I’ve heard the very best Christmas Markets are right here in France so I had to check them out for myself.
Plan the Perfect Trip Through the Alsace Christmas Markets
You’ve probably heard that the best Christmas markets in France are in Alsace — that small corner of the country where France meets Germany. It’s a region of timbered houses, vineyards, and centuries-old traditions. Every winter, Alsace turns festive in a way that feels genuine — nothing staged or overdone.
When I finally planned my own Alsace Christmas Market trip, I followed the classic route: Strasbourg to Colmar, then the smaller villages in between. It turned out to be the perfect balance — grand and historic in Strasbourg, cozy and storybook in Colmar, and pure charm everywhere else.
Strasbourg: France’s Oldest Christmas Market
The Strasbourg Christmas Market, known as the Christkindelsmärik, dates back to 1570, making it the oldest in France and one of the first in Europe. What began as a modest Protestant market has grown into a city-wide celebration with dozens of themed squares and hundreds of wooden chalets.
Strasbourg’s old town is closed to traffic during the season, so plan to explore on foot. The Cathedral de Notre-Dame anchors the main square, surrounded by glowing stalls selling ornaments, handmade crafts, and steaming mugs of vin chaud.
Stroll through Petite France, take a canal boat tour for a wider view, and enjoy dinner at a winstub — the traditional Alsatian tavern. Strasbourg is festive yet efficient: well-organized, beautifully lit, and entirely walkable.
Colmar: The Heart of the Alsace Christmas Markets
An hour south by train, Colmar is smaller and softer in tone — canals lined with half-timbered houses, bridges wrapped in pine garlands, and market squares joined by cobbled lanes.
Colmar hosts five distinct Christmas markets, each with its own theme: local crafts, children’s village, gourmet stalls, and more. It’s easy to wander between them and lose track of time. I based myself here for several nights to explore nearby villages.
Don’t miss the Statue of Liberty replica at Colmar’s entrance — a nod to native son Auguste Bartholdi, who designed the original. For a special lunch or dinner, Hôtel Le Maréchal serves traditional dishes beside the canal, a quiet break from the market crowds.
The Fairytale Villages of Alsace
From Colmar, it’s easy to reach the nearby villages, each known for its own Alsace Christmas Market.
Eguisheim circles around itself in perfect rings of half-timbered houses — small, colorful, and cinematic. Riquewihr, often listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Its medieval streets feel untouched by time. Kaysersberg is livelier, with narrow alleys, wooden bridges, and evening lights reflecting off the River Weiss. Ribeauvillé adds a theatrical twist: a Medieval Christmas Market complete with costumes, jugglers, and live music.
If you prefer not to drive, a small-group tour is worth it. I joined Alsace Original Experiences, whose local guide handled logistics while we focused on exploring and tasting along the way.
Where to Stay
In Strasbourg, look near the Cathedral for convenience. Hôtel des Arts is modest but ideally located.
In Colmar, Weinhof Court B&B places you right in the heart of the marketplace. Book early — by mid-November, the best options are gone.
Hôtel des Arts in StrasbourgWeinhof Court B&B in Colmar
What to Eat and Drink
Food is part of the celebration here. You’ll see the same specialties throughout the region:
Vin chaud – hot spiced wine, red or white
Tarte flambée – flatbread with cream, onions, and bacon
Bretzels – soft pretzels, plain or sweet
Bredele cookies – bite-sized Christmas butter biscuits
Most markets sell small portions, so you can snack as you go.
Tips for a Smooth Alsace Christmas Market Trip
Book ahead. Hotels fill quickly.
Travel by train or with a local guide — parking is scarce in December.
Carry cash. Smaller stalls don’t always take cards.
Dress for the cold. Layers, waterproof shoes, and gloves are essential.
Visit midweek for thinner crowds and easier photos.
A Six-Day Plan for Your Alsace Christmas Market Trip
Plan about six days to experience the best of the Alsace Christmas Markets. Spend two nights in Strasbourg to see the Cathedral de Notre-Dame, Petite France, and the city’s historic markets. Stay two or three nights in Colmar, where you can wander its five themed markets and use it as your base for the nearby villages — Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauvillé.
It’s an easy route by train or small-group tour, with each town offering its own atmosphere, food, and traditions. From Strasbourg to Colmar, this Alsace itinerary captures everything that makes Christmas in France so magical — lights, history, and a holiday spirit that never feels out of date.
Day 1
Strasbourg Arrival (night)
Strasbourg Cathedral framed by lights at France’s oldest Christmas Market.
The Alsace Christmas Markets offer everything visitors hope to find at Christmas — history, food, light, and a pace that feels timeless. From Strasbourg to Colmar, it’s a journey that defines the season in France.
