Christmas in Alsace, the Land of Lights
During the Christmas period, Alsace is divided into 7 "countries", a division aiming at grouping the territories according to their Christmas traditions. The Land of Lights is located around Saverne, west of Strasbourg and north of Alsace. It includes the towns of Bouxwiller, Wasselonne, Marmoutier, la Petite Pierre and Hengwiller. Here is an article that will help you, I hope, to see a little more clearly on this corner of Alsace. I give you here some ideas of visits to the Land of Christmas Lights.
Summary
- Bouxwiller Christmas Market: The Largest in the Land of Lights
- Winter Wonderland in Saverne: The City Aglow
- Springerle making workshop in La Petite Pierre
- The huge crib in Hengwiller
- Christmas Market in Wasselonne - Christmas in the Castle
- Marmoutier Christmas Market - On the Way to the Abbey Church
- Key Takeaways About the Land of Enlightenment
- FAQ: Your Questions About the Land of Enlightenment
The Land of Lights is not the best known when it comes to Christmas markets in Alsace. However, I made some nice discoveries there! It may not be as magical as the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace such as Colmar or Kaysersberg (although I do rank Bouxwiller among the most beautiful!) but this area is also quieter, which is also pleasant.
Here, Christmas markets are rather small markets that usually last only one weekend. Some animations are also proposed during the whole Advent period.
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Location: around Saverne, west of Strasbourg and north of Alsace
- ⏳ Recommended duration: one day to cover 2 to 3 stops
- 👨👩👧 Audience: families, those seeking peace and quiet, and travelers looking to explore off the beaten path
- 💶 Budget: The markets are free
- 🗓️ Time: Throughout Advent, generally from late November to early January, depending on the location
Bouxwiller Christmas Market: The Largest in the Land of Lights
I liked
- Pretty village
- Quality products
- Numerous stands spread out in the city center
I liked less
- Many people
The Christmas market of Bouxwiller is the largest in the Land of Lights. It takes place during a single weekend in December but attracts a huge number of people. If you shy away from crowds, this is not the one I would recommend. Otherwise, I highly recommend it. It is a very nice market, even if it is not the most known by tourists.
The Christmas market stretches along the streets of Bouxwiller, a charming little town known for its pretty half-timbered houses. The stalls feature plenty of local crafts and products from regional producers. A lovely, authentic market!
Winter Wonderland in Saverne: The City Aglow
I liked
- Superb lighting of the city
- Small skating rink for children
I liked less
- A Christmas village that is still modest compared to those in big cities
I was thrilled by the lighting of the city of Saverne during the Christmas period. The facades of the Grand Rue are all lit, offering a superb luminous perspective. It’s worth it to go and admire them!
Saverne also features a Christmas Village with about 10 to 15 artisan booths, set up on Place du Général de Gaulle from late November through early January. It’s not as large as the markets in Colmar or Strasbourg, but the atmosphere is pleasant, especially when combined with the holiday lights.
For the children, there is also a small synthetic ice rink in Saverne which should please them!
🌟 Tip from a local: The lights are more beautiful at dusk than in the middle of the day, so keep that in mind when planning your schedule.
Springerle making workshop in La Petite Pierre
I liked
- Discover an Alsatian tradition
- Very nice workshop
I liked less
- Nothing!
Do you know the springerle? These are traditional Alsatian aniseed cookies, which are decorated with a pattern in relief. They can be eaten but also used as decorations for the Christmas tree.
The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in La Petite Pierre is entirely dedicated to springerle. There are many old molds and patterns, which allows you to immerse yourself in this Alsatian tradition.
During Advent, the museum usually hosts workshops on making springerle cookies: check to see if this is happening this year.
The huge crib in Hengwiller
I liked
- Very impressive crib
I liked less
- Nothing!
The crib of Hengwiller is part of the path of the cribs of Noëlies. It is very impressive since it occupies more than half of the church of Hengwiller! It is made every year by a passionate inhabitant.
Put a little coin to liven it up and brighten it up, it’s worth a look! I think I re-run it about 4 times to take the time to admire the level of detail in the crib. Really nice!
Christmas Market in Wasselonne – Christmas in the Castle
I liked
- Medieval animations
- Not too many people, not very touristy
I liked less
- Christmas market stalls of uneven quality
The Christmas market in Wasselonne is called Christmas in the Castle. The medieval theme is honored with several stands and animations.
You can for example attend a demonstration of stone cutting, making a horseshoe, a stained glass window… Many activities are also planned for children: pony rides, archery, donkeys and goats to observe and pet… Nice!
The Christmas market is of medium size: it is not huge but still has a number of stands. I was a little disappointed by these: some are really in the Christmas spirit but others not at all, which gives a little more atmosphere than Christmas market. It’s a shame.
Marmoutier Christmas Market – On the Way to the Abbey Church
Marmoutier, known for its magnificent Romanesque abbey church, also hosts its own Christmas event. There’s a market set up around the building, with entertainment that’s a little out of the ordinary: fire-eaters, glassblowing demonstrations, and storytelling for kids. I’ve never been there, but it looks like fun!
Also on the blog
Key Takeaways About the Land of Enlightenment
- A hidden gem in Alsace, off the beaten path—perfect to combine with the major markets in Colmar or Strasbourg
- Bouxwiller, the most authentic and lively market in the area (but also the busiest)
- Saverne is focusing above all on its holiday lights, and now features a real (small) Christmas village
- La Petite Pierre and Hengwiller for more unique experiences (Springerle, giant nativity scene)
- Marmoutier: Things to See Around Its Abbey Church
Want to explore more Christmas gems in Alsace? Check out my guide to the 20 most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace to plan the rest of your holiday itinerary.
Practical information
Rates
Admission to the Christmas markets in the Pays des Lumières (Bouxwiller, Wasselonne, Marmoutier) and to the holiday lights in Saverne is free. Only the ice rink in Saverne and admission to the Springerle Museum require a fee.
Access
By car
Le Pays des Lumières is located about 50 km from Strasbourg, a 35- to 40-minute drive via the A4.
By public transport
Saverne is accessible by train from Strasbourg (direct route, about 44 minutes). For the surrounding villages (Bouxwiller, Wasselonne, La Petite Pierre, Hengwiller, Marmoutier), service is more limited: it’s best to plan for additional transportation once you arrive in Saverne. Plan your detailed route on Fluo.
FAQ: Your Questions About the Land of Enlightenment
Where is the “Land of Enlightenment” located in Alsace?
The Pays des Lumières is located around Saverne, west of Strasbourg and in northern Alsace. It includes, among others, Bouxwiller, Wasselonne, Marmoutier, La Petite Pierre, and Hengwiller.
Does the Bouxwiller Christmas market take place every year?
Yes, the Bouxwiller Christmas market takes place every year over a single weekend in December in the town’s historic center.
Is there a Christmas market in Saverne?
Saverne hosts a Christmas Village featuring about 10 to 15 artisan booths, set up on Place du Général de Gaulle from late November through early January. It’s not as grand as the ones in Colmar or Strasbourg, but its real highlight is its Christmas lights.
Where can you see Christmas nativity scenes in Alsace outside the major cities?
The Hengwiller nativity scene, part of the Noëlies network—the Alsace Nativity Scene Trail—is a fine example of this: it takes up a good portion of the village’s small church.