Christmas Markets in Alsace: The Ultimate Itinerary
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Christmas time in Europe is amazing, but the Christmas markets in Alsace are next level. Charming towns full of half-timbered houses and a very special ambience make Christmas time here a must for every traveler’s bucket list.
And yes, the Christmas markets in Alsace get very busy. But for a good reason, plus not all of them!
On my ultimate itinerary, I will share some classic Christmas markets in the region and some underrated ones you’ve probably never even heard of.
I recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the region to enjoy each town and Christmas market to its fullest. If you have more time, you could also easily do a full week here. While I personally did this trip in my camper, I would recommend getting around between towns by public transportation, since parking can be hard to find.
- Strasbourg
- Ribeauvillé
- Riquewihr
- Colmar
- Kayserberg-Vignoble
- Eguisheim
- Turckheim
- Ottmarsheim
- Mulhouse
1. Strasbourg – The Capital of Christmas
2026 Dates: November 26 – December 24
Let’s start this itinerary with the Number 1 place you should visit for Christmas markets in Alsace.
Strasbourg does not only hold the title of “Capital of Christmas” but also for being the oldest and most famous Christmas market in all of France.
The entire UNESCO-listed historic center of Strasbourg turns into a Christmas Wonderland. Spread across several parts of the city, hundreds of stalls sell Christmas gifts, serve mulled wine and different kinds of local specialities.
I recommend taking a full day (or two) to explore all the different markets around the city and admire the stunning decorations in front of different shops, streets and restaurants.
Places you can’t miss in Strasbourg during Christmas time:
- Christmas market around the Strasbourg Cathedral
- Giant Christmas tree at Place Kleber
- Petit France
- Teddybear houses beside restuarant “Le Gruber”
- The “original” Christmas market at Place Broglie
- Place du Marché aux Poissons: Festive setting near the river
- Rue Merciere – views of the Notre Dame Cathedral with Christmas decordations
Where to stay in Strasbourg?
I would recommend staying at least one night in the Capital of Christmas and then make your way further South from there. Here are some well-rated options for all budgets:
Low budget stays & hostels:
Mid range stays & hotels:
Luxury stays & hotels:
2. Ribeauvillé – The Medieval Christmas market in Alsace
2026 Dates: December 5-6 and December 12-13
This might be the most unique of all Christmas markets in Alsace. Unlike the standard Christmas markets, the Marché de Noël Médiéval de Ribeauvillé transports you back to the Middle Ages.
Along the pretty streets of Ribeauvillé you can find traditional food, medieval crafted goods, costumed jugglers, dancers and fire-eaters. All of this creates a very special vibe that is unique to the Christmas market of Ribeauvilé.
The town is said to have served as one of the inspirations for Disney’s “The Beauty & The Beast” and it’s easy to see why. Colourful half-timbered houses, cobblestone roads and medieval squares.
The Christmas market here only takes places on two weekends in December but it’s very popular and therefore gets very crowded. I highly recommend getting here by public transportation and to arrive early in the day. Specific shuttle busses bring visitors there from Colmar.
One of the highlights here is tasting wild boar cooked over an open fire but I tried many more dishes during my visit and loved them all. Make sure to plan enough time to fully take in the beauty of one of the most special Christmas markets in Alsace.
Where to stay in Ribeauvillé?
While there are some accommodation options within the town itself, they do typically sell out in advance for the two weekends of the Christmas market. I would recommend staying in the nearby city of Colmar, another must stop on this Christmas market itinerary.
3. Riquewihr – A fairytale town that is said to have inspired Disney’s “The Beauty & The Beast”
2026 Dates: November 27 – December 20
Riquewihr is one of the most stunning villages in the Alsace region with colourful half-timbered houses and cobblestone roads surrounded by vineyards.
During Christmas season the entire village turns into a real-life gingerbread town with festive decorations and fairy lights all over.
To be fair, the Christmas market itself here is rather small and compared to some of the other stops on this Christmas market itinerary, quite unspectacular. But the beauty of this little town in combination with the festive decorations make it very well worth a stop.
When visiting Riquewihr during Christmas season, make sure to wander down the main street (Grand Rue), get lost in the many small alleys, try traditional Alsatian bredala (biscuits) and visit the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop.
Where to stay in Riquewihr?
There are couple of accommodation options in the village, alternatively you can stay in nearby Colmar.
Low budget stays & hostels:
Mid range stays & hotels:
Luxury stays & hotels:
4. Colmar – A must visit for Christmas markets in Alsace
2026 Dates: November 23 – December 29
Often referred to as “the most beautiful city in Europe”, Colmar is a much, not only during Christmas time but year-round. The entire city turns into a real-life Christmas fairytale with festive decorations, fairy lights and Christmas market stalls.
With its stunning canals and half-timbered houses, Colmar makes a perfect fairytale town. I first visited in spring 2024 and absolutely fell in love.
When I visited during Christmas season in December 2025, I totally understood why it’s one of the most hyped destinations in all of Europe during the festive season.
The city hosts a total of six different Christmas markets, including a dedicated children’s market and indoor craft venue.
Must visit places in Colmar during Christmas:
- Le Petite Venise
- Place de L’Ancienne Douane
- Place des Dominicains
- Place de la Cathédrale
- Place Jeanne d’Arc
- Carousel bar at Place Rapp (also has the prettiest Christmas mugs)
- Rue Turenne Bridge
Where to stay in Colmar?
There are many options available for all budgets in Colmar, here are some well-rated and highly recommended ones:
Low budget stays & hotels:
Mid range stays & hotels:
Luxury stays & hotels:
5. Kayserberg-Vigoble – A must visit Christmas market in the Alsace region
2026 Dates: Friday to Sunday from November 27 – December 20
This is one of my personal favourite Christmas markets in Alsace. Kayserberg-Vignoble is a picture-perfect fairytale town with colourful half-timbered houses and cobblestone roads beneath a ruined castle.
At this Christmas market you can buy authentic local crafted gifts and try regional gastronomy.
In recent years this town has become increasingly popular and is not a very well kept secret anymore but it’s well worth a stop on your Christmas market itinerary through the Alsace region.
I recommend spending a couple of hours here, stroll through the Christmas markt and charming streets filled with beautiful stores and restaurants.
Where to stay in Kayserberg-Vignoble?
While there are a few options, I would recommend staying in nearby Colmar after visiting this Christmas market in Alsace.
6. Eguisheim – One of the most authentic Christmas markets in Alsace
2026 Dates: November 27 – December 30, 2026 (closed December 25)
One of the prettiest towns in the region, known for its unique layout in circles following the old town walls.
Eguisheim hosts the “Eguisheim Authentic Christmas Market” with a focus on local wine, heritage crafts and Alsatian folklore. After visiting busy Strasbourg and Colmar, this town will feel like a relaxed and intimate escape.
It still has everything you could wish for – colourful houses, cobblestone roads, festive decorations and Christmas lights all over town.
After visiting the Christmas market in Eguisheim itself, make sure to get lost in the small roads around town.
Where to stay in Eguisheim?
You might choose to stay in Colmar overnight or one of these well-rated options in Eguisheim:
Mid range stays & hotels:
Luxury stays & hotels:
7. Turckheim – A hidden gem fairytale town with a magical Christmas market
2026 Dates: November 27 – December 30 2026, closed on 25 December
Turckheim is a hidden gem in Alsace and one of my favourite towns there. It’s just as beautiful as other towns on this list but way less popular and crowded, also during Christmas time.
Turckheim offers a magical, family-friendly Christmas Market themed around local legends and elves.
Every afternoon at 5 PM, children gather to open a new window on the town’s giant outdoor Advents Calendar.
A couple of hours here are enough to experience Turckheim’s Christmas magic, so I would personally not stay here overnight.
8. Ottmarsheim – A hidden gem among the Christmas markets in Alsace
2026 Dates: December 11-12, 2026
I actually came across this one by coincidence and am so glad I did. This tiny town features a stunning Christmas market that’s only open for one weekend in December.
It’s not popular at all with tourists and a very authentic and local experience. The Christmas market in Ottmarheim is centered around world cultures, crafts and regional museums.
Its location around the famous 11th century octagonal church is truly stunning and very unique. The beautiful church is lit up for the holidays as well and very impressive by itself.
When I visited this unique Christmas market in 2025, there were even different kinds of performances like a fire show and traditional musicians.
If you want to experience a unique traditional Christmas market off the typical tourist route, make sure to add a stop here, if you are in the area on the weekend it’s taking place.
9. Mulhouse – An underrated city with a stunning Christmas market in Alsace
2026 Dates: November 20 – December 23
Mulhouse is, compared to Strasbourg or Colmar, quite underrated and not as popular with tourists.
The city pays tribute to its history as a mejor textile center in Europe by creating a unique, custom-designed Christmas fabric pattern every year.
At the main Christmas market at Place de la Réunion buildings are decorated with this exclusive Christmas cloth.
But apart from that, the city is stunning during Christmas time with a lot of decorations and photo spots. The Christmas market there felt very authentic and I absolutely loved that it was way less crowded than most others.
The setting around the Mulhouse Cathedral is stunning and perfect for pictures!
Where to stay in Mulhouse?
There are many options available for all budgets in the city, but mainly apartments. Here are some well-rated hotels in Mulhouse:
Low budget stays & hotels:
Mid range stays & hotels:
