When I first moved to Alsace in 2019, Riquewihr was the town to see. And today, that statement is still true.
Its colorful half-timbered houses, wineries, and rolling vineyards are just some of the reasons why it’s a must-visit. Then, of course, there is the Christmas market.
This already magical town transforms into a winter wonderland with wooden chalets and festive decorations around every corner.
In this guide, I’ll share with you everything you need to know about the Riquewihr Christmas market, including must-visit sites, where to eat, and other practical tips.
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Theme
Most of the Christmas markets in Alsace have a theme – Strasbourg is the Capital of Christmas, Haguenau is the Cradle of Nativity Scenes, Sélestat is the Capital of the Christmas Tree, and Obernai is the Christmas Market of Gastronomy and Crafts.
Then, there is Riquewihr, which is the Marché de Noël: Le Pittoresque, or the Christmas Market: The Picturesque One.
And that’s exactly what you’ll find here.
There are festive ornaments, twinkling lights, and elaborate decorations everywhere. Add to that the colorful buildings, and you have one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Alsace.
Dates and Opening Hours
The dates and hours for the 2025 Christmas market are listed below:
Dates:
- From the 28th of November to the 21st of December
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Key Highlights
Must-Visit Sites
While Riquewihr is a small town, there are still several things to do.
Below is a list of things I recommend you see at Riquewihr’s Christmas market:
- Christmas Market Stalls: There are two main Christmas markets (Place Voltaire and Place Fernand Zeyer). Each has a selection of wooden chalets selling crafts, mulled wine, and more.
- Galerie le Passage: This little passageway is at 6 Rue du Général de Gaulle. This is where you’ll find a few more stalls selling locally made products and crafts.
- Christmas Tree: In the center of Place Fernand Zeyer, you will find a large Christmas tree that is beautifully decorated. It’s the perfect spot for a photo.
- Rue du Général de Gaulle: This is the main street in Riquewihr. It’s crowded, but the combination of colorful buildings and holiday decorations makes it worth exploring.
- Domaine Dopff au Moulin: Riquewihr is on the Alsace Wine Route, so it’s the perfect place to try a glass of wine. And, of the wineries to visit, Domain Dopff is one of the best. They are the originators of the Crémant d’Alsace, Alsace’s sparkling wine.
- Musée du Dolder: This small museum is housed in a clock tower. It showcases artifacts related to Riquewihr’s history and offers panoramic views of the town from its top floor.
Food and Drinks
Alsace has a rich culinary tradition with influences from both French and German cuisine.
So, there are lots of different foods to try.
If you’re in Riquewihr, there are a few dishes that you’ll only find here.
Below is a list of the foods and drinks that are worth trying:
Helpful Tip: I’ve highlighted the ones that can only be found in Riquewihr.
- Riquewihrienne: Also known as choucroute verte, this flavorful dish combines sauerkraut with pan-fried meats (pork, goose, and duck). What makes it unique is the sauerkraut itself, infused with chervil, dill, and parsley.
- Macaron de Riquewihr: A small cookie that comes in a variety of flavors. My favorite was coconut.
- Choucroute garnie: This is the traditional version of the Riquewihrienne. It’s worth trying so you can compare them.
- Bredele: These flavorful spiced cookies are a holiday-exclusive treat, making them a must-try during the Christmas season.
- Vin chaud (mulled wine): A comforting, spiced drink perfect for staying warm. Crafted with white or red wine, a touch of sugar, and spices like cinnamon, it’s a delightful blend of flavors.
- Tarte flambée: A dish like pizza, featuring a creamy base of crème fraîche, topped with caramelized onions, savory lardons, and melted cheese.
- Kougelhopf: This delightful Alsatian cake, infused with raisins and almonds, is a versatile treat that pairs well with ice cream as a dessert or serves as a sweet option for breakfast.
- Baeckeoffe: This rich, slow-cooked casserole brings together tender potatoes, onions, carrots, and a flavorful trio of meats – beef, pork, and lamb.
Travel and Accommodation Tips
How to Get to Riquewihr
Riquewihr is a small town about 14 kilometers (8 miles) northeast of Colmar.
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 ways to get to Riquewihr during the Christmas markets.
The first, and most convenient, is the Navettes de Noël.
This shuttle starts in Colmar and stops at Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg.
The upside is that it’s easy to see several Christmas markets in one day. The downside is the hours of operation, which are limited to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Helpful Tip: I recommend booking your tickets for the Navettes de Noël as soon as they become 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 itineraries and times. Tickets can be purchased on the bus. Cards are (usually) not accepted, so 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 Riquewihr.
There are a few others that are farther. But free shuttles are available to bring you to the town’s entrance (these are marked with a P+R (Park and Ride) symbol).
Where to Stay
Riquewihr doesn’t have a ton of accommodation options. Below are the places I recommend:
- Hôtel De La Couronne: This charming bed and breakfast features cozy rooms within a beautifully preserved half-timbered building. The staff are attentive and friendly. Plus, there’s on-site parking.
- Best Western Hotel & SPA Le Schoenenbourg: Experience a modern hotel designed for a peaceful getaway. Enjoy exceptional service from attentive staff and unwind in comfortable beds.
- Hôtel le Saint Nicolas: A stunning hotel featuring newly renovated rooms, where the attentive staff go above and beyond to assist, and the breakfast is nothing short of delicious.
Where to Eat
If you haven’t indulged in snacks at the Christmas market and still have some room left, here are the restaurants I recommend.
- D’Brendelstub: Experience authentic local cuisine served in a contemporary setting. The welcoming staff is fluent in English, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining experience.
- Restaurant Le Manala: A charming French restaurant specializing in Alsatian cuisine, offering a warm, cozy atmosphere and exceptional service.
- Le Médiéval: This is where I first tried the Riquewihrienne, and I loved it. The food is tasty, and the service is fantastic. Plus, it’s set in a half-timbered building.
Practical Tips
After visiting the Christmas market in Riquewihr several times, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- Try to visit during the week. It’s less crowded than the weekends.
- If you can only visit on the weekend, arrive early in the day or before closing to avoid large crowds.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There are a lot of cobbled streets.
- Always start with “Bonjour.”
- Make reservations for restaurants and book accommodation as early as possible.
- Check out the websites I use to travel in Alsace.
- Wear warm clothes and bring an umbrella.
Conclusion
Riquewihr’s Christmas market is one of the prettiest in Alsace.
And along with that comes the crowds. It’s almost unavoidable, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit.
I recommend going early in the morning during the week to avoid the large crowds.
But no matter when you go, you’re sure to have a great time. The village is beautiful, and the Christmas market is nothing short of magical.
Now that you know about the Christmas market in Riquewihr, why not check out Strasbourg’s spectacular Christmas market?
Read More Articles
I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are some other articles that I think you might enjoy.
- 25 Amazing Things to Do in Alsace (Local’s Guide)
- 15 Incredible Things to Do in Sélestat
- 21 Amazing Things to Do in Strasbourg in December
