The 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace
Alsace is decked out in its finest finery from the end of November to celebrate the magic of Christmas. From illuminated half-timbered houses to the scents of mulled wine and gingerbread, Alsace’s Christmas markets embody the authentic tradition of the end-of-year festivities. From big cities like Strasbourg and Colmar to small medieval villages like Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, each market has its own identity and unique charm. Here’s our selection of the 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace, so you can experience the festive spirit to the full.
See also the Strasbourg guide :
- Strasbourg’s top 10 culinary specialities
- Top 6 activities in Strasbourg
- The most beautiful villages to visit around Strasbourg
- 10 Alsace villages to discover near Colmar
- The 14 most beautiful walks in Alsace
- 12 unusual romantic weekends in Alsace
- 3 of the most beautiful villages in Alsace to discover
- Top 5 events in Strasbourg
1. Strasbourg, the Christmas capital
It’s impossible to talk about Christmas markets in Alsace without mentioning Strasbourg, the undisputed Christmas capital since 1570. The Christkindelsmärik is the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the most famous in Europe. With its 300 chalets spread over ten or so sites throughout the historic centre, Strasbourg welcomes almost 2 million visitors from all over the world every year.
The market is centred around several emblematic squares: the Place de la Cathédrale with its majestic illuminated fir tree, the Place Broglie, the Place Kléber where the large Christmas tree (often over 30 metres high) takes pride of place, and the Place du Marché-aux-Poissons. Each place has its own atmosphere and specialities. You’ll discover authentic Alsatian handicrafts, traditional Christmas decorations, culinary specialities such as bredele (small Christmas cakes), gingerbread and, of course, mulled wine with spices.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Strasbourg on foot and on your own
To make the most of your visit to Strasbourg over the Christmas period, let yourself be guided by the Navaway audio tour. This 7.4km route takes you through 32 of the city’s major places of interest in just 3 hours and 15 minutes, from Petite France to the Grande Île, via Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Ponts Couverts. Download the app and discover Strasbourg like a local, with historical anecdotes and well-kept secrets about each monument.
Dates 2025: 22 November to 30 December
Opening times: Sunday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9pm
Access: Strasbourg city centre, several sites
2. Colmar and its six fairytale markets
The town of Colmar offers a unique experience with its six themed Christmas markets spread throughout the town. This multiplication of sites offers visitors a remarkable diversity. The market in Place des Dominicains focuses on handcrafted Christmas decorations, the one in Place Jeanne d’Arc showcases local Alsatian products (foie gras, Alsatian wines, fine charcuterie), while the market in Place de l’Ancienne Douane enchants visitors with its picturesque setting around the Schwendi fountain and along the canal.
The Koïfhus indoor market, housed in the old medieval customs house, offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere sheltered from the elements. La Petite Venise is home to a particularly romantic waterside market, and finally, the gourmet market on Place de la Cathédrale delights visitors with its culinary specialities. Colmar is considered by many to have the finest Christmas markets in Alsace, thanks to its well-preserved architecture and exceptional illuminations.
Between two shopping trips to the markets, take time to visit Colmar with its audioguide tour, which takes you to 21 points of interest in 2 hours 10 minutes, including Little Venice, the Pfister House and the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin.
Dates 2025: 22 November to 29 December
Opening times: Monday-Thursday 11am-7pm, Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday 10am-8pm, Sunday 10am-7pm
Access: historic centre of Colmar, six separate sites
3. Kaysersberg, an authentic medieval market
Voted France’s favourite village in 2017, Kaysersberg offers a Christmas market that stands out for its medieval authenticity and intimate atmosphere. The village, which means “Emperor’s Mountain”, unfurls its wooden chalets only on Advent weekends, making it all the more special. The cobbled streets of the historic centre are adorned with magical lights and host around forty hand-picked exhibitors.
The originality of the Kaysersberg market lies in its artisanal and local approach. You’ll find regional designers selling handmade objects, local produce and authentic Alsatian specialities. The imperial castle overlooking the village offers an exceptional panorama of the snow-covered surroundings. A Christmas exhibition is also held every afternoon in a traditional house.
Dates 2025: the four Advent weekends (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) from 28 November to 21 December, plus 23 December
Opening times: 10am-8pm
Access: historic centre of Kaysersberg
4. Riquewihr, the pearl of the Alsace vineyards
Ranked as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Riquewihr offers an exceptional setting for its Christmas market. This medieval town, miraculously preserved from the destruction of war, seems frozen in time with its ramparts, defence towers and colourful half-timbered houses dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. The market takes place in the heart of the village, transforming every street into a fairytale setting.
Riquewihr’s illuminations are reputed to be among the most spectacular in Alsace. Thousands of strings of lights adorn the historic facades, creating a magical atmosphere as soon as night falls. The market features around sixty chalets selling local crafts, Christmas decorations, Alsatian wines and gourmet specialities. The tourist office also organises popular night-time guided tours.
Dates 2025: 28 November to 21 December
Times: Monday-Friday 10am-6.30pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-7pm
Access: medieval centre of Riquewihr (Rue du Général de Gaulle, 68340 Riquewihr)
5. Eguisheim, tradition and conviviality
Another of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, Eguisheim is famous for its concentric streets surrounding the château des Comtes. This unique circular village hosts an intimate Christmas market showcasing Alsatian customs and traditions. Around thirty wooden chalets are set up in the heart of the village, offering handcrafted creations, local culinary specialities and wines from the local vineyards.
The atmosphere in Eguisheim is particularly warm and family-friendly. As the village is smaller than Strasbourg or Colmar, the market retains an authentic, friendly atmosphere. From 27 to 30 December, a special market dedicated to Epiphany takes over: the Three Wise Men’s Market, which celebrates this tradition with special events. The colourful houses, fountains in bloom even in winter and traditional decorations make Eguisheim a must-see.
Dates 2025: 28 November to 30 December (except 24, 25, 26 December)
Opening times: daily 9am-8pm
Access: historic centre of Eguisheim
6. Mulhouse, the stuff of Christmas
Mulhouse, Alsace’s second-largest city, offers an original Christmas market that pays tribute to its textile industrial past. Every year, a huge fabric called “l’Étoffe de Noël” is specially created to decorate the facades and streets of the city centre. This unique tradition gives the Mulhouse market a strong, recognisable visual identity. More than 130 chalets are set up in several squares in the historic centre, including the Place de la Réunion opposite the Town Hall.
The Mulhouse market also stands out for its particularly rich programme of entertainment: daily concerts, street shows, parades and even a children’s village with attractions specially designed for younger visitors. The Ferris wheel installed for the occasion offers a breathtaking view of the illuminated city. The market extends as far as Place de la République and the Nouveau Quartier, where a more alternative off-market attracts a younger crowd.
Dates 2025: 22 November to 29 December
Opening times: Monday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday 11am-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 10am-8pm
Access: Mulhouse town centre, Place de la Réunion
7. Obernai, gastronomy and crafts
Obernai, a charming little town at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile, holds a Christmas market renowned for showcasing Alsatian gastronomy and local crafts. More than 40 chalets are set up in the historic centre around Place du Marché, Place de l’Étoile and along Rue du Général Gouraud. The town’s remarkable architecture, with its belfry, ramparts and half-timbered houses, provides an exceptional backdrop for the market.
Local producers are well represented, with foie gras, Obernai wines, honeys, homemade jams, cheeses and charcuterie. On the craft side, you’ll discover original creations by local potters, glassmakers, cabinet-makers and dressmakers. A children’s village with a merry-go-round and entertainment will delight the youngest visitors. The atmosphere is authentic and warm, typical of these small Alsatian towns that have managed to preserve their identity.
Dates 2025: 28 November to 31 December (closed on 25 December)
Opening times: Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm, Friday-Sunday 10am-8pm
Access: historic centre of Obernai, Place du Marché
8. Haguenau, Nordic conviviality
Haguenau offers a Christmas market on a human scale, but of the highest quality. It’s the only Christmas market in northern Alsace open every day from the end of November to the end of December, making it a great place to avoid the weekend crowds. The market takes place in several town centre squares: Place de la République, Place d’Armes, Place Joseph Thierry, Grand’Rue and Cours de la Décapole.
The atmosphere in Haguenau is particularly friendly and family-friendly. The market boasts an authentic “home-made” feel, with local and artisanal products. A variety of events punctuate the festive period, including concerts, street shows and Father Christmas. The Haguenau forest, one of the largest in Alsace, also offers some great winter walks close to the town centre. The town hosts almost 200 exhibitors at its opening event in early December.
Dates 2025: 21 November to 30 December
Opening times: daily 11am-8pm
Access: Haguenau town centre, several squares
9. Sélestat, a historic birthplace
Sélestat occupies a special place in the history of Christmas, as it was here that the oldest written document mentioning a Christmas tree was found, dating back to 1521. The Sélestat Christmas market pays tribute to this exceptional heritage, and is centred around two centres: the traditional market in front of the church of Sainte-Foy and the medieval market in the gardens of Haut-Koenigsbourg.
The town is decked out in spectacular illuminations, and a huge Christmas tree stands proudly in the Place de la République. The medieval market takes visitors back to the Middle Ages, with period entertainment, demonstrations of ancient crafts and a reconstruction of a medieval village. The Humanist Library in Sélestat, which holds the famous 1521 document, organises temporary exhibitions on Christmas traditions. The town is easily accessible by train from Strasbourg or Colmar.
Dates 2025: 21 November to 28 December
Opening times: Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-8pm (closed on 25 December)
Access: Sélestat town centre, in front of Sainte-Foy church
10. Munster, in the heart of the mountains
Nestling in the Munster valley at the foot of the Vosges mountains, the “Au Cœur des Montagnes” Christmas market offers an exceptional natural setting. This small town, famous for its PDO cheese, offers an authentic market showcasing mountain produce and Vosges crafts. Around thirty chalets are set up on the Place du Marché, against a backdrop of snow-covered fir trees and Vosges peaks.
The mountain atmosphere lends a special charm to the Munster market. Here you can sample the famous star-spangled Christmas soup, a local speciality only served at this time of year, as well as Munster cheese accompanied by spiced mulled wine. The valley’s farmers offer their specialities: jams, honeys, smoked meats and homemade schnapps. It’s also the ideal starting point for winter walks in the Vosges or a visit to the Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Park.
Dates 2025: 28 November to 24 December
Timing: every day from 10am to 8pm
Access : Place du Marché, 68140 Munster
In conclusion, Alsace’s Christmas markets are much more than just a tradition: they embody the soul of this unique region, where French and Germanic influences mingle. Each market has its own character, from the big urban events in Strasbourg and Colmar to the intimate markets in villages like Kaysersberg and Eguisheim. Whether you’re looking for the excitement of the big crowds, the authenticity of the small village markets or the magic of the illuminations in a medieval setting, you’ll find what you’re looking for among these 10 must-visit destinations. To make the most of your stay, don’t hesitate to discover Strasbourg or explore Colmar with the Navaway audio tours, which will allow you to visit these towns on your own while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the Christmas markets.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Christmas markets in Alsace?
The best period is between early December and 23 December. Most markets open at the end of November and close on 24 or 30 December, depending on the town. Weekends are very busy, so opt for weekdays if you want to avoid the crowds. The illuminations are particularly magical at dusk, around 5-6pm in December.
How do you get around Alsace’s Christmas markets?
The train is the most practical way of getting to the main towns in Alsace. Strasbourg, Colmar, Mulhouse and Sélestat are well connected by TER. For villages such as Riquewihr, Kaysersberg and Eguisheim, special “Christmas market” shuttles run from Colmar during the festive season. You’ll still need a car for more isolated villages like Munster. Think of the park-and-ride facilities in the larger towns to avoid parking problems.
What culinary specialities are not to be missed at Alsace’s Christmas markets?
The must-tries are mulled wine with spices (red or white wine), bredele (small Christmas cakes in a variety of shapes), gingerbread, mannele (buns in the shape of a little man), tarte flambée au gratin, hot chestnuts, schwowebredele (small shortbread cakes) and, of course, the traditional Christstollen. On the savoury side, try sauerkraut, knacks (Strasbourg sausages) and flammekueche. Don’t forget to take home one or more bredele as a souvenir!
How many days should I allow to visit Alsace’s Christmas markets?
A weekend will allow you to explore the main markets in Strasbourg and Colmar. For a complete tour including the villages of the Wine Route (Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim), allow 3 to 4 days. If you want to take your time and also visit the towns during the day with the Navaway audioguide tours, a week is not too long to fully savour the magic of Christmas in Alsace.
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