Discover our ranking of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace, a warm region voted the most welcoming in France from 2019 to 2022, and immerse yourself in its rich traditions.
11. Obernai
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Authenticity and conviviality are the words that best define the market of Obernai. In an intimate world, far from the crowds of big cities, discover the Alsatian traditions.
In the 40 chalets installed all around the city, you will find craftsmen and their savoir-faire, for your last-minute Christmas shopping and to complete your table or your Christmas Eve menu with specialties such as gingerbread, foie gras, bredele (traditional cookies), jams, wines or Alsatian beers.
Don’t miss the traditional Bernese mulled wine tasting around the winemakers’ cauldron.
Pros:
- A small market.
- The shows and the tours for the children.
- The exhibition of Nativity scenes in the church.
Cons:
- Access by public transport is about 1 hour compared to 25 minutes by car from Strasbourg.
- Paid parking spots in town, limited to 2.5h.
10. Mulhouse
Visit the third largest Christmas market in Alsace, after Strasbourg and Colmar, with no less than a hundred exhibitors.
In this former industrial city, you will find high-quality and regional products such as candles, hats and scarves, pottery and especially textile creations that made the city well-known.
After a tour of the city center, we suggest you move to the former industrial site of the DMC company where the Motoco Christmas market is organized. This market brings together the creations of the artists that live in this emblematic historic building.
Motoco is the largest artist residence in Europe with no less than 140 members, you will be able to find original and unique objects, paintings, and photos.
Pros:
- The alliance of traditional and modern markets.
- The big wheel where you can admire the city from high up.
- The magnificent carousel in the town hall square.
Cons:
- Approximately 30 minutes of walking or public transportation between the city center and Motoco.
- Few parking spots in the city center, you should take the Parking+Tram on the outskirts of the city near the university (2€ for parking and a round trip by streetcar for all the occupants of the vehicle).
9. Thann
In Thann, you will find a Christmas market overflowing with activities for both the young and the old.
Come and enjoy Advent and Christmas concerts, creative workshops, Christmas stories, gourmet walks with lanterns in the Rangen, and the many other shows and activities organized throughout the month of December.
At the foot of the Saint-Thiébaut Collegiate Church, on the Place Joffre and the Place De Lattre de Tassigny, discover the many stands that offer regional products, gingerbread, bredele and the inimitable mulled wine.
Pros:
- The gourmet village opens every day after 12:00.
- More than 520 free parking spots with unlimited duration.
- Much less crowded than the big cities.
- The street shows.
Cons:
- It is very small, only about 30 booths with exhibitors.
8. Eguisheim
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Come to the castle square come and marvel at the charming town of Eguisheim.
In the Haut-Rhinois vineyards, walk and relax in this typically Alsatian environment and admire the thirty or so exhibitors who will offer you local and hand-made products.
Go and walk around the little town accompanied by the night watchman, who will guide you and tell you the history of the town during 1h30 on Tuesdays in December (for free, on reservation at +33 3 89 23 40 33).
You can get there by the Pays des Étoiles shuttles from the Colmar train station every Friday (every two hours), Saturday and Sunday (every 30 minutes) for €6 during the week and €10 during weekends.
Pros:
- The living Nativity scene, the procession of Saint Lucia, and the other numerous activities.
Cons:
- Few activities are dedicated to children.
- Free parking quickly full
- Paid parking (€4 for the day)
7. Ribeauvillé
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Immerse yourself in an atmosphere and a Christmas market of a purely medieval style, in the heart of the capital of the minstrels of Alsace.
Take a step back in time of more than 1000 years and discover a new facet of Alsatian markets.
Taste the wild boar cooked on a pit, surrounded by beggars, the Magi and their camels.
With over 70 chalets, you will be able to complete your Christmas gift list, in a timeless spirit.
You can get there by the Pays des Étoiles shuttle buses from Colmar train station every Friday (every two hours), Saturday and Sunday (every 30 minutes) for €10 per person (free for children under 12).
Pros:
- A total change of scenery far from the traditional markets.
- Many activities and shows (dancers, jugglers, fire-eaters…).
- Parking-Relay is available, for 8€ for the location and the transfer in shuttle for all the occupants of the vehicle).
Cons:
- High personal traffic.
- Lots of traffic jams (not all streets are pedestrian).
6. Strasbourg
The inimitable market of Strasbourg, created in 1570, is one of the oldest markets in Europe as well as the most visited to this day.
In total, there are no less than 13 markets spread throughout the whole city.
We advise you, after admiring the cathedral and the Christmas tree on Place Kléber, to move towards Petite France and Place Grimmeissen to take a tour of the OFF Market where, since 2016, in an unusual decor made of maritime containers has opened. This market promotes the possibility to meet with actors of the Social and Solidarity Economy, and transmit the desire to spend money ethically and responsibly.
Pros:
- Large island reserved for pedestrians during the holidays.
- The ice rink.
- The big Christmas tree on the Place Kléber.
Cons:
- Victim of its success, with more than 2 million visitors.
- Few parking lots are available in the city center.
5. Riquewihr
In the center of the Alsatian vineyards, the small village of Riquewihr, which is one of the most beautiful villages in France, will transport you into a magical world of Christmas spirit.
Admire the illuminated facades of the half-timbered houses between a glass of mulled wine. All of which being in an intimate atmosphere.
You can get there by the Pays des Étoiles shuttle buses from Colmar train station every Friday (every two hours), Saturday and Sunday (every 30 minutes) for €10 per person (free for children under 12).
Pros:
- The decorations and illuminations of the houses.
Cons:
- Few parking lots are available and not free.
- Small market, takes between 1 to 2 hours to make the tour.
4. Haguenau
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No less than 50 booths are distributed between Place de la République, Place d’Armes, Place Joseph Thierry, Cours de la Décapole and Grand’Rue which will allow you to immerse yourself in pure Alsatian tradition.
Enjoy the market without the problems associated with big cities: crowded streets.
Take a tour in the chalets where you will find craftsmen from all over France who will offer you local products, wooden objects, decorations.
Pros:
- The ice rink costs 5€ per person with no time limit, equipment provided.
- Many rides will entertain the youngest.
- Less crowded than the big markets, but more pleasant to visit.
Cons:
- Relatively small in size.
- Few chalets.
3. Basel (Switzerland)
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The Basel Christmas market, which has been qualified as the best Christmas market in Europe in 2021, will transport you into a new dimension.
Discover the Swiss traditions thanks to the 130 chalets spread over two sites.
The foot of the cathedral on the Münsterplatz, one of the most beautiful squares in Switzerland is sumptuously decorated and illuminated for the occasion.
At the Barfüsserplatz, you can let yourself be tempted by a Basel Läckerli (a kind of gingerbread), or an authentic Swiss raclette.
Pros:
- Numerous activities and events are organized during the advent.
- Discovery of the architecture and traditions of Basel, all of which are characteristic of the city.
Cons:
- Prices are slightly higher than in France.
- Very busy on weekends, parking lots in the city center are mostly full (think of joining the market by train from Mulhouse station or by streetcar).
2. Colmar
Discover the 6 Christmas markets that the city of Colmar has to offer.
Walk around the heart of the old Colmar, the different atmospheres will amaze you.
Warm yourself up around a mulled wine, or taste a delicious sauerkraut in good company and dive into the world of Alsatian Christmas.
If you are going to venture out on a Sunday, we advise you to go to the Sainte Marie de Colmar church to admire the Mechanical Nativity scene dating from 1935.
Pros:
- Different atmospheres spread throughout the city center.
- Open every day of the week.
- Ferries wheel.
- Many activities for children, including an ice rink.
Cons:
- Very crowded from Friday evening to Sunday, we advise you to go during the week to fully appreciate the market.
1. Kaysersberg
In the heart of the Alsatian vineyards, dive into the magical world of the medieval city of Kaysersberg, described as the most beautiful village in France in 2017.
Discover the half-timbered houses of this small village which are illuminated and decorated carefully by the citizens.
Brave the Alsatian winter cold and meet the craftsmen who exhibit their creations in the thirty small chalets where you can find wooden toys, Christmas decorations, gingerbread and other Alsatian sweets.
We advise you to come early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowd. Count between 4 and 6 hours for a complete market tour, but nothing stops you from lingering longer, strolling through the narrow streets dating from the 13th century, and ending the day by eating warm sauerkraut or hot Munster with potatoes.
You can get there by the Pays des Étoiles shuttle buses from Colmar train station every Friday (every two hours), Saturday and Sunday (every 30 minutes) for €10 per person (free for those under 12).
Pros:
- Small, typical village with a warm welcome.
- Parking outside the town (4€), then a free shuttle bus takes you to the town center, quick rotation between shuttles.
Cons:
- Closed during the week, making it very crowded on weekends.
- You may not find a place in the restaurants without prior reservation.
- Few animations.
FAQ
Do you have to pay to enter the Christmas markets?
Access to Christmas markets is generally free. However, some special activities or attractions may require a ticket.
Can you find vegetarian or vegan products at the markets?
Yes, many markets offer a range of food products including vegetarian and vegan options.
Are the Christmas markets accessible to people with reduced mobility?
Most markets are accessible, but some may present challenges due to their location in old towns. It is advised to check the specific information of each market.
How do you get around between the different Christmas markets in Alsace?
Using a car is obviously the most convenient.
But public transportation is a good option, especially trains and regional buses. Some cities also offer special shuttles during the Christmas market season.
Are the Christmas markets open every day?
Most markets are open daily, but hours can vary. Some markets may be closed on certain days, especially on December 25th.
Can you buy typical Alsatian souvenirs at the markets?
Yes, the Christmas markets are the ideal place to buy Alsatian souvenirs, such as gingerbread, Christmas decorations, and ceramics.
And you? What’s your favorite Alsatian Christmas market? Let us know in the comments.
I aim to share my tips and recommendations for the beautiful country of France. My goal is to help you plan your next adventure, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a once-in-a-lifetime trip. From finding the best hotels and restaurants, to discovering unique activities and sights, I’ve got you covered!
