Christmas markets in Alsace: the TOP 10 most beautiful in 2024!
Summary
A weekend to visit the Christmas markets in Alsace?
Want to experience the magic of the lights and stroll through the Christmas markets? Alsace is the perfect place to enjoy these markets with your family. Wooden chalets, local craft stalls, food stands, mulled wine, bredeles (traditional cookies), and Christmas lights will amaze you!
The Christmas markets in Alsace are world-famous and attract millions of tourists every year. They’re so successful that some stalls from Strasbourg’s Christmas market have even been exported to New York, Moscow, Beijing, and Tokyo!
To make the most of it, it’s essential to plan your trip and know what to do in Alsace before you arrive.
If you’re arriving from Strasbourg train station or the airport, you can easily rent a car in Strasbourg and visit the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace at your leisure.
Without further ado, here’s our TOP 10 of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace that you must visit!
1 - Strasbourg Christmas Market
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful in the world! Established over four centuries ago in 1570, it’s the oldest in Europe. Today, the market is one of the most visited in Europe with over 2 million tourists. It has been awarded the title of “Best Christmas Market in Europe” multiple times! You can also plan to visit Strasbourg during your stay.
Also known as “Christkindelsmärik” (meaning “Child Jesus Market” in Alsatian), it’s a legacy of many Alsatian traditions. In the Middle Ages, the market allowed parents to stock up on toys and various treats for the Saint Nicholas celebration on December 6th.
The Christmas season is a significant time for the Alsatians, who prepare for it up to a month in advance. Starting in November, the tradition is to make the famous bredeles, which are typical Alsatian Christmas cookies. Then comes the Saint Nicholas day. On this day, children receive gifts in a boot and eat maneles (brioche in the shape of a man). Throughout December, Alsatians decorate their homes and set up the Christmas tree with their families.
Points of interest:
- Place Kleber: Discover the lights of Strasbourg’s largest square and its famous Christmas tree.
- Place de la Cathédrale: A must-see! You’ll be amazed by the numerous chalets at the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
- Le Carré d’or: Look up and observe the lights and decorations on the shop fronts.
- Place Broglie: Wander through the aisles of Strasbourg’s oldest market, the “Christkindelsmärik.”
- Petite France : A lesser-known market, but worth the visit, is the OFF market with producers from the social, solidarity, and environmentally friendly economy.
Hours 
From November 27, to December 27, 2024: 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
2 - Kaysersberg Christmas Market
The Kaysersberg Christmas Market is undoubtedly one of the most authentic and picturesque in Alsace! Located in the valley of the medieval village of Kaysersberg, this market highlights the typical Alsatian half-timbered houses and alleys.
We highly recommend visiting this market at night to fully enjoy the lights. The aromas of mulled wine, the scent of bredeles, the many decorations, and lights will charm you and leave you with beautiful memories. The chalets and village exhibitors will be present throughout the pre-Christmas period.
Hours
From November 29, to December 22, 2024
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
3 - Colmar Christmas Market
The Colmar Christmas Market is another must-see when in Alsace. Highly popular, the Christmas market spreads throughout the city. For nearly a month, the Alsatian city is filled with magic. Decorations, displays, performances, and lights are set up on every street corner.
That’s why Colmar was voted in the category of “best Christmas lights in Europe” in 2018.
Points of interest:
- Place des Dominicains: A charming and cheerful Christmas market.
- Place Jeanne d’Arc: Wander through the alleys with their half-timbered houses and this market that mainly offers local products.
- Place de l’ancienne Douane: Discover over 50 chalets right in the heart of the city! Take a detour to the Koïfhus (medieval building) to see local craftsmen.
- La petite Venise: A favorite spot for photographers and children, enchanted by its decorated alleys.
Hours
From November 26 to December 29, 2024
- Monday to Thursday: 11 am to 7 pm
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 10 am to 8 pm
- December 24: 10 am to 5 pm
- December 25: 11 am to 7 pm
- December 26: 11 am to 7 pm
4 - Riquewihr Christmas Market
Another must-see and do when visiting Alsace is the Riquewihr Christmas Market!
Being one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” the Riquewihr Christmas market is a must-visit in Alsace. Magical and traditional, this market will immerse you in a wondrous world! Decorations, lights, and traditional houses will enhance your visit. At a stall’s corner, treat yourself to some Alsatian Christmas cookies with a glass of mulled wine.
Hours
From November 30 to December 22, 2024
- Monday to Friday: 10 am to 6:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 7:30 pm
5 - Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market is worth a visit because of its unique feature: period costumes are the highlight. Being a medieval town listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” the locals want to take you on a journey back in time! Performances, dancers, and troubadours will animate this magnificent village. In addition to offering a medieval Christmas market atmosphere, the village goes all out with magical decorations.
Hours
December 7-8 and 14-15, 2024
- Saturday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
6 - Eguisheim Christmas Market
The Eguisheim Christmas Market is located less than 10 km from Colmar. Very typical and very warm, this market spreads throughout the village center. You’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this medieval village, which has also been named one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France.“
Being in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, take the opportunity to taste the region’s wines. Cheers (S’Gilt in Alsatian)!
Hours
From November 29 to December 30, 2024
- Monday to Thursday: 12 pm to 7 pm
- Friday and Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Saturday : 10 am to 8pm
From December 16, 17,18,19, 23,30: 10 am to 7 pm
- December 24-25-26: closed
7 - Obernai Christmas Market
Are you a foodie? The Obernai Christmas Market is the most gourmet in Alsace. Known for delighting every tourist who visits, taste the sweet and savory Alsatian specialties. The magic will accompany you in every alley of the city with numerous decorations and lights.
Hours
From November 29 to December 31, 2024
- Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays: 10 am to 8 pm
- December 24 and 31: 10 am to 4 pm
- Closed on December 25
8 - Haguenau Christmas Market
The Haguenau Christmas Market may be lesser-known, but it’s worth a visit. Authentic and charming, the market is located in the city center. The decorations and lights are particularly noteworthy. Numerous events and exhibitions are planned throughout the opening period.
Hours
From November 22 to December 30, 2024
- Monday: 2 pm to 7 pm
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday: 10 am to 7 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 10 am to 8 pm
- December 24: 10 am to 4 pm
- December 25: closed
- December 26: 2 pm to 7 pm
9 - Wissembourg Christmas Market
The Wissembourg Christmas Market is located in the far north of Alsace in this millennial village. This village was built around the Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul abbey from the 12th century onwards. Discover this authentic market with numerous events. Taste some good local mulled wine accompanied by Christmas cookies.
Hours
From November 29 to December 22, 2024
Saturdays and Sundays: 11 am to 7 pm
10 - Sélestat Christmas Market
The Sélestat Christmas Market is very unique because the main theme is the “Christmas Tree.” Original? Yes, because the entire city goes all out to highlight this famous green tree. There are contests, trees everywhere in the city (even suspended in the church), variations, and numerous decorations. It was in Sélestat where the first mentions of the Christmas tree were found in the 16th century!
Hours
From November 22 to December 29, 2024:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday: 11 am to 7 pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 8 pm
- December 24: 11 am to 4 pm
- December 26: 2 pm to 6 pm
- December 25: closed.
