ALSACE, FRANCE: A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE TO THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year, especially in the Alsace region of France. From mid-November to late December, visitors flock to this part of the country to experience dozens of festive Christmas markets that transform the timber towns into real-life Winter Wonderlands. These Beauty and the Beast settings decked out with Christmas trees, wood chalets, holiday décor and sparkling lights create the ultimate holiday atmosphere. Below is my complete guide to Alsace including the best Christmas markets, hotels and restaurants, as well as travel tips on how to navigate the region.
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The festive teddy bear house is one of the most iconic Christmas spots in Strasbourg. Location is along the Rue du Maroquin. OUTFIT DETAILS: Coatigan linked here and fleece lined leggings linked here.
QUICK ALSACE TIPS
- ARE THE MARKETS FREE? – Yes, the Christmas markets are completely free to visit! You only pay for souvenirs, food and drinks.
- CUPS & MUGS – Each Christmas market town has its own signature cup or mug that you’ll receive when you buy a hot cider, hot chocolate or mulled wine. If you plan to visit multiple markets, it’s fun to collect one from each as a souvenir. Alternatively, if you don’t want to keep your cup or mug, you can redeem it for a couple Euros at the end of the day.
- CHRISTMAS MARKET DAY TRIPS – The train system makes it very easy to day trip to Christmas markets in other countries from Alsace. Both Basel, Switzerland and Freiburg, Germany can be reached in less than two hours.
- DRESS WARM – The average temperature during the holiday season is below freezing – bundle up with lots of layers to stay warm. Warm, comfortable footwear is essential for Alsace – you’ll be walking 24/7, and it’s very cold this time of the year.
Cannot get over the charm of Strasbourg during the holidays.
HOW MANY DAYS IN ALSACE
THREE TO FOUR DAYS. Length of stay really depends on how many Christmas markets you want to visit in Alsace. Some people visit Strasbourg as a mere day trip from Paris, while others stay a few days to explore the smaller towns and markets in the region. To get the most out of Alsace, I suggest staying at least three to four full days to experience the markets in Strasbourg, as well as day trip to some of the smaller markets like Colmar, Obernai, etc.
Obernai bursts with charm during the holiday season. OUTFIT DETAILS: Similar pleated skirt linked here and Target boots linked here.
WHEN TO VISIT ALSACE
LATE NOVEMBER TO LATE DECEMBER. Alsace is a year-round destination. It’s a whimsical storybook setting in summer that transforms into the ultimate holiday destination in winter. For the purpose of this travel guide, you’ll want to time your visit between the end of November and end of December to coincide with the Christmas markets. Detailed market schedules listed below.
The festive market in Mulhouse surrounds Old Town’s soaring cathedral.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS OF ALSACE
Dates and times subject to change.
COLMAR CHRISTMAS MARKET
Colmar is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Strasbourg during the holiday season. The timbered medieval town is home to six themed Christmas markets bursting with holiday decor, lights, rides and more than 175 stalls selling souvenirs and treats.
- 2024 Colmar Christmas Market Dates: November 26-December 29
- 2024 Colmar Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-7 PM (Monday to Thursday), 10 AM-8 PM (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), 10 AM-5 PM (Christmas Eve), 11 AM-8 PM (Christmas Day), 11 AM-7 PM (December 26)
- Transportation: Colmar is easily reached by train via a 30-minute direct ride from Strasbourg. From the train station, it’s a 15-minute walk to reach the heart of Old Town. If you prefer to drive, it’s a one-hour drive from Strasbourg.
- Verdict on Colmar: One of the larger towns with lots of Christmas markets, and plenty of restaurant options. A must-visit.
EGUISHEIM CHRISTMAS MARKET
The picturesque town of Eguisheim looks like it popped straight out of a fairytale. The Christmas market itself is a small collection of 30 stalls that won’t take long to visit, but you’ll want to spend time exploring the narrow cobbled lanes that circle the town, lined with holiday decor, Christmas trees and fairy lights. The small size makes Eguisheum the perfect market to pair with neighboring Colmar.
- 2024 Eguisheim Christmas Market Dates: November 29 to December 23 and December 27 to December 30
- 2024 Eguisheim Christmas Market Hours: November 29 to December 15: 12 PM-7 PM (Monday to Friday) and 10 AM-7 PM (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) December 16 to December 30: 10 AM-7 PM (closed December 24 to December 26)
- Transportation: Eguisheim cannot be reached by train. It’s an easy 10-minute drive from Colmar if you have a rental car, or a quick Uber ride. The town is also serviced by the Christmas shuttle – timetable and ticket information available here.
- Verdict on Eguisheim: The market is small, but still worth visiting because the town is adorable.
Eguisheim is a great Christmas market town to pair with Colmar. OUTFIT DETAILS: Fleece lined tights linked here and similar skirt linked here.
KAYSERBERG CHRISTMAS MARKET
Kayserberg is tiny, but it’s one of the most picturesque towns in Alsace and worth a visit. Crafts are the specialty at this market where wood chalets fill the Cour de l’Arsenal and backside of the Sainte-Croix Church. Advent concerts take place every Sunday at 4 PM, in the Eglise Sainte Croix.
- 2024 Kayserberg Christmas Market Dates: November 29 to December 22
- 2024 Kayserberg Christmas Market Hours: 10 AM to 8 PM daily
- Transportation: Kayserberg cannot be reached by train. It’s an 20-minute drive from Colmar if you have a rental car. Alternatively, the town is serviced by the Christmas shuttle – timetable and ticket information available here.
- Verdict on Kayserberg: Adorable market that is worth seeing if you’re planning a day trip that hits a few of the little towns.
The festivities of Alsace.
MULHOUSE CHRISTMAS MARKET
If you’re based in Strasbourg, Mulhouse is one of the further markets to reach in Alsace. It’s a proper city, and the Old Town feels larger and a bit more modern than the small towns in the region. The Christmas market surrounds the soaring Temple Saint-Étienne church where little stalls are filled to the brim with ornaments, souvenirs, bon bons, warms drinks and more. There is also a cute carousel, as well as a miniature train that takes visitors on a quick tour of the Old Town.
- 2024 Mulhouse Christmas Market Dates: November 22 to Wednesday, December 23
- 2024 Mulhouse Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-8 PM (Monday to Thursday), 11 AM-9 PM (Fridays), 10 AM-9 PM (Saturdays), 10 AM-6 PM (Sundays)
- Transportation: Mulhouse is reachable by train from Strasbourg, it takes approximately one hour. It’s a 10-minute walk from the train station to the Christmas market.
- Verdict on Mulhouse: Mulhouse is lovely, but my least favorite of the Christmas markets we visited. It’s larger than a lot of the smaller market towns, which is nice, but it didn’t feel as Old World and intimate as some of the other destinations in Alsace.
Snowy days at the Christmas market in Mulhouse. OUTFIT DETAILS: Coatigan linked here.
OBERNAI CHRISTMAS MARKET
This is one of the smaller Christmas markets we visited, but it was one of our favorites. The colorful half-timbered town is completely charming, bursting with Christmas trees, wreaths, decorations, teddy bear houses and little carousels. Food and drink is the highlight of the Obernai Christmas Market where visitors are treated to mulled wine, spiced bread, bredele, Christmas beer and more.
- 2024 Obernai Christmas Market Dates: November 29 to December 31 (closed Christmas Day)
- 2024 Obernai Christmas Market Hours: 10 AM – 7 PM (Monday to Thursday), 10 AM-8 PM (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), 10 AM-4 PM (Christmas Eve and New Years Eve) Closed Christmas Day
- Transportation: Obernai is reachable via train, it’s approximately 45 minutes from Strasbourg. It’s a 10-minute walk to from the train station to the Christmas market.
- Verdict on Obernai: Absolutely loved it. It feels out of the way traveling on the train, but once you reach Obernai, there’s so much to love. The markets are tiny, but very charming. And paired with the adorable Old Town, it makes for the loveliest day trip. It’s also less crowded than some of the more famous market towns.
Obernai is the smallest Christmas market we visited in Alsace, but it was one of our favorites. OUTFIT DETAILS: Similar pleated skirt linked here.
RIBEAUVILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET
Unlike the other towns in Alsace, Ribeauville puts on a medieval themed market where visitors can experience Christmas in the Middle Ages. It’s like a step back in time. Costumed characters, street performers, dancers and jugglers stroll amongst the half-timbered houses decked out in traditional holiday decor. The Ribeauville Christmas Market only takes place on a handful of days in December, so plan accordingly.
- 2024 Ribeauville Christmas Market Dates: December 7-8 and December 14-15
- 2024 Ribeauville Christmas Market Hours: 10 AM-7 PM (Saturdays), 10 AM-6 PM (Sundays)
- Transportation: Ribeauville is easiest to reach by rental car, but also accessible by public bus. Alternatively, the town is serviced by the Christmas shuttle – timetable and ticket information available here.
- Verdict on Ribeauville: If your visit happens to coincide with the Ribeauville dates, it’s worth a visit to the small Christmas town just because it’s so unique.
There’s nothing more magical than falling snow at the Christmas markets. Target boots linked here.
RIQUEWIHR CHRISTMAS MARKET
Another beautiful medieval town that transforms into a festive Winter Wonderland of tree-lined streets, fairy lights, garland and holiday decor. Shop the little stalls for ornaments and crafts, and enjoy piping hot mulled wine, hot chocolate, roasted chestnuts, pretzels and more.
- 2024 Riquewihr Christmas Market Dates: November 30 to December 22
- 2024 Riquewihr Christmas Market Hours: 10 AM-6:30 PM (Monday to Friday), 10 AM-7:30 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
- Transportation: Riquewihr is easiest to reach by rental car, but accessible by public bus. Alternatively, the town is serviced by the Christmas shuttle – timetable and ticket information available here.
- Veridict on Riquewihr: Another adorable market that is worth seeing if you’re planning a day trip that hits a few of the little towns.
There are so many treats and drinks for sale in the festive chalets.
STRASBOURG CHRISTMAS MARKET
Fondly known as the Capital of Christmas, this is the crown jewel of Alsace during the holidays. More than a dozen Christmas markets fill the pedestrian lanes of Old Town Strasbourg with charming wood chalets selling nutcrackers, ornaments, woodwork and more. There are also loads of food and drink options to enjoy including crepes, waffles, chestnuts, bon bons, pretzels, mulled wine, hot cider, hot chocolate and more. The Old Town is quite large, and makes a good base for exploring the region.
- 2024 Strasbourg Christmas Market Dates: November 27 to December 27
- 2024 Strasbourg Christmas Market Hours: 11 AM-9 PM daily and 11 AM-6 PM on December 24
- Transportation: Strasbourg is conveniently connected to Paris by train, the fastest route taking just under two hours.
- Verdict on Strasbourg: A must-visit. It’s the largest Christmas market destination in Alsace, and home to so many different markets. It’s worth experiencing both during the day and at night.
If you only visit one Christmas market in Alsace, Strasbourg is the one. OUTFIT DETAILS: Coatigan linked here.
PLACES TO STAY IN ALSACE
Strasbourg is the largest city in Alsace. Most visitors stay here, and use the train or a rental car for day trips to the surrounding towns. It has the most options for lodging and restaurants, and it’s nice to end every day in the Christmas capital of the region. If you want to stay closer to some of the smaller market towns, Colmar is also a well-located home base.
HOTEL COUR DU CORBEAU (STRASBOURG)
Hotel Cour du Corbeau is one of the oldest hotels in Europe. The McGallery Collection property sits in the heart of Strasbourg, a short stroll to all the Christmas markets and festivities. There are 63 rooms scattered across a handful of half-timbered buildings that have been updated for a clean and comfortable stay.
HOTEL LEONOR (STRASBOURG)
I highly recommend a stay at Hotel Leonor. The property sits inside a historic building in Old Town, but everything feels fresh and modern. It’s a relatively new property that opened its doors at the end of 2021. We stayed in a Junior Suite, and it was spacious, crisp and clean. Location is quiet, but just a couple minutes walking from the cathedral and main markets.
LA MAISON DES TETES – RELAIS & CHATEAUX (COLMAR)
This 17th century townhouse is one of the loveliest stays in Colmar. La Maison des Tetes sits in a bourgeois residence of half-timbered houses that date back to 1609. Rooms are simple, modern and upscale, some with wood beam ceilings. There is a Michelin-starred restaurant on-site, and the central Colmar location is ideal.
LE COLOMBIER (COLMAR)
Le Colombier is a boutique hotel in the heart of Colmar. The rooms are nothing special and on the smaller side, but the central location in the heart of Old Town makes for a very convenient stay.
MAISON ROUGE HOTEL & SPA (STRASBOURG)
This Autograph Collection property offers guests a selection of 131 retreats, ranging from tiny single rooms to spacious suites with views of the cathedral. The 1920s Art Deco style of Maison Rouge Hotel & Spa is sophisticated, and the green, gray and tan color palette is soothing. The small guest rooms are quite tiny, I suggest opting for something more spacious if available.
Nutcrackers of every size are scattered amongst the little chalets.
RESTAURANTS IN ALSACE
BASTARDO (STRASBOURG)
This is my favorite restaurant in Strasbourg. Bastardo is a cozy Italian spot that serves up delicious pastas, fresh pizza, carpaccio, bruschetta, burrata and a couple meat dishes. It’s the coziest little dinner setting after a long cold day at the Christmas markets. Reservations recommended.
BRASSERIE DES TANNEURS (COLMAR)
Popular spot in Colmar, more for its cozy, festive atmosphere than for the food. Brassierie des Tanneurs serves traditional Alsatian cuisine.
EAST CANTEEN (STRASBOURG)
If you need a break from French and German cuisine, East Canteen is an affordable Asian fusion alternative located just outside of Old Town in Strasbourg. Menu items include gyozas, barbecue buns, tempura, curry dishes, tonkatsu, bibimbap, ramen and more.
JY’S (COLMAR)
If Michelin dining is your jam, make a reservation well in advance for the two-star experience at Jy’s. The fine dining restaurant sits along Champ-de-Mars Park, and offers both set and a la carte menus.
LA HACHE (STRASBOURG)
La Hache is a delicious spot for French cuisine near the canal in Old Town. It’s a cozy little spot that serves warm comforting dishes that hit the spot on a cold winter night. Reservations recommended.
PETIT MARCEL LA ROTISSERIE (MULHOUSE)
Rotisserie chicken is the specialty at Petit Marcel, and it’s pretty delicious. The tiny restaurant has a lunch and dinner sitting, but only holds a handful of people. Reservations recommended.
PLEIN LA MOUSTACHE (STRASBOURG)
Plein la Moustache is a delicious little French bakery located just outside of Old Town. Once you cross the canal, it’s just a five-minute walk, and completely worth the journey to feast on the croissants, kouglof, puff pastries, rolls and more.
UMAMI (STRASBOURG)
Michelin-starred restaurant that only serves 16 guests at a time – one server, and one chef. Hints of both Japan and France in the artful dishes. This place is a splurge. Reservations recommended.
Bastardo was my favorite dinner spot in Strasbourg.
GET AROUND ALSACE
- TRAIN – Trains are the easiest mode of transportation to move between the cities and towns with stations. The trains are frequent, and travel time is typically under an hour, depending on the destination. I booked all my train tickets through Trainline – the schedules are straightforward, and it’s very easy to use.
- CAR – Rental car is also an option that offers freedom and flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the small towns that aren’t accessible by train. Most major car brands have rental locations in Strasbourg.
- CHRISTMAS SHUTTLE – Several of the smaller Christmas market towns that are not serviced by train can be reached via the official Christmas shuttle. Timetable and ticket information available here.
- WALKING – Within the towns, pretty much everything is walkable including the markets, hotels, restaurants and patisseries.
Alsace goes all-out with their little holiday chalets.
GET TO ALSACE
- FLIGHTS – While Strasbourg is home to an international airport, it isn’t the easiest to fly into. Often times you’re looking at multiple connections, and ticket prices that are significantly higher than a flight into Paris.
- TRAIN – Train is the easiest way to travel to Alsace. Travel time from Paris is less than two hours, and trains depart every hour.
- RENTAL CAR – Alsace is a great region for mini day-trips, especially during the holiday season. Note that travel time from Paris is longer on the road, so best to take the train to Strasbourg and then rent a car on arrival. It takes a minimum of five hours to drive from Paris to Strasbourg, whereas train travel time is half of this.
The festive Christmas markets are fun to visit with friends.
