Article written by Elisa
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Riquewihr is one of the most beautiful medieval towns in France. Nestled between mountains and vineyards, Riquewhir is one of the best places to visit in Alsace, and it is well-known for its picturesque architecture and wines.
During the Christmas holidays, Riquewihr hosts one of the best Christmas markets in Alsace, attracting visitors from other corners of France and abroad. Stroll through the illuminated streets of one of the “Most Beautiful Villages in France,” nestled in a magical and picturesque setting.
The 2024 Riquewihr Christmas Market is from 29 November to 22 December. Keep reading for the best things to do at the Riquewihr Christmas Market.
Are you planning your Alsace trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Alsace tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your train tickets to Comar
- 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
- Half-day Wine Tour from Strasbourg
- 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 (stay in a traditional Alsace building in the Little Venice neighborhood)
- Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal (the cutest place to stay during the Christmas time!)
- Hotel Cathédrale (with amazing views over the Cathedral)
- Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg (in a lovely traditional building)
Don’t leave for Alasce without travel insurance!
Safety Wing works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days). Safety Wing covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and unplanned quarantine is covered, too.
The Christmas Market in Riquewihr
The Christmas Market in Riquewihr is located mainly in the Rue des Remparts, near the Town Hall, on the left side. On the first three weekends, the market is extended to Rue du Général de Gaulle (a few chalets here and there) and also in some courtyards.
The stalls sell various handicrafts: wax figurines with Christmas motifs, sweets, musical instruments, local wines and champagnes (called crémant d’Alsace), wooden objects, glass Christmas balls, Christmas lamps, cheese, and cured meats.
For this 2024 edition, the town has planned many festive events, such as evenings of Christmas tales, Christmas concerts, activities in the Christmas cellars, and exhibitions. Don’t hesitate to ask for the complete program at Riquewihr’s Tourism Office, located at 2 Rue de la 1E Armée.
You will also have the opportunity to taste specialties from Alsace, hearty food like tarte flambée, raclette, or tartiflette, and drink hot chocolate or mulled wine to warm up.
Le Sentier des Saveurs
This is the mini Christmas Market in Riquewihr for foodies! Le Sentier des Saveurs is located in the Cour des Nobles and hosts a dozen or so typical wooden chalets selling high-quality gourmet products.
You can buy chocolates, smoked charcuterie, brandy or Alsatian whisky, filet mignon with foie gras, quality cheeses, and more. There’s also a place to eat on-site.
The warmth of this courtyard, the exhibitors, and the quality of the products make it an essential place to visit during Christmas in Alsace.
La Féerie de Noël
Since the 1990s, this fairytale shop has welcomed its customers in an exceptional setting devoted to Christmas decorations. La Féerie de Noël is open all year round, but it becomes a must of Riquewihr during the festive holidays.
The brilliant staging of the products is to be discovered on two levels, in a décor that looks like an Alsatian village. La Féérie de Noël is located at the foot of the Dolder (Riquewihr’s famous tower), and you cannot miss it as there’s always a line to visit the shop.
Take a (Warm) Break in a Winstub
If you decide you need a break from the cold weather outside, look for a table in a warm and cozy winstub where conviviality reigns.
Winstubs (also called wistubs) are the local (and inexpensive) eateries in Alsace. They are perfect for trying typical dishes like choucroute, baeckeoffe, and more. Click here to learn what to eat in Alsace.
Most winstubs in Riquewihr are located along the main street and have similar menus. If possible, book in advance.
How to Get to the Christmas Market in Riquewihr
Riquewihr is located 14 km north of Colmar and 71 Km southwest of Strasbourg. The town is easy to reach by car and public transportation.
By car
Visit the best Christmas markets in Alsace by car. If you don’t have one, you can rent one in Colmar or Strasbourg – click here for our best tips for renting a car in France.
If you travel by car, avoid weekends, when the Christmas market in Riquewihr is particularly crowded. When we visited the Riquewihr Christmas Market (on a Saturday), the roads were so busy with cars that our journey from Riquewihr back to Colmar took us 2 hours instead of the usual 20 minutes!
With a Guided Tour from Colmar or Strasbourg
This Enchanting Christmas Experience tour from Colmar visits the traditional villages of Beauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg, which are decorated uniquely. During this full-day tour, you will have time to explore the villages at your own pace, and your driver will help you learn more about the towns. The tour includes a visit to a wine cellar at Ribeauvillé and tastings.
This top-rated Alsace Christmas Market tour from Colmar is shorter (count 4 hours) and visits the markets of Riquewihr and Eguisheim.
There is a fantastic Christmas Market day tour from Strasbourg that visits 5 Christmas markets, including Colmar, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim. The choice of the Christmas markets will depend on the day of the tour.
By bus
If you decide to combine the Christmas market in Riquewihr with the Colmar Christmas market, two Christmas shuttles – Navettes de Noël #1 and #2 depart from Colmar every 30 minutes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
The buses start just in front of Colmar’s train station and stop in Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg before returning to Colmar. The shuttle bus ticket costs 15 EUR (free for kids under 12) and is valid for one day with unlimited rides.
- Line 1: Colmar > Kaysersberg > Riquewihr > Ribeauvillé > Colmar
- Line 2: Colmar > Ribeauvillé > Riquewihr > Kaysersberg > Colmar
I recommend buying your tickets to the Christmas shuttle online and well in advance. With online tickets you skip the line to buy the tickets! There will be a line to board the bus, though.
Alternatively, you can take bus 68R016 from Colmar – Place Scheurer Kestner to Riquewhir. This is a regular bus, with many stops from Riquewihr to Colmar.
Where to Stay in Riquewihr
The real reason I think you should stay in Riquewhir overnight is because of how magical it becomes once the sun starts to set and the day crowds are gone. Then, the locals relax, and this beautiful village will be yours until late in the morning of the next day!
Book accommodation well in advance if you want to stay in Riquewihr during Christmas. This map shows the hotels and apartments available for your selected dates.
Riquewhir Christmas Market – Practical Information
Riquewhir Christmas Market dates: 29 November to 22 December 2024. The Market will open on 29 November evening.
Opening times: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6.30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7:30 pm.