When to meet SAINT NICHOLAS in Alsace in 2026

Saint Nicholas, celebrated in Alsace and Lorraine, remains a legendary figure of Christmas traditions in Alsace. On this occasion, children leave their boots or shoes near the front door on the night of 5 to 6 December so that Saint Nicholas, patron saint of schoolchildren, can fill them with sweets, gingerbread and clementines. Our famous "Männele", a brioche shaped like a little man, completes this traditional treat.

But beware: children who have not been good will be taken away by the terrible Hans Trapp, a wild, dirty, shaggy man armed with chains.

During this period, you will have the chance to meet these characters at the many parades and events held in towns and villages. Below you will find all the dates and places where you can meet him in 2026.

4 December:

BALDENHEIM: A Saint Nicholas celebration in the purest Alsatian tradition: with music and treats for the children! On the programme of this family celebration: Christmas tales at the Protestant church at around 6 pm, Christmas carols performed by the EMIR youth orchestra at around 6.40 pm, and a visit from Saint Nicholas handing out sweets to the little ones. Light refreshments for sale: Christmas sausage, pumpkin soup, hot apple juice, homemade mulled wine, bredelas. Christmas decoration stand and Christmas raffle.

BEBLENHEIM: Saint Nicholas comes to the Beblenheim Wine Cooperative to treat the children to a snack! Decorating a Christmas tree with the children and photos with Saint Nicholas are also on the programme. From 5 pm.

5 December:

BOURBACH LE BAS: Saint Nicholas and Père Fouettard will stop at the market to spoil the good children. They are expected to arrive at around 5 pm – a tradition not to be missed! A traditional celebration for a legendary figure who, flanked by his sidekick Père Fouettard, hands out sweets to good children. The Saint Nicholas market opens at 3 pm. Saint Nicholas arrives at around 5 pm, Rue de l'Église.

KAYSERSBERG: Meet Saint Nicholas, patron saint of schoolchildren: he will hand out sweets to the children. And if you haven't been good, watch out for Hans Trapp, who accompanies him... Every year you wait for him impatiently: the famous Saint Nicholas, an emblematic figure who, wearing his mitre and dressed in red or purple, walks the lanes of the town with his faithful companion the donkey and the famous Hans Trapp! Good children will be rewarded and can enjoy sweets handed out along the route. Meet at Place Gouraud, from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm.

THANN: Saint Nicholas arrives with his faithful donkey to share a magical moment with the children! Go and meet them and marvel at this charming, traditional procession. Good children will even get a little sweet surprise. A lovely opportunity to celebrate the spirit of Saint Nicholas with the family and bring the magic of the festive season to life. In Thann town centre from 4 pm to 7 pm.

VILLÉ: Saint Nicholas will be in Villé to delight young and old with various activities. Find him from 4 pm on Place du Marché. Activities from 3 pm with drawing, storytelling and craft workshops, photos with Saint Nicholas and wooden games. Sale in aid of the Téléthon: manneles, waffles, crêpes, soup, knack sausages, hot chocolate, mulled wine, hot apple juice.

WALBACH: With family or friends, come and celebrate Saint Nicholas in Walbach on Place de la Mairie! Enjoy the activities organised by the Youth Municipal Council and other local associations. Also discover handcrafted products made by these associations. Make the most of the festive atmosphere! Refreshment stand on site.

6 December:

BARR: Saint Nicholas parade

BREITENBACH: Saint Nicholas tours the village streets with his donkey, accompanied by Père Fouettard. Free gingerbread and clementines. From 10 am, starting from the church.

COLMAR: A date with Saint Nicholas for children young and old! Wearing his mitre, holding his crosier and dressed in a long red or purple cloak, he rewards the most deserving children. With several legends and miracles to his name, Bishop Saint Nicholas of Myra is the protector of children, widows, the weak and prisoners. He was the only one able to subdue the fearsome Hans Trapp, putting an end to his terrible misdeeds. From 2 pm to 5 pm on Place de la Cathédrale, south side, next to the nativity scene.

DAMBACH LA VILLE: Parade with Saint Nicholas, meet at Place du Marché at 2.30 pm. The festivities will continue with a show at 3 pm.

MOLSHEIM: The great Saint Nicholas will make his entrance into Molsheim in a horse-drawn carriage, to the delight of the children. Dressed in his long red cloak and mitre and holding his crosier, he will walk through the illuminated streets, kindly greeting young and old. And because he likes to reward the best-behaved, every child will receive a delicious chocolate. Place de l'Hôtel de Ville.

MUNSTER: Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas by meeting Saint Nicholas, the emblematic figure of Alsatian festivities! Dressed in his bishop's robes and with his long white beard, he will kindly welcome young and old. Good children can tell him their wishes and leave with a lovely photo souvenir by his side. A tender, traditional encounter not to be missed! From 4 pm to 6 pm, Place du Marché.

SELESTAT: Once again, Saint Nicholas will stop in Sélestat, a town of traditions and history, to be as close as possible to the children. Times: 4 pm to 7 pm on Place d'Armes.

UNGERSHEIM : ECOMUSEE : Une merveilleuse rencontre à l’Écomusée d’Alsace ! L'arrivée du Saint Nicolas - Vêtu de son plus beau costume, le Saint Nicolas fait son arrivée dans le village accompagné de ses hallebardiers et de ses musiciens. À la tombée de la nuit, partagez un délicieux goûter en sa compagnie à l'Écomusée d'Alsace. L'écomusée est ouvert de 10H00 à 18H00.