📍 France

ALSACE CHRISTMAS MARKETS: ENCHANTED WINTER VILLAGES

Magic of half-timbering lit up, mulled wine steam rising in cold air, Christmas carols echoing on cobblestones. Christmas in Alsace, a fairy tale.

≈ 19
Days
628
Km
14
Stops
📖 9 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Wander through winter Alsace between traditions and heritage. Discover illuminated Strasbourg, stroll through Colmar and its half-timbered streets, explore Mulhouse and its markets, then discover Eguisheim and its medieval lanes transformed by light.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Mulhouse

industrial heritage meets festive markets

Mulhouse - Photo 1Mulhouse - Photo 2Mulhouse - Photo 3
3 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Mulhouse historic area
🎯

Activities

→
Additional exploration of local festive installations
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 156 km
Travel time: 3h07
2
Day

Thann

wine town glows with evergreen light

Thann - Photo 1Thann - Photo 2Thann - Photo 3Thann - Photo 4Thann - Photo 5Thann - Photo 6Thann - Photo 7Thann - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Thann Christmas Market
2
Decorations around the Saint-Thiébaut collegiate church
🎯

Activities

→
Attend open-air festive concerts and exhibitions
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 34 km
Travel time: 41min
3
Day

Eguisheim

circular village dreams in snow

Eguisheim - Photo 1Eguisheim - Photo 2Eguisheim - Photo 3Eguisheim - Photo 4Eguisheim - Photo 5Eguisheim - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Eguisheim Christmas Market
2
Decorated medieval streets and village squares
🎯

Activities

→
Attend seasonal performances and traditional displays
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 14 km
Travel time: 17min
4
Day

Munster

cheese town valley holds winter warmth

Munster - Photo 1Munster - Photo 2Munster - Photo 3Munster - Photo 4Munster - Photo 5Munster - Photo 6Munster - Photo 7Munster - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Munster Christmas Market
2
Decorated town square and seasonal installations
🎯

Activities

→
Attend choir performances and festive animations
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 46 km
Travel time: 56min
5
Day

Colmar

half-timber houses lean toward magic

Colmar - Photo 1Colmar - Photo 2Colmar - Photo 3Colmar - Photo 4Colmar - Photo 5Colmar - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Colmar Christmas Market
2
Decorations across the historic centre and timber-framed houses
3
Koïfhus indoor artisan market
🎯

Activities

→
Explore the six Christmas market squares
→
Visit the children’s area in Little Venice
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 7 km
Travel time: 9min
6
Day

Kaysersberg

castle town guards christmas traditions

Kaysersberg - Photo 1Kaysersberg - Photo 2Kaysersberg - Photo 3Kaysersberg - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Kaysersberg Christmas Market
2
Historic town centre and fortified bridge
🎯

Activities

→
Explore artisan stalls in the old town
→
Visit the festive exhibitions organized during Advent weekends
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 6min
7
Day

Riquewihr

fortified jewel sparkles with carols

Riquewihr - Photo 1Riquewihr - Photo 2Riquewihr - Photo 3Riquewihr - Photo 4Riquewihr - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Riquewihr Christmas Market
2
Traditional half-timbered houses and decorated medieval streets
🎯

Activities

→
Discover handmade ornaments and regional crafts
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 5 km
Travel time: 6min
8
Day

Ribeauville

three castles shadow festive streets

Ribeauville - Photo 1Ribeauville - Photo 2Ribeauville - Photo 3Ribeauville - Photo 4Ribeauville - Photo 5Ribeauville - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market
2
Decorated historic streets and fortified buildings
🎯

Activities

→
Attend medieval-themed shows and costumed performances
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 16 km
Travel time: 20min
9
Day

Selestat

ancient town bells ring holiday joy

Selestat - Photo 1Selestat - Photo 2Selestat - Photo 3Selestat - Photo 4
4 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Sélestat Christmas Market
2
Exhibits related to the historical origins of the Christmas tree
🎯

Activities

→
Follow the thematic displays across the city
→
Observe suspended decorated trees in public squares
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 29 km
Travel time: 35min
10
Day

Obernai

market square radiates seasonal splendor

Obernai - Photo 1Obernai - Photo 2Obernai - Photo 3Obernai - Photo 4Obernai - Photo 5Obernai - Photo 6Obernai - Photo 7Obernai - Photo 8Obernai - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Obernai Christmas Market
2
Market stalls around the historic centre
🎯

Activities

→
Attend seasonal performances and guided storytelling walks
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 101 km
Travel time: 2h01
11
Day

Bouxwiller

quiet castle town hides festive charm

Bouxwiller - Photo 1Bouxwiller - Photo 2Bouxwiller - Photo 3Bouxwiller - Photo 4Bouxwiller - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 11
🔍

Discover

1
Bouxwiller Christmas Market
2
Decorated historical centre
🎯

Activities

→
Browse stalls featuring regional crafts and seasonal items
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 29 km
Travel time: 35min
12
Day

Wissembourg

border village glows with carol voices

Wissembourg - Photo 1Wissembourg - Photo 2Wissembourg - Photo 3Wissembourg - Photo 4Wissembourg - Photo 5Wissembourg - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 12
🔍

Discover

1
Wissembourg Christmas Market
2
Festive displays across the historic centre
🎯

Activities

→
View seasonal parades and Christmas performances
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 70 km
Travel time: 1h24
13
Day

Haguenau

forest town market fills with spice scent

Haguenau - Photo 1Haguenau - Photo 2Haguenau - Photo 3Haguenau - Photo 4Haguenau - Photo 5Haguenau - Photo 6Haguenau - Photo 7Haguenau - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 13
🔍

Discover

1
Haguenau Christmas Market
2
Decorated squares and wooden stalls
🎯

Activities

→
Attend Advent-themed guided visits
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 42min
14
Day

Strasbourg

cathedral square becomes fairytale realm

Strasbourg - Photo 1Strasbourg - Photo 2Strasbourg - Photo 3Strasbourg - Photo 4Strasbourg - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 14
🔍

Discover

1
Strasbourg Christmas Market
2
Historic squares and traditional wooden stalls
3
Illuminated Christmas tree on Place Kléber
🎯

Activities

→
Explore the various themed Christmas markets across the city centre
→
Discover local crafts showcased on Place des Meuniers
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 81 km
Travel time: 1h37
15
Day

Strasbourg

cathedral square becomes fairytale realm

Strasbourg - Photo 1Strasbourg - Photo 2Strasbourg - Photo 3Strasbourg - Photo 4Strasbourg - Photo 5
5 photos
Day 15
🔍

Discover

1
Additional exploration of Strasbourg Christmas markets
🎯

Activities

→
Visit remaining themed festive areas

🗺️ Itinerary map

🗺️ Nearby itineraries

GRAND EST: 20 EXCEPTIONAL VILLAGES BETWEEN VINEYARDS, RAMPARTS AND FORESTS

📅 22 days 🛣️ 1668 Km

AUTHENTIC ALSACE: 15 VILLAGES OF CHARACTER

📅 16 days 🛣️ 319 Km

ALSACE AND WINE ROUTE

📅 14 days 🛣️ 257.6 Km

🛡️ Travel advice - France

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming countryside, ideal for all regions, moderate crowds, excellent value, romantic atmosphere.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, perfect for Mediterranean coast, festival season.

Fall (September-October): Harvest season, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, wine regions spectacular, excellent photography, good value.

Winter (November-March): Christmas markets, ski season Alps, fewer crowds, lowest prices, cozy indoor attractions, cultural experiences.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 15 and 23 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in France?

Cultural capital with incredible cuisine, world-famous attractions, and diverse regions from Paris to Provence. Experience artistic heritage, wine culture, and sophisticated lifestyle. The country offers excellent infrastructure with cultural depth and culinary excellence. France provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and modern sophistication in easily accessible destination.