Christmas Markets in Alsace: 8 Stops for a Perfect Route

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• Strasbourg has held its Christkindelsmärik since 1570, the oldest in France.
• Colmar runs its markets from 23 November to 29 December 2026.
• Kaysersberg opens only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until 20 December.
• Eguisheim keeps its market until 30 December, closed from 24 to 26.
• The shuttles from Colmar to the villages run from 27 November to 20 December.

December in the Rhine valley smells of cinnamon and damp wood. And there is a region where that scent turns into a route.

The Christmas markets in Alsace turn villages of half-timbered houses into fairy-tale sets. But beware: the trip goes wrong if you turn up without a plan (we have seen it go wrong more than once).

In 2026 almost all of them start in late November: Colmar opens on the 23rd and most villages on the 27th. The route fits into a few days and a few kilometres: Strasbourg in the north, Colmar in the middle and a string of hamlets among the vineyards. These are the eight stops I recommend, from north to south.

1 Strasbourg, the oldest market in France

Start with the capital. The Christkindelsmärik has been held since 1570 and is the oldest Christmas market in the country. The city bills itself as the Capitale de Noël, and it does not exaggerate.

There are more than 300 stalls spread across several spots in the historic centre, a World Heritage site. The 2026 market opens on 27 November.

Walking the Grande Île with a cup of vin chaud in your hand is every visitor’s ritual.

2 Place Kléber and its fir tree

It is the icon of the city. Every year a natural fir of about 30 metres, covered in lights, is raised in Place Kléber.

It is best seen at night, when the square fills with reflections. By day it is a postcard; with the lights on, it is something else. The queues for a photo form around six o’clock, so either go early or bring patience.

3 Colmar, Christmas reflected in the canals

About 70 kilometres to the south is Colmar, the most photogenic stop on the route. There is not a single market here, but several spread around the old town. In 2026 they run from 23 November to 29 December and admission is free.

Two stand out. The one in Little Venice, designed for children, beside the canals. And the one in Place des Dominicains, in the shade of the church of the same name.

The lighting blends into the Gothic and Renaissance façades as if it had always been there. At night, the water multiplies every light.

4 Kaysersberg, the least staged market

Watched over by the ruins of its imperial castle, Kaysersberg has a reputation as one of the most authentic markets in the region. The stalls line up beside the river Weiss, which is crossed by a fortified stone bridge.

Mind the calendar: it is a craft market that opens only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 27 November to 20 December, from 10 am to 8 pm. Go on a weekday and you will find it empty.

The sweet star here is the kouglof, the fluted brioche with almonds. Freshly made, nobody can resist it.

5 Riquewihr, the walled village among Riesling vines

Between Colmar and the Vosges stretches the vineyard that gives Alsatian Riesling its fame. In the middle appears Riquewihr, with its medieval walls and postcard silhouette.

Its steep streets narrow so much that the eaves of the attic windows almost touch. Beneath them, the stalls sell blown-glass ornaments and traditional crafts. It opens daily from 27 November to 20 December.

The centre is pedestrian and fills up fast. Leave the car in the car parks on the outskirts and walk in, looking upwards.

6 Eguisheim, the village that goes in circles

A village built in rings? That is Eguisheim. Its streets draw concentric circles around the old castle of the counts and are walked by going round and round without getting lost.

Its market, in the central square, bets on local crafts rather than the mass selling of the big cities. It is smaller, quieter and very Alsatian. In 2026 it runs from 27 November to 30 December, with the stalls closed on the 24th, 25th and 26th.

Here you should try white vin chaud, made with wine from the local grape varieties. It is the version that surprises most people who only know the red.

7 Ribeauvillé and its medieval market

If you have a day to spare, Ribeauvillé changes the tone. Its medieval market takes place over two weekends in 2026: 5 and 6, and 12 and 13 December. Think craftspeople in period dress, not neon lights.

It is a short, different stop, perfect if you have already seen three classic markets and want something with another feel. Confirm the dates with the tourist office before booking, because small events change easily.

8 What to eat and drink between stalls

Alsace is eaten standing up and with warm hands. What you cannot miss:

• Vin chaud, red or white, in a ceramic cup or a hard plastic one.
• Bredele, the Christmas butter, almond and spice biscuits.
• Pain d’épices, the spice bread sold as hearts or figures.
• Tarte flambée, the thin dough with cream, onion and bacon, for lunch.
• Choucroute garnie or a dish of baeckeoffe, if you want something hearty sitting down.

My trick: have the big meal in a traditional restaurant and leave the stalls for snacking. It is cheaper and you will not be hungry at six in the evening.

Tips for the Christmas markets in Alsace

The car is your enemy on Advent weekends. The approaches along the A35 motorway clog easily. In Strasbourg, leave the vehicle in a park-and-ride on the outskirts and continue by tram.

For the wine villages there is a better solution: the Christmas shuttles linking Colmar with Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé from 27 November to 20 December 2026. You avoid hunting for parking and can taste the wine without worrying.

Sleep in Colmar or Strasbourg and book ahead, because Advent weekends are the most sought after of the year. Sleeping in Colmar lets you walk the stalls first thing, when you can still move without being pushed.

Bring waterproof shoes with a good sole, thermal layers, a hat and gloves. In December average temperatures range from -1 °C to 5 °C. And carry cash in euros: some small craft stalls do not take cards. Dates can be adjusted, so confirm them on each tourist office website before leaving.

My recommendation

With three days, I would do Strasbourg on the first, Colmar and Riquewihr on the second, and Kaysersberg or Eguisheim on the third, always on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday if you want Kaysersberg to be open. Leaving Colmar at nine in the morning changes everything.