Obernai Christmas Market – Visit and good addresses
The Obernai Christmas market is one of my favorites in Alsace. In this article, I’ll share my tips for visiting, my favorite spots, and all the practical information you need to enjoy it to the fullest in 2026!
Summary
- My thoughts on the Obernai Christmas Market
- 2026 Dates and Times for the Obernai Christmas Market
- Christmas Market of Gastronomy and Crafts
- What can you do with your family at the Obernai Christmas market?
- Christmas Events and Shows in Obernai
- My Favorite Gourmet and Artisanal Spots at the Obernai Christmas Market
- Where to stay in Obernai for the Christmas market?
- What You Need to Know About the Obernai Christmas Market
- Frequently Asked Questions About the Obernai Christmas Market
The essentials at a glance
- 📍 Where: Downtown Obernai — Place du Marché, Place du Beffroi, Place de l’Étoile, and Place André Néher.
- 📅 2026 Dates: November 27 through December 31 (closed on December 25).
- 🕐 Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. on weekdays, until 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (4 p.m. on December 24 and 31).
- 👨👩👧👦 Audience: Families, couples, and lovers of fine dining and crafts.
- 💰 Budget: Admission is free, but be sure to bring a little money for snacks and mulled wine.
- 🚗 Access: Free parking within a 5-minute walk; train station 800 meters from downtown.
My thoughts on the Obernai Christmas Market
I liked
- Charm of Obernai
- Nice authentic and friendly Christmas market
- Beautiful decorations in the city
- Nice animations
I liked less
- Lots of people on weekends
2026 Dates and Times for the Obernai Christmas Market
The Obernai Christmas Market is open every day from November 27 to December 31, 2026, except on December 25. Daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and until 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (closing at 4 p.m. on December 24 and 31). It is one of the few markets in Alsace to remain open throughout the entire period between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
🗓️ Local tip: Come on a weekday or early in the morning on the weekend to avoid the crowds; the market gets particularly crowded on weekend afternoons.
Christmas Market of Gastronomy and Crafts
Obernai All Lit Up: Christmas Spirit in the Streets
I already told you about it, Obernai is a nice little town in the Bas-Rhin that is pleasant to visit all year long. With its belfry, beautiful buildings and half-timbered facades, the streets of Obernai have an undeniable charm.
At Christmas, it is also decorated with beautiful illuminations and decorations in natural fir, immersing the visitor with delight in the magical atmosphere of the holiday season. It is a perfect setting for an intimate Christmas market!
Producers and artisans at the Obernai Christmas Market
The Obernai Christmas market, called Marché de Noël de la Gastronomie et de l’Artisanat, is a nice size. It’s not huge but it’s big enough to spend some time wandering around. Its key words are authenticity and conviviality, and I promise you that these are not empty words!
The producers and craftsmen of the market are selected, and it shows: the proposed products are of quality and come in great majority from the region. Gingerbread, foie gras, bredele, Alsace wine, Christmas beers, salted meats, jams, honey… There is no shortage of treats! The craft industry is not left out with beautiful objects. A great opportunity to give handcrafted gifts to your loved ones!
It also has a warm, family atmosphere. The different exhibitors get along very well, and it shows! It is also an opportunity for visitors to meet passionate artisans.
The Stalls at the Obernai Christmas Market
Four squares are home to Christmas market chalets:
- Place du Beffroi, dedicated to Alsatian gastronomy (yum the good local products!)
- Place du Marché, which is mainly dedicated to crafts but also features a few food stalls. The square also hosts a carousel, a Christmas tree, and a nativity scene.
- Place de l’Etoile, where you can find the Little Train for children and a carousel
- Place André Néher, with a few more chalets, in a more peaceful atmosphere
| Place | Atmosphere | Don’t miss it |
|---|---|---|
| Belfry Square | Alsatian Cuisine | Mulled wine cauldron from the Obernai Winegrowers, foie gras from Ferme Schmitt |
| Market Square | Crafts, Christmas Tree, and Nativity Scene | Carousel, Christiane Koch’s booth (fabric hearts) |
| Place de l’Étoile | Children’s Activities | Mini Train and Carousel |
| André Néher Square | Additional cabins | A more peaceful break, away from the crowds |
What can you do with your family at the Obernai Christmas market?
Children’s Activities in Obernai
- Meet at Place de l’Etoile to enjoy a small train and a carousel. Another carousel is also located in the Market Square.
- A Christmas treasure hunt: the booklet is available for free at the Tourist Office.
Activities for All Ages in Obernai
- Exhibition of Alsatian cribs in the church of Saints Peter and Paul. This small exhibition is original because it contains a variety of nativity scenes: chocolate, sugar, stained glass, pottery, wood…
- The travelling shows and storytelling walks are nice animations to immerse yourself in the Alsatian Christmas. Consult the agenda of the tourist office to know the dates.
- Taking part in a workshop to make bredele, mannele, or stollen (all traditional Christmas treats in Alsace) at one of the city’s bakeries is a delicious, interesting, and fun experience! Personally, I loved the one I attended at Boulangerie Degermann, run by a passionate and charming owner ([check the schedule and dates each year directly with the bakery or the tourist office])!
Christmas Events and Shows in Obernai
In addition to the market, the Tourist Office organizes a number of events, including storytelling walks, shows and concerts.
I tested the Bredele Tour (bredele are the small Alsatian Christmas cakes), which concept is really funny. The idea is to walk around Obernai singing Christmas carols whose lyrics have been revisited (and now speak exclusively of bredele) while stopping regularly in the bakeries of the city to taste them.
Along the way, we also learn more about the history of bredele and how they are made. A beautiful night stroll!
Also on the blog
My Favorite Gourmet and Artisanal Spots at the Obernai Christmas Market
The best mulled wine at the Obernai Christmas market
You will find the best mulled wine of Obernai in the cauldron of the Winegrowers of Obernai. Their warm white wine, made with Sylvaner, is delicious! Meet in front of the Tourist Office to taste this local specialty with a unique taste. You can’t miss it, it’s in a huge cauldron!
To enjoy a good soup, with Riesling of course!
I tasted this delicious Riesling soup the first time I came to Alsace, 5 years ago, and still remember it! After having tasted it again, it is confirmed: this soup based on white wine from Alsace is excellent! Meet at the Ries’soup stand located at the Belfry Square.
For foie gras lovers
The foie gras of the Schmitt Farm is a reference in Alsace. You will find it on the farm stand, located just in front of the Tourist Office.
To buy beautiful Alsatian hearts in fabric
Hearts are one of the symbols of Alsace: you will see them everywhere! If you want to buy some to decorate your house, your Christmas tree or to have a nice key ring, go to Christiane Koch’s stand at the market place: all her hearts are handmade in Alsace!
To buy beautiful Christmas decorations
See you on the stand La Forêt des Elfes held by the sympathetic Harry, Swiss who takes one month of vacations per year to come to hold this stand and to present the objects of his friends creators Alsatians. A true enthusiast who loves the atmosphere of the Christmas market!
You can also stop by the Alsace Factory shop, located on a side street, which offers some beautiful handcrafted items.
Where to stay in Obernai for the Christmas market?
Here is my list of my favorite hotels in Obernai. For other good addresses, please read my article on Obernai.
What You Need to Know About the Obernai Christmas Market
- 🎄 An authentic and friendly market—smaller than the one in Strasbourg but just as charming
- 📅 Open from November 27 to December 31, 2026, including between Christmas and New Year’s Day
- 🅿️ Free and easy parking, a 5-minute walk from downtown
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for families, thanks to activities designed for children
Want to extend your stay? Check out my selection of hotels in Obernai so you don’t miss out on any of the Christmas magic.
Practical information
Dates and times
You will find here the dates and times of the Christmas market in Obernai.
Access
By car
Obernai is located in:
- 30 km from Strasbourg (about 30 minutes)
- 47 km from Colmar (about 40 minutes)
- 90 km from Mulhouse (about 1h10 minutes)
You can easily park in one of the free parking lots in the city. I recommend the parking of the ramparts or the parking of the Altau, located at 5 minutes of the city center.
By public transport
The Obernai train station is located about 800 meters from downtown, making it a good alternative to driving. You can check the schedules on Fluo.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Obernai Christmas Market
When is the Obernai Christmas Market in 2026?
The Obernai Christmas Market runs from November 27 to December 31, 2026, every day except December 25. It is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, and until 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (4 p.m. on December 24 and 31).
Is the Obernai Christmas market free?
Yes, admission to the Obernai Christmas market is completely free. You only pay for what you buy there (mulled wine, food, and handmade crafts).
Where can I park to visit the Obernai Christmas market?
The easiest option is to park at the Remparts parking lot or the Altau parking lot, both of which are free and located about a 5-minute walk from downtown.
How much time should I set aside to visit the Obernai Christmas market?
Allow about 2 hours at a leisurely pace, including a stroll through the chalets, tastings, and a leisurely walk through the illuminated streets.
Can you take the train from Strasbourg to Obernai to visit the Christmas market?
Yes, Obernai is easily accessible by train from Strasbourg, a convenient alternative to driving during the market season.