Visiting Alsace during Christmas 2026 is like stepping into a world of colorful little houses, illuminated streets, and fairytale-like Christmas markets. In this guide, we’ll show you which villages to visit, highlight the most beautiful markets, and provide the key dates you need to keep in mind when planning your trip.
We toured the region by car, following a six-day itinerary: three days in Strasbourg, and another three spent in Colmar and the surrounding villages. Another option is to stay in small towns like Eguisheim—a charming alternative for enjoying the Christmas atmosphere at the end of the day.
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Alsace Christmas Markets 2026: Towns and Dates
These are the places we recommend including in your itinerary for Alsace at Christmas:
Strasbourg and its must-visit markets
Strasbourg, known as the Capital of Christmas, is an essential stop. Its markets are spread throughout the historic center, and its streets are filled with lights, decorations, and little wooden houses.
Among the main markets you can visit are:
- Place Broglie: the historic market, whose origins date back to 1570.
- Place Kléber: where the large Christmas tree is set up.
- Place de la Cathédrale: perfect for enjoying the market next to the impressive cathedral and its nativity scene.
- Place du Temple-Neuf: a smaller, cozier corner.
- Petite France: stroll along its canals and discover the markets in the Benjamin-Zix and Saint-Thomas squares.
- Marché OFF: in Grimmeissen Square, featuring crafts, local creators, and options for responsible consumption.
The Christmas markets are scheduled to run from November 27 to December 24, 2026. The city’s holiday lights will be on display from November 26, 2026, to January 5, 2027. Free tour of Strasbourg at Christmas
Our chosen hotel in Strasbourg on this occasion
Another hotel option in Strasbourg
What to see in Strasbourg: a complete guide to visiting the city
Colmar’s Christmas markets and Ferris wheel
Colmar looks like it’s straight out of a Christmas fairy tale, with its colorful houses, canals, and decorated streets. Its markets are scattered throughout the historic center, so you can discover them as you stroll through the city.
These are the main ones:
- Place Jeanne d’Arc: featuring regional products and gastronomic specialties.
- Place des Dominicains: a market surrounded by small wooden houses next to the church.
- Place de l’Ancienne Douane: one of the most beautiful spots, next to the Schwendi fountain and the historic Koïfhus.
- Petite Venise: especially charming, with a market designed with little ones in mind, too.
- Koïfhus indoor market: dedicated to local crafts and creations.
- Montagne Verte food market: the perfect place to sample regional dishes and products, and to enjoy the Ferris wheel.
The main markets will be open from November 23 to December 29, 2026. The food market and the Ferris wheel will remain until January 3, 2027.
What to see in Colmar: a complete guide to discovering the city
Other towns in Alsace to visit at Christmas
- Ribeauvillé: December 5–6 and 12–13. Its medieval market is one of the most distinctive, featuring musicians, characters in period costume, and traditional stalls.
- Riquewihr: a beautiful village surrounded by vineyards, featuring a Christmas market in its historic center. Check the official dates before you travel.
- Kaysersberg: It stands out for its traditional houses, its river, and its craft market, which opens on specific dates during Advent.
- Turckheim: Don’t miss the Elves’ Market and its traditional Advent calendar.
- Eguisheim: a small town with circular streets, half-timbered houses, and a cozy Christmas market.
- Mulhouse: From November 20 to December 24, with a reopening on the 26th and 27th. The market is notable for the Christmas-themed fabric that decorates the streets—a display that changes every year.
The dates provided correspond to information gathered for the 2026 season; please check the official calendars for each location before planning your visit.
DOWNLOAD THE MAP WITH ALL THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS
We have prepared a map with the locations of the markets so that you can organize your route and easily locate each stop.
How to plan your trip to Alsace at Christmas
Si quieres visitar varios pueblos en pocos días, alquilar un coche te dará libertad para organizar los recorridos a tu ritmo. Nosotros lo hicimos así, aunque también puedes alojarte en Colmar y utilizar las Navettes de Noël, las lanzaderas que conectan con varios pueblos durante la temporada navideña.
- Car rental: check the options here and book your vehicle.
- Excursions in Alsace: check out the excursions available from Strasbourg
- Free tours: free tour of Strasbourg at Christmas
Book in advance if you are traveling on a weekend, and remember that some markets are only open on certain days.
Tips for enjoying Alsace at Christmas 2026
Bring warm clothing and comfortable footwear, and if you are traveling by car, plan where to park before arriving in the busier towns. The markets are often especially enjoyable at dusk, when the lights transform the streets.
And don’t leave without trying some Alsatian specialties, such as tarte flambée, bredele cookies, and traditional spiced mulled wine.
We hope this itinerary for Alsace during Christmas 2026 helps you plan your getaway and enjoy one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations in Europe.
See you on the next trip!
NOTE: The information in this article is based on our own experience and is completely objective. This article contains affiliate links.
