The Alsace region of France is known for charming villages that look like they’re straight out of a fairytale. Those half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets will give that impression. Once the winter holidays come around, things get even more whimsical.
The Alsace Christmas market scene is next-level. From Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed capital of Christmas, to smaller towns like Eguisheim that turn their historic centers into winter wonderlands, Alsace is a beautiful place to be each winter.
If you’re not sure where to start, this guide to the best Christmas markets in Alsace will help you plan your trip to the region’s most picturesque holiday towns.
I’ll include tips on what sets each market apart from the others and even what to nosh on once you’re there from my own recent visit. Just be warned: the best Christmas markets Alsace has to offer may spoil you on all of the others!
Where is the best place to go for Christmas in Alsace?
The best place to go for Christmas in Alsace is Strasbourg. If you’re short on time, this is the largest, most historic market in Alsace. It’s also a great base for more Christmas market travel in the region.
Let’s start there as we get into the best Christmas markets in Alsace.
The Best Christmas Markets in Alsace:
Strasbourg Christmas Market
2023 Dates: Nov. 24-Dec. 24
Hours: 2pm-9pm Nov. 24, 11:30am-9pm Nov. 25, 11:30am-6pm Dec. 24
Is Strasbourg Christmas Market worth it? The Strasbourg Christmas Market is definitely worth it as the biggest market in Alsace and the oldest in France. That’s why its organizers call this one the “capital of Christmas.”
When it comes to markets in Alsace, I’ll have to agree.
There are over 300 wooden chalets for you to explore once you’re here. Much like many of the other big holiday markets around Europe, the Strasbourg holiday market is a collection of markets that make up one big event.
If you want to start big, the Place de la Cathédrale or Place Kléber offer the biggest selection of treats. Place Kléber is where you’ll see the market’s big Christmas tree lit up after dark in a fun illumination set to music.
The oldest section is on Place Broglie. You’ll know you’re there when you pass through the Chrìstkìndelsmärik arch. This was one of my favorite stops as it’s where I tried rosé mulled wine for the first time.
As far as what to buy at Strasbourg Christmas Market, get acquainted with Alsatian treats like tarte flambée, bretezels, and knack d’Alsace. Have steaming mugs of vin chaud, or mulled wine, hot cider, and hot chocolate in between.
Colmar Christmas Market
2023 Dates: Nov. 23-Dec. 29
Hours: 11am-7pm Mon-Thurs, 10am-8pm Fri-Sun, 10am-5pm Dec. 24, 11am-7pm Dec. 25-26
The Colmar Christmas Market was my first big European Christmas market ever, and it met all expectations of what a true, traditional holiday market should be. While Colmar isn’t as big as Strasbourg, that’s used as an advantage.
The entire city becomes a magical wonderland of twinkling lights and wooden chalets. The best part is that this is an Alsatian market with a longer duration than most. You can expect the festivities to keep coming well into December, ending just before the new year.
Much like Strasbourg (just on a smaller scale), Colmar is more of a collection of markets vs. one big Christmas market. There are six different Christmas markets in Colmar for you to explore, each with its own vibes.
My favorite by far was the Marché Gourmand at Rue de la Montagne Verte. (Note that the location for this one changed in 2023. It used to be at the Place de la Cathédrale. Check all market locations before you head out to avoid disappointment!)
This is where I was introduced to a bouchée à la reine, or “a queen’s morsel.” It’s a flaky pastry stuffed with mushrooms and gravy that is an excellent hearty addition to your Alsace Christmas market itinerary on a chilly day.
The most picturesque market runs along Petite Venise, or Little Venice. Explore the canals and twinkle lights by boat if it’s not too cold or carry on with your vin chaud while you wait for Santa to arrive. This is where he sets up shop.
Marché de Noël Médiéval (Ribeauvillé Christmas Market)
2023 Dates: Dec. 2-3, 9-10
Hours: 10am-7pm Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday
Ribeauvillé’s medieval Christmas market may be one of the hottest tickets in Alsace. No, you don’t actually need tickets for this one. It’s a nod to the short duration of this charming market.
If you’re able to make it, expect street entertainers in addition to the classic wooden chalets. Acrobats and jugglers add to the medieval theme each year for an experience that may resemble what times were like at the start of the French markets more than all the others.
The limited-time-only feel of this one means it does get crowded, so plan for an early start if you go. For those who miss the short market window, the city’s illuminations are typically up from the end of November through just before Christmas.
If you have more time in the area and want to kick a morning off with a more active excursion, Ribeauvillé is home to my favorite hike in Alsace. The Three Castles of Ribeauvillé trek is a moderately challenging hike of nearly 4 miles to some of the most stunning views in the region.
You’ll visit the expected three castles along the way, with spectacular vistas along the way. It’s a great way to make some room for more tarte flambée down below.
Eguisheim Christmas Market
2023 Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 23, Dec. 27-30
Hours: 10am-7pm Sun-Fri, 10am-8pm Sat
Charming Eguisheim is one of the villages that inspired Belle’s hometown in Beauty and the Beast. I’m not sure why anyone would want to leave this place, but I certainly got the sense that the pace of life here is slower.
As a result, the Eguisheim Christmas Market feels much more community-minded. Two small markets are easily accessed from the center of the village with about 30 different artisans and sellers to choose from.
My favorite part was the impressive wine scene in town. You’ll find some of the best wineries within a short distance of Eguisheim, and the town itself is home to some great tasting rooms. The best I tried was Domaine Bruno Sorg.
Alsace is known for their Rieslings, so expect a few white wine varieties on any tastings you do in the region.
Riquewihr Christmas Market
2023 Dates: Nov. 25-Dec. 21
Hours: 10am-6:30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-6:30pm Sat-Sun
The Riquewihr Christmas Market is known for celebrating the holidays year-round. One of the most popular stops in town is Féerie De Noël, a Christmas shop that promises access to holiday decor no matter the season.
The market itself has around 100 stalls selling the expected Alsatian treats. Much like Eguisheim, there’s a big focus on local wines here. Riquewihr is known for its wine cellars, so expect tasting stalls in addition to the expected vin chaud.
I usually don’t recommend visiting Christmas markets on weekends, but if you plan a trip here on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, you’ll be rewarded with an expanded market. Additional stalls open along Rue du Général de Gaulle.
Kaysersberg Christmas Market
2023 Dates: Nov. 24–Dec. 17 (Fri-Sun only), Dec. 18-19
Hours: 10am-8pm
Tucked in between castle ruins and sweeping vineyards, you couldn’t ask for a better setting than the Kaysersberg Christmas Market. This is one of the most authentic Alsatian markets in the region with about 30 wooden chalets selling traditional wares.
If you’re seeking any handicrafts, ornaments, or other unique gifts for loved ones back home, this is a great market to target. As it’s only open on weekends for a shorter duration than the big holiday markets, Kaysersberg can get crowded the closer you get to its final weekend.
A secondary Christmas Farmer’s Market on Place de la Mairie is a great opportunity to taste local products like spiced breads, cheeses, jams, and Alsatian wines. If it’s not too busy (and you know a spot of French) when you visit, chat up the farmers.
This is a great opportunity to embrace Alsatian traditions and learn more about how all of those delicious treats came to be.
More Alsatian Christmas Markets
The Alsace region seems to have Christmas markets available for you to experience no matter where you land. Here are a few more options in case you’re a repeat customer and want to discover more of the beautiful villages that dot the Alsatian countryside.
- Bergheim Christmas Market: Medieval Bergheim only runs its market for two weekends each year, but it’s a lovely introduction to the beauty of the Alsatian countryside. Expect around 80 artisans at this small village market.
- Haguenau Christmas Market: This market in the northeastern edge of the region has fewer crowds than most, which only means you won’t have to wait as long for sweet and savory treats.
- Mulhouse Christmas Market: This holiday market near Basel, Switzerland, is known for its large Christmas tree and textile offerings. Start at Place de la Reunion to start taking in the colors.
- Obernai Christmas Market: If you’re based in Strasbourg, this one is easily reached by train within about 30 minutes. Start at the Beffroi for more substantial food items, including warming soups.
- Turckheim Christmas Market: This village describes itself as “The Land of Stars,” and it embraces fantasy elements in its Christmas decor. Expect the usual Alsatian treats with an emphasis on the elves who helped make it happen.
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