Are you thinking on visit Alsace wine region next winter? Embarking on a journey to the Alsace wine region in winter is an exquisite choice. Nestled in the heart of France, Alsace transforms into one of the most enchanting landscapes, especially around Christmas. Renowned across Europe, the Christmas markets of Alsace are not just markets; they are a festive tradition, a celebration of warmth, light, and the joyous spirit of the season.
From the golden hues of November to the crisp, twinkling lights of December, Alsace Christmas Markets scattered throughout the Alsace region turn each quaint Alsatian town into a dazzling spectacle of holiday cheer.
What are the best Christmas Markets in Alsace?
Outdoor markets celebrating the Advent season are born in Central and Eastern Europe (Austria, Switzerland, Germany and also in Alsace) in the 13th century.
Organized by the cities around December, these markets feature small stalls with decorative items, Christmas cribs, traditional pastries, regional products and lots of mulled wine, cinnamon, and roasted chestnuts. In addition to your taste buds and nose, you will treat your eyes with beautiful Christmas lights that will really make you feel these holidays’ magic. Here is our selection, with practical information below.
Strasbourg Christmas market
One of France’s and Europe’s most rated Christmas market, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is one you should consider exploring on your next Alsatian trip during the most wonderful time of the year.
With several markets also scattered throughout the neighborhoods, you can appreciate all the smells during your adventure trail. On the way, we advise you to stop by the Christmas tree of the Kleber Square, it’s just magnificent!
Here’s a lit of the 13 christmas markets in Strasbourg:
- Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie,
- Place de la Cathédrale,
- Guest country, Place Gutenberg,
- Alsace Christmas delicacies market (Place Marché-aux-Poissons, Terrasse du Palais Rohan and Rue Rohan),
- Market of the “irreducible small producers of Alsace”, Place des Meuniers
- The counter of the Three Kings of Strasbourg (Place Benjamin-Zix),
- The Carré d’Or Market (Place du Temple Neuf),
- The Village of Sharing, Place Kléber,
- Place Saint-Thomas,
- Strasbourg OFF Market – “New models” market (Place Grimmeissen).
You will find along the streets and squares of the city, nearly 300 superbly decorated and illuminated chalets. They offer a multitude of products allowing you to prepare for Christmas with dignity: original gifts, traditional objects for decorating the tree, not to mention traditional delicacies such as bredele and mulled wine!
Take advantage of your time there to explore Strasbourg wineries and discover our dedicated guide of the best things to do in Strasbourg.
Colmar Christmas market
Ranked as one of the best Christmas Market in Europe, this fantastic annual festive event in Colmar is particularly stunning during the evening: twinkling streets from top to bottom will carry you right to the North Pole and spark off that Christmas holiday feeling. The Colmar Christmas Market is spread over 5 spots of the city:
- The Place des Dominicains;
- Place de l’Ancienne Douane, around the Schwendi fountain and the Koïfhus;
- The indoor market of Koïfhus: a market dedicated to arts and crafts but also to antiques. This is the ideal spot to bring back a traditional souvenir or to find a typical Christmas gift!
- The Place Jeanne d’Arc market: a gourmet’s paradise, with its many stalls of local producers and caterers;
- The Place des Six Montagnes Noires, located in the Little Venice district.
In Colmar, the key words are “Art, Taste & Tradition”. From the squares where the Christmas markets take place, you will be amazed to notice objects and toys made by local craftsmen, and will be delighted by culinary scents that escape from food stalls.
Take advantage of your time there to explore Colmar wineries and discover our dedicated guide of the best things to do in Colmar.
Other Christmas markets in Alsace to consider visiting
- Kayrsersberg: one of the most famous wine villages dominated by its 13th-century imperial castle. At that century, the village was already well in the Holy Roman Empire for its wine. We really like the village’s natural charm and half-timbered houses!
- Ottmarsheim: a small market with an intimate and family friendly atmosphere punctuated with shows, carriage rides, and filled with beautiful illuminations. You can find products from local museum shops and designers.
- Eguisheim: in the middle of hills covered with vines, in the small central square of the village, the Christmas market has become a cozy nest. Come and discover an authentic market in the winding streets of one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace.
- Sélestat: this village does not skimp on animations! Come discover the Winter Garden and the pine trees exhibition that shows their decoration over the centuries. Nine discovery stages are waiting for you in the city! We won’t tell you more.
- Bergheim: a small village that hosts a path of Christmas nativities and even a living nativity scene, with guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays at 6pm.
- Ribeauvillé: a medieval and original Christmas market, a great classic of the region in one of the most famous villages of the Alsace Wine Route.
- Neuf Brisach: the walled city of Vauban turns the clock back to make visitors experiment this era again with exhibitors, costumes, heritage trades and crafts, tavern, boar on the spit and farm animals!
What do do during Alsace Christmas time?
Meet Alsatian winegrowers
The wines of Alsace have this particularity to complete all your meals, from starter to dessert. Take the opportunity to visit some family-owned wineries of this beautiful vineyard. This is the best way to understand and discover the particularities of Alsatian wines, from their production to their aromas. Choosing among all the wineries being hard, we propose you another Winalist selection:
Discover the best Alsace wineries to visit on Winalist.
Taste Alsatian culinary specialties
To properly enjoy Kaysersberg and Alsace this holiday season, be sure to invest time in enjoying this village’s culinary and wine-related specialties. Many local artisans come to cook and sell their typical Alsatian local products during the holiday season.
Some of the best gastronomic specialties at the Christmas market include:
- The bredele: these small walnut, chocolate, orange or cinnamon cakes are an institution;
- The mannele: small buns, most of the time in the shape of a man, often decorated with a good hot chocolate;
- The famous gingerbread: there is something for everyone (citrus, honey, or stuffed with dried fruit);
- A good glass of mulled wine: almost all food stalls offer you a comforting glass of mulled wine on cold winter evenings. It is quite simply the star of the Christmas market, provided of course not to abuse of it.
- Foie gras: a symbol of Alsatian gastronomy, foie gras tasted with a good local white wine is one of the most popular dishes at this time of the year.
Save room for other specialties to taste, such as Springerle or berawecka, and you will have accomplished your grand slam of Christmas tastings in Kaysersberg.
