Top 5 Christmas Markets in Alsace
Alsace, nestled in eastern France, is a top destination for Christmas market lovers. Famous for its vineyards, fairytale landscapes, and enchanting holiday traditions, Alsace transforms during the festive season into a winter wonderland of twinkling lights and joyful aromas.
Looking to experience the best Christmas markets in France? Get ready to discover them in Alsace’s most beautiful villages! CarJet has put together an itinerary of the top 5 Christmas markets in Alsace for a holiday experience like no other.
If you’re planning to explore Alsace, the easiest way to get there is by plane. This beautiful French region has two well-connected airports where you can hire a car and begin your journey through Alsace’s famous holiday markets.
Located in northern Alsace, just 16 kilometres from Strasbourg’s historic centre, Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport offers a wide range of flights for easy access. This makes this airport a perfect starting point for exploring Alsace. Strasbourg is home to some of the most popular Christmas markets in France and offers various accommodation options, making it ideal for your Christmas market itinerary.
Situated in southern Alsace, about 30 kilometres from Mulhouse, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport is another great option. From here, you can reach Strasbourg by car in about an hour and a half, allowing you to enjoy Alsace’s landscapes as you travel to the heart of the region’s Christmas markets.
Let's start our tour of the capital of Christmas: Strasbourg. For over four centuries, Strasbourg has hosted one of the most impressive Christmas markets in Europe, rivalling the holiday markets of Germany. And be warned: no matter how many photos you may have seen, nothing compares to the magic of experiencing Strasbourg’s festive decorations and lights firsthand.
Every corner of Strasbourg’s historic centre—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—transforms for the season. The iconic 30-metre Christmas tree on Place Kléber and colourful holiday lights line the narrow streets from Place du Marché aux Poissons to the stunning Gothic Cathedral, passing through Petite France and the Carré d'Or. Markets throughout the city showcase handmade crafts and delicious seasonal foods you won’t want to miss!
Strasbourg’s Christmas market opens the last weekend of November and runs until just after Christmas Eve. For an unforgettable experience, plan to attend the Lights Opening Ceremony in Kléber Square!
Colmar is the next stop on our itinerary of the best Christmas markets in Alsace. Nicknamed Little Venice or ‘Petite Venise’ after the river Lauch that runs through its historic centre. Colmar is the second most famous town in Alsace for its Christmas market. In fact, it even won the title of Most Beautiful Illuminations in Europe in 2018.
Colmar’s historic centre feels straight out of a fairytale, with landmarks like the Cathedrale Saint-Martin, Place des Dominicains, and scenic riverside views that make it a magical destination. The traditional half-timbered houses give it a mediaeval feel typical of the region.
This town is also full of traditional restaurants where you can try authentic Alsatian cuisine. Don’t be surprised by the hearty portions! Local specialties include choucroute (sauerkraut with pork), baeckeoffe (a dish made with three types of meat and potatoes), and spätzles (Alsatian pasta, often served with munster cheese sauce).
Explore the enchanting village of Eguisheim, one of Alsace’s hidden gems and officially recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Just 7 kilometres from Colmar, Eguisheim may feel familiar to you—it served as the model for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast”. The village's architecture and charming squares, such as Place du Château and Place du Marché des Saules, are even more magical with Christmas lights and festive decorations.
While exploring, be sure to try the hot spiced Alsatian wine, a winter favourite at Christmas markets. Both red and white mulled wines are available, and if you're looking for a non-alcoholic option, hot spiced apple or orange juice is equally delicious.
Eguisheim’s compact size and authentic charm make it an ideal village to explore at a relaxed pace. Unlike the more famous Strasbourg Christmas market, Eguisheim is quieter, allowing you to fully enjoy the twinkling lights and festive activities, such as carol choirs that bring a traditional touch to your holiday experience.
Just 15 kilometres from Eguisheim, Kaysersberg attracts visitors from all over France with its atmosphere and Christmas market. Although the market is open only on weekends, Kaysersberg offers a wide variety of chalets and shops that honour local craftsmanship. You’ll find handmade decorations, wooden toys, pottery, and more, making it the perfect place to pick up an authentic Alsatian souvenir.
At the Place de la Mairie, don’t miss the farmers' market, which offers a wide variety of local specialties, such as bredalas (Alsatian Christmas cookies), gingerbread, regional liqueurs, and regional cheeses.
Our final stop is Ribeauvillé, a mediaeval town that hosts a one-of-a-kind mediaeval Christmas market on the city’s main street, Grand Rue. The town’s historical ambiance creates an immersive experience, with stalls offering local crafts and traditional foods like roast wild boar—a regional delicacy you won’t find at other markets!
Visiting Ribeauvillé feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages. At night, you’ll see not only twinkling holiday lights but also residents in period costumes, mediaeval games, fire shows, acrobats, jugglers, and troubadours. As you can imagine, Ribeauvillé is a must on your itinerary!
With a rental car, exploring all these villages in Alsace becomes easy and comfortable. Enjoy the freedom to follow or adjust your itinerary as you prefer, based on your schedule and interests. For planning assistance,check out our article on how to organise your trip with Google Maps.
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CarJet supports you throughout the booking process to ensure a smooth experience. Our platform is secure, fast, and budget-friendly. Don’t wait—book your car now and enjoy the enchanting Christmas markets of Alsace!
