The Best Alsace Towns for Christmas Markets
The Alsace region of France is a true gem of Europe and even more so at Christmas time. Alsace is storybook villages and fairytale settings in real life. You’ll love wandering the cute, half-timbered villages and taking in all the Christmas merriment.
You can not go wrong with any of the Alsace towns. There are so many Alsatian villages and they are all oozing charm. Christmas Markets in Alsace go next level on their Christmas decorations. If you are looking for a visual feast, this is the place to go. The Alsace region is compact enough that you can get easily from town to town. In one weekend you will be able to hit 3-4 markets if you plan right.
Where is Alsace, France?
The Alsace region lies in the Northeast corner of France on the border of Germany. The region is compact enough to be able to travel from town to town easily. Strasbourg is the biggest city of the region and the most well connected by train.
From Paris, Strasbourg is a 5 hour car drive or a 2 hour train ride.
From Frankfurt, Strasbourg is a 2.5 hour car drive or a 2 hour train ride.
From Zurich, Strasbourg is 3 hour car drive or a 2 hour train ride.
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg is known as “Le Capitale de Noel” or the Capital of Christmas and it is well-deserving of that title. This is the biggest city of the region, but still very walkable and easy to get around. Strasbourg is surrounded by a river and a great way to take in the sights is to take a boat cruise around the city.
In 2022 the Strasbourg Christmas Market opens on November 25. There are several markets set up throughout the city. The biggest market areas are near the Cathedral Notre Dame and at Place Kléber.
You can find the big Christmas tree at Place Kléber. You’ll want to see it during the day and also at night after it is lit at 5:00 PM.
One of the best things to do at the Christmas Markets in Alsace is simply to walk around the town and admire the Christmas decorations. Strasbourg’s Christmas displays are truly impressive. Where else can you see buildings adorned with giant teddy bears??
We didn’t see too many rides for kids at this Christmas Market. However, there was a double decker carousel by the Cathedral that we rode several times.
You can find out more about the Strasbourg Christmas Market on their website HERE.
Strasbourg Restaurants
There’s no shortage of delicious food to be found at the Christmas Markets, but if you’re looking for a restaurant to sit down at, try these recommendations. Be aware that many restaurants do not open for dinner until after 6:30 PM which can be a challenge with young children in tow.
It’s best to make a reservation for dinner as this is a very popular time to be in Strasbourg.
Recommended Restaurants
Where to Stay
Ideally you will be able to find an accommodation within walking distance of the center of the town. Remember to look for accommodations as far in advance as you can. Places will book up quickly for the Christmas season.
We stayed at this apartment. It was very central, close to the Cathedral. Our family of 5 fit, but it was cozy.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is best for:
Biggest market in the Alsace Towns
Cathedral Backdrop to one Market
Best Lights and Overall decorations
Parking for the Strasbourg Christmas Market
Much of Strasbourg is car free, and even the streets you can drive on can be small and challenging. The city also shuts down the roads to the interior of Strasbourg during certain times while the market is going on. It’s best to pick one of the parking garages across the river from the center and walk from there.
We parked at Les Bateliers parking garage and it was a good location.
Other Things to Do in Strasbourg
Le Vaisseau - A hands on science museum that is sure to entertain kids and adults.
Zoo de l’Orangerie - If the weather is agreeable, take a walk around the zoo and the Parc de l’Orangerie
Glaces Franchi Orangerie - Need an indoor activity? Why not go for a day of bowling!
Colmar Christmas Market
Colmar is a smaller city than Strasbourg but it doesn’t lack in any of the beauty. It is bursting with colorful half-timber buildings. Colmar also has several market areas dispersed throughout the city. You can wander from market to market all while marveling at the gorgeous Christmas decor.
This was the best Alsace Town for Christmas Markets for kids! Colmar had tons of rides! You couldn’t turn a corner without finding a new fun ride for littles. Don’t miss the permanent carousel in Place Rapp and the ice skating rink. Cafe Rapp located adjacent to the rink has good breakfast and lunch. Also find a great playground at Terrain de jeu-Montagne Vert. If you need a market to entertain kids, this would be my pick.
In 2022 the Colmar Christmas Market runs from November 24-December 29. Check the website for maps and all the info.
Colmar Restaurants
There’s no shortage of traditional Alsatian cuisine in Colmar. We found ourselves hankering for something different, so here are a couple different restaurants we liked. The third one served a great breakfast which is sometimes tricky to find.
Le Palmyre-delicious Lebanese food
Sushia-sushi and Japanese food
Bistrot Gourmand-great breakfast
Where to Stay in Colmar
Again, if you can stay walking distance from the markets, this is ideal. We stayed at this apartment in Colmar and loved it! There is no parking at the location but you can park at a garage nearby. We also stayed at this nearby guest house and it was charming, affordable, and has a restaurant on the premises. It is in the village Chatenois which is north of Colmar but very near Ribeauville and Riquewihr.
The Colmar Christmas Market is Best for:
Kids and Rides
Overall Charm & Beauty
Parking for the Colmar Christmas Market
Parking and Driving in central Colmar is a challenge. We got lucky for the markets and found street parking that we paid for with the Easy Park app. You can also look for parking at one of the garages near the center. I like to use google maps to just search “parking” in the area, and normally it will pop up with a bunch of lots and parking garages.
Other Things to Do In Colmar
Boat Cruise through Petite Venise (buy tickets early because the rides sell out quickly)
Take a guided city tour
Choco Story Colmar-a chocolate museum and immersive experience
Musée Bartholdi-museum about the sculptor who sculpted the Statue of Liberty (Colmar has a smaller Statue of Liberty just outside the center)
Riquewihr Christmas Market
Riquewihr falls into the small Alsace Villages category. The town is little more than one main street with some side streets, yet it packs a lot of charm into a small area. I recommend getting out to the smaller Alsace towns for Christmas markets as well because they are very quaint and it isn’t as overwhelming as Strasbourg and Colmar. It’s nice to get to see a little bit of the big markets and a little bit of the small markets.
Make sure to step off the main street and wander through some of the smaller alleyways. Plenty of cute shops selling Alsatian goods and wine are tucked away in this little town.
Visit the site for the Christmas Market in Riquewihr HERE. Other small Alsace Towns you could visit are Ribeauville, Kayersberg, Eguisheim, Obernai.
Parking for the Riquewihr Christmas Market
We were directed to a small lot on the outside of the town where we were able to pay for parking. I would recommend getting to this market early as I can see the parking area filling up and then you would be in for a bit of a walk.
What to Eat & Drink at Christmas Markets in Alsace
When at Christmas markets in France, you’ll want to be sure and indulge in the cuisine! Of course you will find sweet and savory crepes for sale. You’ll also find flammkuchen, a type of thin flatbread from this region typically served with creme fraiche, onions, and bacon.
In Germany glüwhein is the drink of choice at the markets but in Alsace you’ll look for vin chaud (hot wine). You can get it rouge (red) or blanc (white). I recommend sampling both to see what you prefer.
I also came across some other specialty hot drinks at the market in Strasbourg. I sampled Bulles de Noel which was composed of crémant (sparkling white wine), honey, star anise,brown sugar, cinnamon stick, clove, and slices of lemon and orange. Highly recommend this drink as well, it was delightful!
For the non-drinkers there is also hot chocolate available.
Christmas Market Mugs
Christmas Market Mugs have become a big collectible item. When you order a hot drink at a Christmas Market, most of the time it will be served to you in a ceramic mug specially designed for that city. Most of the time the mugs’ designs change yearly as well. So you may visit the same market another time and get a different mug.
You’ll pay a deposit for the mug, plus the price of the drink. If you return the mug, you’ll get the deposit back. But if you’d prefer to keep the mug, you can! Some people love to collect these. I think they make great, cheap souvenirs and are the perfect size to serve kids hot cocoa all winter long.
In Strasbourg, I found them to be a little expensive. It was 5 euros for mug + drink price (8 total). In Colmar, they were only selling the collectible mugs at ONE vin chaud stand. Needless to say, the line to get these mugs was quite long. Depends on how bad you want that mug!
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What to Wear to Christmas Markets in Alsace
It’s important to dress comfortably for Christmas Markets in Alsace because you will be outside for a long time in the cold. You don’t want to have to cut the fun short because someone is too cold.
Personally, I always wear:
thermal leggings under my jeans
waterproof boots (I like Blondo for more stylish ones, my Sperry duck boots, or Sorel snow boots)
a wool layer under a sweater
my warmest coat, currently a Columbia parka
scarves, gloves, and hats.
For my kids I do the same. I make them wear tights or thermal layers under their pants, wool socks, waterproof boots, waterproof coats (in case it snows or rains), hats, and gloves.
The weather may not forecast for rain or snow, but sometimes it will catch you by surprise. I would recommend to dress for it just in case!
Alsace Christmas Market Tips
Stay at least 2 nights (more if you can!)
Visit markets both big and small.
Bring cash! Some vendors may not take cards and cash is preferred and easier.
Dress warm, see above!
Do a lap around the market before you decide on something to buy. You’ll want to survey the goods and not just buy at the first stand you see.
See markets by day and by night, when the lights are on it’s a whole different atmosphere!
Have I convinced you that you should put Alsace Christmas Markets at the top of your wishlist? Let me know if you’ve been to these Alsace Towns for Christmas before in the comments! If you have any questions, feel free to leave those too!
