Grand St Nicholas Parade in Nancy

St Nicholas is the patron saint of Lorraine, and Nancy celebrates him like no other city: from 20 November to 3 January, lights, art installations, food villages and shows fill the centre. The big weekend is 5–6 December, with the grand parade on Saturday – floats and performers escort the saint through the centre. It is one of the great popular events of the Lorraine winter. The programme also promises video mapping during the festival. Tip: come by train (the station is close to the centre) or park on the outskirts, and be there well before the start – the exact time is announced by the city shortly beforehand.