Riquewihr Christmas Market: The Fairytale Village of Alsace

Introduction

If there’s one Christmas market in Alsace that feels like walking straight into a storybook, it’s Riquewihr. This little village, tucked between rolling vineyards and the Vosges mountains, looks magical all year — but when December comes, it turns into something truly special.

The half-timbered houses are covered in garlands and lights, the cobblestone streets smell like cinnamon and mulled wine, and every corner feels like a postcard. It’s smaller and more compact than Strasbourg or Colmar, but it’s also more intimate — you’re surrounded by centuries-old charm everywhere you look.

We’ve been to the Riquewihr Christmas Market many times, and no matter how crowded it gets, it always has this authentic, fairytale atmosphere that makes you fall in love with Christmas all over again.

Whether you’re wandering through the main street lined with decorations, trying local delicacies, or just sipping hot wine while admiring the lights reflecting off the medieval walls — the Riquewihr Christmas Market is pure magic.

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

Read: Strasbourg Christmas Market: The Complete Guide

Getting there

Riquewihr is located right along the famous Alsace Wine Route, between Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg, making the Riquewihr Christmas Market one of the easiest towns to reach in the region.

The most convenient way to reach the Riquewihr Christmas Market is by car, especially if you’re visiting several Christmas markets in Alsace. From Colmar, it’s only a 20-minute drive, and about an hour from Strasbourg.

Parking is available just outside the village walls (the town center is pedestrian-only). It fills up quickly during the market, so try to arrive before 10 a.m. or late in the afternoon once the buses have left.

During Advent weekends, special Navettes de Noël (Christmas shuttles) run from Colmar to Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and Kaysersberg. It’s the easiest way to visit if you don’t have a car, and it saves you the hassle of parking. You can hop on and off between villages using a day pass.

There’s no train station in Riquewihr, but you can take a train to Colmar, then catch the Christmas shuttle bus from the main station.

Travel Tip: If you plan to visit the Riquewihr Christmas Market as well as Ribeauvillé and Kaysersberg, we’d recommend basing yourself in Colmar and visiting these smaller villages as day trips. That way, you avoid the stress of moving accommodations and can enjoy the magic of the markets at your own pace.

We recommend to rent a car through Discover Cars with free cancellation. Book your rental car here.

Moving Around

The Riquewihr Christmas Market is a small, fully walkable village, so once you arrive, you won’t need any transportation to explore. The entire Christmas market and most attractions are located along the main street (Rue du Général de Gaulle), which runs straight through the medieval center.

The best way — and really the only way — to move around the Riquewihr Christmas Market is on foot. The cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, and small courtyards are best discovered slowly, giving you time to admire the incredible half-timbered houses and Christmas decorations.

Everything is close — you can walk across the whole village in about 10–15 minutes, but you’ll likely spend much longer because there’s something to see (and eat!) at every step.

If you’re using the Christmas shuttle from Colmar, it will drop you off right next to the Riquewihr Christmas Market entrance — from there, you can easily walk into the heart of the old town.

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

When to Visit

The Riquewihr Christmas Market 2025 will be open from Friday, November 28 to Sunday, December 21, running every day during that period.

Riquewihr Christmas Market Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
• Friday: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Even outside market hours, the Riquewihr Christmas Market is worth a visit — the entire village stays decorated and illuminated throughout the season, creating a magical Christmas atmosphere day and night.

Best Time to Visit the Riquewihr Christmas Market:

• Weekdays are the best time to explore the Riquewihr Christmas Market if you want to avoid the biggest crowds — especially Tuesday to Thursday mornings.
• Late afternoon is ideal for photography during the Riquewihr Christmas Market: you’ll get the golden light over the vineyards, followed by the twinkling Christmas lights once the sun sets.
• Evenings (after 5 p.m.) are truly enchanting, as the lights, music, and smell of mulled wine fill the streets.

Travel Tip: If you’re visiting several Christmas markets in Alsace, plan your trip so you can visit Riquewihr in the late afternoon after exploring Ribeauvillé or Kaysersberg earlier in the day. Watching the village glow as night falls is one of the most magical moments of the Alsace Christmas season.

Where to Stay

While Riquewihr 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.

Here are all your accommodation options in Colmar

What to Eat

Riquewihr might be small, but when it comes to food, it delivers big time. The Riquewihr Christmas Market is filled with traditional Alsatian specialties that perfectly match the festive season — everything from warm, savory bites to sweet, comforting treats.

Must-Try Foods at the Riquewihr Christmas Market:

• Tarte flambée (flammekueche): A thin, crispy dough topped with cream, onions, and bacon — freshly baked in wood-fired ovens right at the stalls.
• Spätzle: Soft egg noodles sautéed in butter or cheese — the ultimate winter comfort food.
• Bretzels (pretzels): Warm, soft, and salty — perfect for snacking while you wander.
• Pain d’épices: Traditional spiced gingerbread, sometimes filled with fruit or coated in chocolate.
• Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut served with sausages and other meats — the most famous Alsatian dish.
• Vin chaud (mulled wine): Red or white, infused with cinnamon, orange, and cloves — follow your nose, it’s everywhere!
• Macaron de Riquewihr: Special cookies with many tastes that are coming from here.

Try the local white mulled wine, made from Alsatian Riesling — it’s lighter and more fragrant than the usual red version. Pair it with some Macarons.

Where to Eat in the Riquewihr Christmas Market

If you prefer a cozy sit-down meal after strolling through the market, Riquewihr is full of excellent traditional winstubs (Alsatian taverns) and small restaurants where you can warm up and taste authentic local dishes.

Most restaurants are small and get fully booked on weekends, so it’s best to reserve a table ahead, especially during the Christmas market season.

Tip: We use the DJI Action 4 to film our vlogs — compact, durable, and perfect for capturing every adventure.

How to visit

Riquewihr may be small, but its Christmas market is packed with charm — and the best way to enjoy it is simply to take your time wandering through the village. The entire market stretches along the main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle, which runs from the lower gate all the way up to the old fortified walls.

Here’s how we recommend visiting:

Start at the Main Square (Place Fernand Zeyer):  This is the heart of the Christmas market, where you’ll find larger stalls and food stands serving hot local specialties.

Here are all your accommodation options in Colmar

There is usually live music or small performances on weekends that add to the festive vibe. On the left, you will find a street leading to the ramparts where the biggest Christmas market of Riquewihr is located. Be sure to visit it now or at the end once you are back.

Stroll Up Rue du Général de Gaulle :This is where most of the market happens — you’ll pass by rows of wooden chalets selling handmade ornaments, Alsatian crafts, wool goods, and local delicacies.

Be sure to look up — the decorations on the houses are some of the best in Alsace.

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

Explore the Side Streets: Don’t stick only to the main road — the charm of Riquewihr is in its quiet corners. Wander through the smaller lanes like Rue des Trois Églises for beautiful decorations and less crowded stalls.

Some artisans open their workshops during the season, so peek inside to watch them at work.

Visit the Dolder Tower & Local Shops: At the top of the main street, visit the Dolder Tower (14th century) for a view over the village and vineyards — it’s a postcard scene.

Step into local boutiques like La Féerie de Noël (open all year round) for handmade Christmas ornaments and Alsatian gifts. (No photos allowed inside)

Tip: Now, that we travel with baby Milo, we always bring this Babybjorn baby carrier with us.

Plan to spend 2–3 hours minimum in Riquewihr to soak in the atmosphere. Visit earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds, and if you’re exploring other Christmas markets like Ribeauvillé or Kaysersberg, Riquewihr makes the perfect final stop of the day — especially as the lights begin to glow after sunset.

Read: Strasbourg Christmas Market: The Complete Guide