The Ultimate Guide to the Best Alsace Christmas Markets

Explore the enchanting Alsace Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar with our ultimate travel guide. Discover festive lights, unique gifts, and delicious treats for an unforgettable holiday experience.

If you enjoy the Christmas season and visiting Christmas markets, you must put the Alsace Christmas markets on your list!

Alsace, a picturesque region in northeastern France, is renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets.

Strasbourg and Colmar are the two French cities most famous for Christmas markets in Alsace.

From November, both cities transform into winter wonderlands, offering visitors a magical experience filled with festive lights, charming stalls, and delicious Christmas treats.

We’ve visited many European Christmas markets, but nothing compares to Strasbourg and Colmar. These Christmas markets and towns feel like stepping into a Christmas movie.

This guide will take you through a delightful three-day journey, showcasing the best Christmas markets and activities in Strasbourg and Colmar.

How to Get to Strasbourg

From Paris:

1. By Train: The fastest and most convenient way to get to Strasbourg from Paris is by taking the TGV (high-speed train) from Gare de l’Est. The journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
2. By Car: If you prefer driving, the trip takes around 4-5 hours via the A4 motorway.
3. By Plane: There are direct flights from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Strasbourg, with a flight time of about 1 hour.

From Frankfurt:

1. By Train: Take the direct ICE train from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof to Strasbourg. The journey takes about 2 hours.
2. By Car: The drive from Frankfurt to Strasbourg takes around 2 hours via the A5 motorway.
3. By Bus: There are also direct bus services, which take about 3 hours.

We traveled from Puerto Rico to Frankfurt on Christmas Day and then took a train to Strasbourg.

We love to travel on Christmas Day because there are fewer crowds at the airport and the flights are generally cheaper. As a bonus, we got Christmas goodies on the flight to Frankfurt, including a Christmas-themed barf bag!

Day 1: Discover Strasbourg’s Christmas Magic

Start your day early to maximize your time in Strasbourg. When you arrive in Strasbourg, check into your hotel and head straight to the heart of the city, Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Begin at Place Kléber, the city’s main square, where you’ll find the magnificent Great Christmas Tree. Take some time to admire the decorations and the festive atmosphere.

A short walk from Place Kléber is the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. The Gothic architecture and intricate details are awe-inspiring. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb the tower for panoramic views of the city.

Head to one of the cozy restaurants in the Petite France district. Try traditional Alsatian dishes such as choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages and meats) or tarte flambée (Alsatian pizza).

Stroll through Petite France, known for its charming half-timbered houses, canals, and cobblestone streets. This area is especially beautiful during Christmas, with festive decorations adorning the buildings.

Strasbourg Christmas Markets

Strasbourg boasts several Christmas markets, each with its unique charm.

1. Christkindelsmärik: Located at Place Broglie, this is the oldest and most famous Christmas market in Strasbourg. Browse through stalls selling handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and delicious treats like gingerbread and mulled wine.
2. Place de la Cathédrale: Situated in front of the cathedral, this market features beautiful artisan crafts and regional specialties.
3. Place du Marché-aux-Poissons and Palais Rohan: Here, you’ll find an array of food stalls offering regional delicacies, perfect for a festive dinner.

Day 2: More Strasbourg Christmas Delights

Start your day going market hopping and getting local delicacies with a visit to:

1. Place Gutenberg: This market often hosts a different guest country each year, offering unique international products and foods.
2. Place Benjamin-Zix: Located in Petite France, this smaller market is perfect for finding unique gifts and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere.

Grab a quick lunch from one of the food stalls. Try a bretzel (soft pretzel) or a portion of foie gras, a local delicacy.

In the afternoon visit the Alsatian Museum to learn about Alsace’s history and traditions through its fascinating exhibits.

If you aren’t tired of Christmas markets visit Place Saint-Thomas for more artisanal crafts and holiday decorations.

As night falls, take a walk around the city to admire the Christmas lights. The entire city is beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.

1. Place du Temple Neuf: This market features an array of local products and is perfect for last-minute gift shopping.
2. Rivetoile Christmas Market: A bit farther from the city center, this market offers a more modern take on Christmas, with trendy gifts and decorations.

Day 3: A Day Trip to Colmar

Colmar, another jewel of Alsace, is just a short train ride from Strasbourg. Known for its well-preserved old town and festive ambiance, Colmar’s Christmas markets are a must-visit.

Take an early morning train from Strasbourg to Colmar. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

Start your day in the Old Town:

1. Place des Dominicains: This market is set against the backdrop of the Dominican Church, offering a wide variety of crafts and food.
2. Place Jeanne d’Arc: Experience the charm of a traditional Alsatian village with stalls selling local products like cheeses, meats, and wines.

Head to a local bistro to enjoy Alsatian specialties. Don’t miss trying a warm, hearty bowl of baeckeoffe (a traditional Alsatian casserole).

Explore Little Venice, a picturesque area with colorful half-timbered houses along the canals. It’s especially enchanting during Christmas with twinkling lights reflecting off the water.

Colmar Christmas Markets

1. Koïfhus (Old Customs House): This market focuses on antique toys and traditional crafts, making it a great spot for unique gifts.
2. Place de l’Ancienne Douane: With its beautiful fountain and festive stalls, this market is perfect for soaking up the Christmas spirit.
3. Place des Six Montagnes Noires: Known for its cozy atmosphere and charming stalls.
4. Place de la Cathédrale: Finish your day at this market, which offers a variety of food stalls perfect for dinner.

Take an evening train back to Strasbourg to conclude your magical Christmas journey.

Tips for Visiting Alsace Christmas Markets

1. Dress Warmly: Alsace can be quite cold in December. Layer up to stay warm while exploring the markets.
2. Stay Hydrated: Enjoy the mulled wine, but also remember to drink plenty of water.
3. Comfortable Shoes: There will be a lot of walking, sometimes on uneven surfaces, so bring warm comfortable shoes.
4. Plan Ahead: Christmas markets can get crowded, especially on weekends. Plan your visits early in the day to avoid the busiest times.
5. Cash is King: Many stalls accept only cash, so make sure to have some Euros on hand.
6. Check the weather: It rained during our visit, and having umbrellas, the right clothes and waterproof boots was key to having a great time.

Christmas Magic

Visiting the Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar is a magical experience that captures the essence of the holiday season.

From the enchanting lights and festive decorations to the delightful foods and unique gifts, every moment spent in these Alsatian cities will fill you with Christmas cheer.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this guide will help you make the most of your trip and create unforgettable memories.