Visit the best Christmas markets of Alsace

Are you thinking on visit Alsace wine region next winter? Excellent 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 in 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 were 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 the magic of these holidays. Here is our selection, with practical information below.

Strasbourg Christmas market

One of France’s and Europe’s most rated Christmas markets, 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 8 christmas markets in Strasbourg:

• Christkindelsmärik (Place Broglie) – the Strasbourg’s oldest and most iconic Christmas market, and truly the heart of the city’s holiday spirit. Stop for a glass of mulled wine or hot apple juice while soaking up the festive atmosphere.
• Cathedral and Château Squares – A fairytale market set against the backdrop of Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, where twinkling lights and wooden stalls create an enchanting scene.
• Great Christmas Tree and the Village du Partage (Place Kléber) – A solidarity market where local charities and chefs join forces. Try a “soupe étoilée”, a gourmet soup made by Michelin-starred chefs for a good cause, or shop for handcrafted gifts at OZ, Noël des Métiers d’Art, showcasing the best of local artisans.
• The Gourmet Market (Terrasse Rohan & Place du Marché-aux-Poissons) – A paradise for food lovers featuring Alsatian specialties, from pretzels and bredele cookies to regional wines and cheeses.
• Carré d’Or Market (Place du Temple Neuf) – A cozy, elegant market nestled in one of Strasbourg’s prettiest quarters.
• Square Louise Weiss Market – Dedicated to local Alsatian producers, offering homemade jams, hot apple cider, bredele cookies, and organic Alsace wines — a true culinary journey.
• La Petite France Market – Perhaps the most instagrammable, set along the canals and half-timbered houses on Benjamin Zix and Saint-Thomas squares.
• Strasbourg OFF Market (Place Grimmeissen) – The city’s alternative and eco-friendly market, promoting sustainable crafts, creative start-ups, and ethical gift ideas.

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 Markets 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 6 spots of the city:  

• 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!
• Place Jeanne d’Arc – a gourmet’s paradise, with its many stalls of local producers and caterers;
• 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

• Kaysersberg: one of the most famous wine villages dominated by its 13th-century imperial castle.
  This village charms visitors with its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and a festive market full of traditional crafts and local flavors.
  
• 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 favourite villages of the French.
  
• Riquewihr: a storybook-perfect village where medieval walls meet Christmas lights. The market offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with carriage rides, live shows, and charming local stalls selling handcrafted gifts and gourmet treats.
  
• Sélestat: often called the birthplace of the Christmas tree, Sélestat celebrates the tradition in style. Visit the Christmas Tree Exhibition, which traces the evolution of tree decorations over the centuries, and follow the nine discovery stops spread throughout the old town.
  
• Bergheim: a peaceful, lesser-known village that comes alive with its Nativity Trail, showcasing dozens of handcrafted crèches, including a living Nativity scene. Guided evening tours every weekend offer a beautiful way to experience local Christmas traditions.
  
• Ribeauvillé: step back in time at this medieval-themed Christmas market, where costumed performers, jugglers, and musicians fill the streets. It’s one of the region’s most atmospheric experiences — complete with hearty food, spiced wine, and rustic charm.
  
• Neuf Brisach: for something different, head to this UNESCO-listed fortified town built by Vauban in the 17th century. Its market recreates the spirit of the era with historical reenactments, traditional crafts, roast boar, and farm animals — a festive journey through time.

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, here is our selection of Alsace wineries to visit on Winalist:

Taste Alsatian culinary specialties

To properly enjoy 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:

• Bredele: these small walnut, chocolate, orange or cinnamon cakes are an institution;
• 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.

Good to know before visiting Christmas markets of Alsace