In the north-eastern corner of France, the festive magic of Christmas takes over the towns and villages of Alsace from the end of November. That’s when the streets and houses welcome the festive season with their most enchanting Christmas decorations. Alsace’s famous Christmas markets invite you to wander between cosy wooden chalets and old half-timbered houses, discovering original creations by local craftsmen, gourmet delicacies and unique decorations throughout the festive season. With a warm cup of mulled wine in one hand and a gingerbread in the other, you’ll soak up the pure Alsatian tradition—from the cottage-lined streets to the ice-skating rinks crowned by giant, twinkling Christmas trees, to the shopfronts that glisten for miles around.
Picture it: festive celebrations, traditional crafts and carol singing that echo through the historic centres of these medieval towns. From Strasbourg to Colmar and some of France’s most beautiful villages, such as Kaysersberg, here’s your essential guide to planning a trip to the Alsace region to experience its famous markets for yourself.
What is the most christmassy town in France? Strasbourg!
As soon as you step off the train, you’ll feel the festive spirit all around you. Strasbourg, the largest city in Alsace, isn’t called the Christmas capital for nothing. With more than 300 chalets in a dozen locations, Strasbourg’s Grande Île pulses with festive cheer throughout the Advent season.
Founded in 1570, the historic Christkindelsmärik is not only the oldest Christmas market in Alsace, but also one of the oldest in Europe. It’s been held on Place Broglie since the late 19th century and is considered by locals to be the heart and soul of the Christmas celebrations. Once a medieval parade ground, this storied square flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries, adorned with stately buildings that reflect a harmonious blend of classical and French Baroque styles.
Meanwhile, Place Kléber’s giant 30-metre Christmas tree and its iconic, decorated with lights and garlands, provides a postcard-perfect backdrop for ice-skating alongside sprawling café terraces.
To truly capture the magic of Strasbourg’s festivities and Christmas market tableau, be sure to visit these iconic holiday spots:
- Cathedral Square
- Place du Château
- Place du Marché-aux-Poissons
- Place du Temple Neuf
- Place Grimmeissen
- Place Saint-Thomas
- Place Benjamin Zix
- The terrace of Palais Rohan
And don’t miss a stroll down Gutenberg and Hallebardes streets. Here, market stalls offer Alsatian delicacies and handmade goods that’ll delight both the eyes and taste buds.
Advent in Alsace also brings a lineup of classical music concerts, especially from the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra and Conservatory. Reserve your tickets for a one-of-a-kind performance. Also, add a visit to the Alsatian Museum to your itinerary, where you can enjoy themed Christmas workshops on tree decorating and festive traditions.
Colmar: a sparkling gem and Alsace’s most beautiful Christmas market
Easily reachable by train or car, Colmar is the perfect spot for a warm, intimate Christmas atmosphere, especially as evening falls. Its Christmas market is one of the most charming in the region!
As you explore its six traditional markets, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a fairytale, with the scent of mulled wine in the air and lively chatter around you. From Place des Dominicains to the cobbled streets of Little Venice, and from Place de l’Ancienne Douane to Quai de la Poissonnerie, young and old alike will be mesmerized by the Christmas illuminations adorning the town’s signature half-timbered houses.
Where is the best place to go for Christmas in Alsace? Our dreamy itinerary:
It’s hard to pick just one favourite event to fully embrace the magic of Christmas markets in the Alsace region. There are so many enchanting villages to choose from, each with its own unique charm, festivities and traditions! Expect to see characters in period costume, artisans and delicious treats around every corner.
Psst! In December, many winemakers open their cellars for tastings. This is the perfect chance to meet the vintners, learn about their know-how and taste local gems like Riesling and Pinot Blanc.
Rent a car or hop on the Pays des Étoiles shuttle to explore the area even further. That way, you can follow the Alsatian wine route, which winds through vineyards, mountains and some of France’s most beautiful villages. Each is nestled among charming timber-framed houses and medieval buildings adorned with sumptuous Christmas decorations.
Ribeauvillé’s Christmas Market
Step back in time to the Middle Ages in this ‘fiddler’s town’ of lively activities and quaint small markets. If you can imagine a Christmas market in a Disney film, this is it.
Riquewihr’s Christmas Market
Feel like a child again with its shimmering displays, especially on the Esplanade des Remparts in the heart of Alsace’s wine country.
Kaysersberg’s Christmas Market
Known for its authenticity, this is arguably one of the most beloved and best Christmas market in the region.
Christmas Markets: Alsatian Delicacies
Christmas markets in the Alsace region are also a treat for foodies, with restaurants and specialty shops brimming with festive regional delicacies all throughout the Christmas period.
Be sure to try bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies), gingerbread, and männele (little brioche men, especially popular with kids).
And don’t miss the pretzels, sauerkraut, and flammekueche—a thin bread dough topped with crème fraîche, onions, and smoked bacon, ideally paired with a glass of Riesling.
Finally, make sure to experience the welcoming atmosphere of an Alsatian winstub, traditional wine taverns that became widespread in the late 19th century and serve hearty local cuisine. If you order a glass of wine, chances are it will come in a rutscherle, a small green-stemmed goblet typical of the region.
