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In December, the streets of European cities and picturesque towns come alive with the characteristic Christmas markets. Stalls filled with Christmas decorations, handicrafts and culinary delights, accompanied by the enveloping aroma of mulled wine, contribute to the magical atmosphere. Among the most renowned markets are the Alsace Christmas markets, which adorn the picturesque towns of Colmar and its surroundings!
Here are the 4 best Alsace Christmas markets you absolutely cannot miss!
Alsace is a region in eastern France, located right on the border with Germany. It is a truly distinctive and unique land with a breathtaking landscape characterised by hills, vineyards and rivers. But, perhaps, not everyone knows that the Christmas markets in Alsace are the reason why this region is so famous, as they are among the most beautiful and atmospheric (and visited) in Europe.
Christmas markets in Alsace take place every year, open towards the end of November and remain active until Christmas Eve. They are a very old tradition, dating back to the Middle Ages when they were mainly agricultural markets, where farmers sold their products in preparation for winter.
Today, visiting Christmas markets in Alsace is a unique and unforgettable experience that attracts tourists from all over the world. The streets of the region’s towns and villages are transformed with lights, colours and scents. The stalls are full of handicrafts, sweets, toys and Christmas decorations.
Every year during the Christmas season, the markets in Alsace attract millions of visitors from all over the world. In 2022, for example, more than 20 million tourists were attracted to these places.
We dedicated four days to an immersion in the fantastic Christmas world offered by the villages of Alsace, first and foremost Colmar, and it was a magical experience. It is impossible not to get caught up in the Christmas spirit as you venture through these picturesque villages, which seem to have been taken from an enchanted fairy tale! Here are the 4 best Christmas markets in Alsace!
As we have already mentioned, the Christmas markets in Alsace are a popular destination for tourists from all over the world and during the period from mid-November to the end of December, these places are literally taken by storm. So, if you are planning a trip to visit the markets in Alsace during Christmas, we suggest you follow some useful tips to fully enjoy this magical experience:
Colmar is the most famous and popular destination for tourists for the entire month of December, and those in Colmar are definitely among the best Christmas markets in Alsace. The historic city centre comes alive thanks to the numerous Christmas stalls located in various streets and squares, while Christmas lights and decorations adorn the buildings, creating a magical atmosphere.
A visit to Colmar at Christmas is an experience not to be missed, but at the same time you will have to take into account the high influx of tourists, both local and international, eager, like you, not to miss the opportunity to explore this wonderful city.
Many organised tours, with vehicles such as coaches, have Colmar as their destination, so we recommend that you plan and organise your visit well in advance. If possible, opt for non-holiday days in order to avoid large crowds.
Colmar can be reached by train, bus and car, with ample public parking available close to the centre. Concentrate your visit in the heart of the old town, in the old area around the cathedral, and explore the ‘little Venice’, the most photographed and characteristic area of Colmar. Although the stalls are mainly concentrated in the old part of the centre, a stroll along the canals of the ‘little Venice’ is a must to fully immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the Christmas season.
Eguisheim is a tiny village located a short drive south of Colmar. In December, the streets in the centre are closed to traffic, allowing visitors to park nearby and proceed on foot. An alternative is to reach the centre using the shuttle bus that serves the car parks built for the Christmas period.
This town is very small in size but its magic lies in the small alleyways decorated with Christmas decorations and surrounded by the small colourful houses typical of these Alsatian villages. The town has a circular shape, so you can walk around the entire historic centre following the alleys, which are concentric rings. Strolling through these small alleys you will discover magical corners between one little house and another where you can take beautiful photos.
In Eguisheim, Christmas markets can be found in the small squares overlooking the Grand Rue and the Place de Saint Léon.
Eguisheim Christmas markets and magical alleys
Alsace Christmas Markets: Colmar Old Town
Best Christmas markets in Alsace: Place de Saint Léon in Eguisheim
Riquewihr is a charming village located a ten-minute drive north of Colmar and was the inspiration for the famous Disney cartoon ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Here, too, it is possible to park your car in the streets outside the old town or use the specially designated car parks.
Unlike Eguisheim, this village is mainly developed along the main street, the Rue du Général de Gaulle, which is lined with various bars, restaurants and shops. The street starts at the Riquewihr Town Hall and ends at the Tour Haute, one of the most picturesque areas of the place.
In Riquewihr, Christmas markets can be found in the vicinity of the Town Hall, with stalls selling both handicrafts and local culinary delicacies, such as cheeses. It is certain that in Riquewihr you can find the best Christmas markets in Alsace.
Ribeauvillé, located about 15 minutes’ drive north of Colmar, is a slightly larger village than Eguisheim and Riquewihr and is built around its main street, the Grand Rue. This long street is the main artery of the village, on which numerous shops, restaurants and the Christmas market stalls can be found.
During the first two weekends of December, Ribeauvillé also hosts the medieval markets, offering characteristic shows, such as those of the fire-eaters, and the possibility of tasting culinary specialities unique to the Viking village, such as soup served in a bread crust. You can also take part in ancient medieval games that add a touch of fun to your visit.
Medieval villages are developed along the Grand Rue, in the Place de La République and in front of the Ribeauvillé town hall, located approximately halfway along the Grand Rue. To access the village, we recommend that you look for a parking space in the free public car parks or use the shuttle service to the historic centre.
Alsace Christmas Markets: The Alleys of Ribeauvillé
Alsace Christmas Markets: View of the center of Ribeauvillé
The best Christmas markets in Alsace: Riquewihr
You can find detailed information on the Christmas markets in Alsace on the official website at this link.
Visiting the markets in Alsace during Christmas is a unique experience! As we have advised you, there are two important points of attention:
the first is to book the facilities where you intend to stay well in advance, especially if you decide to stay in small villages such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé. In this regard, we strongly advise you to opt for these small villages when choosing the location of your accommodation because you will be able to take advantage of the late afternoon hours without the crowds that are created during the day, and we assure you that there are plenty of them!
the second is to leave with a suitcase full of warm, heavy clothes as it is cold in December in Alsace!
With this article, we hope we have enticed you to go and soak up some of the Christmas atmosphere in the beautiful region of Alsace: it’s a magical experience for young and old alike! Stay connected with us via social channels and the newsletter and as always… trip to try!
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