As night falls in the winter months, the decorated streets of Kaysersberg light up with holiday spirit. If you decide to visit the Alsace wine region this winter, the Kaysersberg Christmas Market will undoubtedly enchant you.
In this small medieval town of 3,000 inhabitants, families prepare their homes for Christmas celebrations: decorations for the tree, Advent wreath, Christmas cakes and gingerbread. These are the ingredients for a successful and festive holiday season in the Alsace wine region of France!
Kaysersberg is a city in Alsace known for its German-inspired architecture. An acclaimed winemaking village, Kaysersberg has much to offer you and your family during the holidays. The great traditions of Alsatian Christmas markets have their reputation to keep up with. Enjoy this delightful event that amazes people of all ages and backgrounds this winter!
What to do at the Kaysersberg Christmas market
Want to know more about Kaysersberg Christmas market? Discover a taste of what awaits you with Winalist.
In addition to the Christmas market, many other events are offered in the Kaysersberg valley: visits, meetings, exhibitions, tastings, there is something for all ages and for all tastes!
1. 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.
2. Attend an Advent concert
Local choirs and musical ensembles come together during this festive period to offer you several activities in the village.
You can therefore enjoy a concert of classical music or traditional Christmas carols during free or paid events depending on the location. In general, singing in churches and cathedrals is open to the public.
3. Admire the Christmas decorations during a visit to Kaysersberg
The magic of Christmas is the domain of Alsatians. In France, no one yet comes close to their ankle in terms of organizing Christmas markets.
During your stay in one of the most beautiful villages in France, it is impossible to miss the many illuminations that litter the houses of the town. From the market square to the surrounding vineyards, the lights shine and amaze us throughout the Christmas period.
Some craftsmen are masters in the art of decoration. You will find everything you need, from the tree ball to the complete wooden nativity scene in their stalls and their stands on the markets to decorate your own tree.
Guided tours are offered for those wishing to learn more about the history of the village and the buildings.
4. Visit Alsatian vineyards
Do you want to walk around Kaysersberg? We have what it takes for you.
Winalist lists the best wine tourism activities throughout the Alsatian region. Visits in the company of our partner winegrowers are always a unique and instructive moment. As true enthusiasts of their land, their profession and their know-how, they will make you discover their region, but also their specialties.
Domaine Pierre Adam
Visit Domaine Pierre Adam in Ammerschwihr, just next to Kaysersberg. On the Alsace Wine Route, this estate welcomes you for a private visit. You will discover the vineyard and its history, then the wine cellars, ending with a tasting of the latest vintages of Grands Crus and Crémants d’Alsace.
If you want to see other wonderful Alsatian Christmas Market, visit those of Colmar and Strasbourg.
Enjoy your stay in Alsatian winter wonderland!
FAQ & Useful resources
Dates and places of the market in Kaysersberg
The authentic and artisanal Christmas market of Kaysersberg traditionally welcomes you on the four Advent weekends on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., in the courtyard of the Arsenal and behind the Sainte-Croix church.
How to get to Kaysersberg?
By car: You will have no trouble reaching Kaysersberg by car, however parking can be complicated during the holiday season. There are many tourists, and most of them have vehicles. Some relay car parks such as Hinteralspach – Mauffrey (Hinteralspach artisanal zone) or the DS Smith factory (77 route de Lapoutroie) are linked to the city center by shuttles.
By train: You will first have to go to Colmar, the closest station to Kaysersberg. Then, shuttles or buses can take you to Kaysersberg. In all, count about 3 hours from Paris.
Where is located Kaysersberg ?
Kaysersberg is located in the Alsace region of France, the extreme eastern part of the country that lies at the foot of the Vosges mountains, bordering both Germany and Switzerland and is one of the loveliest and picturesque regions of France.
What to see around Kaysersberg ?
Besides Kaysersberg, there are other must see villages in the area that have also been designated as “most beautiful villages of France”…Eguisheim, Hunawihr and Riquewihr. These fairytale villages and nearby Ribeauvillé, with its three castles and the town of Colmar with its “Petite Venise” old quarter should not be missed. Exploring the Alsace makes you feel like you have been magically whisked into a children’s storybook. Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé are said to be the inspiration of Belle’s hometown in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.
When to visit Kaysersberg ?
Fall is the perfect time to visit the quaint medieval village of Kaysersberg. The summer crowds have gone, grapes are being harvested in the surrounding vineyards and wine festivals are underway. It is a pleasure to stroll the narrow cobbled streets lined with wine cellars offering tastings of riesling, sylvaner, gewürztraminer and pinot noir. Small shops with ironwork signs hanging above their doors sell delicious cakes and pastries that will beckon you in to try their sweet delicacies.
