is the way exhibitors are chosen. A committee assesses every application to guarantee authenticity and quality. The result: here you find genuine artisans, local producers and original designers. No Made in China trinkets.

Home of the Montbéliard sausage

You cannot come here without trying the Montbéliard sausage. Smoked in a tuyé (the big traditional chimney of Franche-Comté farmhouses), it is grilled over a wood fire right on the market. With hot cancoillotte cheese and a glass of Jura wine, it is the perfect meal for facing the Franche-Comté cold.

The living nativity and the castle

The living nativity, with real animals and extras in period costume, is a long-standing tradition of the market. It takes place in the castle courtyard and delights children. The castle itself hosts temporary exhibitions and offers a panoramic view over the illuminated town.