Christmas in Alsace : the ultimate guide to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace
Updated: 18 hours ago
For the Christmas season, Alsace is undoubtedly one of the most magical regions in Europe. Illuminated villages, decorated half-timbered houses, the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine… Every year during Advent, millions of visitors come to discover Alsace’s Christmas markets, renowned for their authenticity and magic.
Are you planning a winter getaway around Colmar in Alsace in December? Here is our selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace and the must-do activities during this period, whether you are travelling as a couple, with family or with friends. We also give you some tips for getting around more easily by car, Christmas shuttle or even by bike for the more adventurous!
1. The unmissable Colmar Christmas Market
Colmar is undoubtedly one of the prettiest towns in Alsace, and even more so when it puts on its festive lights for the holiday season. With its five Christmas markets spread throughout the historic centre, you are sure to be amazed. Admire the magnificent illuminations, the beautiful, richly decorated half-timbered houses, and make the most of the festive musical atmosphere and the scents of gingerbread and red or white mulled wine (vin chaud).
Little Venice is probably the most photographed spot, with its craft market and enchanting setting along the Lauch River. The children's market, Place des Dominicains and the Koïfhus cloister each offer a unique atmosphere. If you're hungry, head to the gourmet market to taste dishes prepared by nine chefs, and finish with a ride on the Ferris wheel.
Events and activities take place throughout this magical Christmas season, which runs from November 23 to December 29.
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday 24th December: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Friday 25th December: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday 26th December: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
2. The authentic Eguisheim Christmas Market
Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Eguisheim is adorned with a thousand lights in December. Walk around the ramparts and don't miss the nativity scene loop. In the centre of the village, you can visit the art exhibition in the castle and enjoy its Christmas market, which welcomes around thirty artisans and creators.
Voted France's Favourite Village in 2013, Eguisheim will charm you with its rich heritage, medieval architecture, colourful houses and authenticity, creating an intimate and welcoming atmosphere. In the evening, the village looks as if it has come straight out of a fairy tale.
The Eguisheim Christmas Market takes place every day from November 27 to December 30 2026, except December 24, 25 and 26.
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday (until December 10): 12 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Monday to Thursday (from December 11): 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
3. Kaysersberg and its traditional Christmas Market
The village of Kaysersberg was voted France's Favourite Village in 2017. Experiencing the magic of Christmas in this magnificent village at the foot of the castle ruins is therefore one of the must-do experiences of Christmas in Alsace. With a cup of mulled wine in hand, discover around thirty wooden chalets where artisans and creators showcase their skills and expertise. This is an authentic Christmas market, located in the Arsenal courtyard and behind the church, in a picturesque 17th-century setting.
And to satisfy your appetite, head to the farmers' Christmas market on the Place de la Mairie to taste delicious local specialities such as bredala, kougelhopf, gingerbread, berawecka and manala.
The Kaysersberg Christmas Market takes place every weekend before Christmas from November 27 to December 20 2026.
Opening hours:
Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
4. Ribeauvillé and its unique medieval Christmas Market
Welcome to the city of minstrels for a one-of-a-kind Christmas market: the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market. Step back into the Middle Ages and watch dancers, jesters, entertainers, acrobats and even fire-breathers roam the streets. An incredible show and a wide range of activities make Christmas in Ribeauvillé truly unique.
At the Christmas market stalls, meet friendly costumed merchants and discover handcrafted treasures. Food lovers will enjoy medieval specialities such as spit-roasted wild boar and hearty soups, accompanied by a cervoise or mulled wine to warm you up in the winter cold.
Don't miss the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market, which takes place over just two weekends: December 5 and 6, and December 12 and 13 2026.
Opening hours:
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
5. Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas
It is impossible to talk about Christmas markets in Alsace without mentioning Strasbourg, nicknamed the Capital of Christmas. Its Christkindelsmärik, established in 1570, is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. The entire city becomes a huge fairytale setting, centred around its majestic 31-metre-high Christmas tree on Place Kléber. It lights up to music every day, every hour from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and then silently until midnight. A magical spectacle for young and old alike!
Set off in search of your Christmas gifts among the eight Christmas markets spread across the historic centre's iconic squares, such as the Christmas market at the foot of the cathedral, the Quai des Délices on the terrace of the Palais Rohan, or the Carré d'Or market on Place du Temple Neuf.
In Strasbourg, the Christmas markets are open every day from November 27 to December 24 2026.
Opening hours:
Monday to Sunday: 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
6. Turckheim's Elves' Christmas Market
Turckheim offers a sweet, family-friendly Christmas market steeped in local traditions. Here, the elves have built a magical Christmas village on Place de l'Hôtel-de-Ville. And every evening in December, one of the elves opens a new window of the living Advent calendar in a fairytale atmosphere.
The market, made up of wooden chalets around the Grand-Rue, showcases artisans, Christmas decorations, sweet treats and small local creations. At night, the fortified town and its gates provide a particularly enchanting spectacle.
The Turckheim Christmas Market takes place every day from November 27 to December 30 2026 (closed on December 25).
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
December 24 and 30: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
7. Riquewihr and its enchanting Christmas Market
Riquewihr is one of the beautiful villages along the Alsace Wine Route, and during the Christmas season, it becomes simply magical. Nestled between ramparts, colourful half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, this village offers a setting straight out of a winter fairy tale. Wander through the aisles of its Christmas market, taste Alsatian treats and do your Christmas shopping from local artisans.
Here, as in the other Alsatian villages, the illuminations and decorations are particularly elaborate: façades and windows are richly decorated, while the streets are adorned with sparkling garlands. During the day and as night falls, you will experience the magic of Christmas like never before.
In Riquewihr, the Christmas Market is open every day from November 27 to December 20.
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
8. Obernai and its gourmet Christmas Market
In Obernai, food lovers will be in paradise. Here, at the foot of the Belfry, around forty chalets await you to introduce you to local delicacies and regional products. Treat yourself to tastings of foie gras, bredele, gingerbread and Alsatian Christmas beer. Meet Alsatian producers and artisans, who will be delighted to share their passion and expertise with you.
You won't be able to resist the scents of spices and the aromas of mulled wine floating through the air and transporting you into the magic of an Alsatian Christmas. In Obernai, the star of the market is Obernai mulled wine, made with white wine in a large cauldron.
Christmas celebrations in Obernai run from November 27 to December 31 2026 (closed on December 25).
Opening hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
December 24 and 31: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
9. Munster and its mountain Christmas Market
Welcome to the Vosges. In the heart of the mountains, Munster offers a charming and enchanting mountain Christmas Market. Set up on Place du Marché, it showcases traditional crafts and regional products, including the famous Munster cheese, along with an authentic atmosphere and numerous activities. Here, don't miss the chance to taste the must-try Munster cheese soup.
Enjoy the various activities, including meeting traditional Alsatian Christmas characters such as Saint Nicholas, as well as shows and concerts. A simple, welcoming and typically Vosgian Christmas market.
The Munster Christmas Market takes place every weekend from November 20 to December 20, then every day from December 21 to 31 (closed on December 25).
Opening hours:
From November 20 to December 20:
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
From December 21 to 31:
Monday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Exceptions:
Thursday 24 and 31 December: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Saturday 26 December: 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
10. Mulhouse and its Christmas fabric
Head to southern Alsace. In the heart of the historic centre, Mulhouse offers a warm and original Christmas Market, mainly located around Place de la Réunion. Its distinctive feature? Every year, a Christmas fabric specially created for the occasion adorns the façades, pedestrian streets and chalets, giving the city a unique festive decoration.
With around 90 chalets, the market showcases crafts, decorations, gift ideas and delicious specialities. Between shopping trips, treat yourself to mulled wine, tarte flambée, carpe-frites (a traditional dish from the Sundgau region) or even a Munster cheese waffle. You can also enjoy the Christmas entertainment and don't miss the arrival of Saint Nicholas on December 6.
The Mulhouse Christmas Market takes place from November 20 to December 23, 2026, with special opening dates on December 24, 26 and 27. It is closed on December 25.
Opening hours:
From November 20 to December 23:
Monday to Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday to Sunday: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
December 24 and 27: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
December 26: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.
The Must-Do Activities when during Christmas season in Alsace
Beyond the Christmas markets and illuminations, Alsace is packed with activities for all ages and tastes that make the Advent season an exceptional time of year. Here are the must-do experiences to fully enjoy the magic of Christmas in Alsace.
Take part in treasure hunts
Vous voulez découvrir l'Alsace de manière originale et ludique ? Relevez le défi des chasses de Noël. Want to discover Alsace in an original and fun way? Take on the challenge of the Christmas treasure hunts. This year, 60 Alsatian towns and villages are offering riddles and treasure hunts for young and old alike. These fun trails allow you to discover decorated streets, spot architectural details, learn more about local history and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere.
The treasure hunts generally consist of 10 stages and take around one hour. But you can take as much time as you need. Once you have collected all the clues, you need to find the treasure word. Done? Head to the location indicated at the end of the trail to collect your reward!
Discover the Christmas Cellars
The Christmas Cellars are a true Alsatian institution: they combine Alsace's winemaking expertise with the Christmas tradition. From late November to late December, many wineries open their doors to offer tastings in a festive and welcoming atmosphere, along with various activities and events.
Food and wine pairings, visits from Saint Nicholas, wine and chocolate or wine and macaron tastings in Eguisheim, a Christmas market at the winery in Pfaffenheim, and more. Don't forget to book in advance!
Don't miss the Saint Nicholas celebrations
A must-do experience at Christmas in Alsace, Saint Nicholas' visit take place on December 6 in many Alsatian towns and villages. He comes to hand out gingerbread, mandarins, chocolates and other treats to well-behaved children. But beware: he is often accompanied by Hans Trapp, a sort of Père Fouettard who comes to punish children who have not behaved well.
Attend all kinds of events
During the Christmas season in Alsace, there are a multitude of activities, concerts, exhibitions and other events to fully experience the magic of Christmas.
For example, join the night watchman on his rounds in Eguisheim and Turckheim; listen to children's choirs singing from illuminated boats in Little Venice in Colmar; or take part in gingerbread decorating workshops in Munster or mulled wine-making workshops in Beblenheim.
Whether you're travelling as a couple, with family or with friends, you are sure to find an original and fun activity to enjoy during Advent in Alsace.
Car, shuttle or bike: how to get to the Christmas markets in Alsace?
The Christmas season attracts huge numbers of visitors to Alsace. Getting around between the various Christmas markets can be difficult, especially at weekends. Whenever possible, try to visit during the week. Here are our transport tips to make the most of the magic of Christmas in Alsace.
The car for greater freedom
Whether you are using a rental car or your own vehicle, travelling by car remains the best way to get around and visit the different Christmas markets in Alsace. You are free to come and go as you please and organise your day however you like.
However, it is important to plan your journeys by setting off early in the morning or at the beginning of the afternoon, especially on December weekends, to avoid traffic jams as you approach some of the villages.
Alsatian towns and villages are generally well organised during the holiday season. Car parks (often with a fee) are specially created to accommodate the many visitors, and shuttles are put in place to take you to the Christmas markets once you have parked your vehicle.
To get to Strasbourg, don't hesitate to use the convenient Park & Ride facilities (P+R). For €4.20, you can park your car and get an unlimited bus/tram ticket to the city centre for the day for you and all your passengers (up to 7 people).
Christmas shuttles for greater convenience
From November 27 to December 20 included, Christmas shuttles allow you to travel between the Christmas markets around Colmar.
There are 5 routes:
LINES 1 AND 2: Colmar – Kaysersberg – Riquewihr – Ribeauvillé – Colmar
They run on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 27 to December 20 included.
LINE 3: Colmar – Eguisheim
This shuttle operates every day from November 27 to December 20 included.
LINE 4: Colmar – Turckheim – Munster
The shuttle runs on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from November 27 to December 20 included.
LINE 5: Colmar – Neuf-Brisach
This shuttle operates only on Saturday, December 12 and Sunday, December 13.
Please note that to take a Christmas shuttle, you must book your ticket online in advance on the www.noel-colmar.com website. Ticket sales opened on Thrusday November 12 at 12 p.m. (CET) and "last chance" tickets go on sale 3 days before each operating day. It will not be possible to purchase your ticket from the driver.
The fare is €17 per person for unlimited travel on all routes for one day. For the Turckheim, Munster and Neuf-Brisach Christmas markets (December 12 and 13), the fare is only €10 per person.
This option is ideal if your accommodation and parking are located in Colmar.
The train for greater comfort
To avoid heavy traffic and the hassle of finding parking, you can also travel by train from Colmar to reach the Munster Christmas Market, the Rouffach Christmas Market (held on the weekends of December 5–6 and 12–13), or Strasbourg.
The region is fairly well served:
Munster can be reached in 20 minutes from Colmar via the Munster Valley railway line.
Rouffach, Guebwiller (Bollwiller station) and other villages along the Wine Route are connected by regular TER trains.
Strasbourg is easily reached in 30 minutes from Colmar, with frequent trains throughout the day. You can also stop in Sélestat along the way.
This is an ideal option during busy periods.
Gravel biking for a more active experience
If you are an experienced cyclist, an amateur sports enthusiast or looking for an alternative way to get around Alsace, a gravel bike is an excellent way to explore the markets.
By taking the vineyard paths through the vineyards, you can avoid traffic jams, enjoy the winter scenery and beautiful decorations, and arrive directly in the heart of the villages.
From Colmar, you can take the EuroVelo 5 (or the Vineyard Cycle Route) all the way to Bergheim, passing through the villages of Eguisheim, Turckheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. Do this over several outings so you have enough time to explore each Christmas market without rushing.
Here are a few tips for cycling comfortably and in complete safety:
Remember to dress warmly to keep yourself warm (gloves, overshoes, a beanie under your helmet, etc.).
Put lights on the front and rear of your bike and wear a high-visibility vest so that you can be clearly seen, especially after dark.
Don't forget to bring a bike lock to secure your bike once you arrive.
You are now ready to enjoy the magic of Christmas in Alsace and discover the most beautiful Christmas markets. And if you're looking for a gravel bike to get around easily, Alsace Gravel Bike is here for you!
Happy holidays!
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