Christmas Markets in Alsace – The 20 most beautiful (+ dates 2025)

When do the 2025 Christmas markets start and what are the dates?

Alsace’s Christmas markets start on Friday November 21, 2025 for the first ones. Most close on December 24, 2025 , but refer to the details of each market below for specific dates, as the festivities really do depend on each town. Many markets are only open on weekends, from Friday to Sunday.

Most Christmas markets close after Christmas: visiting markets between Christmas and New Year’s Day is therefore not ideal, even if some remain open (see list below). At this time of year, you can still admire the illuminations in the streets, even in Strasbourg.

Which Christmas markets are open after Christmas?

Here are the Christmas markets open between Christmas and New Year’s Day in Alsace:

• Obernai (until 12/31)
• Haguenau (until 12/30)
• Eguisheim (until 12/30)
• Turckheim (until 12/30)
• Colmar (until 12/29)
• Sélestat (until 28/12)
• Mulhouse (until 12/27)
• Thann (until 27/12)

Practical info – Accommodation and getting around

Getting around: car, train and bus

Depending on the markets you wish to visit, you can travel by car, train or bus. If you can, take the train or the bus because it is often difficult to park near the markets, you will be much more quiet in public transport! If you come by car, use the park-and-ride lots. You will find all the practical information on travel here.

You can also easily book excursions to visit the Christmas markets from Strasbourg or Colmar.

Accommodation: where to stay during a trip to Alsace?

There is no real good or bad location to visit the Christmas markets, it depends on which ones you want to see but the region is not very big anyway so you can easily move from one to another. Remember to book well in advance, as accommodation fills up several months in advance at this time of year…

If you’re looking for accommodation in Alsace during this period, take a look at my Accommodation section. I’ve also written articles about hotels I like in the main cities:

• Hotels in Strasbourg
• Hotels in Colmar
• Hotels in Kaysersberg
• Hotels in Obernai
• Hotels in Ribeauvillé
• Hotels in Riquewihr
• Hotels in Eguisheim
• Hotels in Mulhouse

Map of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace

To help you make this (difficult) choice, here’s a list of the markets I consider to be the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace , with their 2025 dates. These are the ones I’ve been to before and particularly enjoyed.

1. Colmar Christmas Market

The Christmas market in Colmar is, I think, my favorite Christmas market. The old town and its canals of Little Venice are charming in their natural state, but the Christmas decorations give it an extra charm… There are six charming Christmas markets, including the gourmet market, the children’s market at Place des Six Montagnes noires and the craft market at Ancienne Douane.

2. Strasbourg Christmas market

The Christmas market in Strasbourg (also called Christkindelsmärik) is one of the biggest and oldest in Europe: it has existed since the 16th century! Strasbourg has the title of Christmas Capital, no less! There are actually several Christmas markets in different parts of the historic city center. While I told you a few years ago that I was disappointed by this market that had become too industrial, I can again recommend it: it has found its soul! Overall, the chalets now offer mostly quality products, with an important place for local products and crafts. Phew! 🙂

Moreover, the city is remarkably well decorated and one really enjoys walking around to admire the incredible decorations of the facades and the illuminations. Strasbourg is just beautiful at Christmas, and it amazes me every year!

Click here to read my guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Marketwhere I give you all my best addresses! 😉 And if you want to discover an alternative Christmas market very popular with locals, go to the Marché OFF in Strasbourg, a social and solidarity Christmas market.

3. Kaysersberg Christmas Market

Kaysersberg is a lovely picturesque village, perfect for a Christmas market. The Christmas market in Kaysersberg is one of my favorites! The authentic Christmas market of Kaysersberg takes place in the Cour de l’Arsenal and behind the Sainte-Croix church. After that, there are other places with unofficial and often less qualitative markets.

4. Obernai Christmas Market

The Obernai Christmas market is dedicated to gastronomy and crafts. Indeed, what a lot of nice things to taste or to bring back! It is a small market that has kept a very traditional soul. I love it!

5. Mulhouse Christmas Market

Not the most famous, but still full of charm, the Christmas market in Mulhouse is worth a stop! It’s a market I love…

6. Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market

The Christmas market of Ribeauvillé is very original since it is completely built on the theme of the Middle Ages. We are totally immersed in the atmosphere as soon as we arrive at the market, which has many stands and animations. Something to delight young and old alike!

In addition to the originality of the theme and the numerous activities proposed, the town of Ribeauvillé is superbly decorated. A real little gem!

7. Riquewihr village Christmas market

Riquewihr, like Kaysersberg or Ribeauvillé, is a pretty little village located on the Alsace Wine Route. The Christmas market itself is not huge, but a stroll through the alleys to discover its beautiful decorated facades is worth its weight in gold! Christmas in Riquewihr is a beautiful time of year. Please note, however, that the quality of chalets varies greatly…

8. Bouxwiller Christmas Market

The Christmas market of Bouxwiller is the most important Christmas market in northern Alsace. It is not necessarily very well known but it is a superb market that is really worth it! The town itself is very cute and nicely decorated, the stalls are local and of good quality. A great discovery!

For other small Christmas markets in northern Alsace, see the article Christmas in the Land of Lights.

9. Neuf-Brisach Christmas Market

The Neuf-Brisach Christmas Market is an original market: it plunges visitors into the atmosphere of a 1700s village! To learn more, read the whole article written by Vincent about his visit to the Neuf-Brisach Christmas market.

10. Quatzenheim Christmas Market

Quatzenheim is the small village, located 15 minutes from Strasbourg, where I live. Every year it hosts an ultra authentic Christmas market for one evening. The courtyards of the beautiful farms of the Kochersberg are entirely decorated by the inhabitants of the village and host the market stalls… It’s really magical and perfect to enjoy a very local atmosphere and to get off the beaten track a bit! For more information, I invite you to read the full article I wrote on the Quatzenheim Christmas Market.

11. Ottmarsheim Christmas Market

Ottmarsheim is a small town in Alsace near the German border, not far from Mulhouse. The Christmas Market of Ottmarsheim is called “Marché de Noël des Musées et des Créateurs”. It gives pride of place to the region’s museums, each of which has its own cottage, as well as to local creators. I might as well tell you that it gives a really qualitative market! It’s not huge but it’s definitely worth it. Personally, I love it! Unfortunately, it only takes place every other year.

The setting is also very pleasant. The buildings (including the beautiful church of St. Peter and St. Paul, a former abbey church) are beautifully lit, creating a rather magical atmosphere. There are a few people but we are very far from the crowd of the more known Christmas markets, which is very pleasant. Activities are planned for the little ones (Santa Claus, sleigh pulled by a reindeer,…) but also for the adults (initiation to glass blowing, concerts…). I attended a beautiful free concert of Christmas songs in the church of Ottmarsheim.

12. Thann Christmas Market

Around Colmar, Christmas markets are legion, but as you head south of the département they become rarer. There are still some that are worth a look, such as the Christmas Market in Thann, a small town at the entrance to the Alsace Wine Route. And it’s open every day until Christmas! This market (about forty chalets) with an authentic decoration is divided into three places:

• Place Joffre: around the collegiate church of Saint-Thiébaut (a little jewel of flamboyant Gothic architecture that alone is worth the detour) you’ll find Thann’s largest Christmas market: a host of delicacies await you (with the option of a warm, sheltered meal), as well as plenty of gift ideas (jewelry, bags, accessories, etc.). Under the big tree (and its 2 km of garland, they say) is the letter box of Santa Claus: you can drop your letter and even, for the luckiest, meet him for real! A stage is also in place along the collegiate church for the days of shows (given by the companies of the builders).
• Place Saint Thiébaut: my little favorite, with its illuminated facades enhancing the few chalets set up around the superbly decorated fountain (also Saint Thiébaut)… for me,the most beautiful square in Thann at Christmas time! The ideal place to drink a mulled wine (with honey) or to do some shopping (farm products, jewelry,…).
• The Place de Lattre is one of the most popular spots for families, as it’s where the carousel is located! To get there, take the Rue de la Première Armée to enjoy the facades decorated in Christmas colors: some are really worth a visit. On the way back, don’t hesitate to go to the Gerthoffer street to discover the talented creators’ store Une Pluie d’Etoiles or for those who are still hungry, the “Fromandises” at the corner of the Place Joffre.

13. Rosheim Christmas Market

The Christmas market of Rosheim is a small market which is not very well known. However, it is worth a visit.

Rosheim is a charming medieval town which is a beautiful setting for a Christmas market. Go there at nightfall (like all the markets, you may say, but it is particularly true for this one), the illuminations of the city and the monuments are really successful.

As for the cottages, stop by the Association des Arboriculteurs du Piémont de Saint-Odile for an apple fritter, they are delicious!

14. Sélestat Christmas Market

The Christmas market of Sélestat is a very original market since it is organized on the theme of the Christmas tree (the oldest mention of which was found in Sélestat!). To know more about it, I invite you to read the whole article dedicated to the Christmas market in Sélestat that I wrote!

15. Haguenau Christmas Market

The Haguenau Christmas Market is not the best known in Alsace but it is worth a visit for its authentic atmosphere, its numerous chalets and its beautiful illuminations! Find out more in the Vivine article dedicated to the Haguenau Christmas Market.

16. Guebwiller Christmas Market

The Christmas market of Guebwiller is called “Noël Bleu”. Every year, the city is decorated with illuminations and animations around this theme. This Christmas market is a small market, not necessarily as magical as some of the more famous markets but it is still cute. It will suit people looking for a more local atmosphere.

17. Eguisheim Christmas Market

Eguisheim is the village that was elected favorite village of the French in 2013. We must admit that the place is adorable! The Christmas market is small but cute, it’s well worth a visit! You can also visit Eguisheim in the company of the night watchman, who will teach you a lot about the village and the Christmas traditions.

18. Turckheim Christmas Market

Turckheim does not have a known Christmas market. However, the village is very cute and is a perfect stop to get a taste of the Christmas atmosphere in Alsace without getting caught up in the crowds!

In Turckheim, very few chalets but a life-size advent calendar. To witness the daily opening of the window, meet at 5pm sharp!

Another particularity, the night watchman of Turckheim who makes his rounds every evening at 9 pm. A must see!

19. Kingersheim Christmas Market

This Christmas market is…green! Decorations are made from salvaged and recycled materials, with artisans showcasing their handmade creations and associations raising awareness of the environment and helping us to consume better. Charlotte loved it!

20. Soultzmatt Christmas Market

A small, authentic, 100% craft Christmas market in the heart of the Vallée Noble, with chalets all over Soultzmatt: on the town hall square, around the church, in the village streets, and even in people’s backyards! There are also animals, donkeys, geese, chickens, in beautiful wooden enclosures designed to fit into the decor.