Kaysersberg Christmas market

Discover the most beautiful Christmas markets, shows and events in Alsace for 2026

It can sometimes be hard to choose from the calendar which Christmas markets or events you would like to visit, especially if you are only coming for a short stay. Drawing on more than 20 years of exploration, our team has carefully selected for you the truly unmissable Christmas markets, illuminations and shows, those that embody the soul of Christmas in Alsace and guarantee you magical moments.

This selection favours a diversity of experiences: from the big iconic markets to small, more secret gems, from enchanting illuminations to traditional shows. Every recommendation has been tried and approved by us.

And if time allows, make the most of your stay to explore the region's other wonders: picturesque villages, remarkable museums, or hikes to the medieval castles that dot the Vosges hills.

COLMAR

Several themed markets are spread across the town, which is particularly well decorated at this time of year. They also have the advantage of being open all week long and throughout the Christmas market season, from 23 November to 29 December (fewer exhibitors on 25 December). The 5 markets in the heart of the historic centre are on Place Jeanne d'Arc, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, Place des Dominicains, inside the Koïfhus (the old customs house) and in Little Venice. A sixth gourmet market, located on Rue de la Montagne-Verte, specifically on the Montagne Verte sports ground, is dedicated to food to eat on the spot.
Opening hours: on weekdays, Monday to Thursday, from 11 am to 7 pm; Friday to Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm; on 24 December from 11 am to 5 pm; on 25 December from 11 am to 7 pm; and on 26 December from 10 am to 8 pm. The Gourmet market will be open from 11 am to 10 pm.

Why our team chose it: Colmar, one of the two largest and most visited Christmas markets in Alsace, has managed to keep all its charm and authenticity. The town's heritage, the beauty of the decorations and the quality of the craftspeople at its various markets make it an essential stop for every visitor. To fully enjoy the magical atmosphere and avoid the weekend crowds, we recommend a weekday visit: you will appreciate every detail and every atmosphere at its true worth.

Find out more about the town of Colmar.
Focus on the Colmar Christmas market: Colmar Christmas market.

Colmar Christmas market

STRASBOURG

Probably the most famous market. It is also the biggest, both in size and in number of visitors. You can discover several markets scattered across the city, which is beautifully decorated. The great Christmas tree on Place Kléber is also well worth seeing.

The Strasbourg Christmas market is open from 27 November to 24 December. Open every day from 11.30 am to 9 pm, except on 27 November (opening at 2 pm) and 24 December (closing at 6 pm).

Why our team chose it: Strasbourg, recognised as the capital of Christmas, hosts the largest Christmas market in Alsace and one of the most famous in Europe. We particularly love the beauty of its decorations, its huge tree whose decoration changes every year, and the beauty of its city centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Of course, its fame attracts many visitors, especially at weekends. To fully enjoy the atmosphere and see the city in the best conditions, we advise you to visit on a weekday.

Find out more about the city of Strasbourg.

Strasbourg Christmas market

KAYSERSBERG

A small but typical Christmas market in the enchanting setting of the village voted the French people's favourite village in 2017. Open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during Advent from 10 am to 8 pm. The dates are 27, 28 and 29 November and 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 December. The inhabitants of the medieval town of Kaysersberg decorate their windows with fir garlands, and the town becomes imperial, lighting up as soon as night falls. The scents of cinnamon mingle with the aromas of spiced mulled wine through the lively lanes of the village. This festive, joyful atmosphere settles in for the four weekends of Advent. You brave the winter cold, with eyes only for the carefully selected craftspeople exhibiting their original creations in some thirty small chalets nestled in an authentic, picturesque 17th-century setting at the foot of the castle ruins. You cannot resist the urge to taste all the culinary specialities: Bredele, the famous little Christmas biscuits made with almonds, hazelnuts, aniseed, chocolate or vanilla; sweet or savoury kougelhopfs (the oddly shaped brioche); beraweckas (dried-fruit loaves); manalas (little brioche men)...

Why our team chose it: We have a special fondness for Kaysersberg, voted the French people's favourite village in 2017. Its Christmas market, nestled behind the church, is wonderfully charming. The decorations and illuminations beautifully highlight the town's heritage. Don't hesitate to walk up to the castle overlooking the town to enjoy the view that unfolds before you!

Find out more about the village of Kaysersberg.

SELESTAT

Christmas in Sélestat from 20 November to 27 December: the town offers a series of remarkable exhibitions and events such as the Winter Garden and the exhibition of Christmas trees retracing their decoration through the centuries, as well as the Christmas village on Place d'Armes, and other lovely discoveries to be made at the various stops around the town.

Why our team chose it: Still off the beaten track, Sélestat offers remarkable heritage and a pleasant town centre to stroll through. The town is famous for being home to the earliest written reference to the Christmas tree (1521) and offers an original trail through the town. Don't miss the Sainte Barbe complex, the Saint Georges church with its exhibition on the history of the Christmas tree, or the Sainte Foy church and its unique chandelier made of a multitude of Meisenthal baubles. A more intimate Christmas market and atmosphere, which we particularly enjoy for a peaceful stroll.

Find out more about the town of Sélestat.

Sélestat Christmas market

WESSERLING

The Husseren-Wesserling park (near Thann) offers 19 evenings from 4 to 30 December, from 5 pm to 9 pm: a walk led by a storyteller through the gardens, which are superbly highlighted by light effects. This year, the Parc de Wesserling invites you to discover its great traditional Christmas tale in its gardens, on a theme yet to be revealed. By candlelight, let yourself be carried away by an original and authentic story conveying the true values of Christmas. Meet colourful characters who will take you on an extraordinary adventure! A magical and original moment. Visiting days: 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 December.
Booking required.

Why our team chose it: Every year, the Parc de Wesserling transforms its gardens and château into an enchanted world after dark. This show-trail, entirely recreated around a new theme each winter, is a true invitation to dream. A source of wonder for adults and children alike. Be warned, however: it is so popular that booking several weeks in advance is essential!

To find out more, see our dedicated page: Christmas at Wesserling.
Visit the official website of the Parc de Wesserling.

Christmas illuminations at the Parc de Wesserling

MULHOUSE

One of the markets open continuously, from 20 November to 23 December. The illuminations are very beautiful and the market is pleasant. A stop in Mulhouse will also give you the opportunity to visit the car museum and the Cité du Train railway museum, for example. Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 11 am to 8 pm - Friday from 11 am to 9 pm - Saturday from 10 am to 9 pm - Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm.

Why our team chose it: Mulhouse still suffers from an image as an industrial city of little cultural interest apart from its museums. Yet its Christmas market is particularly interesting, each year showcasing a new fabric created for the occasion and used to decorate the city. Place de la Réunion is magnificently highlighted and welcomes many quality exhibitors whom we enjoy visiting every year. It is an excellent opportunity to discover a Christmas market still spared from the crowds!

Find out more about the city of Mulhouse.

Mulhouse Christmas market

GUEBWILLER

Guebwiller's Blue Christmas (Noël Bleu). From 28 November to 3 January 2027, on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Guebwiller town centre will be dressed in light and, in addition to its magnificent illuminations, will offer shows, concerts, workshops and an eco-friendly ice rink. The originality and beauty of these shows and illuminations make Guebwiller an original place that is well worth a detour. The Christmas market takes place from 28 November to 20 December, from 3 pm to 8 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The live shows take place from 28 November to 20 December on Saturdays and Sundays, starting at 5 pm (except on 28 November, starting at 7 pm) on Place Jeanne d'Arc and moving up Rue de la République to the Saint Léger church. The ice rink and the merry-go-round will be open from 28 November to 3 January 2027, from 3 pm to 8 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays on Place de l'Hôtel de Ville: a kingdom for children with a 1900 merry-go-round, an eco-friendly ice rink and activities.

Why our team chose it: Away from the crowds of the big markets, Guebwiller offers a unique atmosphere by putting the colour blue in the spotlight, in tribute to the famous ceramicist Théodore Deck. A chance to visit the museum free of charge before strolling through the town to enjoy the illuminations and shows in an authentic atmosphere.

Find out more about Guebwiller.

Christmas illuminations in Guebwiller

RIBEAUVILLE

An original medieval Christmas market, a great classic of the region in one of the most famous villages on the Wine Route.
The town itself is of course also well worth discovering. Open on 5, 6, 12 and 13 December.

Why our team chose it: The city of the Minstrels stands out for its original medieval theme, which immerses visitors in a unique atmosphere. The historic centre, with its rich heritage, hosts many activities, shows and demonstration stands that make the market so charming. Even if you sometimes have to brave the crowds, the experience remains unforgettable and promises a truly festive immersion.

Find out more about the town of Ribeauvillé.

Ribeauvillé Christmas market

RIQUEWIHR

Although the village hosts a market all week long, all the exhibitors are only present at weekends. Best visited at the weekend for its setting and the beauty of the village. From 27 November to 20 December. Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6.30 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm.

Why our team chose it: We particularly enjoy strolling through Riquewihr at this time of year, one of the most typical and best-known villages in Alsace. The magic of the decorations and illuminations and the variety of exhibitors make it a pleasant, enchanting place for a walk.

Find out more about the village of Riquewihr.

Riquewihr Christmas market

OTTMARSHEIM

The museums' and makers' Christmas market will be held on 11, 12 and 13 December: set around the magnificent Romanesque abbey church, the market is special in that it offers products from museum shops as well as from designers and makers. The activities on offer are very enjoyable (small shows, Saint Nicholas with horse-drawn carriage rides, concerts...) and the illuminations are very beautiful. A small market with an intimate, family atmosphere and high-quality products, a different feel from the region's big markets. Friday from 5.30 pm to 9 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 8 pm.

Why our team chose it: At the foot of the magnificent Ottmarsheim abbey church, this market, held only every two years, is certainly our favourite. You will find products of remarkable quality offered by the exhibitors, museums and makers, as well as activities for young and old. Wandering around this market, with its authentic atmosphere far from the crowds, is a pleasure we would not miss for anything!

The Christmas market in Ottmarsheim

BERGHEIM

Every year you can discover a nativity trail and a living nativity scene in the village. A chance to discover this charming village on the Wine Route. Open to visitors from 27 November to 4 January 2027.

Why our team chose it: We have a special fondness for this charming village encircled by its ramparts. Here, it is pleasant to wander away from the crowds through the decorated streets and discover the 80 handcrafted nativity scenes, while enjoying its rich heritage.

Find out more about the village of Bergheim.

Living nativity scene in Bergheim

NEUF BRISACH

The town fortified by Vauban (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) invites you to experience Christmas in Vauban's time. Stallholders and performers in period costume, traditional crafts, a tavern, spit-roasted wild boar, farm animals... travel back in time with the 1700 Christmas Market! Open on 11, 12 and 13 December. From 2 pm to 8 pm on Friday, 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday and from 10 am to 6.30 pm on Sunday.

Why our team chose it: Every year, we love spending time in Neuf-Brisach to enjoy the craft demonstrations inspired by the 18th century. The exhibitors, dressed in period costume, bring the market to life and let you immerse yourself in that era. This original market, complemented by a more traditional market with a local atmosphere, is truly worth the detour!

Neuf-Brisach Christmas market

EGUISHEIM

On a small square, a Christmas market in the heart of the famous village of Eguisheim. This market, although small, is worth the detour for its authentic, intimate character. It is also an opportunity to discover one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace. Christmas market: open every day from 27 November to 30 December (except 24, 25 and 26 December) from 10 am to 7 pm.

Why our team chose it: One of our favourite villages hosts a charming little market that we particularly enjoy. After nightfall, the cobbled lanes give off a mysterious atmosphere that we love to explore before emerging onto the lively market.

Find out more about the village of Eguisheim.

Eguisheim Christmas market

UNGERSHEIM - ECOMUSEE

The ecomuseum is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 4 to 20 December, then every day from 21 December to 3 January 2027 except 24, 25 and 31 December, with many Christmas activities from 10 am to 6 pm.

Discover Christmas traditions in the largest open-air museum in France. Venture into the Écomusée d’Alsace, where the beauty of the houses immerses you in the Alsatian customs of yesteryear. Take part in the many daily activities, go for a tractor ride, taste the famous Alsatian "bredeles", meet the emblematic characters of winter... And feel the magic and warmth of an authentic Christmas. Open from 10 am to 6 pm. Closed on 24, 25 and 31 December.

Why our team chose it: The ecomuseum is a place we love to visit in every season! A visit during the winter season is an opportunity to discover its many activities, shows and craft workshops. An outing that will delight adults and children alike!

Official website of the ecomuseum.

Marché de Noël de l'Écomusée d'Ungersheim

GRUSSENHEIM

Saint Lucy Christmas market. Open on 4, 5 and 6 December. From 5 pm to 10 pm on Friday, 2 pm to 11 pm on Saturday and from 11 am to 8 pm on Sunday. As soon as night falls, the illuminations bring a magical touch to the atmosphere. Visitors will also find the creations made by the villagers in previous years: fir trees, nativity scenes, stars, snowmen, lanterns, elves...

Why our team chose it: This Christmas market is one of those places with an authentic, warm atmosphere. The exhibitors are passionate local craftspeople. They will introduce you to their work and you can enjoy demonstrations. A moment of sharing in the spirit of Christmas in an enchanting setting.

The Saint Lucy market in Grussenheim