12 things to know to enjoy Christmas markets
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 your lodging and restaurants in advance
- 2. How to park? Park-and-ride facilities, shuttles, and trains
- 3. What day and time should I choose to avoid the crowds?
- 4. What should you wear when visiting Christmas markets?
- 5. How many markets should you visit each day?
- 6. What should I do if it rains or gets very cold? My Plan B
- 7. Bring some change to the Christmas markets
- 8. What can you do in Alsace at Christmas besides visiting the markets?
- 9. Visit Christmas markets with your family and children
- 10. Visit a Christmas market with your dog
- 11. Safety: Watch out for pickpockets!
- 12. What to Eat at Christmas Markets? My Favorite Specialties
- What You Need to Know to Make the Most of the Christmas Markets in Alsace
- FAQ: Your Questions About Christmas Markets in Alsace
1. Book your lodging and restaurants in advance
Hotels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts —as well as restaurants— are often fully booked as December approaches.
Booking your accommodations in advance will also save you money. Don’t overlook the location—choose it based on the sights you plan to visit and the modes of transportation you’ll be using.
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. How to park? Park-and-ride facilities, shuttles, and trains
In Strasbourg, opt for park-and-ride: park in a parking lot near downtown and take advantage of a combined ticket that covers the cost of parking and round-trip tram fare 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. What day and time should I choose to avoid the crowds?
A victim of their own success, the Christmas markets in Alsace draw huge crowds. If you’re not a fan of crowds and would rather stroll around peacefully with your head in the clouds, it’s best to visit the “major” Christmas markets—such as those in Strasbourg or Colmar— on weekdays.
Some Christmas markets, in smaller towns, are only open on weekends. In this case, an early or late arrival is preferable.
4. What should you wear when visiting Christmas markets?
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. How many markets should you visit each day?
Parking or taking the train/shuttle to the center of each town/village takes time… So does enjoying the Christmas enchantment 😉
6. What should I do if it rains or gets very cold? My Plan B
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. Bring some change to the Christmas markets
Exhibitors do not always take credit cards, especially in small markets.
8. What can you do in Alsace at Christmas besides visiting the 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. Visit Christmas markets with your family and children
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.
Also on the blog
10. Visit a Christmas market with your dog
Crowds aren’t great for your furry friend either😉 If you want to enjoy your visit to the Christmas market in peace (for both of you!), find someone to watch him, leave him at home, or make sure to come during the least crowded times.
11. Safety: 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. What to Eat at Christmas Markets? My Favorite Specialties
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 😉
What You Need to Know to Make the Most of the Christmas Markets in Alsace
- Book your lodging, restaurants, and shuttles in advance, especially on weekends
- Choose park-and-ride facilities and visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds
- Dress warmly, bring some change, and have a Plan B in case of rain or extreme cold
Want to plan the rest of your holiday itinerary? Check out my guide to the 20 most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace to pick your next stops.
Practical information
Budget and Payment
Admission to the Christmas markets in Alsace is free, but be sure to set aside some money for food, shuttle buses [rates vary by market], and shopping. Also, remember to bring some cash: many vendors, especially at smaller markets, don’t always accept credit cards.
Access
By car
Avoid parking right in the city center: most of the major markets (Strasbourg, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, etc.) offer park-and-ride facilities connected to the center by shuttle bus or tram.
By public transport
Many markets (Haguenau, Obernai, Bouxwiller, Thann, Strasbourg, etc.) are directly accessible by train. In Strasbourg, combine park-and-ride with the tram to avoid traffic stress.
By bike
When the weather is nice (and if you dress appropriately!), some markets, such as those in Eguisheim or Kaysersberg, are perfect for a bike ride from Colmar.
FAQ: Your Questions About Christmas Markets in Alsace
Do you need to book accommodations to visit the Christmas markets in Alsace?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Hotels, vacation rentals, and bed-and-breakfasts are often fully booked as early as December, especially in the most popular villages such as Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr, and even in Strasbourg.
How do you park near the Christmas markets in Alsace?
The easiest option is to use the park-and-ride facilities and shuttle buses offered by many towns, such as Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim, rather than trying to find a parking spot in the town center.
When is the best time to visit a Christmas market without too many crowds?
Try to visit major markets like Strasbourg or Colmar on a weekday, or arrive early in the morning or late in the day at markets that are only open on weekends.
Can you pay by credit card at the Christmas markets in Alsace?
Not always: Many vendors, especially at smaller markets, only accept cash. Be sure to get some change before you go.
Can you visit the Christmas markets in Alsace with your dog?
It’s possible, but crowds aren’t always comfortable for an animal. Try to go during less busy times if you want to bring your pet along.