The most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe - fairy-tale Alsatian towns
The aroma of roasted nuts, stands full of colorful Christmas tree decorations and this wonderful, magical atmosphere. If you like Christmas markets, this article is for you ;) Come with us to Alsace and move to a fairy-tale land of Christmas.
RIQUEWIHR
Our first stop in Alsace is a town located in its heart, which is said to have been the inspiration for the city from the fairy tale "Beauty and the Beast". Riquewihr - because we are talking about it - is famous mainly for its almost intact medieval buildings. Beautifully decorated, colorful half-timbered houses look like something out of a fairy tale. It’s not without reason that the town is one of the most picturesque places in France. Additionally, it’s also known for producing delicious wine. During the Christmas market, you must try the white mulled wine typical of this region (€ 2.50). It’s also worth trying Kougelhopf, a Christmas cake with raisins, typical of the Alsace region. The Christmas market in Riquewihr is not just a place for shopping; it is, above all, a celebration of timeless traditions. Local artists and craftsmen showcase their skills here, offering handmade decorations, handicrafts and local delicacies. From intricately carved wooden toys to delicate, hand-blown baubles, each stall tells the story of a craft passed down from generation to generation.
We recommend: There’s a beautiful shop with Christmas decorations in the town. You might need to queue up to enter its incredibly decorated interior! The shop is called Féerie de Noël and is located on the corner, at the intersection of rue du Cerf and General de Gaulle.
In 2023, the Christmas market in Riquewihr runs from November 25 to December 21. The market is open every day from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (until 7:30 p.m. on weekends).
We recommend getting to the town by bus from Colmar on weekends (the bus runs between Christmas towns such as Riquewihr or Eguisheim) or by car.
EGUISHEIM
The next stop is Eguisheim - a town located southwest of Colmar, just a 20-minute drive from Riquewihr. Eguisheim (together with Riquewihr) belongs to the French association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, which brings together the most beautiful villages in France. Like Riquewihr, Eguisheim is famous for its beautiful medieval architecture, which provides a wonderful backdrop for its traditional Christmas market. A walk around the city is like a trip back in time! Almost all buildings are beautifully decorated with garlands and twinkling lights, creating a warm atmosphere of a fairy tale town. A characteristic feature of Eguisheim is the narrow cobbled street surrounding it, filled with low, historic buildings. A good idea would be to take part in a guided tour around the town. This attraction lasts an hour and is free. The Christmas market in Eguisheim is a real feast for the eyes and the palate. It's worth trying roasted chestnuts, freshly baked gingerbread and, of course, mulled wine ;) Are you looking for unique gifts for your loved ones? You can't go home without handmade decorations and delicacies offered by local craftsmen.
We recommend: bredele - be sure to try these Alsatian Christmas cookies.
The Christmas market in Eguisheim runs from November 24 to December 30. On Fridays and Sundays, the market is open from 10am to 7pm, on Saturdays until 8 p.m. From Monday to Thursday, the market is open from 12pm to 7pm.
How to get to Riquewihr and Eguisheim? The best way is by car or by Christmas bus (Christmas Shuttle), which runs from Colmar on weekends (Colmar itself can be reached by train from Strasbourg).
COLMAR
A French city located in the heart of Alsace, whose historic center turns into a fairy-tale town during the Christmas season. Evening illuminations, the smell of mulled wine with spices, fantastic decorations that cannot be found anywhere else and the charming atmosphere this place exudes. All this makes Colmar a must-see on your Christmas trip to Alsace. What is Colmar famous for? Of course, from medieval buildings, here we can also find beautifully decorated, colorful half-timbered houses. It’s worth taking a walk around the historic center and visiting "Little Venice" - the romantic canals of the Lauch River, along which colorful houses proudly stand. Other places you must see are: the famous pink house with a Christmas tree in front: Maison dite "Au Pèlerin", located right next to "Little Venice" colorful houses in the Fishmongers' Quarter (in French: Quai de la Poissonnerie), Koifhus - which is the oldest building in the city, you must go inside, there’s a fair full of stands of local producers. The building is located at the intersection of Grand Rue and Rue des Marchands, on the opposite side there are beautiful multi-story half-timbered houses, which are one of the city's landmarks. There are many more charming places here, you just have to discover them while walking both during the day and in the evening, when all the colorful lights come on - the effect is like something out of a fairy tale. Colmar is a must-visit during the Christmas period!
We recommend: take a romantic wooden boat cruise along the canals of the Lauch River in "Little Venice".
In 2023, the Colmar Christmas markets (there are 6 of them!) run from November 23 to December 29. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the markets are open from 10am to 8pm, Monday to Thursday from 11am to 7pm.
How to get to Colmar? From Strasbourg it takes about 30 minutes by train. You can also get here by car.
STRASBOURG
The last, but most important stop on our Christmas trip. Strasbourg is called the "capital of Christmas" and we’re not surprised at all, because for the last few weeks of the year, the historic city center located on an island surrounded on all sides by canals (Grande Ile) turns into a beautiful Christmas village, full of colorful decorations (especially on the buildings), the aroma of roasted nuts, mulled wine and... tourists. You need to be prepared that this is where you will encounter the biggest crowds, because you simply have to visit this city during the Christkindelsmarik (Christmas market), which is organized annually near the cathedral and Place Kleber. The event attracts approximately 2 million visitors each year. What to do in Starsbourg? Be sure to take a walk around the historic downtown with its atmospheric streets and the monumental Notre Dame Cathedral towering over them, you simply have to see with your own eyes the famous "Teddy Bear House", a house on Rue du Maroquin decorated with huge teddy bears (this place is very popular) and, above all, visit Christkindelsmarik - the Christmas market next to the cathedral, one of the oldest in Europe. We rate the Christmas atmosphere in Strasbourg at 11/10. Additionally, concerts are organized throughout the market.
In 2023, the Strasbourg Christmas market runs from November 24 to December 24. The market is open every day, from 11:30am to 9pm.
How to get to Strasbourg?
The best option is to fly direct to Strasbourg International Airport. Alternatively you can fly to Basel, Stuttgart, Paris or Frankfurt, and then travel by train or car to Strasbourg.
