Medieval Christmas Market of Ribeauvillé – Visit and good addresses

The Ribeauvillé Christmas market is an original Christmas market with a medieval theme. And attention, Ribeauvillé really does things well: we are really immersed in the medieval atmosphere throughout the market and many animations are proposed to the visitors. It is a unique market in Alsace!
Summary
- My Thoughts on the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
- When is the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market in 2026?
- Crowds: When is the best time to visit the Ribeauvillé market?
- Don't miss the Christmas market in Ribeauvillé
- My good addresses for Christmas in Ribeauvillé
- What You Need to Know About the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
- FAQ: Your Questions About the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
The Christmas Market at a Glance
- 📅 Dates for 2026: December 5–6 and 12–13.
- ⏰ Hours: Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- 🏰 Location: Ribeauvillé’s historic center, on the Wine Route.
- 🎟️ Admission: Free and open to the public.
- 👨👩👧👦 Audience: families (the “Kingdom of the Elves” area) and fans of medieval atmospheres.
- 💡 My tip as a local: Come in the morning to enjoy the market without the crowds.
My Thoughts on the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
I liked
- Original medieval theme
- Many animations
- Big market: a lot of things to see!
I liked less
- Lots of people
When is the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market in 2026?
The Ribeauvillé Christmas Market takes place over two weekends in December: December 5 and 6, and December 12 and 13, 2026. The market is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Crowds: When is the best time to visit the Ribeauvillé market?
The medieval Christmas market of Ribeauvillé attracts a lot of people. I was already discouraged by this but I must admit that it is really worth it: it is huge, with many nice stands and above all with a lot of animations. These are nice for adults and really great for kids. You can’t get bored for a second, there are plenty of things to see and do!
🕰️ Local tip: Even though I usually recommend visiting Christmas markets at night to enjoy the magical atmosphere of the illuminated Alsatian towns, I suggest going to Ribeauvillé in the morning. It’s already pretty crowded, but it’s manageable: you’ll be able to truly enjoy the market and its activities, which is harder to do in the afternoon.


Don’t miss the Christmas market in Ribeauvillé
All in all, the Christmas market has a lot to offer. My only recommendation is to wander around the market… You’re bound to come across a variety of events – there are so many!
For the little ones, we recommend a visit to the market area known as the “Kingdom of the Goblins”, with its many activities just for them. A little break on Santa’s lap and a ride on the toboggan are also appreciated (rather at the beginning of the market, on the right of the Grand Rue).


Also on the blog
My good addresses for Christmas in Ribeauvillé
The best mulled wine at the Ribeauvillé Christmas market
After collecting a few opinions and tasting, the award went to the “La delirium tribu” stand, located opposite the Ribeauvillé pharmacy. Impossible to miss, the people who run the stand give their voices to make their wine known! Humor and good mulled wine, this is a good address!
For a change from mulled wine: Elixirs
For a change from mulled wine, you can try the elixirs offered by the Jus d’Antoine stand. I already told you about it in my article on the Christmas Market of Kaysersberg, I love these mixtures of fruit juice and brandy!


The best apple juice of the Christmas market
Delicious and not at all expensive, I recommend the freshly squeezed apple juice on the large square where the Ribeauvillé town hall is located. Impossible to miss it, the press is still quite large. Fresher apple juice is not possible…
To taste good sweet Alsatian specialities
Meet at the Gilg stand (or store, next door), on the left-hand side of the Grand Rue, opposite the Café de la Poste. Gilg is an excellent Alsatian pastry chef who I have already talked about in my articles on the best pastries in Colmar and the best kouglof in Colmar. You can buy Kouglof, Mannalas, Bredele… All the little Alsatian delicacies that you must try at all costs!


To buy good gingerbread
Genuine gingerbread is all honey and no sugar! I recommend the delicious organic gingerbread from Rucher du Bonhomme, located not far from the restaurant Au Lion.
To eat a chestnut torch
Chestnut torch is an Alsatian speciality, also known as Mont-Blanc, made with chestnut cream, whipped cream and meringue. The Vilmain Pastry Shop (located in Grand Rue) makes an excellent one.


What You Need to Know About the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
- A 100% medieval market, unique in Alsace, featuring authentic reenactments and period costumes
- It gets very crowded, especially in the afternoon: it’s best to go in the morning
- My tried-and-true spots: mulled wine at “La Delirium Tribu,” juices from Jus d’Antoine, and kouglof and bredele at Gilg
- One honest caveat: the crowds can quickly make the walk tiring
Want to compare them with other Christmas markets in Alsace? Check out my guide to the 20 most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace.
Practical information
Dates and times
You will find here the dates and schedules of the Christmas market of Ribeauvillé.
Access
By car
Ribeauvillé is located in:
- 15 km from Colmar (about 25 minutes)
- 57 km from Mulhouse (about 50 minutes)
- 66 km from Strasbourg (about 50 minutes)
🅿️ Local tip: A park-and-ride facility has been set up at the Cordon-Schmidt company site in Bergheim (750 spaces, €10 per vehicle), with free shuttles to the market. This is the easiest way to avoid driving around town looking for a parking spot.
By public transport
You can watch on Fluo.
FAQ: Your Questions About the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
When is the Ribeauvillé Christmas market in 2026?
The Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market takes place over two weekends: December 5 and 6, and December 12 and 13, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Is there an admission fee for the Ribeauvillé Christmas market?
No, admission is free. You only have to pay for parking at the park-and-ride lot (€10 per vehicle).
Where can I park for the Ribeauvillé Christmas market?
I recommend the Bergheim park-and-ride (Cordon-Schmidt site), which is connected to downtown by free shuttle buses.
Riquewihr or Ribeauvillé—which Christmas market should you choose?
In my opinion, the market in Ribeauvillé has much more character and is far more interesting: it’s very unique and authentic, brought to life by a large number of locals who really immerse themselves in the medieval atmosphere. The one in Riquewihr is smaller and much more commercial. That said, both villages are beautiful and well worth a visit.
When is the best time to visit the Ribeauvillé Christmas market?
In the morning, right when it opens at 10 a.m. It’s already crowded, but the crowds are still manageable—unlike in the afternoon, when it becomes difficult to enjoy the activities.

