The Ultimate Guide to the Most Magical Christmas Markets in Alsace

Like every year, from the end of November onwards, the magic of Christmas takes hold of France’s major cities. The best-known is Strasbourg in Alsace, but we’d like to take you on a tour of the region’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

 

Strasbourg, with its authentic Christmas markets, is a magical city for the locals, as well as for the two million visitors who come from all over France and the world to soak up this very special atmosphere.

Every year, we love discovering new Christmas markets to immerse ourselves in this magical atmosphere and fall back into childhood. I invite you to read our other articles to discover these beautiful European Christmas markets:

• The Prague Christmas market
• The Cologne Christmas market

Christmas has always had a unique dimension in Alsace. However, with the massive influx of tourists, you may be disappointed that you can’t always find authenticity, especially in Strasbourg. That’s why we decided to spend a 3-day weekend discovering other small villages in the region, some of which are less well known to travelers, but much appreciated by the locals. So here’s our itinerary by car, starting with Otrott, then Obernai, continuing via Gertwiller, Colmar then end with Strasbourg.

| OBERNAI AND ITS FRIENDLY MARKET

Obernai is focusing on conviviality and authenticity, with a more family-friendly Christmas market featuring flavors and crafts. Meet passionate craftsmen with real know-how. Set up in the Christmas village at the foot of the ramparts, the pretty wooden chalets of the Christmas market whet our appetites with tasty local produce and invite us to savor the scents of gingerbread and mulled wine. The town has planned a number of activities for the festive season, including imperial carriage rides, glass-blowing demonstrations and tours of Alsatian cribs… We liked the family feel of the Obernai market. More locals come to share a convivial moment with family and friends over a glass of mulled wine or an Alsatian beer. We did it during the day, but it’s said that at night it’s even more beautiful, offering the warmth and magic of a true Alsatian Christmas.

| GERTWILLER, THE SPICE BREAD TRADITION SINCE 1768

Here, it’s more like a gourmet trip to the land of sweets, a must-see for young and old alike. At first glance, this tiny village may not look very attractive, but it’s still a very pleasant and interesting stopover, especially for the wallet (by way of comparison, a large christollen, the Alsatian Christmas cake filled with fruit and marzipan, is sold for €10 on average on the markets of the big cities, but in this store it can be bought for around €4).

The house Fortwenger takes you into the fairytale world of Mannele, the little gingerbread man you can’t miss at Christmas markets. You’ll be amazed by the visual, audio and olfactory entertainment on offer, in a dream setting for young and old alike. I think it’s the perfect place to bring back the tasty gingerbread.

Since 1768, they’ve been made with respect for tradition: the ingredients are top-quality, but it’s still a factory that brews a lot of people! I’d even say it’s madness! People are snapping up bredele tins, mugs and all the decorations from this renowned brand. However, I do recommend a visit, not only for the lovely museum they’ve created, but also to see the craftsmen at work preparing the famous dough and decorating the little subjects by hand, all steps that require skill and a love of the craft.

We loved the family atmosphere, the much lower prices than at Christmas markets, and the fact that these gingerbreads are made in this tiny workshop. Not far from Gertwiller, the chalet “the Elf Forest” in Eichhoffen, located in the remparts parking lot, offers handmade Christmas decorations by ceramics. Open Monday to Saturday, 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm (closed Thursday morning). Discover their store here.

| COLMAR – THE AUTHENTIC CHRISTMAS MARKET, OUR FAVORITE

Many Alsatians recommended we visit Colmar for Christmas and now, we understand why. This is what a real Christmas market feels like: charming wooden chalets, authentic local decorations scattered throughout the town, and beautiful Alsatian fabrics and crafts.

If you’re looking to bring home a meaningful souvenir, we highly recommend stopping by the workshop on Place Unterlinden, where you’ll find handmade Christmas baubles, each one crafted with care and tradition.

What truly won us over was the authenticity of the whole experience. That said, we have to be honest: it does get very crowded. That’s the only downside we found!

• Take a little coffee break chez Jadis et Gourmande. (8 place du marché aux fruits)
• Have dinner in restaurant la Terrasse du marché
• Try the Restaurant La Soï for his Flammekueche “tartes flambées”
• Go to the Tea room l’Artemis
• The Croissant doré
• Try the Restaurant Stam

| STRASBOURG, CAPITAL OF LIGHT

I simply had to include Strasbourg in my Christmas selection, this city truly sparkles once night falls. In our opinion, it’s even more beautiful after sunset, when every corner of the city lights up in a magical glow. Streets, houses, façades, churches, windows, and balconies shimmer with thousands of twinkling lights and unique decorations that create a fairytale-like atmosphere.

For both young and old, Christmas in Strasbourg is a true escape—but what makes it truly enchanting is the incredible lighting that transforms buildings, alleyways, and public squares into something straight out of a dream.

With over 300 wooden stalls spread throughout the city center, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. The city proudly preserves the traditions of an authentic Alsatian Christmas, offering everything from local culinary delights to products from other French regions like Brittany or the Midi-Pyrénées. The atmosphere is warm and festive, though it must be said: the crowds can be intense, and weaving through the alleys can sometimes be a bit of a challenge!

Every year, Strasbourg also highlights a guest country to treat your taste buds to new flavors. The year we visited, Portugal was in the spotlight. At the Portuguese Village on Place Gutenberg, we discovered delicious specialties like pasteis de nata, cured meats, wines, beers, and charming handmade crafts including drums and embroidery. There are also plenty of cultural and musical events throughout the season to enjoy.

What we loved most? The lights of Strasbourg at night. They bring a unique character to the city and beautifully showcase the magic of Alsatian Christmas decorations. That said, we did find some chalets a bit less authentic, prices on the higher side, and the crowds slightly overwhelming compared to other smaller villages.

WHERE TO GO IN STRASBOURG AT CHRISTMAS ?

If you have a bit of time ahead of you, take your time and explore them all at your own pace. But if, like us, you’re only spending a day in Strasbourg, here are the spots we recommend prioritizing:

1. Kléber Place

• For its majestic 30-meter-high Christmas tree, an iconic symbol of the city.

• For its festive stage, hosting enchanting Christmas carols throughout the day.

• For the best mulled wine we tasted, just to the right of the tree — a real treat!

• For its magical children’s workshops, storytelling sessions and Christmas shows that will delight the little ones.

2. New temple place or “The Golden Square”

• Between Temple Neuf street, Chaudron street, Orfèvres street, Sangliers street, the Christmas decorations are simply stunning, a true feast for the eyes! Children will love the magical Hansel & Gretel-themed shop at 7 Rue du Chaudron. As for us, we felt like kids again!

3. Broglie Place

• Today, the Christkindelsmärik is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, a living testament to the rich nativity traditions of Alsace.

4. Fishmarket Place

• The “Marché des Délices de Noël d’Alsace” is a festive market dedicated to local flavours, where regional producers offer delicious Alsatian treats such as bredele (traditional Christmas cookies), hot white mulled wine, foie gras, and craft beers.

5. Cathédral Place

• It looks especially beautiful in the evening, when everything sparkles!

6. The “petite France”

• This is where you can buy handcrafted Christmas baubles from the Meisenthal workshop, sold on Place Benjamin Zix. Each year, a new design is imagined and created so don’t miss the chance to bring home your very own!

  Also, make sure to check out the giant chandelier hanging at the corner of Grand’ Rue and Rue du Fossé des Tanneurs. It’s a real eye-catcher!

| TOP TIPS FOR STRASBOURG

For those with only a short time in Strasbourg who still want to experience the very best of the Christmas markets, here are the must-do activities i recommend:

➡️  Ride through Strasbourg’s Old Town and the Neustadt district on a 2.5 hour guided bike tour. Discover the city’s charming Christmas markets and soak up the festive atmosphere along the way. Click here to check availability and book.

➡️  If you love discovering Alsatian flavours, don’t miss this 2 hours walking tour on market days (Wednesdays and Fridays) where you’ll get to sample some of the region’s best local products along the way.. Click here to check availability and book.

| Our foodie guide and travel advice for Strasbourg

If you’re planning a trip to Strasbourg during the Christmas markets, be sure to book your accommodation and restaurant reservations well in advance. It gets fully booked very quickly!

Where to Taste the Best Flammekueche in Alsace ?

Probably at the Auberge  “l’Espérance in Handschuheim”, about a good 20 minutes drive from Strasbourg. Here, you’ll be served delicious wood fired flammekueche from Wednesday to Sunday evenings. Make sure to book ahead, this place is a local favorite!

The concept is simple (and we love it!): you start with the classic version, then move on to the gratinée, and finish with the Munster cheese flammekueche. You can order as many as you like, and when you’ve had enough, you just say “Stop” and pay for what you’ve eaten. It’s a fun and generous way to experience Alsatian food culture!

Where to taste a good “Choucroute” ?

Of course, there’s also Maison Kammerzel in Strasbourg. A beautiful and iconic spot just across from the cathedral and its charming wooden stalls. It’s quite touristy, yes, but the setting is worth it! Right across the square, you’ll also find Au Dauphin, another option for traditional dishes.

Several street food stalls nearby sell munstiflette or choucroute to go, but be aware: it’s often €7 for a small 150g portion — quite pricey, and the quality doesn’t always match the price.

For a more authentic experience, we recommend trying Winstub Chez Yvonne, where you can enjoy hearty Alsatian dishes in a traditional and welcoming setting.

Where to Enjoy a Good Glass of Mulled Wine ?

You’ll find mulled wine almost everywhere, as nearly every stall serves it, but we followed the advice of some friendly locals. We tried the spiced wine at Place Broglie, right next to the Christmas tree. There are two stands there, and one of them proudly claims “often imitated, never equalled.” And honestly? It really is one of the best we’ve tasted!

Our Other Recommended Spots

• “La Corde à linge” in the area petite France (Reservation required)
• “Les Chauvins père et fils” for Alsatians tapas
• Restaurant “La finette”
• Winstub “La petite Venise”
• The microbrewery “La Lanterne”
• The coffeeshop “Bretelles” for his chaï latte
• “Le botaniste” for vegetarian cuisine
• “Madame Julia” o treat yourself to a little brunch before heading home

Where to stay in Strasbourg ?

It’s very important to book your accommodation as early as possible, as the Christmas market attracts millions of visitors and places fill up months in advance! If you’re only staying in Strasbourg, I highly recommend choosing a charming half-timbered guesthouse right in the city centre. The perfect way to soak up the festive atmosphere.

My favourite places to stay in Strasbourg:

• Hôtel Cour du Corbeau

• L’hôtel Cathédrale for his vue in front of cathedral

• L’hôtel Voco in the Strasbourg centre

• Hôtel de l’Europe in “la petite France”

➡️  Check out our selection of charming hotels and guesthouses below. Check the best offers and booked on Booking.

To get to Strasbourg

• The TGV is a great option for getting to Strasbourg from Paris, with very attractive fares. The journey takes just 2 hours by high-speed train. Find train tickets to Strasbourg at the best price !

• Don’t forget to check Ouigo trains as well. You can often find incredibly low fares if you book 3 months in advance! Find train to Strasbourg at a great price.

• Once you’re there, consider renting a car to explore the different Christmas markets — it will be essential to get around easily. Rent a car at the best price. From Paris, it takes around 4.5 to 5 hours by car to reach Strasbourg. Driving gives you more flexibility and allows you to visit smaller, more authentic Christmas markets along the way.

| OTHER ALSCIANS CHRISTMAS MARKETS

There are other smaller markets we didn’t get the chance to see, such as the one in Kaysersberg, or Riquewihr, known for its picturesque Christmas market held only on Saturdays and Sundays. Ribeauvillé is famous for its medieval Christmas market, while Erstein hosts a charming “Sweet Treats” market. In Turckheim, don’t miss the magical moment when the village Advent calendar is opened each evening on the main square. A beautiful tradition, especially for children.

And then there’s Eguisheim, often called the favourite village of the French, known for being one of the most traditional and enchanting spots during the festive season.

If you have other great spots or personal favourites to share, feel free to leave a comment. I’d be happy to add them to the list!

| OTTROTT – HAVE A LOOK OF THIS CHARMING LITTLE VILLAGE

We were passing through for a night in this charming little village on the wine route, renowned for its light red wine the vin d’Ottrott. This is the starting point of our Alsace tour, and it’s also where we met Catherine Fritze, a local winemaker and true Alsatian who sells a wide range of local products in her tiny store, as well as tasting a few excellent glasses of local wine. We bought some good wine here, which I’d recommend to you: Alsace Auxerrois (about 6€ a bottle), Pinot Gris Affenberg (about 6€ a bottle), Gwurztraminer affenberg vendanges (a sweet, chilled wine, about 21,50€ a bottle) or the Soleil d’automne affenberg (around 14€ a bottle) Ottrott is a pretty tourist village in the Vosges, renowned for its castles, its monastery of Mont Ste Odile, its famous Ottrott red and its thriving hotel trade. We loved the hotel we stayed in, the peacefulness of this small village and our little authentic store where we bought wine.

Discover our overnight experience in Ottrott

Would you like to relax in a peaceful setting? We’ve found just the address you need to set down your suitcases in the heart of the Alsace wine route, in an area where small Christmas markets abound. Introducing Hostellerie des Châteaux, a house of excellence in Ottrott, between the vineyards and forests of Alsace. This five-storey, family-run establishment is run by Aurélie and Guillaume and boasts 4 stars. It sits on a hilltop at the top of a small cobbled street in this typically Alsatian village with half-timbered houses, famous for its red wine, Ottrott. People come here for its nature and culture of flavors, its calm and wellness formula, its conviviality and refinement.

The hotel is first and foremost a ancient 17th-century manor house, now a listed monument. It’s beautifully decorated, blending tradition and modernity in an authentic way. A cosy atmosphere is felt from the moment you arrive at reception. It has 67 rooms and suites ranging in size from 20 to 70 m2, sometimes contemporary, sometimes traditional, but always with an Alsatian touch. Some are also equipped with a private sauna and hammam. The warmth of wood panelling combined with the strength of stone create an atmosphere where conviviality meets elegance, with sobriety and elegance at the forefront: hushed corridors, modern solid parquet flooring, country chic ambience, decorated and ceruse-finished wooden doors. We tested a superior suite with a bathroom equipped with a whirlpool bath and a beautiful shower. The bedding is, of course, very pleasant and appreciable in the king-size beds. Succumb to your little welcome gift: an absolutely delicious mini kouglof.

We also had lunch at the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, renowned in the region. Enjoy a foretaste of Alsatian gastronomy blended with local produce at the hotel’s restaurant. Chef Ernest Schaetzel is refined, enhanced by Alsace wines including the famous red wine from Ottrott, and highly professional service worthy of the finest French houses. In the end, a real moment of pleasure with, for us, a declination of five dishes combining foie gras, roasted scallops with seafoam, doe with extra bitter chocolate and a chestnut meringue entremet. A bar/lounge area with cigar bar lets you round off your evening with a taste of Alsace digestifs, including the famous Gewurztraminer, gratte cul and Ellipse cognac.

The spa at Hostellerie des Châteaux was the the very first spa in Alsace to open, and it’s one of the most complete spas in the region. This complete haven of peace extends over 1000 m2: it’s like being in ancient Rome with all the marble, statues and columns! There’s a serenity area for treatments, massages and body wraps, as well as a beautiful swimming pool overlooking the property’s gardens, a large Jacuzzi, a laconium, an outdoor solarium, heated armchairs, a relaxation room with flotation beds, three relaxation areas, three hammams with different temperatures, essential oils and virtues, two saunas, one of which is absolutely marvellous with a view of the outside. All the ingredients have been brought together to make this spa an instant success and to recharge your batteries: zen atmosphere, chromotherapy.

| DISCOVER OUR OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT CHRISTMAS MARKET IN EUROPE

Before you go, feel free to check out our other articles featuring some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe. You’re sure to fall in love with them too!

• Prague Christmas Marcket
• Cologne Christmas Marcket

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