Christmas in Alsace

3 reasons to fall in love with Alsace at Christmas

1. For its unique and deeply-rooted traditions. Here, families celebrate Saint Nicholas’ Day on 6 December with Père Fouettard, and start baking bredele (little Christmas biscuits) as early as the end of November. Not to mention the Advent wreaths that adorn homes and the iconic Christmas tree – a custom that originated in Alsace!

2. For its magical atmosphere, unique in France. From Mulhouse to Riquewihr, the towns and villages are decked out in delightfully flamboyant Christmas lights. As for the market stalls, it’s impossible to resist the aromas of gingerbread and mulled wine wafting from them. Perfect for immersing yourself in a fairytale atmosphere.

3. For its diverse range of Christmas experiences to enjoy. Stroll through the Colmar Christmas market, watch a light show in Strasbourg, take part in a ‘mannele’ workshop with the family, or stroll hand in hand with your partner amongst the lights of Kaysersberg… There are a thousand ways to celebrate Christmas in Alsace!

Flavours of Alsace: a Christmas full of delights

At Christmas, Alsace reveals the full richness of its festive cuisine, combining slow-cooked dishes with time-honoured traditions. Chicken in Riesling, melt-in-the-mouth baeckeoffe… These comforting dishes take centre stage at the festive table, often accompanied by a glass of Alsatian wine to enhance every bite.

And what would the festive season be without Alsatian sweet treats? Brioché-style mannele, moist kougelhopf, artisanal gingerbread, bredele in all shapes and sizes… There’s no shortage of sweet treats, right down to the beerawecka, that dense cake packed with dried and candied fruit, which can be found on every table during Advent.

To round off the feast, it’s time for Alsatian cheeses, accompanied by a dry white wine or a glass of Christmas beer, with notes of spices and caramel. And for the little ones, a hot apple juice with cinnamon will go down just as well.

Fancy an exceptional experience? Some Michelin-starred restaurants and establishments in Alsace offer exceptional Christmas or New Year’s Eve menus. Combining creative cuisine with a fresh take on local traditions, the experience promises to be unforgettable. In Alsace, every mouthful of Christmas is a delight. And one thing is certain: you’ll always come back.

Our tips for planning your Christmas break in Alsace

Fancy discovering Alsace through the magic of Christmas? Find all our tips to help you organise your trip and make the most of the magical setting.

1. Aim to visit the Christmas markets between mid-November and mid-December. From Strasbourg to Colmar, these dates allow you to avoid the large crowds during the school holidays. For a more relaxed experience, it’s also best to visit during the week or in the late afternoon: weekends attract large numbers of visitors to Alsace and the atmosphere can quickly become crowded. And if you can’t get away any earlier, consider the less crowded markets, such as those in Obernai or Riquewihr, which offer a more intimate atmosphere (though do expect to see some people there too). Don’t hesitate to check the market calendar to plan your trip as effectively as possible!

2. Book your accommodation in the town centre to be as close as possible to the Christmas lights and the festive magic. Whether you’re after a star-rated hotel opposite Strasbourg Cathedral, a charming gîte by the canals in Colmar or a bed and breakfast near Kaysersberg Castle, well-located accommodation will allow you to get around easily on foot.

3. Use the shuttle buses to get from one place to another. During the Christmas period, many towns in Alsace run special shuttle services connecting them to neighbouring villages. You can also use your car if you have one, but the roads may be very busy during this period. And if you’d rather avoid the traffic, why not consider the train? The Fluo Group Pass offers unlimited travel for groups (2 to 5 people) for €40 a day, valid on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays across the entire train and coach network. Full details are available here: Weekend Group Pass for travelling by train in the Grand Est region.

4. Try to visit Christmas markets early in the morning or late in the day, particularly the one in Strasbourg, which is the most famous. Also consider strolling through small villages such as Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé or Obernai for a more peaceful atmosphere in an equally stunning setting.

And to really soak up the authentic Alsatian experience, consider extending your stay beyond the Christmas period. For example, you could celebrate 24 December and stay until New Year’s Day to experience the festive and friendly spirit of the Alsatians. Whether you’re after a Christmas weekend break or a trip lasting one (or more) weeks, our unique holiday cottages, spa hotels and other exceptional accommodation options welcome you to Alsace!

Our ideas for weekend breaks and Christmas itineraries in Alsace

Make the most of your break in Alsace to discover the region’s rich heritage. Spend a few days exploring the world-famous city of Strasbourg, with its immense cathedral and the majestic Christmas tree on Place Kléber, before setting off to explore the pretty Alsatian villages in the surrounding area. From Kaysersberg to Riquewihr via Ribeauvillé, take the time to wander through these villages, amongst hilltop castles and half-timbered houses. As for lovers of fine wines*, they’ll be delighted to combine a visit to these wine-growing villages along the Alsace Wine Route with a stop-off in the heart of Colmar. The town is sure to dazzle you with its markets and picturesque canals. And for a weekend that’s 100 per cent authentic, head to Mulhouse to experience its traditional market – one of the largest in Alsace, famous for its Christmas fabrics.

*Excessive alcohol consumption is dangerous to your health; please drink in moderation