It is difficult to choose among all these Christmas markets in December in Alsace. Under the recommendations of several friends, I decided to visit the one in the city of Vauban, the Christmas market of Neuf-Brisach ! The city of Neuf Brisach, built entirely in 1697, has a Christmas market which is as exceptional (only one weekend) as it is original: on the theme of a 1700 village! Christmas market out of the ordinary is literally divided in two: one part traditional Christmas market and the other entirely dedicated to this historical period... so, ready for a 300 years jump back in time?
The village 1700
Discover the life at the end of the 17th century by strolling through this market like no other… ground strewn with straw, smells of wood fires and wild boar on the spit… the change of scenery is guaranteed! In this part of the market there is (almost) nothing to sell but a lot to learn. From hut to hut, you will discover ancestral trades, forgotten skills such as the knife sharpener, the basket maker (and his beautiful baskets), the upholsterer (chair and armchair restoration). You will be able to admire the work of the blacksmith, the clog maker, the embroiderer, the weaver, the carpenter, the watchmaker,… and all of them are dressed in period costume!
You will also be able to watch the pressing of apples to make hot apple juice (highly recommended), smell (and why not taste) the bredeles made directly by the cook of the Bredla Hus or see how difficult it was to make (and dig) the wooden pipes of that time… Many demonstrations by enthusiasts who want to share their knowledge with you! You can therefore stroll around and discover this unique atmosphere and why not let yourself be tempted by a wild boar sandwich on the spit!
Traditional Christmas Market
A few steps further on you take a trip back in time to the traditional Christmas market. Located just in front of the city hall (which hosts a daycare center for children – 3€ per hour) nicely lit. More conventional, this market is no less charming. You will find rather qualitative handicrafts mainly focused on decoration. It’s the perfect opportunity to finalize (or start, depending on your choice) your Christmas shopping.
So if you are in the area and you are looking for an original and rewarding Christmas market, don’t hesitate to make arrangements (only one weekend) to visit the one in Neuf-Brisach!
I liked
- the many exciting demonstrations
- the care given to the decoration of the village 1700
- the lighting of the city around the market
- childcare under the city hall (3€ per hour)
I liked less
- difficult parking with many bus spaces
My photos of the Neuf-Brisach Christmas Market
Practical information
Dates and opening hours
The Christmas market of Neuf Brisach is open for a whole weekend in early December. Find here the dates of the next market.
Access
By car
The address is as follows: Neuf-Brisach Christmas Market, Rue de l’Hôtel de ville, 68600 Neuf-Brisach. You have to count:
- 17 km from Colmar (about 22 min)
- 38 km from Mulhouse (about 35 min)
- 98 km from Strasbourg (about 1 hour)
By public transport
You can calculate your route on Fluo.