Reims’ event calendar revolves around its dual identity as the coronation city of French kings and the capital of the Champagne wine region. The biggest annual celebration is the Joan of Arc Festival in late spring, drawing thousands to the cathedral square. The summer brings nightly light shows on the cathedral facade, while autumn focuses on the champagne harvest. Winter arrives with one of northeastern France’s largest Christmas markets. Here’s the complete Reims events and festivals calendar, organized by season. For an overview of the city, see the Reims travel guide.
Reims Events and Festivals: Spring
Fetes Johanniques (Joan of Arc Festival)
The biggest annual event in Reims. Takes place over a weekend in late May or early June (dates shift annually to align with the historical coronation date). The festival commemorates Joan of Arc’s role in leading Charles VII to his coronation at Reims Cathedral in 1429. The weekend includes a medieval market with 80+ stalls on Place du Parvis, a torchlight parade through the old town on Saturday evening, costumed historical reenactments involving 200+ volunteers, and a procession from the Basilique Saint-Remi to the cathedral. Most events are free. Book accommodations 3-4 months ahead if visiting during this weekend — the city center hotels fill completely. Also see our Reims weather by month guide.
Le Printemps du Champagne (Spring Champagne Festival)
Usually two weekends in late April. Independent champagne producers (vignerons) open their doors for tastings and cellar tours across the Montagne de Reims region. About 50 producers participate each year, most of whom do not offer regular public tours. A tasting pass (roughly 15 to 25 euros per day) gets you access to multiple houses. The focus is on smaller, family-run producers rather than the grand marques. Check springchampagne.com for the current year’s participating vineyards and dates. Also see our best time to visit Reims guide.
Nuit des Musees (Museum Night)
A nationwide event on a Saturday in mid-May, when Reims’ museums stay open until midnight with free entry. The Musee des Beaux-Arts, Palais du Tau, and Musee Saint-Remi all participate with special evening exhibitions, candlelit tours, and live music performances. Free admission to all participating venues. Check the city’s tourism website for the exact date each year. Also see our things to do in Reims guide.
Reims Events and Festivals: Summer
Regalia: Son et Lumiere at the Cathedral
A free 30-minute sound-and-light show projected onto the cathedral’s western facade. Runs nightly from mid-June through mid-September, with shows at 10:30 PM in June/July and 10 PM in August/September. The projection maps the cathedral’s architecture and tells the story of French coronations through animated visuals and orchestral music. This is not the small-scale light show you might see at other cathedrals — the entire 50-meter facade becomes a canvas. Bring a jacket even on warm evenings, as the cathedral square can be windy. No tickets needed; arrive 15 minutes early for a good viewing position on Place du Cardinal Lucon.
Fete de la Musique (Music Day)
June 21, nationwide in France. Reims fills its squares and streets with free live music from about 6 PM until after midnight. Place Drouet d’Erlon hosts the main stage with professional acts, while smaller stages and buskers appear throughout the old town. Bars and cafes stay open late. The timing coincides with the summer solstice — daylight until nearly 10 PM means the party starts in full sunlight.
Les Flaneries Musicales de Reims
A classical music festival running from mid-June through mid-July. Concerts take place in unusual venues: champagne cellars (Taittinger, Ruinart), the cathedral, the Basilique Saint-Remi, and the gardens of private champagne estates. The program mixes established orchestras with young soloists. Ticket prices range from 15 to 45 euros per concert. Program announced in April each year. Visit flaneriesreims.com for the schedule.
Reims Events and Festivals: Autumn
Vendange (Champagne Harvest)
The champagne harvest typically spans the first two weeks of September, though the exact start date is announced by the Comite Champagne only about a week in advance, based on grape ripeness testing. This is not a festival in the traditional sense — it’s a working harvest involving thousands of seasonal pickers. However, many champagne houses organize special harvest-themed tours and tastings. The villages of the Montagne de Reims (Hautvillers, Ay, Bouzy) are the best places to watch the harvest in action. The pressing centers (pressoirs) operate around the clock, and the air carries the smell of fresh-pressed grape juice. The Route Touristique du Champagne (tourist route) is at its most photogenic as the vine leaves start turning gold and red.
Champagne Day
The fourth Friday in October. A global celebration with its heart in the Champagne region. Reims champagne houses and bars host special tastings, vertical vintage comparisons, and food-pairing events. The tourist office organizes guided walks connecting participating venues. Most events require booking — check reims-tourisme.com from September for the program. Restaurants offer champagne-paired menus at fixed prices (typically 45 to 80 euros for a multi-course dinner with pairings).
Reims Events and Festivals: Winter
Marche de Noel (Christmas Market)
Reims’ Christmas Market runs from late November (typically the last Friday) through December 24. About 140 wooden chalets fill the Place d’Erlon and the cathedral parvis. The market divides into two zones: the cathedral square hosts the artisan stalls (handmade gifts, regional crafts, Christmas decorations), while Place d’Erlon focuses on food and drink — vin chaud (mulled wine, 3 euros), tartiflette, choucroute (alsatian sauerkraut with sausages), and champagne by the glass (6 to 10 euros). The cathedral square also features a 40-meter Ferris wheel (7 euros per ride) with views over the illuminated city. Open daily from 11 AM to 8 PM (until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays). The ice rink on Place d’Erlon costs 5 euros including skate rental. The market is busiest on Saturday afternoons — visit on a weekday morning for elbow room.
Nouvel An (New Year’s Eve)
Reims puts on a fireworks display over the cathedral at midnight on December 31. Restaurants serve fixed-price New Year’s Eve menus (80 to 150 euros), almost all including champagne. Book your restaurant at least 3 weeks ahead. Many champagne houses host private New Year’s Eve events — inquire directly with the houses you’re interested in from November. Hotel packages including dinner and champagne are common and often better value than booking separately.
