Christmas in Alsace means magnificent decorations and illuminations, a magical atmosphere and delicacies around every corner... To make the most of the region's Christmas markets, without any nasty surprises, here are 12 very practical tips from the blog team (to say we've had a lot of experience on the subject would be an understatement)!
Summary
- 1. Book in advance!
- 2. Avoid parking downtown
- 3. If possible, come on weekdays or early or late to the markets.
- 4. Dress warmly!
- 5. Don't schedule too many markets in the same day
- 6. Have a plan B in case of rain
- 7. Take some change
- 8. Christmas in Alsace isn't just about markets!
- 9. Plan your family Christmas markets
- 10. Avoid rush hour with your dog... Or have him babysat!
- 11. Watch out for pickpockets!
- 12. Come hungry :D
1. Book in advance!
Hotels, B&Bs and restaurants are often fully booked as December approaches. Booking your accommodation in advance will also save you money. Do not neglect its location, choosing it according to the sites to be visited and the means of transport used. When it comes to restaurants, reservations are often essential in some of the most touristy villages, such as Ribeauvillé or Riquewihr, and even in Strasbourg!
2. Avoid parking downtown
In Strasbourg, opt for the “parking relais” option : park in a parking lot close to the city center and benefit from a combined ticket including the price of parking and the return tramway ticket for all passengers in the car. Many Christmas markets(Haguenau, Obernai, Bouxwiller, Thann…) are accessible by train, so you won’t have to search for a place and waste time in traffic jams. Others, such as Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, have introduced a shuttle bus system.
3. If possible, come on weekdays or early or late to the markets.
Victims of their own success, Alsace’s Christmas markets attract huge crowds. If you don’t like crowds and want to stroll around with your nose in the air, it’s best to discover the “big” Christmas markets, like Strasbourg or Colmar, during the week. Some Christmas markets, in smaller towns, are only open on weekends. In this case, an early or late arrival is preferable.
4. Dress warmly!
Alsace has a continental climate, so it gets very cold in winter. Even mulled wine or hot apple juice won’t get you through a whole day outside if you’re not properly equipped! Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.
Gloves, scarf, hat, down jacket, warm shoes -even tights under the pants or a double pair of socks- may save your discovery of the Christmas markets. But that’s also part of the charm of the Christmas atmosphere!
5. Don’t schedule too many markets in the same day
Parking or taking the train/shuttle to the center of each town/village takes time… So does enjoying the Christmas enchantment 😉
6. Have a plan B in case of rain
Even if you now know how to dress for the Alsatian winter, it’s still a good idea to plan avisit to a museum, take part in a workshop, stop off at a café or enjoy a show if it’s too cold or rainy… Especially if you have children.
7. Take some change
Exhibitors do not always take credit cards, especially in small markets.
8. Christmas in Alsace isn’t just about markets!
In Alsace, Advent goes far beyond Christmas markets ! It’s a time to decorate your home, bake cookies (the famous Alsatian bredele), enjoy a glass of mulled wine…
There’s a whole cultural program around Christmas, at the Ecomuseum, the Parc de Wesserling, the various markets in Strasbourg and the Noëlies cribs and concerts, for example. You can also discover the region in a different way in December with treasure hunts, gourmet walks, workshops…
9. Plan your family Christmas markets
The parents on the Mon Week-End en Alsace team have prepared a special article on how to enjoy the markets with the whole family ! We can also advise you to avoid strollers in favor of baby carriers (or your arms!) when they’re small.
10. Avoid rush hour with your dog… Or have him babysat!
The crowds are no match for your fur ball either😉 If you’d like to enjoy your visit to the Christmas market in peace and quiet (for both you and him!), there’s a dog-sitting service available at the Strasbourg Christmas market called Patchguard.
11. Watch out for pickpockets!
Keep your valuables and wallet safe from unscrupulous people! Also avoid leaving valuable items in your car or in plain sight.
12. Come hungry 😀
Bredele, nougat, gingerbread, kouglof, mannele, tarts, mulled wine, streusel, doughnuts, tarts flambées, cheeses, pretzels… There are so many Alsatian specialities to taste at Christmas markets… Save room to enjoy them 😉
