Kaysersberg is known for its quaint streets and picturesque half-timbered houses. It becomes even more enchanting during the holiday season with its Christmas market.
I moved to the capital of Alsace in 2019, and since then, I’ve visited a lot of Christmas markets in the region. But the one in Kaysersberg has the most beautiful wooden chalets.
It’s advertised as the authentic Christmas market, and that’s exactly what you’ll get.
In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about the Kaysersberg Christmas market, including must-visit sites, foods to try, and other practical tips.
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Theme
The title of the Christmas market in Kaysersberg is Marché de Noël Authentique or Authentic Christmas market.
You might be wondering what makes Kaysersberg’s Christmas market more authentic than the others in the region.
It all comes down to the town’s history and tradition of celebrating Christmas, as well as the wooden chalets.
As you walk around, you might think these are the same wooden chalets you see at every Christmas market. But if you look up at the top, you’ll notice small panels.
Each has a unique and original design (usually centered on Christmas and/or winter).
It’s these wooden chalets that make the Christmas market here special, and Kaysersberg is worth adding to your Christmas market itinerary.
Helpful Tip: Below, I will share where you can find these wooden chalets.
Dates and Times
Below are the dates and times for the 2025 Christmas market:
- 28-30 November (10:00 am to 8:00 pm)
- 5-7 December (10:00 am to 8:00 pm)
- 12-14 December (10:00 am to 8:00 pm)
- 19-21 December (10:00 am to 8:00 pm)
Key Attractions
If you’ve been following me, you know that I’ve been to Kaysersberg several times. And for such a small town, there are lots of fun things to do here.
Below are the key attractions to visit during the Christmas market:
- Authentic Christmas Market (Marché de Noël Authentique): This part of the market is behind the Église Sainte-Croix. It’s where you’ll find the authentic wooden chalets I mentioned above.
- Farmer’s Market (Marché Paysan): This part of the market is in Place de la Mairie. It’s where you’ll find wooden chalets selling local products like honey.
- Christmas Display/Exhibition: Inside the Tourist Office, there are small displays with different holiday scenes.
- Église Sainte-Croix: While there are not a ton of Christmas decorations inside the church, the wooden altarpiece from the early 15th century adds to the Christmas spirit.
- Constantine Fountain: This is one of the main attractions in town, and, at Christmas time, it’s decorated with wreaths and a beautiful nativity scene.
- Rue des Forgerons: One of the most beautiful streets in town. This is where you’ll find lots of festive decorations and a nativity scene.
- Rue du Général de Gaulle: This is Kaysersberg’s main street. During the Christmas market, there are vendors selling vin chaud, local treats like bretzels, and other festive goods.
- Château de Kaysersberg: Once used as a watchtower, it now offers beautiful views over Kaysersberg and the surrounding valley.
Foods to Try
Alsace is known for its hearty dishes, so winter is the perfect season to try a few.
Helpful Tip: There is a long list of foods to try in Alsace, so be sure to check out my complete guide for more information.
Below are the must-try foods and drinks that I recommend:
- Choucroute garnie: Sauerkraut cooked with pork and potatoes. It sounds simple, but it bursts with flavor. It’s my favorite traditional dish on this list.
- Bredele: These small, spiced cookies are only served during Christmas time.
- Vin chaud (or mulled wine): This warm and spicy drink is made from red wine, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Tarte flambée (or flammekueche): This is the Alsatian version of pizza. It’s topped with crème fraîche, cheese, onions, and lardons, and cooked in a wood-fired oven.
- Kougelhopf: This traditional cake is made with raisins and almonds and topped with powdered sugar.
- Baeckeoffe: This slow-cooked casserole is made with potatoes, onions, carrots, and three types of meat (beef, pork, and lamb). It’s usually only served in winter, so it’s the perfect time to try it.
Travel Tips
How to Get to Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg is a small town not far from Colmar (13 km, 8 miles).
It doesn’t have a train station, which means you’ll need to take a bus from Colmar or drive to get there.
Helpful Tip: Colmar’s train station is well-served with trains coming from cities like Paris and Strasbourg regularly. You can buy your tickets on the SNCF-Connect website or app.
In terms of public transportation, there are two options during the Christmas markets.
The first, and most convenient, is the Navettes de Noël.
This shuttle service starts in Colmar and stops at Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg. The only downside is the hours of operation, which are limited to the weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
Helpful Tip: I recommend booking your tickets for the Navettes de Noël as soon as they are available.
The second option is the public bus. It operates during the week and stops more often than the Navettes de Noël.
Helpful Tip: Download the GrandEst-Fluo app for the latest bus times. Tickets can be purchased on the bus, but bring cash. It’s four euros for a single ticket.
If you decide to drive, you’ll need to park at one of the designated parking lots.
Most are within walking distance of Kaysersberg.
There are a few others that are farther. But shuttles are available to bring you to the town’s entrance (these will be marked with a P+R symbol, which means park and ride).
Where to Stay
Kaysersberg has a lot of nice hotels, and they tend to hover around mid-range to luxury.
- Hotel KLE, Kaysersberg: I stayed here the first time I visited Kaysersberg. It’s a modern hotel with beautiful, big rooms. The staff is also helpful.
- Relais et Châteaux Le Chambard: This hotel offers comfortable rooms that are beautifully designed. There’s also an indoor pool where you can relax at the end of the day.
- Hôtel les Remparts: Located on one of the prettiest streets in town, this hotel offers cozy rooms with comfortable beds. They even have free parking, which is a plus in winter.
Where to Eat
There is no shortage of fantastic restaurants in Kaysersberg. Below are a few places that I recommend you try.
- La Table d’Olivier Nasti: This restaurant is the best in the region. It has won two Michelin stars, so you’ll need a budget for this experience. Reservations are required.
- Restaurant le Kaysersberg: A traditional Alsatian restaurant with a cozy setting. The portions are generous, and the service is excellent.
- Bratschall Manala: No trip to Alsace is complete without trying a tarte flambée, and this place serves the best in town.
Packing Tips
Winter in Kaysersberg is cold (and it can be very cold if it’s windy).
Here is a list of items that I recommend you bring for your trip:
- Warm jacket
- Hat (make sure your ears are covered), gloves, and scarf
- Waterproof boots with good traction (especially if you plan to climb the Château de Kaysersberg)
- Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, etc.
- Thermal underwear (if you get cold easily)
- Thick socks
- Umbrella (it rains often in winter)
Practical Information
Below are a few tips to help you plan your trip:
- Maps of the Christmas market are on display at the entrance and the Fortified Bridge (picture above).
- Visit early in the day and evenings to avoid large crowds.
- Bring cash, some vendors don’t accept credit/debit cards.
- Weekends (especially in the afternoon) are busy.
- Wear comfortable shoes as there are a lot of cobblestone streets.
- Always say “Bonjour” when you are approaching a vendor.
- Make reservations for restaurants and book accommodation as early as possible.
- Check out the list of websites and apps that I use to travel around Alsace.
Conclusion
Every town in Alsace offers something special during the holiday season. And Kaysersberg is no different.
The Christmas market here is a must-visit. The atmosphere is festive, and the decorations can’t be beat. Then, there are the authentic wooden chalets. They make it feel like a fairytale come to life.
I’ve seen Kaysersberg every season, and its charm is even more pronounced during the holidays.
Now it’s time to plan the rest of your trip. Why not check some of the other sites and attractions in Alsace?
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.
- The Ultimate Sélestat Christmas Market Guide
- 21 Amazing Things to Do in Strasbourg in December
- 19 Most Charming Towns in Alsace (Local’s Guide)
- Where to Stay in Alsace: Best Towns and Hotels
