Original Post December 21, 2021 | Updated Post, September 10, 2023
Itâs that time of the year when Europe becomes a magical wonderland of Christmas Markets, with each country having its own charm and uniqueness. And, after three years of having lived in Germany and only making it to Christmas Markets in the land of dirndls and bier, (and we can thank the pandemic for that), we were finally able to experience Christmas Markets in another favorite country of mine, France! Here, we share with you our quick guide to the Alsace Christmas Markets we visited.
Alsace Region
Alsace is a region located in Northeastern France bordering Germany and Switzerland. Rich in history, beauty, and tradition, it is the smallest region in France. It boasts small picturesque villages with half-timbered homes hidden among the rolling hills of vineyards and the Rhine River, with mountains (Vosges) and forest regions also surrounding the area. It is divided into two regions: Bas Rhin (in the North) and Haut Rhin (in the South).
Additionally, Alsace has a unique history dating back to the 5th century B.C. during the last wave of the Celtics. Though it is located in France, it has always been a region with both French and German influences, having been passed between French and German control since 1681. This is seen in the unique architecture, such as half-timbered homes dispersed throughout Alsace. Itâs no surprise the language will also be unique; the Alsatian language is spoken in this region, which is influenced by both German and French.
Alsace is known for many things besides its picturesque villages inspired by one of Disneyâs movies. This region is famous for its wine region and Alsatian wines, such as Rieslings (which, believe me, are very good), amazing cuisines, its castles, and finally, its Christmas Markets.
A Quick Guide to Alsaceâs Christmas Markets
The Christmas Markets in Alsace bring about a special type of charm. The setting and atmosphere in this region of France have a magical touch to the markets like no other, and it is one of the most recommended regions to visit during the Christmas Market season. We were fortunate enough to visit a few Christmas markets in Alsace, and I found them to be extremely charming! Letâs get started with a few we visited.
RibeauvillĂ©âs Medieval Christmas Market
For an authentic, interactive, and magical celebration, the French town of Ribeauvillé, one of the oldest medieval towns in Alsace, offers an extremely charming Medieval Christmas Market, one I recommend not missing out on! Each year, for two weekends in December, this cute Alsatian town in France hosts a Christmas Medieval Market. From this market, you can expect to find medieval entertainers walking around dressed to the tee for the timeframe. Live animals such as camels, geese, and more bring authenticity to the atmosphere. The inspired medieval cuisines served are a bonus; I highly recommend the boar sandwich in the middle of the town square- check out the photo below with the boar on a skewer.
Additionally, the town takes you back in time with activities and shows; this was a very animated Christmas market with jugglers, dancers, and more! It felt like we were in a real-life Disney village and taken back in time to the Middle Ages! This year, the event takes place during the weekends of December 2- December 10 (dates for 2023). But the Medieval Magic only happens during these two weekends, so you do not want to miss this! This was one of our favorite Christmas Markets!
Practical Information on Ribeauvilleâs Medieval Christmas Market
Location: Ribeauville, France, in Alsace (be sure you have the proper spelling, we drove an additional 2 hours out of the way, not realizing I had misspelled the townâs name on Google Maps)
GPS Location: https://goo.gl/maps/bEHtbMRSXgbrCwya7
Date of Christmas Market: Note** Ribeauvilleâs Medieval Christmas Market takes place for two weekends in December. This year (2023), Ribeauvilleâs Medieval Christmas Market is on December 2, December 3, December 9, and December 10.
Parking: Parking can be found around the town, we found free parking on a side residential street here and walked about 5 minutes into the town. They also have a park & ride just outside town, and a shuttle can take you to the market entrance (for a fee). Additionally, you can find other parking here and here.
Shuttle: There is also a shuttle that runs between nearby Christmas Markets, such as Colmar, Riquewihr, Ribeauville, and more. You can find more information here.
Website: To find more about this event, find the link for the website, here.
Colmar Christmas Market
In the picturesque city of Colmar, the whole city is decorated intricately, showing off its Christmas charms and that story-book feel. The Colmar Christmas market is highly coveted for its friendliness and authenticity, and rightly so! In Colmar, youâll be able to explore the labyrinths of small cobblestone streets lined with centuries-old half-timbered houses and enchanting boats crossing the cute little Lauch River. Itâs a big Christmas Market with six markets in the heart of the historic town center, each with its unique touch and theme giving you the feeling of visiting six mini-villages.
Colmarâs Six Christmas Markets
The six Christmas Markets in the heart of the city of Colmar include:
Gourmet Christmas Market
Located in Place de la CathĂ©drale, this is your market for all things food. The food served in the nine stalls from different âmaĂźtres restaurateursâ are quintessentially Alsatian favorite cuisines with a few Christmas delights. Youâll find appetizer-like food, dessert, savory food, and more. Itâs the perfect way to try the local holiday favorites.
Place Jeanne DâArc
This market, located in the Place Jeanne DâArc, is dedicated to merchants selling local products. Youâll also find local culinary delights at this market, such as foie gras, charcuterie, wine, brandies, Christmas cakes, gingerbread, and many more. Additionally, the backdrop for this market is perfectly decorated to show off the scenery of a typical Alsatian village.
Christmas Market Place De LâAncienne Douane
This Christmas Market in Place de LâAncienne Douane hosts at least 50 stalls set up around the Schwendi Fountain erected by Auguste Bartholdi (the famed sculptor of the iconic Statue of Liberty). At night, the market becomes magical as the Old KoĂŻfous House (Customs House) becomes the center of attention with its shimmering lights against the backdrop of the market.
Indoor Craft Market KoĂŻfhus House
Warm yourself by ducking into this indoor craft market. Here, youâll find ceramicists, potters, master glass-makers, cabinetmakers, wood sculptors, hat-makers, jewelry makers, and other artisans carrying on the traditional skills of the Alsace region. Itâs the perfect place to find that gift for your loved ones. Even better than enjoying the warmth, youâll also enjoy the atmosphere of the Medieval building it sits in.
Childrenâs Christmas Market: Petite Venise
Surrounded by 43 colorful stalls that look like cottages, this market is geared toward children. The market features a giant letterbox for posting letters to Father Christmas, a Christmas carousel, and gifts aimed at children. Youâll find warm apple juice (jus de pomme chaud), childrenâs rides, and activities. The Nativity Scene is also found here. This is also known as the Christmas Market Place des Six Montagnes Noire.
Christmas Market Place des Dominicains
This is the one market that is very pretty and festive! The location for the Christmas stalls are set up beneath the 4th-century stained-glass windows of the Dominican Church. Sixty stalls are sprawled beneath the cathedral, waiting for visitors to buy local Christmas decorations.
Practical Information on Colmarâs Christmas Market
Location: In the Heart of the City of Colmar: Places des Dominicains, de lâAncienne Douane, des 6 Montagnes Noires and Jeanne dâArc; at the KoĂŻfhus and the gourmet market on the Place de la CathĂ©drale.
GPS Location: The Christmas Market is sprawled all over the City. I will input the GPS location for the Tourist Office Information, which youâll find here.
Date of Christmas Market: 2023: Begins November 23, 2023 and runs through December 29, 2023
Opening Hours:
Monday- Thursday: 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Friday- Saturday- Sunday: 10:00 am â 8:00 pm
December 24: 10:00 am- 5:00 pm
December 25: 11:00 am- 8:00 pm
December 26: 11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Parking:
Park & Ride: We parked at the Parc des Expositions et des Congrés (Avenue de la Foire aux Vins) just outside of the Colmar city center. On Saturdays & Sundays, parking is free, with a free shuttle to the City near the Christmas Market. Shuttles drop off every 10 minutes, close to the Christmas markets at the St Eloi stop (rue St Eloi), and take you back to the Parc des Expositions car park after your visit.
Tip: thereâs also bathroom portables at the Parc des Expositions et des CongrĂ©s right before the shuttle pick-up.
Dates for Park & Ride: November 26 & 27; December 3 & 4; December 10 & 11; December 17 & 18; December 24 & 25
Free Shuttle Weekend Schedule: Saturday | 9:00 am to 11:30 pm Every 10 minutes from 09:30 am to 9:30 pm | Every 20 minutes from 9:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Sunday | 09:00 am to 9:10 pm | Every 10 minutes. Exceptions: December 24 from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm Every 10 minutes; December 25 from 10:30 am to 8:30 pm Every 10 minutes
Paid Covered Parking Near Colmar Christmas Market: Mairie Town Hall Parking Garage ; Parking Saint-Josse; Lacarre
More practical information and parking details are available at the Colmar Tourist Office website here.
Shuttle: There is also a shuttle that runs between nearby Christmas Markets, such as Colmar, Riquewihr, Ribeauville, and more. You can find more information here.
Website: Find more information about Colmarâs Christmas Market here.
Eguisheim Christmas Market
Just 7 km from Colmar, youâll find a small yet charming Eguisheimâs Christmas Market. This market is as authentic and genuine as you can get. This was a very intimate market, with all the locals putting all the show stoppers to make this a unique Christmas market, and they did not fail me when we visited. There are only roughly a small number of vendors (maybe 30?), but they still very much offered Alsaceâs local goods and cuisines. They have very good Riesling wine here too. I loved the local shows and performances, hereâs one we were able to watch.
Eguisheim doesnât have to compete with all the other bigger markets because, despite its intimacy, the town itself is simply the cutest. We enjoyed wandering around, just admiring all the nooks and cranies of this small village. Additionally, we stayed a few nights here, away from the crowds, to enjoy the surrounding villages, and it was the perfect area to visit the nearby Alsatian Christmas Markets and explore one without the crowds.
Tip: I highly recommend staying overnight at a village with a Christmas Market. You can easily explore more of the village when there is no crowd. Plus, we got to enjoy the ambiance and quiet moments of Eguisheim this way.
Practical Information for Eguisheimâs Christmas Market
Location: Eguisheim Village
GPS Location Tourist Office: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9Uay2zBEDhf8A6V48?g_st=ic
Dates of Christmas Market: November 24, 2023- December 30, 2023; Closed on December 24, 25, 26, 2023
Parking: Free parking at Parking de la Tuilerie and Parking du Millénaire, and two paying parking lots (4⏠per day), the Parking de la Mairie and the Parking des Marronniers.
Shuttle: There is also a shuttle that runs between nearby Christmas Markets, such as Colmar, Riquewihr, Ribeauville, and more. You can find more information here.
Website: Looking for more information, you can find more at the tourist office website here and here.
Riquewihr Christmas Market
Noted as one of âThe Most Beautiful Villages in France,â Riquewihrâs Christmas market is, in my opinion, the Beauty and the Beast inspiration. It is truly that beautiful and charming, as is all Alsatian villages; itâs hard to choose. But this village is the most beautiful we have been to, and I highly recommend going to this Christmas Market.
Practical Information for Riquewihrâs Christmas Market
Location: Riquewihr Village
GPS Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iNsUT5jigXh8FG2r8?g_st=ic
Dates of Christmas Market: November 25, 2023 â December 20, 2023.
Parking: We parked just right outside the village along the side of the road.
Shuttle: There is also a shuttle that runs between nearby Christmas Markets, such as Colmar, Riquewihr, Ribeauville, and more. You can find more information here.
Website: Looking for more information, you can find more at the tourist office website here.
Additional Alsatian Christmas Markets
There are many more Alsatian Christmas markets all over this region that are very magical to visit. We havenât made it to these markets yet, but we hope to in another season. Here are a list of other popular Christmas Markets in Alsace: Soufflenheim, Strasbourg, Obernai, Mulhouse
For more market inspirations to visit in Alsace, go here.
Food & Drinks to Try At the Alsace Christmas Markets
A visit to the Alsatian Christmas Markets isnât complete without trying some of the local delicacies. I mean, nothing is better than meandering around the cobblestone street admiring the intricately decorated half-timbered homes around the villages sipping on mulled wine and eating gingerbread. Here are some Alsatian treats to try during your Christmas Market visits.
â Mulled Wine aka Vin Chaud: the star of the Christmas Market, this concoction of citrus fruits, spices, and wine. Itâs kept simmering warm and placed in a mug for you. The mug/cup can be purchased (you pay for the deposit when you buy the drink), and you can either keep the mug or return for your deposit. We like to keep our mug for souvenirs. Each Christmas market will have its own mug/cup.
â Bretzel: Find these at small food huts around the markets; this is a variation of brioche and bread. You can grab them plain, salted, and with cinnamon sugar (that I rarely find).
â Flammekueche/Tarte FlambĂ©e: Not to miss in Alsace, this is the pizza of this region. Itâs made with thin pastry-like dough, white (like sour cream) sauce, topped with bacon bits, cheese, and onions. There are other toppings you can choose from. This is quite good and I love this Alsatian treat!
â Gingerbread: This isnât your typical gingerbread cookie we are used to in the States. This cake is made from dried fruit, spices, and honey, with a hint of citrus. If bought from a good bakery, itâs very delicious, especially when itâs warm.
â Manelle: Ok, this cake is actually shaped like a gingerbread man, but it tastes like brioche bread that you can get plain or with chocolate chips. Best to eat with hot chocolate.
â Spaetzle: I would consider this a fancy version of mac-n-cheese. It is a small German noodle pasta made with cream and cheese and is very rich and creamy.
â Bredele: These are Christmas biscuits made in many different flavors and in many individual recipes. Find the ones made especially by a homemade, family recipe.
â Beraweka: This is Alsaceâs version of Fruit Cake. It is a dense cake made of dried and candied fruit that has been macerated in fruit brandy.
â Springerle: These are German-anise flavored Christmas cookies dating back to more than 700 years in tradition.
â Fois Gras: a traditional Alsatian spread, this is duck or geese liver served hot or cold
â Pommes de terre coiffĂ©es au Munster: We found this in Riquewihr and it is delicious! Iâd say itâs like potato au gratin with Munster Cheese. Definitely get this if you find it at the markets.
Final Thoughts
Although Germanyâs Christmas Markets are the only other Christmas Markets weâve visited in Europe, besides France, and they are magical in their own way, the Alsatian Christmas Markets are the most magical markets I have ever been to! If you plan to visit Christmas Markets in Europe, the Alsatian Markets are not to be missed. If I had to choose my favorite, Ribeauvilleâs Medieval Christmas Market, Riquewhir, and Eguishiem were my top favorites.
I hope this quick guide was helpful in planning your Christmas Market Visits in France. Let me know in the comments if you have anything to add about your favorite Christmas Markets in Alsace! Until Next Time, Friends! jusquâĂ la prochaine fois les amis
