7 Best Christmas Markets in Alsace, France

Introduction

Strasbourg, in France, has been our home for a few years now, and it’s a city we’ve completely fallen for. To us, Strasbourg is best known as the Christmas Capital — every December, it transforms into something straight out of a fairytale. The streets glow with lights, the Christmas markets spill over with festive stalls, and the smell of mulled wine and warm pastries fills the air. It’s a magical time to be here.

But there’s more to it than just the city itself. Strasbourg sits in the heart of Alsace, surrounded by medieval towns that are just as enchanting. Each December, these towns host their own Christmas markets in Alsace — smaller, cozier, and every bit as festive.

Every year, we make it a tradition to visit not just the Strasbourg Christmas Market, but also the ones scattered throughout the region. That’s why we put this article together — to share our favorite Christmas markets near Strasbourg and hopefully help you plan your holiday adventure.

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

How to visit the Christmas Markets in Alsace

The best way to visit the Christmas markets near Strasbourg depends on your mode of transportation. If you have a car or rental, you can base yourself in Strasbourg and take day trips to the nearby Christmas markets in Alsace. Alternatively, if you’d prefer to avoid traveling back and forth, consider spending a few days in Strasbourg and then moving to Colmar for easier access to other markets.

For those relying on public transportation, traveling by train from Strasbourg to Obernai and Colmar is both convenient and efficient, allowing you to easily explore the charming Christmas markets in Alsace.

The journey from Strasbourg to Obernai covers approximately 23 kilometers (14 miles) and takes an average of 34 minutes. There are normally 31 trains per day on this route. Tickets are affordable, starting at €3.34 when booked in advance. Obernai’s train station is centrally located, making it easy to reach the town’s attractions, including its Christmas market.

The train ride from Strasbourg to Colmar spans about 64 kilometers (40 miles) and lasts around 30 minutes, with the fastest trains completing the journey in just 26 minutes. There are roughly 41 trains per day on this route. Ticket prices start at €5.25 when booked ahead of time. Colmar’s station is located near the city center, offering easy access to its renowned Christmas market and picturesque old town.

Once in Colmar, you can use the Christmas Market Shuttle to explore the markets near Colmar. This combination ensures you make the most of your trip while enjoying the festive charm of the region.

Where to Stay to visit the Christmas markets in Alsace

We would recommend staying in Strasbourg and then Colmar. Those are the biggest cities near the Christmas markets in Alsace and, therefore, perfect starting points.

Where to stay in Strasbourg:

• (€): Hôtel Tandem – Boutique Hôtel 
• (€€): Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’or
• (€€€): Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery 

Where to stay in Colmar:

• (€): Le Cathedral View Colmar
• (€€): Reflets Sur La Lauch appartements
• (€€€): L’esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

Colmar Christmas Shuttle

The Christmas Shuttle from Colmar offers a convenient way to explore the enchanting Christmas markets in the surrounding Alsatian towns. Here’s what you need to know:

Routes and Schedule:

• Lines 1 & 2: Connecting Colmar with Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé. Services operate on Fridays (hourly), Saturdays, and Sundays (every 30 minutes) from November 29 to December 22, 2024.
• Line 3: Daily service between Colmar and Eguisheim from November 29 to December 22, 2024.
• Line 4: Connecting Colmar with Turckheim and Munster on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays within the same dates.

Fares:

• Monday to Thursday: €8 per person for a day pass.
• Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: €15 per adult for a day pass.
• Children under 12 and Alsa Plus ticket holders travel free.

Ticket Purchase: Tickets must be bought online

Additional Information: The shuttle departs from Colmar train station and stops near the Christmas markets in each town. For detailed schedules and updates, refer to the official Colmar Christmas website.

Utilizing the Christmas Shuttle allows you to experience the festive atmosphere of multiple Alsatian towns without the hassle of driving and parking during the busy holiday season.

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Best Christmas Markets in Alsace

Strasbourg Christmas Market

Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” the Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1570. From the end of November to the end of December, the city turns into a festive wonderland with more than 300 stalls spread across its squares.

The heart of the market is at Place Broglie, while Place Kléber shines with its iconic Great Christmas Tree. As you wander, you’ll find everything that makes Alsace at Christmas so special — steaming cups of mulled wine, buttery bredele cookies, and wooden stalls filled with local crafts.

Strasbourg’s medieval streets, wrapped in lights, make this market a true highlight among the Alsatian Christmas markets. It’s not just the most famous of the Christmas markets in Alsace, it’s the one that sets the tone for the entire region.

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

Obernai Christmas Market

The closest stop when exploring the Christmas markets near Strasbourg is the Obernai Christmas Market, running from the end of November to the end of December. Just a short drive from the city, Obernai feels cozy and welcoming — a perfect choice if you want a smaller, more authentic slice of Alsace at Christmas.

This market is all about gastronomy and craftsmanship. Stalls are packed with regional treats like foie gras, Alsatian wines, and spiced gingerbread, alongside handmade gifts and decorations. The town square, surrounded by Obernai’s half-timbered houses, looks straight out of a storybook.

Add in choir performances and seasonal events, and you’ve got one of the most charming Alsatian Christmas markets — and a must-visit if you’re hunting for the best Christmas markets in Alsace.

Colmar Christmas Market

Perhaps the most famous of all Christmas markets near Strasbourg, the Colmar Christmas Market runs from the end of November to the end of December and truly feels like stepping into a holiday postcard.

What makes Colmar special is its six distinct markets spread across the old town, each with its own personality. One focuses on artisanal crafts, another on gourmet food and wine, and spots like Place des Dominicains and Place Jeanne d’Arc glow with festive lights, unique gifts, and the smell of mulled wine in the air.

With its canals, half-timbered houses, and streets lit up for the season, Colmar is one of the most magical stops for anyone exploring Alsace at Christmas — and a must on any itinerary of the best Alsatian Christmas markets.

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market

Ribeauvillé is hands down the most unique of the Christmas markets near Strasbourg thanks to its full medieval theme. For just two weekends (December 7–8 and 14–15 in 2024), this historic village transforms into something straight out of the Middle Ages.

The cobbled streets come alive with costumed performers, jugglers, musicians, and artisans, all adding to the atmosphere. Stalls serve medieval-inspired dishes, and you can warm up with mulled wine poured into rustic mugs.

With its ancient half-timbered houses and festive energy, Ribeauvillé feels like stepping into a living fairytale — a true highlight of Alsace at Christmas and one of the most unforgettable Alsatian Christmas markets you’ll find.

Tip: Don’t forget to bring a good camera, such as the SONY A7 — it makes all the difference for capturing those unforgettable moments.

Riquewihr Christmas Market

The Riquewihr Christmas Market, running from the end of November to the end of December, is set in one of Alsace’s most picturesque villages. With cobbled streets and colorful half-timbered houses, the whole place feels like it was built for Christmas.

The market itself is cozy but packed with charm. You’ll find stalls selling Alsatian Christmas market classics — think local cheeses, warm pretzels, mulled wine, and plenty of handcrafted gifts.

At night, the village glows with festive lights, and the mix of history and holiday spirit makes Riquewihr an absolute must when exploring Christmas markets in Alsace and especially those near Strasbourg.

Kaysersberg Christmas Market

The Kaysersberg Christmas Market, open every weekend from the end of November to the end of December, feels like stepping into a holiday postcard. It’s one of the most authentic Alsatian Christmas markets and, honestly, our favorite Christmas market near Strasbourg.

Set among Kaysersberg’s medieval streets and under the shadow of its castle ruins, the market focuses on local crafts and gastronomy — you’ll find handmade ornaments, pottery, and treats like kugelhopf and foie gras.

The whole setting, with twinkling lights and that old-world charm, makes Kaysersberg one of the most magical stops when exploring Alsace at Christmas.

Here are all your accommodation options in Strasbourg

Eguisheim Christmas Market

The Eguisheim Christmas Market, running from the end of November to the end of December, is set in one of France’s most charming villages. Famous for its circular layout and colorful half-timbered houses, Eguisheim turns into an intimate, storybook setting during the holidays.

Here, you can wander between stalls selling handcrafted goods, traditional Alsatian food, and festive decorations, all while soaking up the peaceful vibe of the village.

It’s smaller than some of the bigger Alsatian Christmas markets, but that’s part of the charm — it feels personal, cozy, and absolutely magical. A perfect stop if you’re exploring Christmas markets in Alsace and want something quieter but just as enchanting.

Tip: Photos by Nadia Audigié Photography: one of our good friends in Strasbourg, passionate about portrait photos, speaks French, English & Russian, and will be super happy to take you on a photo journey.