The Best Alsace 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, colorful, half-timbered villages and taking in all the Christmas merriment.
You can not go wrong with any of the Alsace Christmas Markets. 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 by car or train. In one weekend you will be able to hit 3-4 Christmas markets in Alsace if you plan right. To read my full guide to visiting Christmas Markets in Europe, read this post!
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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. Our family prefers to have a rental car most of the time because we appreciate having the flexibility to come and go when we want, and it also lets us easily get to smaller places that may not have a convenient train connection.
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 Alsace 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 2024 the Strasbourg Christmas Market opens on November 27 and runs until December 27. There are several markets set up throughout the city and each one has a unique feeling. The biggest market areas are near the Cathedral Notre Dame and at Place Kléber. Throughout the Strasbourg Christmas Market you’ll find over 300 market stalls, so get ready to shop!
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. The lighting of the tree is more like a light show with timed lights and coordinated music. It really is beautiful and you should make a point to see it.
You can download your own copy of the Strasbourg Christmas Market map by clicking on the map below.
One of the best things to do at the Alsace Christmas Markets 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?? The Strasbourg Christmas Markets must be explored by day and night. The whole feeling of the city changes at night and you will miss out if you don’t walk around and see all the pretty lights (even if you’re tired).
If you want to hear a little bit more about the history of the city and the markets, I would suggest taking a guided Christmas Market tour where you’ll learn more and get some insider tips from a local guide.
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. The 2024 map and Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide haven’t been released yet as of time of writing, but you will be able to find the 2023 version now and the 2024 version when it is released here.
Strasbourg Restaurants
There’s no shortage of delicious food to be found at the Alsace 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 Strasbourg, but you can also use the city’s network of trams to help you get around. Remember to look for accommodations as far in advance as you can. Hotels in Alsace 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.
Other Hotels in Strasbourg:
You could not be closer to the action than with this hotel right on Place Kleber
This apartment is also right next to Place Kleber
This cute apartment is still walkable to all the markets and comes with parking, a huge bonus!
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 that was easily walkable to where we were staying and all the markets.
NOTE: to drive in central Strasbourg, you need an air emissions sticker on your car. They are easy to get online.
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!
Take a food tour, these are always sure to be good time
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. The Colmar Christmas Market also has several market areas dispersed throughout the city and is my personal favorite Alsace Christmas Market. You can wander from market to market all while marveling at the gorgeous Christmas decor, pretty canals, and cheerfully colored buildings.
This was also the best Alsace Christmas Market for kids! The Colmar Christmas Market 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 (near the Champs des Mars) and the ice skating rink. Cafe Rapp located adjacent to the rink has good breakfast and lunch. You can also find a great playground at Terrain de jeu-Montagne Vert. If you need a market to entertain kids, this would be my pick.
The Gourmet Market area of Colmar is foodie paradise where you will find a collection of gourmet food stands selling all the best French foods you would expect: escargot, champagne, cheeses, soups, and so much more. In 2023 it was located near the ferris wheel and another ride which helps entertain the kids while you sip champagne.
In 2024 the Colmar Christmas Market runs from November 26-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.
More Hotels in Colmar:
This modern apartment near the center
I stumbled on this unique apartment that looks like you’d be staying at Hogwarts, good reviews and a little extra magic!
This hotel looks great if you prefer a hotel over an apartment
A historic hotel with a restaurant on the premises
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)
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 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 for all the details. In 2024 the market goes from November 30-December 22.
Other small Alsace Towns you could visit are Ribeauville’s Medieval Market (only on 2 weekends in December), Kayersberg, Eguisheim, or 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.
Hotels in Riquewihr
This hotel has an indoor pool and sauna that would be a nice way to unwind at the end of the day
A charming penthouse apartment
Historic 2 bedroom apartment with traditional style
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. Sausages are also quite common and is an easy food to walk with.
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 in Germany 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. In France, the mugs are a little harder to find and plastic cups are more common.
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!
If you see people with mugs and you haven’t seen them anywhere yet, don’t be afraid to ask them where they found it! Most of the time they will be happy to point you in the right direction.
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 (look at these cute but warm options)
my warmest coat, currently a Columbia parka but looking at this new coat for this year
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, though I was able to tap pay with my phone for most things last year
Dress warm, see above!
See markets by day and by night, when the lights are on it’s a whole different atmosphere!
Europe Travel Quick Tips:
Get your eSIM with Airalo for the easiest way to have data while traveling abroad.
Compare train routes and tickets with Omio to find the best deals.
Get your rental car here for the most flexibility in your travel. Driving in these countries is easy and nothing to worry about.
Need a place to store your bags after you check out or before you check in? Find a spot to drop them off while you explore.
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!
I have a few other posts that might help you with related trips:
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