Introduction

If there’s one Christmas market in Alsace that truly stands out, it’s the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market. Unlike the others in the region, this one only takes place over two weekends only in December, but during those few days, the entire town transforms into a living medieval village.

Picture this — jugglers, fire eaters, costumed merchants, knights, and musicians filling the cobblestone streets while the smell of roasted chestnuts and mulled wine drifts through the air. Ribeauvillé, already one of Alsace’s most beautiful towns, becomes straight out of a fairytale.

However, when the market isn’t open, we wouldn’t recommend stopping by. Sure, Ribeauvillé’s half-timbered houses, perched beneath castle ruins, make it one of the most photogenic places in the region, but there won’t be any medieval decorations or Christmas market stalls.

But if you can, plan your visit during the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market — it’s a once-a-year event, and probably the most unique Christmas experience you’ll find in Alsace. 

PS: In this article, the pictures have been taken by our good friend Nadia. If you ever want to get a photoshoot around Strasbourg, don’t hesitate to contact her

Getting there

Ribeauvillé is beautifully located along the Alsace Wine Route, between Colmar and Sélestat, making it easy to visit whether you’re staying in Strasbourg, Colmar, or even nearby villages like Riquewihr or Kaysersberg.

The easiest way to reach the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is by car, especially during the Christmas season when public transport options are limited. From Colmar, it’s only a 20-minute drive, and from Strasbourg, about 1 hour.

Parking areas are available outside the old town, and since access to the center is closed during the market.  We would recommend trying to park around the “Jardin de Ville” which is next to the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market area.

Otherwise, further away parking lots have shuttle buses running between them and the town center during the event days.

If you want to get there by public transportation. The easiest way to reach the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is by taking a train from Strasbourg to Colmar. From there, you can take the Christmas Market Shuttle

During the Christmas season, a “Navettes de Noël” (Christmas Shuttles) connects several of the most popular markets — including Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg. These are a great, stress-free option if you don’t want to drive or deal with parking.

Travel Tip: If you’re planning to visit Ribeauvillé for its Medieval Christmas Market, arrive early in the day. Streets fill up quickly, especially after noon, and parking near the town can become very limited. Combining Ribeauvillé with nearby Riquewihr or Kaysersberg in the same day is also a great idea, as all three towns are only 10–15 minutes apart.

Moving Around

Once you’ve made it to the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market, you can forget about the car — the entire town is walkable. The old town is quite small, and all the festivities take place along its main cobblestone street, which winds through beautifully decorated medieval houses.

During the two weekends of the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market, the town center is closed to vehicles and fully pedestrianized. This makes it super easy (and pleasant) to stroll between the wooden chalets, watch the performances, and enjoy the festive atmosphere without worrying about traffic.

You’ll find everything within a short distance — food stalls, craft stands, live shows, and music. The street is lined with performers in costumes, from knights and jesters to shepherds and traditional singers, bringing the whole town to life.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the cobblestones can get slippery in winter. If you’re planning to visit nearby towns like Riquewihr or Kaysersberg on the same day, it’s easy to do by car — they’re both only 10–15 minutes away and also fully walkable once you arrive.

When to Visit

The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is truly one of a kind — but it only takes place over two weekends in December, so planning ahead is essential.

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market 2025 Dates:

• Saturday, December 6 & Sunday, December 7
• Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Opening Hours:

• Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Because it’s such a short event, these two weekends attract huge crowds, especially on Sunday afternoons. If you can, try to arrive early in the morning to enjoy the market while it’s still quiet, and you can move freely through the medieval streets.

For the most magical atmosphere, stay until sunset, when the torches, lanterns, and fairy lights transform the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market into a glowing medieval wonderland.

Tip: If you can’t make it during those weekends, Ribeauvillé is still worth visiting throughout December. The decorations and festive atmosphere remain up all month, even when the official market isn’t running. However, if you are short on time and cannot match the date, we would skip it altogether.

Where to Stay

While Ribeauvillé is small and accommodation fills up fast during Christmas, staying in Colmar — just 20 minutes away — is the perfect alternative. You’ll find plenty of charming places to stay and easy access to the Christmas shuttle that connects the nearby villages.

Here are our top picks:

(€) Le Cathedral View Colmar – A cozy and affordable stay right in the heart of Colmar’s old town, perfect for exploring both Colmar and nearby Kaysersberg.

(€€) Reflets Sur La Lauch Appartements – Beautifully decorated apartments overlooking the Lauch River, offering comfort and a homely feel.

(€€€) L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery – A luxurious option with a full spa, elegant rooms, and exceptional service — ideal for a relaxing festive getaway.

What to Eat

Food is one of the absolute highlights of the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market — and here, it’s not just about traditional Alsatian treats, but authentic medieval-style dishes that make this market so unique.

Unlike most markets in Alsace, the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market fully embraces its medieval theme, and you’ll find vendors dressed in costume serving food that looks straight out of the Middle Ages.

What to Try during the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market:

• Soup in bread bowls – hearty vegetable or onion soups served inside a hollowed round loaf, both warming and fun to eat.
• Deep-fried potato galettes (grumbeerekiechle) – crispy and golden, perfect to enjoy while walking through the market.
• Roasted boar and grilled sausages – cooked on open flames, these are some of the most popular dishes among locals.
• Medieval pastries and spiced cakes – try honey cakes or pain d’épices, often baked using centuries-old recipes.
• Mulled wine (vin chaud) – no Alsatian market is complete without it, and here it’s often served in earthen mugs for that rustic touch.

Tip: Skip the restaurants this time — the best food in the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is found right at the stalls. Everything feels authentic and perfectly matches the market’s medieval charm. Eat, drink, and soak in the atmosphere — this is what makes Ribeauvillé one of the most unforgettable Christmas markets in Alsace.

How to visit

The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is not your typical Alsatian market — it’s a living medieval festival, where the entire town transforms into a scene straight out of the Middle Ages. Everything here has been designed with authenticity and creativity, making it one of the most unique and beloved Christmas markets in Alsace.

Every year, local associations, artists, and performers work together to bring the market to life with handcrafted stalls, costumes, and medieval-style activities. You won’t find imported products here — only local crafts, handmade decorations, and traditional food that reflect the spirit of Ribeauvillé.

How to Explore the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Step by Step:

Start at the Jardin de Ville — this is where the magic begins. The first stalls appear here, and the festive medieval atmosphere starts right away.

Walk up the Grand Rue, Ribeauvillé’s main street, beautifully decorated with banners, garlands, and torches. Along the way, you’ll see craft stalls, costumed performers, and local musicians filling the air with medieval tunes.

Make your way to the parking area, which is transformed into a full medieval village — complete with artisans pressing apple juice the old-fashioned way, animals for children to meet, and more local food stalls.

Stop at Maison Sainte Jeanne d’Arc, where you can often catch one of the funniest and liveliest “bouffon” (jester) performances — a favorite for both kids and adults.

Continue toward the main square, where the biggest section of the market awaits. This is where you’ll find most of the food, drinks, and live demonstrations — all framed by the beautiful Ribeauvillé castle towering above the town.

Don’t miss the small side squares off the Grand Rue — they often host interactive medieval games and smaller artisan stands that many visitors overlook.

Finally, walk all the way up to the Ribeauvillé fountain, marking the end of the main street. Here, you’ll get one of the most beautiful views of the market with the castle in the background.

Take your time. Ribeauvillé’s medieval Christmas market isn’t meant to be rushed — it’s designed for people who want to wander, play, laugh, and soak in the spirit of Christmas in an old-world setting.

And remember — be on your best behavior, or you might just end up in the medieval pillory, a popular (and hilarious) photo stop that adds to the fun of this unforgettable experience during the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market