Top 6 Cele mai frumoase Targuri de Craciun din Alsacia – Colmar, Strasbourg sau Eguisheim

As Christmas approaches, the whole of Europe gradually transforms into a movie landscape, in anticipation of the winter holidays, and Alsace is, without a doubt, the epicenter of these fairy-tale lands.

A whole story unfolds in this magical region in northeastern France, starting at the end of November: Christmas markets with a magical atmosphere, traditional villages with an enchanting charm, the smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, carols and an image of great celebration.

Alsace is the place that sets the standard when it comes to Christmas markets, an experience every lover of this magical season should live at least once in their lifetime! 🎄✨

In this article I present to you the complete guide with everything you need to know about Alsace and the famous Christmas markets in Strasbourg, Colmar or Eguisheim: how to get here, where to stay, or how to organize your program and explore the villages of the Wine Valley. You will find out about all this in the lines below!

About Alsace

Alsace is one of the most authentic regions of France, and even of Europe. Located in the northeast of the country, on the border with Germany, Alsace has constantly been between two great cultures, the French and the German. It has been, over time, sometimes part of Germany, sometimes part of France: in the last century, until the First World War, Alsace was under German control, after 1918 it returned to France, during the Second World War it was occupied again by Germany, and in 1945 it was liberated and returned to the French.

Strasbourg

All these changes have visibly influenced the Alsatian culture, you can see elements and traditions of both countries here. On the one hand, you have the French elegance in the architecture of the place, but on the other hand you can't help but notice the multiple Germanic influences, especially in gastronomy, music or the Alsatian language, which resembles the German language.

Alsace is especially famous for the Christmas markets that are organized in the villages and towns on the Alsatian Wine Route. It is said that Strasbourg is the capital of Christmas, the place where the oldest Christmas market in Europe takes place.

But, besides Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, we cannot ignore Colmar, Eguisheim, Ribeauville or Riquewihr, Alsatian villages with a unique and impressive architecture!

The entire region of Alsace is worth exploring, and not only during Christmas! Rural France is enchanting, a joy for any visitor and a destination to put on the map!

Colmar
Colmar

What you need to know about Christmas markets in Alsace

Strasbourg
Strasbourg

How to get around in Alsace

You have arrived in Alsace, most likely in Strasbourg or Colmar. Now the question is, how do you get from one place to another, from Colmar to Ribeauville or from Riquewihr to Eguisheim?

By rental car in Alsace

The best way to explore Alsace is with a rental car. It gives you the flexibility to discover all the villages and towns on the wine route, at your own pace, and in the order you want. You start when you want, stay as long as you want in each location and you are not dependent on a pre-established schedule.

We traveled in Alsace by van, it is true that we did not need to rent a car, because we already had ours, but precisely because we traveled by car, we know how easy and simple it was to visit the entire Alsace region from the comfort of a car.

The only concern would be finding a parking space in the cities, at least on busy days, but there are places, even if sometimes you have to make an extra trip.

You can search on platforms like rentalcars.com or discovercars.com for various rental car offers.

Day trips in Alsace

Day trips are the most convenient and hassle-free option when it comes to visiting traditional villages in Alsace.

Whether you are staying in Strasbourg and want to get to Colmar, or you are already in Colmar and want to visit the Christmas markets in the neighboring villages, you can't go wrong with a day trip!

The tour will take you everywhere, and in a relatively short time, you will be able to discover so many beautiful places! No stress and no worries about parking spaces or local bus schedules.

Eguisheim
Eguisheim

Here is a list of possible day trips you can plan in Alsace:

Day trips from Strasbourg
Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg
Day trips from Colmar
Riquewihr
Riquewihr
Day trips from Basel

By local buses in Alsace

Traveling by public transport is usually the most affordable way to get around anywhere in the world. The same goes for Alsace, though there are a few things worth knowing.

It’s relatively easy to get to Strasbourg or Colmar, there are frequent trains, and the schedule is easy to follow. But how do you get to the more isolated villages in Alsace?

It’s not a method we necessarily recommend. It would be the last option we would choose if we were to return to Alsace. However, we mention it here, and you decide whether it’s worth it or not.

There are local buses that run all year round between different villages in Alsace. You can find the schedule online, on the website fluo.eu, and a ticket costs only a few euros. For example, from Riquewihr to Ribeauville, a ticket costs 4 euros.

Why am I not necessarily a fan of this option? Because when we traveled to Alsace, we saw buses full of people and many people waiting at the station. You depend a lot on a means of transport that you can't control, in an area where you don't have many other alternatives, and you risk being stuck in the cold weather waiting for the next bus.

Riquewihr
Riquewihr

By tourist shuttle bus in Alsace

A transport option specifically created for the Christmas market season is the tourist shuttle bus service. These buses run only during this time, starting at the end of November, and connect Colmar with the main tourist villages of Alsace: Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.

One transport line runs daily from Colmar to Eguisheim, and another line runs in the direction Colmar-Kaysersberg – Riquewihr – Ribeauville – Colmar, only on weekends. A Day Pass costs 17 euros, and allows you to get on and off the bus at any time.

Be careful, however, tickets for these shuttle buses are limited, and must be reserved in advance, online!

This is the official website where you can find all the information and where you can buy your tickets: noel-colmar.com.

Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg

Where to stay in Alsace

If you arrive in Alsace, both Strasbourg, and Colmar are good locations for accommodation and to establish your starting point for the rest of Alsace, with the mention that in Strasbourg the accommodation offer is richer, and perhaps more affordable.

Because yes, the prices for accommodation in Alsace, during the Christmas Markets, are not at all low!

Here are a few accommodation ideas in these two cities. Decent places with good reviews (scores above 8 on Booking.com) and reasonably affordable prices.

Accommodation in Strasbourg
Strasbourg
Accommodation in Colmar
Colmar
Colmar

If you want a more authentic location and away from the tourist crowds of Colmar or Strasbourg, you can also consider staying in one of the villages in Alsace, such as Eguisheim, Ribeauville, Riquewihr or Kaysersberg:

Accommodation in Eguisheim
Eguisheim
Eguisheim
Accommodation in Riquewihr
Riquewihr
Riquewihr
Accommodation in Ribeauville
Ribeauville
Ribeauville
Accommodation in Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg

What to eat in Alsace

There is only one thing I want to recommend in Alsace, when it comes to food.

Don’t hesitate to eat from the food stalls at the Christmas markets!

I guarantee that all the food you will find here will be extremely tasty! The stalls, contrary to what you might think, are elegant and clean, and eating a hot dish at the Christmas market, drinking a vin chaud (mulled wine) and enjoying that magical festive atmosphere is a real experience!

Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg

What food can you find at the Christmas markets? A delicious combination of French and German cuisine:

  • Tarte flambee (Flammekueche): Alsatian pizza, with a very thin crust, spread with sour cream, onion and bacon
  • Tartiflette: made with potatoes, cheese, caramelized onion and ham. One of our favorites!
  • Pretzels Bretzel
  • Cheese: Raclette
  • Sausages with sauerkraut (Sauerkraut) or Spaetzle (a type of pasta)
  • Onion soup

And when it comes to drinks, mulled wine (Vin chaud), mulled cider, mulled apple juice (jus de pomme chaud) or hot chocolate are a must. A delight!

If you want to drink at the Christmas markets, keep in mind one detail: you have to pay for the glasses or mugs you drink from! A deposit of a few euros is charged (in 2024 it was 3 euros), and then, every time you buy something to drink, you go with the same glass and pay only for the drink. In the end, you can recover the deposit, if you hand in the glass at the return points, or you can keep the mug as a souvenir.

Guess who ended up with an entire collection of mugs and glasses from Christmas Markets in Europe?

Strasbourg
Strasbourg

What is the weather like in Alsace

In November and December, temperatures in Alsace are low, but bearable. This is because it is not a humid region, and the cold does not feel that strong, although daytime temperatures are around 2 degrees.

However, our recommendation is to always be dressed in thick clothes, a hat and gloves, especially since you will be outside for many hours!

Colmar
Colmar

Which Christmas markets to visit in Alsace

We’ve discussed the logistics of your vacation, but now let’s take a look at what to do, specifically, at the Christmas Markets in Alsace.

First of all, Alsace is not just about Colmar, with the most “instagrammable” Christmas market in Europe, or Strasbourg, called the “Capital of Christmas”. Of course, these two locations are the most visited, the first on every traveler’s list and the cities that most people choose when coming to Alsace.

But I recommend that you, if you get here, do not ignore the villages on the Wine Route. They are villages with a special architecture, where time seems to have stood still! Landscapes as if taken from storybooks, such as Hansel and Gretel or The Three Musketeers, with a relaxed atmosphere and paths that you could walk on for hours without getting bored.

And around Christmas, the image is even more charming! The smell of mulled wine and gingerbread, elegant ornaments, beautifully decorated houses, special handicrafts, carols and a bustle specific to such fairs. Everything is a dream!

But let's take them one by one!

In the following, I will present you the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace and some details about each one, with the hope that it will help you decide which one is worth visiting!

1. Strasbourg Christmas Market

"The Capital of Christmas". This is how Strasbourgis called, the city with the oldest Christmas market in Europe (14th century). You have to get here to understand the meaning of these words, because Christmas is felt and experienced differently in a city that gives such importance to these winter holidays! Everything is colorful, bright, cheerful, in harmony with the meaning of the Christmas holidays!

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a city with an attractive tourist center, impressive local architecture, and attractions close to each other, so that the entire central part can be walked.

In addition, let's not forget that Strasbourg is the seat of several important European institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, or the European Court of Human Rights.

One day is enough to discover the city dressed in festive attire. Of course, you can spend more time here if you want to explore other tourist attractions in Strasbourg, such as a visit to the European Parliament!

What to visit in Strasbourg

Place Keber

Place Kleber is the place where, year after year, the grand Christmas tree is set up. Here you will find the largest Christmas market in the city, with very well-stocked stalls: delicious Alsatian food, Christmas crafts or specific souvenirs. And the good thing is that, unlike the Christmas markets in other villages in Alsace, which all close at 7 pm, here you will find the market open until 10 pm.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg

From Place Keber we walk through the historic center of Strasbourg, admiring and enjoying the image of this city in full celebration.

We arrive at Place du Chateau, another gorgeous square in Strasbourg, with another elegantly decorated Christmas market. It is the square where you will also find Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg, one of the most impressive and beautiful Gothic cathedrals in Europe.
Le Gruber

I will also mention a restaurant, Le Gruber, among the places to visit in Strasbourg. And not because I would recommend you to go there to eat, but to save it as a landmark for a street that you absolutely cannot miss when you arrive in Strasbourg.

It is a super picturesque and colorful street, the most “instagrammable” and viral image of Strasbourg at Christmas. Save the pin on the map and you will thank me later!

Strasbourg
Petite France

Don't miss Le Petite Franceeither! It's a neighborhood located on a small island, very rustic and authentic, with traditional houses with wooden beams, canals, bridges and cobblestone streets. Wonderful place!
European Parliament

Strasbourg is also one of the capitals of Europe, hosting important headquarters of the European Union. It is not a Christmas activity, but it is certainly an interesting experience, which I want to mention here: visiting the European Parliament.

The European Parliament in Strasbourg can be visited for free, you can find all the details on the official website: The European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Where to stay in Strasbourg

Here is a list of possible accommodations in Strasbourg Strasbourg. Decent accommodations, with good reviews (score over 8 on Booking.com), and acceptable prices:

Day trips from Strasbourg

Once you’re settled in Strasbourg, you have several day trips you can join to reach the other beautiful destinations in Alsace. Simple, fast, and comfortable!

Images of Strasbourg

2. Colmar Christmas Market

Colmar is the place that put Alsace on the map of tourists from all over the world! The most beautiful Christmas market is here, according to social networks, and we can only confirm: Colmar, with its Christmas Market, is simply magical!

Colmar is not a large city, at least not comparable to Strasbourg. The historic center has the charm of a fairy-tale village, and one day is enough to discover all its secrets, and to have time to linger at the stalls in the markets. Colmar is often called “La Petite Venise”, or “Little Venice”, because of its canals that run through the old quarter.

 Let yourself be carried away on the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful and decorated Alsatian houses with wooden beams, and enjoy the winter atmosphere!

You can reach Colmar by train from Strasbourg, for one day, or for more, if you want to visit the other villages on the Alsatian Wine Route. There is also the option of a day trip departing from Strasbourg, through which you can visit Colmar, Eguisheim and Riquewihr: From Strasbourg: Colmar, Riquewihr, & Eguisheim Day Trip.

What to do in Colmar

I leave you some important landmarks in the city, which you should not miss:

  • Place de la Cathédrale / Rue des Marchands – the place that offers the most emblematic image of Christmas in Colmar
Colmar
  • Place de l’Ancienne Douane – full of Christmas stalls
  • Marché Gourmand and Ferris Wheel: Marché Gourmand is a food market where you can find many traditional Alsatian dishes. Here we had the best onion soup in all of France! The good thing is that this market stays open until late at night, unlike the ones in the old town, which close at 7pm.

Where to stay in Colmar

Colmar can be a good option for accommodation in Alsace, you are close to all the traditional villages on the Wine Route, and it offers you many accommodation options. We have prepared a list of accommodation ideas for you, at decent prices and with good reviews (minimum score 8 on Booking.com): 

Day trips from Colmar

Colmar is a good starting point when it comes to visiting the villages on the Wine Route. Here is a list of day trips you can choose from, if you want to get to the other nearby villages quickly and easily:

Images of Colmar

3. Eggusheim Christmas Market

Just 5 kilometers from Colmar lies the village that captured our hearts the most! Maybe it’s also because we spent the night here and got to experience it both during the busy daytime hours, when it was full of visitors, and in the evening, when we were the only tourists left, wrapped in a magical sense of timelessness, as if we were trapped in a long-gone medieval era.

For us, Eguisheim is one of the most beautiful villages in France, a place that transports you to another era, quieter and slower. Cobblestone streets, colorful houses with wooden shutters, window ornaments, carols and the smell of mulled wine, all contribute to the charm of this unique place.

Eguisheim
Eguisheim

The village is small, built in a circle around a medieval castle, and can be walked in just a few dozen minutes.

During the day, many tourists come here, mostly from Colmar, making it easy to visit even without a rental car. There are local buses or tourist shuttle buses that quickly get here from Colmar. You can also get here as part of an organized day trip from Colmar or Strasbourg.

The shops and stalls at the Christmas Market are usually open until 7 pm.

What to do in Eguisheim

  • Stroll along Rue du Rempart, the main circular street
Eguisheim
  • Visit the village center, with the Place du Chateau Saint Leon and the village church, Eglise Saints-Pierre-et-Paul
Eguisheim
  • Try a wine tasting at a local winery – in Eguisheim you will find many Alsatian wine shops

Where to stay in Eguisheim

Images of Eguisheim

4. Riquewihr Christmas Market

Riquewihr seemed to us the most spectacular village in Alsace, at least now, at Christmas!

And the most crowded, but probably also because we caught it on a Saturday, with unexpectedly good weather for December!

The village impresses and delights any viewer! We thought it was the most cheerful place in Alsace, the houses are all very colorful, and decorated with all kinds of ornaments: reindeer, ornaments, garlands, stars, bows… It’s a real story!

In addition to the Christmas aspect, the authentic Alsatian style is also worth admiring, with a medieval architecture well preserved over time. Plus the multitude of elegant shops, with local artisan products!

Riquewihr is located about 15 km from Colmar. If you don't have a rental car and haven't planned a day trip from Colmar or Strasbourg, you can get here by local buses or tourist shuttle bus.

What to do in Riquewihr

  • Stroll along Rue du General de Gaulle, the main street in Riquewihr, full of shops and Christmas stalls
Riquewihr
  • Take a picture at the Dolder Tower, the medieval entrance gate to the village and the symbol of the village
  • Admire the colorful buildings and medieval fortifications that surround the village
  • Discover the shops with Alsatian products, cheeses or local wines. You can do wine tastings such as Riesling or Pinot Gris, white wines specific to the region
Riquewihr

Where to stay in Riquewihr

Images of Riquewihr

5. Ribeauville Christmas Market

Near Riquewihr is Ribeauville, a very well-preserved medieval village! In fact, the medieval era is also the main theme of this village. While in other villages the emphasis is on the festive atmosphere and Christmas decorations, here the central motif is the medieval period.

In Ribeauville there is no typical Christmas market, as is the case in most European cities. Instead, you can attend a Medieval Christmas Market.

What does this mean? A Christmas market inspired by the atmosphere of the 16th century, with characters dressed in medieval costumes: knights, merchants, minstrels and princesses.

The entire village offers a true historical spectacle, which we recommend you not to miss, if you manage to organize your schedule in such a way that you arrive in Ribeauville during the Medieval Christmas Market. We were lucky enough to catch it, and we found it an absolutely unique and different experience!

In 2025, the Medieval Christmas Market in Ribeauville takes place only on two weekends: December 6-7, and December 13-14.

If you don't have a rental car and haven't planned a day trip from Colmar , you can get to Ribeauville by local buses or tourist shuttle bus.

What to do in Ribeauville

  • Stroll along Rue des Menetriers, the main street in the village, full of shops and taverns
  • Take a picture with the Tour des Bouchers, the symbol of the village, a fortified tower from the 13th century
  • Try a local wine tasting at the wineries in the village

Where to stay in Ribeauville

Images of Ribeauville

6. Kaysersberg Christmas Market

Kaysersberg was the most beautiful surprise for us! It is not a place that many tourists put on their list, we were not planning to come here either, but the situation was such that we ended up in Kaysersberg by chance. And oh, how we liked it!

I would put it at the very first place on the list of villages in Alsace, precisely because it surprised us so much!

The village has a German name, Kaysersberg means “Emperor’s Mountain”, and it’s clear what to expect: a combination of German and French culture, visible in the architectural elements or in the gastronomy. Like everywhere in Alsace, by the way.

The town is very beautifully decorated, and the fact that it is not so well known among foreign tourists gives it a special aura, of exclusivity. A hidden gem known only to locals, as content creators on Instagram would say!

But we don’t keep it hidden and we share this village with you, because it is fully worth discovering!

The Kaysersberg Christmas Market usually takes place from Friday to Sunday (starting November 28, 2025).

Kaysersberg is located about 10 km from Colmar. If you don't have a rental car and haven't planned a day trip from Colmar or Strasbourg, you can get here by local buses or tourist shuttle bus .

What to do in Kaysersberg

  • Stroll along Rue du General de Gaulle, the main street in the village, full of shops, taverns and Christmas decorations
Kaysersberg
  • Take a picture at the fortified bridge over the Weiss River
Kaysersberg

Where to stay in Kaysersberg

Images of Kaysersberg

When do the Christmas markets in Alsace open – 2025 Calendar

  • Strasbourg: 26.11.2025 – 24.12.2025
  • Colmar: 25.11.2025 – 29.12.2025
  • Eguisheim: 28.11.2025 – 30.12.2025
  • Riquewihr: 28.11.2025 – 21.12.2025
  • Ribeauville: Medieval Christmas Market on 6-7.12.2025, 13-14.2025
  • Kaysersberg: 28.11.2025 – 21.12.2025, but only on weekends (Friday – Sunday)

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