Alsace is known for a lot of things – its picturesque villages, its wine route, and of course, its charming Christmas markets.
During the holiday season, the region transforms into a winter wonderland. Streets are lined with twinkling lights, and the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air.
When I first moved to Alsace in 2019, I was amazed by the Christmas markets and how they captured the festive spirit of the season.
In this guide, I’ll share my favorite Christmas markets in Alsace as well as what you can expect to find at each one.
Off the Beaten Path Christmas Markets
I decided to begin with the lesser-known Christmas markets.
The ones listed below are off the beaten path and offer an authentic experience that’s hard to find at the more popular markets.
1. Sélestat
The Sélestat Christmas market is centered on the Christmas tree.
It was here in 1521 that the first Christmas tree was documented. And the proof is preserved in the Humanist Library.
As a result, Sélestat has earned the title – Capitale de l’Arbre de Noël, or the Capital of the Christmas Tree.
And everywhere you look, there are beautifully decorated trees.
Of course, that’s not all there is to do in Sélestat.
There are also wooden chalets selling crafts and food, exhibitions dedicated to the history of the Christmas tree, and much more.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Sélestat’s Christmas market.
2. Haguenau
The Haguenau Christmas market is centered on the Berceau des crèches, or Cradle of Nativity Scenes.
It was here in 1420 that the first nativity scene was documented. And it took place at St. George’s Church.
So, you’ll see nativity scenes on every corner along with wooden chalets selling mulled wine, food, and handmade crafts.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Haguenau’s Christmas market.
3. Obernai
When I first moved to Alsace, Obernai had a small Christmas market with only a few stalls. But it has since grown in popularity and size.
The theme of Obernai’s Christmas market is Marché de Noël de la Gastronomie et de l’Artisanat, or the Christmas Market of Gastronomy and Crafts.
You’ll find stalls selling locally made products such as honey, cheese, and wine, as well as handcrafted goods like pottery and jewelry.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Obernai’s Christmas market.
Quaint and Picturesque Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in this section are some of the most picturesque and charming in Alsace.
They are also more crowded than the ones I mentioned above, so I recommend visiting in the morning on weekdays.
4. Riquewihr
Riquewihr is one of the most charming villages in Alsace, and its Christmas market certainly lives up to that reputation.
It’s even earned the title – Marché de Noël: Le Pittoresque, or Christmas Market: The Picturesque One.
The market takes place in the beautiful old town, surrounded by colorful half-timbered houses, decorations, and lights.
You’ll also find wooden chalets selling food, crafts, mulled wine, and local products.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Riquewihr’s Christmas market.
5. Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg’s Christmas market is known as the Marché de Noël Authentique, or the Authentic Christmas market.
Its authenticity lies in the town’s history and traditions as well as its wooden chalets.
At first glance, these Christmas market stalls may seem like those found at any other market.
But if you take a closer look (specifically, at the small panels on the top of each stall), you’ll notice something different.
Each one has a unique Christmas-themed design, something you won’t find at any other Christmas market in the region.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Kaysersberg’s Christmas market.
6. Turckheim
Turckheim has one of the most fun Christmas markets in Alsace.
The theme is the Marché de Noël des Lutins, or the Christmas market of Elves.
And everything is made to look like it has been designed by elves, even the Christmas market stalls.
There are also events and exhibitions such as the night watchman’s rounds, a farm with livestock, and concerts at Église Sainte-Anne.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Turckheim’s Christmas market.
Iconic and Lively Christmas Markets
The Christmas markets in this section are the most famous in Alsace. And while they are must-visit destinations during the holiday season, they are also busy.
I recommend making reservations for accommodations and restaurants in advance if you plan on visiting these markets.
7. Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s Christmas market is the most famous in Alsace. It was first held in 1570, making it the oldest in the country.
The market is spread throughout the city center with over 300 stalls offering traditional Alsatian crafts and food.
There’s also a giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber and festive ornaments and lights on every building. The theme changes from year to year, and the decorations are based around it.
It’s a lively and crowded market, but there’s a reason why Strasbourg is the Capitale de Noël, or Capital of Christmas.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Strasbourg’s Christmas market.
8. Colmar
After Strasbourg, Colmar is the second most popular destination for the holiday season.
Its Christmas market theme is La Magie de Noël, or the Magic of Christmas.
There are over 100 chalets selling local crafts and delicious Alsatian specialties, such as pain d’épices. And its colorful half-timbered houses are decorated with festive ornaments and lights.
It’s a fairytale-like ambiance that makes you forget about the crowds.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Colmar’s Christmas market.
9. Mulhouse
Of the three Christmas markets in this section, the one in Mulhouse is the least popular (but still well-known).
The theme of the Christmas market here is Un Noël Singulier, or a Very Special Christmas.
Not only that, but every year, a Christmas fabric is designed for the market.
It’s used to decorate buildings and stalls. You’ll also find local crafts, gifts, and souvenirs made with it.
Mulhouse doesn’t have the colorful half-timbered houses you’ll see in the other towns, but its decorations and festive atmosphere more than make up for it.
For more details, check out my comprehensive guide to Mulhouse’s Christmas market.
Practical Tips
How to Get to Alsace
Alsace has two major transportation hubs – Strasbourg and Mulhouse. Both have train stations that are well-served and have options for traveling to and from cities like Paris and Basel.
Helpful Tip: Colmar also has a train station, but it’s smaller than the ones in Mulhouse and Strasbourg.
If you are traveling from abroad, the nearest airports are EuroAirport, Strasbourg Airport, Frankfurt Airport, and Paris (CDG and Orly).
Each one has several options for getting to Alsace.
- EuroAirport: This airport is near St. Louis, and from here you can rent a car, take the train, or take a bus to any of the major cities in Alsace (Mulhouse, Colmar, and Strasbourg).
- Strasbourg Airport: It’s 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Strasbourg’s city center. You can rent a car or take the train (about 20 minutes) to Strasbourg (or any other city).
- Frankfurt Airport: Although in Germany, it’s easy to get to Alsace from this airport. You can take the train or rent a car. There’s also the Lufthansa Express Bus that goes directly to Strasbourg, where you can then take a train to your next destination.
- Paris Airports (CDG & Orly): Direct trains run from CDG airport to Strasbourg’s main train station (two hours). If you’re flying into Orly, you’ll first need to transfer to the Gare de l’Est train station and then take a train to Strasbourg, Colmar, or Mulhouse.
How to Get Around Alsace
There are five ways to get around Alsace during the Christmas market season:
- Train: This is the easiest way to get around, but not all towns have a train station. Tickets can be purchased on SNCF-Connect.
- Navettes de Noël: This shuttle service begins in Colmar and stops at several Christmas markets – Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, Turckheim, and Neuf-Brisach. Hours of operation are limited, and tickets sell out quickly.
- Drive: Driving will give you the most freedom. You can rent a car in most major towns. There are also parking lots in every town. Most are within walking distance of the town’s entrance; otherwise, there is a free shuttle.
- Public Bus: The bus system in Alsace is average. It makes a lot of stops and is often late. Download the GrandEst-Fluo app for itineraries and times. Tickets can be purchased on the bus. Cards are not accepted, so bring cash. It’s four euros for a single ticket.
- Taxi: This is the most expensive option on the list, but you’ll find tons of taxis willing to take you to and from the different markets. Uber is also available this time of year.
Where to Stay
Alsace gets very busy during the holiday season, so I recommend booking your accommodation as soon as possible.
There are also lots of places to stay, but it’s easiest to pick one town and make day trips to the different markets.
I recommend checking out my guide to places to stay in Alsace to help you make your decision.
Helpful Tip: I’ve also written a Christmas itinerary guide that will help you organize your trip.
Insider Tips
Since moving to Alsace in 2019, I’ve learned a lot about navigating the Christmas markets.
Here are my top tips to help you make the most out of your visit:
- Pick up a map of the Christmas market when you arrive. Most towns have a billboard or a paper version of the map.
- Bring cash, most vendors do NOT accept credit and/or debit cards.
- Check out the list of apps I use to travel around Alsace.
- You will be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.
- December can be cold and rainy throughout Alsace. Pack warm clothing, like hats, scarves, gloves, thermal layers, and an umbrella.
- Book accommodations as early as possible.
- I always make a reservation before dining out during the holiday season. You can call ahead, book online, or use an app like The Fork.
- The best times to visit the markets and avoid the crowds are early to mid-morning or late evening on weekdays.
- You don’t have to be fluent in French to visit the Christmas markets, but simple phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci” can make a big difference.
Conclusion
Alsace knows how to do Christmas. Every year, the region transforms into a magical winter paradise that’s irresistible.
Of the Christmas markets that I’ve been to, Sélestat, Haguenau, Turckheim, and Mulhouse were my favorites.
The theme, atmosphere, and decorations were more authentic than the others. They were also far less crowded than the more popular markets in Strasbourg and Colmar.
Read More Articles
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.
- 21 Amazing Things to Do in Strasbourg in December (2025)
- Where to Stay in Strasbourg for the Christmas Market (2025)
