Key Takeaways
Once again this year, we’re heading out to discover the Christmas markets of the Grand Est by electric car. The region is home to some of Europe’s most beautiful festive markets: illuminated chalets, mulled wine and delicious local specialities! Perfect destinations for a winter weekend in an EV. Good news: the Grand Est offers excellent charging coverage, both in car parks and right next to the markets.
Plan your EV trip
To enjoy a stress-free weekend, plan your route in advance with the Chargemap route planner. It helps you optimise your charging stops and identify the stations best suited to your vehicle.
Simply enter your departure point, destination, any intermediate stops, your initial battery level and your desired level on arrival. You can also adjust your vehicle’s reference consumption (kWh/100 km).
Also read: Chargemap route planner: how to use it properly?
Once your itinerary is ready, you can order the Chargemap Pass — the multi-network charging card compatible with over 850,000 charging points.
Christmas markets in the Grand Est & where to charge
Reims – The third-largest Christmas market in France
Dates: From Wednesday 26th November to Sunday 28th December 2025
Renowned for its cathedral and its Christmas market set up on the forecourt and in the city centre, Reims is a perfect stop for a festive weekend by electric car. During the Christmas market, you can enjoy the famous Régalia show projected onto Reims Cathedral, a symbol of Gothic architecture and the coronation of France’s kings and queens. Find all the information about the Reims Christmas market.
Where to park and charge in Reims?
To visit the market in all peace of mind, it's best to park in one of the city's car parks, which is equipped with a charging station.
Looking for another charging station? See the list of all the charging stations in Reims.
Metz – Voted the 3rd most beautiful Christmas market in Europe in 2023
Dates: From Friday 21st November to Tuesday 30th December 2025
On Saint-Louis Square, around the cathedral, or at the Gourmet Market, Metz invites you to enjoy a warm and festive stroll through the heart of the old town. Over 120 chalets await you, offering handicrafts, local treats, decorations and more. A must-see is the Lantern Path, featuring more than 2,000 lanterns lighting up the Square Boufflers. The Metz Christmas market offers a variety of festive events and activities.
Where to park and charge in Metz?
Park in one of the car parks equipped with charging stations. You can also check the list of available charging points in Metz.
Nancy – The Great Village of Saint Nicolas
Dates: From Friday 21st November 2025 to Sunday 4th January 2026
Each year, Place Stanislas comes alive with its winter lights and hosts its famous Christmas markets, known locally as the Saint-Nicolas villages. Enjoy a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with more than 60 chalets full of treats, gifts, and decorations.
Where to park and charge in Nancy?
Traffic in the city centre can be very busy. To park and recharge your electric car, head to one of the city’s car parks equipped with charging points.
Mulhouse – A uniquely woven Christmas
Dates: From Friday 21st November to Saturday 27th December 2025
In the heart of Mulhouse’s historic centre, on Place de la Réunion, around the Temple Saint-Etienne and Place des Cordiers, you’ll find a traditional Alsatian Christmas market with a unique twist. Its special Christmas fabric, created each year, decorates the town hall, the streets, and the chalets. Discover numerous artisans, most of them local, and enjoy the authentic atmosphere of this typical Mulhouse Christmas market.
Where to park and charge in Mulhouse?
During the Christmas market, it’s best to park in one of the city’s covered car parks. You can also check out the full list of charging points available in Mulhouse.
Colmar – One of the most iconic Christmas markets in Alsace
Dates: From Tuesday 25th November to Monday 29th December 2025
Experience the warm and magical atmosphere of Colmar’s Christmas market! You’ll find nearly 200 exhibitors across its iconic squares: the Cathedral, the Dominicains, the Ancienne Douane (Old Customs House), Petite Venise (Little Venice)… A fairy-tale setting where twinkling lights mingle with the scents of orange and cinnamon.
Where to park and charge in Colmar?
The city centre is difficult to access by car. It’s better to use the charging points on the outskirts. Check the map of charging points in Colmar.
Strasbourg – One of Europe’s largest Christmas markets
Dates: From Wednesday 26th November to Wednesday 24th December 2025
The Christkindelsmärik, one of the oldest Christmas markets in France and Europe, spreads across several squares in the historic centre. Over 300 chalets offer handicrafts, decorations, and Alsatian specialties: pretzels, bredeles, mulled wine… Discover more about the famous Strasbourg Christmas market.
Where to park and charge in Strasbourg?
Traffic can be tricky during the festive period, so it’s highly recommended to park your vehicle in one of the city’s car parks. You can find a full list of Strasbourg’s charging points to recharge your car.
Summary
The 2025 Christmas markets of the Grand Est are ideal destinations for a trip by electric car. With plenty of charging points available in the city or on the outskirts, you can fully enjoy the festive magic while easily recharging your vehicle.
Enjoy your visit — and happy charging! 🔋✨
