Beautiful & Best Christmas Markets in Alsace France: full guide
Alsace is one of the most incredible places I’ve been, here’s a list of the Best Christmas Markets in Alsace France. Alsace transforms into a wonderland of festive cheer during Christmas, and Alsace is the jewel in its twinkling crown. But let’s not forget, this entire region is a chain of fairy tale towns, each with their own enchanting Christmas markets that begin casting their magic from late November to the beginning of January.
From the cobblestone charm of Colmar, with its storybook architecture and canals reflecting the glow of Christmas lights, to the vibrant festivities of Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Christmas,” Alsace has the incredible buzz that you can’t quite replicate anywhere else. Each market, from the quaint stalls of Riquewihr to the festive mulled apples of Kaysersberg and the medieval splendour of Ribeauvillé, is a snow globe scene come to life.
Eguisheim, with its pastel-hued half-timbered houses and streets that curl around like ribbons on a gift, is a Christmas card brought to life. The Eguisheim Christmas Market, running from November 24th to December 30th, is a tradition steeped in the warmth of community and the glow of history. Here, local craftsmen take centre stage, their authentic creations a testament to the timeless artistry of Alsace.
But this is just one star in Alsace’s beautiful Christmas constellation. Catch the Christmas bus and you’ll find Obernai’s market, where the air is sweet with gingerbread, and Mulhouse, where the fabric of the season is literally woven into unique Christmas cloth. Each town, with its unique market, is a chapter in a larger story of Alsatian Christmas—a story where every turn brings a new discovery, every square a different melody of holiday cheer
This is your invitation to a grand tour of Alsace’s Christmas markets, a journey through places so picturesque they seem to have leaped from the pages of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Eguisheim is just the beginning. Let the spirit of the season guide you through a realm where every village competes for the title of ‘most beautiful‘, and each market is a treasure trove of festive delights. Welcome to the ultimate Christmas Market Guide for Alsace, where every stop is a festive escape into a world of wonder. Read on below for the best Alsatian Christmas markets 2023, whether you’re visiting by train, bus or a road trip, you can’t go wrong.
Interested in other European Christmas markets? Read about the Colmar Christmas Markets and Eguisheim Christmas Markets here!
Best activities & tours in Alsace
| Alsace Christmas Tours – It’s worth learning about the incredible history in Alsace. Alsace Wine Route – if you’re a wino, this is for you! Medieval Villages in Alsace – One of the most iconic experiences in Alsace. Alsace Walking tour– for an authentic French experience. Alsace Private tour – the most scenic views around Alsace, fully private and customisable! |
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
Where to stay: Hotels in Alsace
I’ve been to Alsace at least 3 times and have stayed in a few different places, here are my favourites. Colmar is a short distance from Eguisheim, so you might want to consider staying there too. Strasbourg definitely has more options though, but it’s not quite as pretty as Colmar. The only thing you need to bear in mind is that many hotels book up in advance. Book as far in advance as you can to guarantee a good room!
Best Christmas Markets in Alsace France
Here are some of the Best Christmas Markets in Alsace. They are certainly stunning, so it’s worth a visit! Christmas Alsace Markets… you simply can’t go wrong!
Colmar Christmas Markets: The most colourful markets in Alsace
Colmar Christmas market dates: 24th November to 30th December 2023
Colmar at Christmas is a vision draped in a thousand twinkling lights, is probably the crown of all of France’s Christmas Markets in Alsace. It’s certainly the most colourful village. That seems to have leaped from the pages of a storybook, making the Colmar Christmas Market a spectacle drawing in thousands every day. Of course, it is probably the most popular and well known Christmas Markets in Alsace. It’s no stretch of the imagination to declare Colmar the most enchanting town in all of France, particularly as the season starts its festive magic from November 24th to December 30th. It’s very famous for its Six Christmas Markets. Colmar isn’t merely picturesque; it’s a multiple-time winner of ‘France’s Most Beautiful‘, and when it adorns its festive attire, it’s akin to wandering back in time. The Colmar Christmas Market, with its deep-rooted traditions, is as ancient as it is lively, often spotlighting the local artisans who craft with the heart of Alsace.
Envision this: houses in hues of pastel, their timber frames a canvas for the season; lanes that meander like the plot of a Brothers’ Grimm tale; window ledges are covered with fairy lights, teddy bears and wreaths, as if brushed by an artist’s hand for the silver screen. Colmar is that cinematic masterpiece – a living, breathing muse for enchanting tales, where each turn offers a vignette waiting to be captured. The fragrance of spiced wine mingles with melodies of holiday mirth in the air. Here is your definitive Christmas Market Guide to Colmar, a gem among French villages and the quintessential setting for a holiday steeped in festive splendour.
Below is the famous Petite Venise, the most colourful place in Alsace!
Read the full guide to Colmar Christmas Markets here.
I always compare tours on Viator and Get your guide, have a look at some of the best Alsace tours here:
Strasbourg Christmas Markets Alsace: The Capital of Christmas
Strasbourg Christmas market dates: 24th November to 24th December 2023
Best hotels in Strasbourg:
Strasbourg at Christmas is nothing short of a spectacle that seems conjured from the most whimsical of French fairy tales. Yes, it is really called The Capital of Christmas and one of the finest Christmas Markets in Alsace. Every year, around two million visitors flock to the Alsatian capital to experience its enchanting market
Why is Strasbourg called the Capital of Christmas?
The first Christmas Markets originated in Strasbourg and spread to the rest of Europe and definitely one of the best Christmas Markets in Alsace. Apparently, many Christmas Traditions originate from Strasbourg, and spread out gradually to all the other regions in Europe. Protestant authorities wanted a market named for the Christ child. In the local Alsace dialect, this came to be known as Christkindelsmärik, which undoubtedly stands as the first Christmas market in Europe.
It’s not merely a city in France; with the Strasbourg Christmas Market setting the standard for festive wonder. The history dates back hundreds of years, making this a very iconic medieval Christmas market. Strasbourg as enchanting is an understatement—it’s a city that has consistently been known for its allure, especially when the Christmas markets start in the season from November 24th to December 24th. When it comes to decor at Christmas, it is like a festive explosion hits the streets, it feels like entering a Disney film set you’d wish to never leave. The most famous spot is of course the Teddy Bear House! The Alsace Christmas Tree is also worth stopping by too!
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is steeped in history, a tradition as ancient as it is heartwarming. Renowned for prioritising local craftsmen, it’s a hub where about thirty artisans from the region present their handcrafted wonders, each echoing the soul of Alsace.
Envision this: streets lined with pastel-hued, half-timbered houses, each turn in the narrow winding alleyways revealing a scene more picturesque than the last. In winter, it’s like a Christmas explosion has lined every house and building with twinkling with fairy lights, stuffed teddy bears, wrapped presents and wreaths. Strasbourg is that living canvas—the real-life backdrop for stories of romance and legend, where every nook is a snapshot waiting to be treasured. The air is rich with the aroma of cinnamon and cloves, and the resonance of carols and laughter.
I always compare tours on Viator and Get your guide, have a look at some of the best Alsace tours here:
Riquewihr Christmas Market: Famous for light shows
Riquewihr Christmas market dates: 25th November to 21st December 2023
Riquewihr at Christmas is a vision lifted from the pages of a classic French romance. It’s not merely a village in France; the Riquewihr Christmas Market take the festive spirit to new heights and along the popular bus route around Christmas Markets in Alsace. It’s a living postcard of charm, particularly when the Christmas markets begin their seasonal sparkle from late November to the end of December. This village isn’t just picturesque; it’s a mosaic of beauty and when it dresses in its holiday finery it is like nothing else. The Riquewihr Christmas Market is a tradition woven into the fabric of time, as long standing as it is colourful. Local artists are chosen to showcase their handcrafted treasures, each piece a testament to generations of traditions.nHouses are in every pastel colour you can dream of, their timbered facades belonging to the middle ages; lanes that take you on a historic walk and windowsills covered with thousands of festive decorations, each one so unique with baubles, wreaths and golden reindeer. Riquewihr is so unique and it’s thanks to the locals — the enchanting history is everywhere. The fragrance of spiced wine mingles with the crisp winter air, and the sounds of holiday laughter fill the streets.
Ribeauville Christmas Markets 2023
Ribeauville Christmas market dates: 25th November to 21st December 2023
Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is definitely one of my favourite Christmas Markets in Alsace, with its cobblestone charm and festive flair, becomes a living storybook at Christmas. It’s a leap into a medieval fairy tale, and the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is a spectacle of historic proportions. This town is not just picturesque; it’s just as beautiful as many of the towns littered across Alsace, and when it is decorated its holiday best, it’s like a Disney set. It is said that Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr both inspired Beauty and the Beast. The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is steeped in tradition, and the focus is on the artisans, guardians of age-old crafts, who breathe life into their creations, infusing them with the soul of Alsace. It literally dates back to medieval times.nThe pastel half timbered houses can be spotted everywhere on your walk down lanes that meander and the windowsills are covered twinkling with fairy lights and hand made crafts. Ribeauvillé is the real-life backdrop for legends of knights and nobles, where each building corner is a scene from various christmas stories from history. Hear traditional Christmas music, ancient carols and the aroma of spices simmering in mulled wine. Ribeauvillé is a village that doesn’t just celebrate the season—it embodies the very essence of festive wonder. It dates back centuries so make sure you visit Ribeauvillé medieval Christmas even if it’s just for a day!
Kaysersberg Christmas Market
Kaysersberg Christmas market dates: 24th November to 17th December 2023
Kaysersberg, aglow with the warmth of Christmas cheer, is a village that seems not merely French but the very essence of a festive fable, making these Christmas Markets in Alsace a treasure trove of holiday spirit and definitely should be on your visit list for Christmas Markets in Alsace. To say Kaysersberg is captivating is an understatement; it’s a place that, come the holiday season from November 24th to December 17th, transforms into the most delightful place in all of France. This village doesn’t just wear its beauty; it’s a prize-winning spot, and as it dresses in its holiday best; each vibrantly coloured house is a stunning spot. The Kaysersberg Christmas Markets in Alsace is steeped in tradition, a celebration as old as the festive spirit itself, often highlighting the local artisans whose creations go back centuries.
The are homes and buildings are painted in soft pastels, their timbered facades a backdrop for the prettiest pictures you can hope to take; cobble stone lanes. Definitely an underrated spot and one of my favourite Christmas Markets in Alsace. Stroll through the Chritsmas stalls that pump out smells of cinnamon doughnuts, pretzels, hot, spiced apple compote and mulled wine, charm and wonder, and every scene is begging to be photographed. The fragrance of cinnamon and cloves fills the air, interlacing with the sounds of holiday joy. Kaysersberg is definitely one of the most picturesque villages in France and the perfect sanctuary for a festive escape.
Eguisheim Christmas Markets: The Prettiest village in France
Eguisheim Christmas market dates: 24th November to 30th December 2023
Eguisheim’s Christmas markets are perhaps the unsung gem of Europe’s festive towns and yes, it has officially been voted as one of France’s Prettiest Villages and one of the best Christmas Markets in Alsace. The Christmas Markets in Alsace are definitely spectacular! In this charming hamlet, as if lifted from a classic fairy tale, metamorphoses into a holiday haven that could outshine the most illustrious of festive fantasies. The Christmas decorations are pretty spectacular, with twinkling lights, grand Christmas trees (as well as mini ones), and string lights shimmering in the twilight, leaving shoppers in awe.
The village at Christmas is a straight up fairy tale and becomes a scene straight out of a Disney fantasy (or so it seems!) where every corner harbors a narrative, every hidden spot a whisper of French charm. Plush teddy bears, soft and cuddly, watch over the thresholds, while post boxes overflow with letters destined for Santa’s workshop, and reindeer statues keep watch at every bend. Eguisheim’s cozy Christmas market is more than a mere spot on the map; it’s a warm embrace to all—companions sharing hearty toasts with steaming cups of vin chaud, families creating lasting memories, couples underneath the mistletoe. Definitely the most underrated Christmas Markets in Alsace.
Read the full guide to Eguisheim Christmas Markets here.
In the cozy corners of Place du Marché aux Saules and Place Monseigneur Stumpf. Each square is the perfect, quaint and charming little square, where the air is thick with the sweet aroma of mulled wine, Alsatian flambees and festive cheer.
TIP: make your way to the village’s beating heart, Place du Château pictured below. It’s more than just a square; it’s the essence of Eguisheim. Admire the grand Renaissance fountain. Look up, and you’ll meet the gaze of Pope Léon IX, immortalized in stone, presiding over the festivities with silent benevolence.
Mulhouse Christmas Market France
Mulhouse Christmas market dates: 24th November to 27th December 2023
Best hotels in Mulhouse
Mulhouse, during the festive season, becomes a canvas of Christmas wonder, not just within the borders of France but as if lifted from the pages of a whimsical storybook and of course, is one of my top Christmas Markets in Alsace. Mulhouse is a gem during the festive season, particularly as the Christmas markets commence their jubilant display from November 24th to December 30th. This town is not simply picturesque; it’s a mosaic of beauty that has garnered accolades, and its holiday attire transforms it into a dreamscape that you’d fervently wish to remain within.
The Mulhouse Christmas Markets in Alsace, with its deep-rooted heritage, is as enduring as the joyous season it celebrates. Here, it’s known that a select cadre of local artisans are given the spotlight, their handcrafted works embodying the essence of tradition. Envision this: houses arrayed in a palette of pastel hues, their timber frames narrating tales of yore; alleyways that meander and weave, akin to the labyrinthine plots of classic tales; window ledges festooned with twinkling lights, as though prepped for a cinematic masterpiece.
Mulhouse is that very set – a source of inspiration for narratives of enchantment and romance, where each turn offers a vignette so picturesque it begs to be captured. The fragrance of spiced wine and gingerbread lingers in the crisp air, mingling with melodies of merriment. Presenting your indispensable Christmas Market Guide for Mulhouse, a town that stands as one of France’s most enchanting locales and the quintessential setting for a festive retreat.
Obernai Christmas Markets
Obernai Christmas market dates: 24th November to 31st December 2023
Obernai, aglow with the spirit of the season, is a vision straight from the heart of a French Christmas fable, and its Christmas Markets in Alsace is nothing short of a winter reverie. To say Obernai is the epitome of charm during the yuletide period is an understatement; as the markets unfurl their splendor from November 24th to December 30th, the town transforms into an enchanting tableau that captures the heart. Obernai’s allure is not just in its beauty, which has been recognized far and wide, but in the way it adorns itself for the festive season, inviting you into a wonderland that you’d wish to linger in forever. The Obernai Christmas Market breathes life into traditions that have been cherished for generations, with a special nod to the local artisans whose skilled hands craft wonders that transcend time.
Picture this: homes bathed in the soft glow of pastel, their timbered facades telling tales as old as time itself; winding streets that curve and coil, echoing the intricate plots of beloved stories; window sills draped in a constellation of fairy lights, as if brushed by an artist’s hand for the silver screen. Obernai is that very scene – a muse for stories of romance and magic, where each alleyway unveils a snapshot that’s decorated so traditionally to Christmas Markets in Alsace. The air is rich with the aroma of cinnamon and cloves, the soundtrack of holiday excitement ever-present. Here is your essential Christmas Market Guide for Obernai, one of France’s most picturesque villages and the perfect sanctuary for a yuletide escape.
I always compare tours on Viator and Get your guide, have a look at some of the best Alsace tours here:
Christmas Market Map
Worried about getting lost? Don’t be. The Christmas Markets in Alsace have that small-village charm that makes wandering from one sparkly stall to the next as simple as following the strings of fairy lights. It’s like a hug in the form of a market route.
Your festive adventure starts at the Place du Marché aux Saules, right where Eguisheim’s Christmas spirit comes alive. Just let the holiday tunes and the scent of gingerbread lead the way.
Interested in other European Christmas markets? Read about the Colmar Christmas Markets here!n
Christmas Markets in Alsace Location
Interested in other European Christmas markets? Read about the Colmar Christmas Markets here!
Christmas Tours around Alsace
It’s worth going on a guided walking tour around the different Christmas Markets in Alsace to learn more about the incredible history, architecture, stories and legends. You’ll love it! Have a look at some of the below tours around Alsace. We did this with a group tour that was totally free! I had the chance to join this amazing free guided walking tour in Colmar, and honestly, it was like stepping into a storybook. The tour kicked off in the heart of Colmar, and right from the get-go, the vibe was like something out of an old European tale and kind of reminded me of a Disney set! The Christmas Markets in Alsace all look like scenes from a movie set!
First up, we wandered through these narrow streets lined with these incredible timber-framed houses. I mean, these buildings were something else – with their colorful facades and intricate woodwork, they looked like they were straight out of a medieval painting. Our guide, who was super knowledgeable and friendly, told us all about the history behind these structures, and I was just soaking it all in.
Then, we strolled into the tanners’ district, and that was a whole different vibe. The houses here were taller, with open lofts on the top floors. The guide explained that back in the day, this design was super practical for drying hides and skins – a real glimpse into the past life of the city.
The highlight for me was definitely the Little Venice area. It’s this incredibly picturesque part of town with canals and charming bridges. We saw these adorable boats gliding by, and the reflections of the timbered houses in the water were just stunning.
Throughout the tour, our guide pointed out these little details I would’ve totally missed on my own – like the unique carvings on some buildings and how the styles of the houses changed over different periods. It was like every corner of Colmar had its own story and so do all the Christmas Markets in Alsace.
Ending the tour, I just felt like I’d seen Colmar through the eyes of someone who truly loves and knows the city. It wasn’t just about the sights; it was about connecting with the history and charm of this amazing place.
How to get to Alsace, France?
Getting here is a piece of Christmas cake. Whether you’re jetting over from Paris, making the jaunt from Strasbourg, or cruising in from Bern, all roads (and rails) lead to Alsace. And once you’re here, it’s like stepping into a holiday snow globe.
Christmas shuttle bus
Don’t miss the Christmas Shuttle Bus – it costs 10 EUR for a day pass, and it will take you to different villages in the Alsace region, usually including Colmar and Riquewihr, but it depends on what route you go, as there are several different routes!
I always compare tours on Viator and Get your guide, have a look at some of the best Alsace tours here:
From Paris to Alsace
Fly to Paris and then hop on a train from Gare de l’Est, and you’ll end up in Alsace a couple of hours later; depending on the times it will be around 2-2.5 hours.
Strasbourg
You can fly directly into Strasbourg Airport or Paris, Geneva or Bern.
Bern to Alsace
You can fly directly into Bern Airport in Switzerland and then get a train to Colmar. The fast train is around 45 minutes from Bern to Colmar, and the regular train is around 1.5h. After this you’ll need to catch a bus, it’s only another 10 minutes away.
When to visit Alsace?
Any time’s a good time to visit Alsace, but there’s something extra special about the Christmas market season. It’s when the village sparkles the brightest, with every corner dressed up in yuletide joy, it is just waiting for you to come and soak it all in with that Christmas magic.
The Christmas markets run from 24 November to 30 December 2023!
Weather in Alsace year round
As for the weather, think ‘winter wonderland’—crisp days that are the perfect excuse to wrap your hands around a steaming mug of something delicious and dive into the festive atmosphere.
Summer might be the high season when the beauty of Christmas Markets in Alsace is in full swing, but Christmas? That’s when the village really shows off, turning into a hotspot for all things merry and bright. There’s something quite magical about Christmas Markets in Alsace. And if you’re a fan of the quieter side of life, the low season’s got its own perks—less hustle and bustle, more space to meander, and sweet deals on places to stay.nSo, what are you waiting for? Get that suitcase out, toss in some holiday cheer, and get ready to make memories in the Christmas Markets in Alsace that’ll last long after the last ornament is packed away.
I always compare tours on Viator and Get your guide, have a look at some of the best Alsace tours here:
High Season (Peak Tourist Season):
- The high season in Alsace typically occurs during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn.
- The months of May, June, July, August, and September are considered the peak tourist season.
- During this time, the weather is milder and more favorable for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and exploring the picturesque town and its surroundings.
- The Christmas season (late November to December) is also a high season in Alsace due to its famous Christmas markets and festive atmosphere.
Low Season:
- The low season in Alsace usually takes place during the colder months of winter and early spring.
- The months of January, February, March, and April are considered the low season for tourism.
- During this time, the weather is colder, and there are fewer tourists visiting the town and it is much quieter, but in the same vein, hotels and stays are much cheaper!
Alsace weather year round
Weather in Alsace in January:
- Average temperature: 1°C (34°F)
- Average rainy days: 10
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Sunrise time: 8:10 AM
- Sunset time: 5:00 PM
Alsace Weather in February:
- Average temperature: 3°C (37°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Sunrise time: 7:40 AM
- Sunset time: 5:45 PM
Alsace Weather in March:
- Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Sunrise time: 6:50 AM
- Sunset time: 6:30 PM
Alsace Weather in April:
- Average temperature: 12°C (54°F)
- Average rainy days: 12
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Sunrise time: 6:40 AM
- Sunset time: 8:15 PM
Alsace Weather in May:
- Average temperature: 16°C (61°F)
- Average rainy days: 13
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Sunrise time: 5:50 AM
- Sunset time: 9:00 PM
Alsace Weather in June:
- Average temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 16
- Sunrise time: 5:30 AM
- Sunset time: 9:30 PM
Alsace Weather in July:
- Average temperature: 22°C (72°F)
- Average rainy days: 10
- Average daylight hours: 16
- Sunrise time: 5:40 AM
- Sunset time: 9:30 PM
Alsace Weather in August:
- Average temperature: 22°C (72°F)
- Average rainy days: 10
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Sunrise time: 6:10 AM
- Sunset time: 8:45 PM
Alsace Weather in September:
- Average temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 13
- Sunrise time: 6:50 AM
- Sunset time: 7:45 PM
Alsace Weather in October:
- Average temperature: 13°C (55°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Sunrise time: 7:30 AM
- Sunset time: 6:30 PM
Alsace Weather in November:
- Average temperature: 7°C (45°F)
- Average rainy days: 10
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Sunrise time: 7:15 AM
- Sunset time: 5:00 PM
Alsace Weather in December:
- Average temperature: 3°C (37°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Sunrise time: 8:00 AM
- Sunset time: 4:45 PM
That’s it! I hope this visit to Alsace at Christmas has been everything you dreamed it would be!
Interested in other European Christmas markets? Read about the Colmar Christmas Markets here!
Compare tours on Viator and Get your guide, have a look at some of the best Alsace tours here:
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