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Festivals & Events• Grand Est• Travel Inspiration
Alsace Christmas Markets 2026: Which Ones Are Actually Worth It?
13/08/2026Why Visit the Christmas Markets in Alsace
I can’t think of anything more quintessentially wintery in France than a stroll through the best Christmas Markets in Alsace. I visit almost every year and I still find moments that stop me in my tracks: a Medieval choir echoing down a cobbled street in Ribeauvillé, the smell of bredele and vin chaud drifting across Colmar’s Little Venice at dusk, a glass of Riesling in a winegrower’s cellar while the market crowds pass outside.
They are also, in places, the most crowded, the most commercialised, and the most likely to disappoint a traveler who arrives without the right expectations.
From Strasbourg to Mulhouse and beyond, this guide covers the most popular Alsace Christmas Markets for 2026 – dates, what makes each one worth visiting, and which ones to prioritise if your time is limited.
Last update: August 2026
Table of Contents:
- Alsace Christmas Markets Dates 2026
- Which Alsace Christmas Market is Best for You?
- Alsace Christmas Markets Map
- Alsace Christmas Market Itinerary Ideas
- Practical Tips for the Alsace Christmas Markets
- Strasbourg Christmas Market 2026
- Obernai Christmas Market 2026
- Riquewihr Christmas Market 2026
- Colmar Christmas Market 2026
- Sélestat Christmas Market 2026 (Village de Noël)
- Kaysersberg Christmas Market 2026
- Eguisheim Christmas Market 2026
- Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market 2026
- Mulhouse Christmas Market 2026
- Authentic Alsatian Flavours and Crafts
Alsace Christmas Market Dates 2026
The Alsace Christmas Market dates 2026 are from 23 November (the first markets to open) to 31 December (the last to close). Typically, the chalets open as early as 9 a.m. and remain open until 9 or 10 p.m.
The smaller Christmas Markets in Alsace are open for shorter periods or only on weekends. This is the case, for example, of the popular Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market. For these markets, it is key to know the exact opening dates and plan the rest of your trip around these dates.
The Alsatian Christmas Markets are among the most popular winter activities in France and are crazy busy on weekends. If you’d like to avoid the crowds as much as possible, consider visiting on weekdays, preferably in November.
Are you planning your Alsace trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Alsace tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your train tickets to Colmar. Book your train tickets to Strasbourg.
Looking to travel around Alsace independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Alsace.
Top Experiences and Tours in Alsace:
- The 4 Wonders of Alsace Full-day Tour from Colmar
- From Colmar: 3 Villages in France, Germany, and Switzerland!
- Best of Alsace Day Trip from Strasbourg
Top Places to Stay in Alsace:
- Hotel Le Colombier (a traditional building in the Little Venice neighborhood, Colmar)
- Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal (the cutest place to stay in Colmar at Christmas time!)
- Hotel Cathédrale (with amazing views over the Strasbourg Cathedral)
- Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg (in a lovely traditional building in Strasbourg)
Don’t leave for Alasce without travel insurance!
SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
Which Alsace Christmas Market is Best for You?
If you want… | Go to |
|---|---|
The grandest, most famous market | |
The most beautiful town setting | |
The most authentic, medieval atmosphere | |
A quieter, local experience | |
Wine village charm | |
Everything in one compact setting |
Short on time? Prioritize Strasbourg, Colmar, and Ribeauvillé. If you only have one day, Colmar is my recommendation: different locations, yet compact, with short walking distances between them. Skip Sélestat (unless you’re visiting for the Parade du Sapin) and Kaysersberg (unless you combine it with Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé on a day trip).
Alsace Christmas Markets Map
Alsace Christmas Market Itinerary Ideas
Below are two itinerary ideas to visit some of the best Christmas Markets in Alsace. Both itineraries are possible by public transportation.
If you prefer to rent a car, consider traveling to Strasbourg or Colmar by train and renting it there. For this, I recommend booking in advance through platforms like DiscoverCars. This site takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz and Avis, and compares prices for you. Check out my best tips for renting a car in France.
For a unique Alsace trip, combine the Christmas Markets with other fun things to do in Alsace.
Option 1 (5-6 days)
Strasbourg is France’s capital of Christmas and the best place to start this Alsace Christmas Market itinerary. Strasbourg is also the best place to rent a car if you decide to plan an Alsace road trip. Plan two full days in Strasbourg to visit its markets and the city in general.
From Strasbourg, take a day trip to Obernai to visit its wonderful Christmas Market. Night in Strasbourg.
Leave Strasbourg for Colmar, where you can easily spend two days.
From Colmar, travel to Mulhouse to visit the last (but not least) Alsace Christmas Market on this itinerary.
Option 2 (3-4 days)
This itinerary is based around Colmar, so be sure to book one of Colmar’s cozy hotels. Spend two days exploring the Christmas Markets of Colmar, perhaps combining them with some of the city’s highlights.
From Colmar, take one day to visit the Christmas Market in Eguisheim by bus (Christmas shuttle bus). Use another full day to visit the Christmas Markets of Riquewhir, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauvillé (available only on specific weekends). To do this, use the Christmas shuttle bus – a different line from the one that travels to Eguisheim.
Take a Guided Tour
Guided tours solve all the logistical issues during this period in Alsace. No bus schedules, no waiting in line in the cold to catch the next bus, and no getting crazy looking for a free spot to park your car. If you are interested in one of these tours, book as soon as possible, as these are small-group tours and tend to sell out very fast.
The Strasbourg Christmas Markets Tour visits the Colmar Christmas Market and other Christmas Markets in local villages (depending on the date of the tour).
The Enchanting Christmas Experience from Colmar visits the Christmas Markets of Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, and Riquewhir. This tour also includes a visit to a wine cellar for a guided wine tour and some tastings.
This 2-day Christmas Market Tour from Paris visits the enchanting Christmas Markets of Colmar, Strasbourg, and Reims. This tour includes private transportation, accommodation in Colmar with breakfast, and a tour guide.
Practical Tips for the Alsace Christmas Markets
- Visit markets on weekday mornings for fewer crowds (except Sélestat, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauvillé – go on weekends)
- Book accommodation 6-12 months in advance for Strasbourg and Colmar
- A car gives you more flexibility for visiting smaller village markets, but you’ll have a hard time finding parking. The train is a better option for Strasbourg, Colmar, Obernai, and Sélestat.
- There is a Christmas Shuttle Bus that departs from Colmar to visit the towns of Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr. This year 2026, tickets for the Christmas bus shuttles go on sale on Thursday, 12 November at 12 p.m. (CET) and usually sell out very quickly – you may experience some difficulty accessing the webpage during the first few hours due to high traffic. Unfortunately, you cannot reserve a seat (“first-come, first-served”), and you’ll find a long line in front of the bus stop from early in the morning.
- Pay a visit to the different Tourist Information Offices for the map with the market locations and full program during your visit
- Evening is magical for lights; morning is better for browsing without crowds
- Wear warm, comfortable shoes – cobblestones and cold temperatures
- Although most stalls have favored contactless payments since COVID, bring some cash. Drinks are served in reusable plastic cups: you pay a €1-2 deposit, which is refunded when you return the cup
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: 2026 dates are not yet confirmed by the official Strasbourg tourist office. Last year, dates were from 26 November to 24 December, so expect similar dates. This page is updated as soon as official dates are announced – bookmark it and check back!
Strasbourg hosts the best Christmas Market in France, which is also the oldest (since 1570!). If you only have time for one Alsace Christmas Market, go to Strasbourg and plan to spend two full days there to see everything. Allow more time if you want to combine the Christmas Markets with sightseeing, such as visiting museums and historical monuments.
The Christmas events in Strasbourg begin with the giant Christmas Tree and the illumination of all the Christmas decorations. Then, expect a beautifully decorated city full of festive cheer for the whole family.
One of the unique things about the Strasbourg Christmas Market is that it is actually made up of multiple markets. These markets occupy the city’s central squares and sell everything from handmade decorations to traditional Alsace biscuits and other yummy things. Each square is a different market with a different theme.
Christkindelsmärik is the biggest Christmas Market in Strasbourg and is located at Place Broglie. Food lovers will head to the Place du Marché-aux-Poissons and on the terrace of the Palais Rohan to discover Alsatian gastronomy.
At nightfall, head to Place Kléber to admire the always impressive Christmas illuminations and the giant Christmas Tree. There used to be an ice skating rink here, but I haven’t seen it for the last few years.
In addition to the Christmas Markets and activities, the city has excellent museums, perfect places to learn more about the region of Alsace and its traditions. If you visit Strasbourg for the first time, I recommend this Strasbourg itinerary for two days.
Where to sleep in Strasbourg
Strasbourg makes a great base for visiting other Alsace Christmas markets on day trips: Obernai, Colmar, and Sélestat are only a short train ride away. The best hotels in Strasbourg during Christmas are sold out up to one year in advance during the Christmas season.
Obernai Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: 27 November to 24 December 2026
The Obernai Christmas Market is one of the most beautiful Christmas Markets near Strasbourg. Nestled at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile, the Old Town’s cobbled streets and Renaissance architecture are adorned with sparkling illuminations and decorations.
The Obernai Christmas Market is dedicated to Alsatian crafts and gastronomy, and it is the perfect place to taste the local products in a magical setting. Don’t miss the white mulled wine, a delicious secret recipe which is typical of Obernai.
This Alsace Christmas Market is centered around the Place du Marché and Place de l’Etoile, where you’ll find a giant Christmas tree, a model village, and a little train for kids. The stalls then spread out to Place Neher and Place du Beffroi, while the tourist office offers walking tours and biscuit-making workshops.
Spend a full day visiting Obernai’s main attractions and the different Christmas markets.
Riquewihr Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: 26 November to 20 December 2026
Riquewihr is located in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, 15 km from Colmar. Part of the Parc Naturel Régional des Ballons des Vosges and ideally nestled in the vineyards, Riquewihr is a cute, flow-filled village with a typically Alsatian character, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France.
The Riquewihr Christmas Market is one of the most magical, combining to perfection architectural heritage with Christmas lights and decorations. This Alsace Christmas Market is located along the Esplanade des Remparts near the town hall, and in the various squares thorough the historic center. The main street is kept more or less clear to admire the historical architecture, beautifully decorated for Christmas.
Stroll through this fairytale Christmas Market: the wooden chalets offer craft items, Christmas ornaments, and gift ideas. There are also chalets offering gingerbread, pretzels, sweets, bredalas, pastries, and mulled wine.
If you take the Alsace Christmas Shuttle that departs from Colmar, you can visit the Christmas Markets in Riquewihr, Kaysersberg (only on weekends), and Ribeauvillé (only on specific weekends) on a day trip from Colmar.
Colmar Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: 23 November to 29 December 2026
Located in the center of the region, Colmar is a must-stop on any Alsace road trip. The city, of medium size, is frequently voted one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and it has many monuments and typical neighborhoods, particularly beautiful and well decorated.
A sublime “light path” takes visitors to discover the six locations of the Colmar Christmas Market, each nestled in an idyllic setting and with its own identity and theme. Depending on the Christmas Market, you will find stalls selling Christmas decorations, gourmet food, crafts, and a children’s market – head to the Tourist Information (Place des Unterlinden) for the full program of activities and a map showing the locations.
Colmar is an excellent base for visiting the Christmas Markets of Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé (only on specific weekends). Allow two full days to visit all the Christmas Markets and enjoy the city’s magical atmosphere and more if you plan on visiting other Christmas Markets nearby on day trips. If possible, avoid visiting the Colmar Christmas Market on Saturday: the crowds are insane!
Tip: Colmar or Strasbourg Christmas Market? Colmar and Strasbourg are the two best Christmas Markets Alsace has to offer. While the Strasbourg Christmas Market is considered the best Christmas Market in France and is better connected to other cities in France and Europe, the Colmar Christmas Market is more compact, resulting in less walking involved. It also consistently ranks among the most beautiful in Europe.
Where to sleep in Colmar
Visitors book accommodation in Colmar during Christmas one year in advance.
Sélestat Christmas Market 2026 (Village de Noël)
- DATES: 2026 dates are not yet confirmed by the official Sélestat tourist office. Last year, dates were from 21 November to 28 December, so expect similar dates. This page is updated as soon as official dates are announced – bookmark it and check back!
Located in the heart of Alsace, between Colmar and Strasbourg, the city of Sélestat is often underrated. This is a pity because it has some remarkable buildings, like the Humanist Library – one of the only two humanist libraries in Europe – the Arsenal Sainte-Barbe, and the Romanesque Church of Sainte Foy.
Did you know? Sélestat has the oldest known written record about the Christmas Tree. This mention can be found in an account book of the City dated 21 December 1521. This book is exhibited at Sélestat’s Humanist Library. The star in Sélestat, the Christmas Tree, has its own parade, La Parade du Sapin. This year, it will take place on Sunday, 13 December 2026, departing from Place de la Victoire at 3 p.m.
The Sélestat Christmas Market remains an intimate, authentic celebration, far from the crowds of Colmar or Strasbourg. Actually, in Sélestat, they call it Village de Noël (Christmas Village). The stalls are located in two central squares: Place d’Armes and Place du Dr. Maurice Kubler on the forecourt of the Humanist Library.
But there’s more! Follow the Christmas tree marks on the floor and look for the various events, installations, and activities spread throughout the city center on a fairy-tale tour route.
If you’re short on time, you can skip it. But if you’re one of those Christmas market enthusiasts who wants to visit them all, combine your day trip to Sélestat with some sightseeing (there are interesting local sights), ideally when the Parade du Sapin takes place, the market’s most iconic moment. You will find it very quiet on weekdays.
Kaysersberg Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: every weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) from 27 November to 20 December 2026
Kaysersberg is one of the most picturesque villages in Alsace. This wine town is nestled at the entrance of the Vosges Valley, only a few kilometers from Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr.
Kaysersberg means “the Emperor’s Mountain,” and the ruins of the imperial castle that dominates the town have an incredible charm. You are going to love Kaysersberg, with its beautiful historic center, its many half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, and a unique fortified bridge built in 1514 from pink sandstone from the Vosges.
Discover Kaysersberg’s Christmas Market and enjoy its festive and joyful atmosphere. Meet the craftsmen, carefully selected to display their original creations in the thirty or so small chalets. This Christmas Market only takes place during the four weekends of Advent, and it is worth a detour for its authenticity and traditional character.
If you take the Alsace Christmas Shuttle that departs from Colmar, you can visit the Christmas Markets in Riquewihr, Kaysersberg (only on weekends), and Ribeauvillé (only on specific weekends) on a day trip from Colmar.
Eguisheim Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: 27 November to 30 December 2026
The town of Eguisheim has a picturesque setting, surrounded by hills covered with vineyards and overlooked by the Trois-Châteaux, which watch over it. Eguisheim is located just 7 km from Colmar making it an easy day trip from Colmar.
The Eguisheim Christmas Market is small, intimate, and renowned for its atmosphere and authenticity. This Alsace Christmas Market is held at Place du Marché des Saules and Place Monseigneur Stumpf. In both places, you will find around thirty artisans and designers selling their creations in pretty wooden chalets, all sparkling with lights.
Since 2010, Eguisheim has been designated as a “Christmas Towns and Villages.” This coveted label rewards the enhancement of the architectural and cultural heritage of this medieval town.
Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: 5-6 December and 12-13 December 2026
Located at the foot of the Vosges, the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market is a journey back in time and a unique event for all the whole family. This bustling Christmas Market plunges visitors into a joyful medieval atmosphere, with peasants, traders, dancers, and strollers dressed in medieval costumes.
Most of the stalls in this wine town are lined along the Grand’ Rue, offering all kinds of crafts and gourmet products, from sweet regional delicacies to stews, wild boar on a spit, and, of course, beer and mulled wine.
The street performances are the best, so be sure to get a program at the Tourism Office. This Alsace Christmas Market only takes place over two weekends, and although crowds are INTENSE, it is still my favorite Christmas Market in Alsace.
Mulhouse Christmas Market 2026
- DATES: 24 November to 27 December 2026
Located in the south of Alsace, Mulhouse is the second-largest city in the region. The city boasts a beautiful central square featuring the Hôtel de Ville, and the surrounding streets are lined with charming half-timbered houses.
The Mulhouse Christmas Market – the Wianachtsmarkt – is one of the biggest Christmas markets Alsace has to offer. It is the third most visited Christmas Market in Alsace, after Strasbourg and Colmar, and it is located in the heart of the historic center.
The originality of the Mulhouse Christmas Market lies in the incorporation of fabrics and textile creations into the event’s decoration. Mulhouse is the cradle of the textile industry in Alsace, and is also renowned for producing beautiful Christmas fabric. Each year, the city creates this beautiful fabric to decorate facades and pedestrian streets around the Christmas Market.
Where to sleep in Mulhouse
Authentic Alsatian Flavours and Crafts
The Alsace Christmas Markets are great places to taste delicious Alsace food and seasonal treats like bredele (Christmas cookies), vin chaud (spiced mulled wine), manele (brioche gingerbread men), and kugelkopf (sweet spiced Christmas cake).
Depending on where you go, you will find more local specialties, such as the wild boar on a spit in Ribeauvillé or Obernai’s spiced mulled wine, which is made with white wine.
Beer enthusiasts will be delighted to know that many microbreweries in Alsace produce exceptional beers. Alsace beer, which is mainly lager, is made with water drawn from the groundwater, barley malt, yeast, and hops (for the bitter flavor). Several types of beer are available, including seasonal beer. The Christmas beer is a slightly darker ale.
And if you need a break from the Christmas crowds, the winegrowers are always open for wine tastings and some shopping. Alsace produces mainly white wines from Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, and Pinot Gris, but there are also excellent red wines from Pinot Noir – Click here for the best wine experiences near the Alsace Christmas Markets
You will also find beautiful handcrafted ornaments, perfect for meaningful gifts or souvenirs. The craftsmen who participate in the Alsace Christmas Markets are carefully selected and offer original and high-quality products: ceramists, potters, master glassmakers, cabinetmakers, woodcarvers, hatters, and other creators who have inherited the know-how of an entire region.
And there you have it, the best Christmas Markets in Alsace 2026. Now all you need to do is decide which ones to visit (but I suggest doing them all!)
