Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
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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, 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 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 2023 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, perfect for trying the typical dishes in Alsace like the 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.
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 a car in Colmar or in 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!
By bus
If you decide to combine the Christmas market in Riquewihr with the Colmar Christmas market, there are two Christmas shuttles (#1 and #2) with departures from Colmar every 30 minutes on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The shuttles 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 10 EUR, valid for one day, and unlimited trips.
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.
With a guided tour from Colmar
During this tour with hotel pick-up and drop-off, discover the traditional villages of Beauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg, which are decorated in unique ways. You will have time to explore at your own pace the villages and your driver will help you to learn more about the towns. The tour includes a visit to a wine cellar at Ribeauvillé and tastings – Click here to book your Christmas tour from Colmar
Where to Stay in Riquewihr
The real reason we 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: 25 November to 21 December 2023.
Opening times: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6.30 pm; Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7:30 pm.