The best French Christmas markets are in the Alsace region of France—or so I was told. Of course, I had to see for myself.
Ask anyone who’s searched for the best Christmas markets in Europe, and they’ll name Strasbourg, Colmar, and Kaysersberg among the most famous. Since I’m on a mission to explore as much of France as possible, the Alsace Christmas Markets were “must-dos.” What I found was a holiday road trip filled with lights, history, and the irresistible charm of small-town France.
Strasbourg: France’s Oldest Christmas Market
Strasbourg was first on the Very Best Christmas Market tour, and as you saw in the previous post, the city did not disappoint. Known as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg is home to France’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1570. The Christkindelsmärik fills the old town with glowing wooden chalets, choirs, and the scent of mulled wine drifting through narrow streets.
It’s lively, festive, and full of grand theater. But after a day or two in the cathedral crowds, I was ready for somewhere smaller—somewhere that felt more personal. That’s where Colmar came in.
Read more: Strasbourg Christmas Market: France’s Oldest and Most Famous Holiday Fair
Colmar: The “Venice” of Alsace
Only an hour’s train ride from Strasbourg, Colmar is a perfect base for exploring the smaller markets that surround it. The city itself, with its canals and half-timbered houses, has a warmth that makes it feel like the heart of Alsace at Christmas.
Colmar also has a surprising connection to the United States. It’s the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty. Our guide, Max from Alsace Original Experiences, made sure we saw the massive replica of Lady Liberty that greets visitors at the entrance to town. Bartholdi is a local legend here—there’s even a museum in his honor.
The Colmar Christmas Market feels different from Strasbourg’s. It’s smaller, quieter, and more handmade. Five distinct marketplaces are scattered through the old town—each offering regional foods, ornaments, and crafts that reflect Alsatian tradition. Several are set along the canals, where twinkling lights shimmer in the water. With the streets closed to traffic, it feels as though the entire town has turned into one big Christmas party.
Two favorite discoveries: our charming B&B, which had a last-minute cancellation (“a room at the inn!”), and Le Maréchal, a Michelin-rated restaurant, which we found by chance. After a long day of exploring, its cozy atmosphere and hearty Alsatian cuisine were the perfect ending.
Kaysersberg: A Night Market Under the Snow
Next on our road trip was Kaysersberg, a tiny medieval town tucked between vineyard-covered hills. By the time we arrived, night had fallen—and it was pure magic. Holiday lights glowed against the old stone walls, snowflakes drifted down, and the air smelled of roasted nuts and spice.
Traffic into the village was heavy, but our tour guide, Max, earned a “gold star” for finding parking just steps from the market entrance. Inside, the Kaysersberg Christmas Market was packed with stalls selling French-made gifts and local specialties. I tried to resist buying anything bulky (small-apartment living keeps me practical), but with so many tempting decorations, “self-control” became a loose concept. I reminded myself that I had no place to store Christmas decorations in my apartment. I really behaved … well, sorta.
A Road Trip Wrapped in Lights
Driving through Alsace at Christmas is like traveling through a snow globe. From Strasbourg’s grandeur to Colmar’s canals and Kaysersberg’s medieval glow, each stop has its own rhythm and story. The distances are short—perfect for day trips—and every village along the route seems to compete for the title of “most charming.”
If you’re planning a Christmas Market road trip in France, make Alsace your starting point. Between its rich blend of French and German culture, extraordinary food, and centuries-old holiday traditions, there’s nowhere more magical when the season turns cold and bright.
Bienvenue á Colmar et Kaysersberg
Continue your Alsace Christmas journey in Magical Christmas Markets of Alsace: Colmar and the Fairytale Villages of France, or revisit The Very Best Christmas Markets in France.
