Christmas markets to visit
Discover (again) the Alsatian Christmas traditions by visiting the main attraction of the end-of-year festivities: the Christmas markets.
In Alsace, there is no shortage of them. Our beautiful region is home to some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France and around the world! Come and enjoy the unique atmosphere and the magic that reigns during the Alsatian winter.
To visit in Alsace
Admire the unmissable Christmas markets in Strasbourg, or go to Kaysersberg & Ribeauvillé for a medieval atmosphere. Head to Colmar for a magical illuminated market, and Mulhouse with its famous Christmas fabric.
Simply follow the Wine Route and visit the Christmas markets in the small villages, which promise postcard-perfect scenery: beautiful memories guaranteed!
Chrismas market of Strasbourg
Once upon a time, Strasbourg the capital of Christmas… a story that has been reinvented since 1570, and which makes the heart of an entire city beat faster. Its famous Christmas market, the “Christkindelsmärik”, the name given in Alsatian dialect to the traditional “market of the Christ child”, is one of the oldest in Europe.
This 2021 edition, entitled “Let’s light up the stars“, has a very special dimension. It celebrates the joy and warmth of being at the foot of the Great Christmas Tree and of exchanging with the more than 300 exhibitors gathered in the many squares of the Grande-Île. This event is the first step towards a Strasbourg Christmas Capital that is more open in space, where the values of Christmas are gradually regaining their full meaning.
Chrismas market of Kayersberg
In the heart of the imperial town of Kaysersberg, the aromas of gingerbread and the scent of cinnamon mulled wine will awaken your taste buds, your eyes will be wide open in front of the bakers’ stalls filled with bredalas (small Christmas cakes) with hazelnuts, almonds, chocolate, dried fruit…
You will be charmed by this soft and intimate atmosphere while strolling between the 30 wooden chalets of the Christmas market in the heart of the historic centre of Kaysersberg. The craftsmen, scrupulously selected by the members of the Noël à Kaysersberg association, will welcome you and offer you their original handcrafted creations: wooden toys, decorations for your Christmas tree, blown glass objects, jewellery, lamps… You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding your Christmas gifts.
Adults will rediscover their childlike spirit filled with distant memories.
Our advice : at nightfall, the atmosphere is magical, it is a privileged moment to discover Kaysersberg and its numerous animations
Chrismas market of Mulhouse
Mulhouse, the birthplace of the textile industry, has a Christmas market renowned for its fabrics. Each year, special designs are created and the fabrics are used to dress the monuments and houses of the market. It is in a festive and warm atmosphere that the industrial heritage dear to Mulhouse is celebrated.
This rather intimate Christmas market takes place on the Place de la Réunion, opposite the Temple Saint-Etienne.
Meet local craftsmen: they will make you taste various Alsatian specialities (bredele, manala, spiced mulled wine…) and you will have at your disposal a large choice of decorative objects, jewels, scarves, hats and other craft products.
End your visit with a superb view of Mulhouse and its Christmas lights by climbing on the big wheel!
The enchanted forest in Altkirch
Bring back to life the tales and legends told in the past during Christmas Eve in the Sundgau region (southern Alsace). Experience a magical moment and discover, in the heart of the city centre, more than twenty stories staged with sound.
The blue Chrismas in Guebwiller
The town of Guebwiller offers a revisited and original Christmas market organised around the theme of “blue”: blue decorations and illuminations are highlighted throughout the town centre. Numerous animations and activities are proposed: ice rink, Christmas markets, exhibition-sales, etc.
To visit in Germany & Swiss :
One of the big advantages of Alsace is its proximity to Switzerland and Germany!
Ravennaschlucht Christmas Market: The authenticity of a unique Black Forest market
The Christmas market in the Ravenna Gorge combines a romantic and wild atmosphere with the Black Forest. Right under the Höllentalbahn (“train from the valley of the underworld”), the market is illuminated by light shows that dance on the stones of the viaduct, as well as fires around which everyone enjoys warming up.
With its traditional handicrafts and local gastronomy, this market marks the authenticity of the first Christmas markets.
Come and visit the Ravennaschlucht Christmas market to taste and enjoy the local mulled wine and the Christmas delicacies that go with it. Local craftsmen show you their work and fine Black Forest specialities, and present you with lovely gift ideas for the holidays.
The site also offers beautiful walks accessible to all, as well as adventure activities and unusual experiences : skiing, skating, torchlight snowshoeing, winter biathlon, themed walks with a crime to solve, winter barbecues…
Come and experience a real-life fairy tale : Ravennaschlucht, along B31 / Breitnau-Höllsteig / Site web
Chrismas market in Basel
Basel’s large Christmas market has no fewer than 180 wooden chalets and stretches from Barfüsserplatz to Münsterplatz. In December, Basel offers one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland, decorated with lights that make the city even more beautiful and magical. As a cultural city, Basel is no exception to the rule, as its museums offer numerous temporary exhibitions during the Advent period. Between two events, don’t forget to taste the traditional Swiss raclette and the Basel gingerbread “Läckerli”. During your walk, you will undoubtedly pass by the large Christmas tree decorated by Johann Wanner, a leading figure in the field of Christmas decoration, who has a shop in Basel, the “Christmas House”.
Chrismas market in Fribourg
Freiburg is located in Germany near the Black Forest, in one of the greenest regions of the country. The Advent period is a good opportunity to (re)discover this cultural city rich in medieval buildings, and to meet a festive and warm German people. Its Christmas market is part of the Rhineland tradition with lights that embellish the city, the presence of traders and craftsmen who present their know-how in pretty wooden huts, animations… and above all an impressive Christmas cot with wooden figurines.
Other Christmas markets in Alsace and events in December
- Christmas at Europa Park: the amusement park located in Rust, Germany, has been voted Best Amusement Park in the World for the third consecutive time. Europa Park stages a real Christmas fairytale with numerous decorations, animations and shows: more than 2,500 Christmas trees and 10,000 baubles, an old-fashioned Christmas market, winter culinary specialities, glittering garlands, but also a ski school for children, etc.
- Christmas in the Garden at the Parc de Wesserling: the enchanting gardens of the Parc de Wesserling are illuminated and seduce you with a magical story and with the meeting of surprising characters.
- And many others to discover… Christmas markets in Thann, Huningue, Saint-Louis, Altkirch, Bouxwiller, etc.
For a relaxing trip, let us take you from the airport to the hotel with our 24-hour shuttle service or leave your car in our secure car park!