The finest Christmas markets in Alsace

Some thirty kilometers from Strasbourg, Obernai market gives pride of place to fine food and drink. Around the eponymous square, protected by the town hall with its Gothic facade, producers present their specialties: enjoy bretzels, Alsatian mulled white wines, jams, and pâtés, while winegrowers display their vintages in the town center’s cellars.

Nearby, the old half-timbered houses, set off with twinkling lights, accentuate the warm atmosphere of this winemaking town founded in the 13^th century. As you walk along the ramparts, you can make out the hills of Mont Sainte-Odile, where the pink sandstone used to build the village comes from.
Dates and times of Obernai Christmas market

Surrounded by vines, Riquewihr with its maze of medieval alleyways sits on the Alsace Wine Route. In December, the chalets on Rue du Général-de-Gaulle turn the village into a scene from a fairy tale. You pass through the upper gate, a vestige from the 14^th century, then head up toward the Dolder, a watchtower topped with a saddleback roof.

The stalls are concentrated along the main thoroughfare, showcasing the wares of the region’s woodworkers, confectioners, bakers, and winemakers. Sample crémant, mulled wine, gingerbread, and dried fruit. It offers a family-friendly atmosphere despite the crowds. All around, the painted signs and sculpted beams are a reminder of the village’s rich trading past.
Dates and times of Riquewihr Christmas market

Nestled in the Weiss Valley, Kaysersberg wins you over with its traditional market set up near Sainte-Croix Church and in the courtyard of the Arsenal. Cross the fortified bridge, wander around the craft stalls, and come home with candles or wooden toys. The exhibitors primarily showcase local goods, such as ceramics, textiles, and natural decorations.

Under the arcades, try some bredele (Alsatian Christmas biscuits) and jams, accompanied by Pinot Noir mulled wine, while the ruins of the imperial castle watch over the town and the winegrowing hills.
Dates and times of Kaysersberg Christmas market

Halfway between Colmar and Sélestat, Ribeauvillé brings the medieval era back to life on the first two weekends in December. In its picturesque narrow streets, jugglers, fire breathers, and troubadours add a lively touch to the chalets. Sip some mead, buy craft items inspired by the Middle Ages, and savor old-style pastries. The Grand’Rue, lined with half-timbered houses with colorful facades, is where most of the stands can be found: discover blacksmiths, calligraphers, herbalists, and weavers.

If you look up, you can make out the remains of the three castles set above the frost-dusted vines. The torches are then lit, the artists take up their songs again, and little by little the town sweeps you away to another century.
Dates and times of Ribeauvillé Christmas market

In Colmar, just a few steps takes you from one market to the next. On Place des Dominicains, the chalets are lined up in front of the stained-glass windows of the Gothic church; on Place Jeanne-d’Arc, you can enjoy regional sweet wines and foie gras. In Petite Venise, a market dedicated to children offers merry-go-rounds and workshops. Make your way along the canals, guided by the glow of the twinkling lights.

The six sites — Dominicains, Jeanne-d’Arc, Ancienne Douane, Koïfhus, Marché Gourmand and Petite Venise — are connected by a clear pedestrian route. The products vary: artistic craftsmanship, decorations, and sweet specialties, with a few stands dedicated to eco-friendly creations. At the end of the day, stroll along the banks of the Lauch, surrounded by Christmas lights.
Dates and times of Colmar Christmas market

A few kilometers from Colmar, Eguisheim winds around its fairy-tale fortress in a unique circular layout. Follow the narrow cobblestone streets that lead to the heart of the market, surrounded by colorful densely half-timbered houses. Explore the stalls on Place du Château Saint-Léon, where ceramicists, glassmakers, and sculptors present their designs.

Not far away, natural decoration and wreath-making workshops attract visitors. Complete the loop in the main square, bustling with delicious food stands selling Alsatian wines, mountain honeys, and biscuits still warm from the oven.
Dates and times of Eguisheim Christmas market

Nestled in the Fecht Valley at the heart of the Vosges mountain range, Munster invites you to a Christmas with more of a mountain feel. On Place du Marché, explore the chalets offering cheeses, smoked cold meats, jams, and wooden objects. Enjoy a slice of melted Munster cheese on bread, accompanied by a glass of dry white wine, before continuing your stroll among the colorful facades.

Around Saint-Léger collegiate church, the exhibitors showcase Alsatian know-how, such as woodturning, basketry, leatherworking, and cheesemaking. A stone’s throw away, a small space offers children’s workshops focusing on traditional decoration.
Dates and times of Munster Christmas market