The most beautiful villages in Alsace to visit at Christmas

If there’s one place where you can truly immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas, it’s in the villages of Alsace! Some are must-see destinations along the famous Alsace Wine Route; they’re like scenes straight out of a Christmas fairy tale. Others, less well-known, exude the region’s festive traditions through their atmosphere and decorations. They all welcome you with open arms to share a magical moment with family or friends!

Experience the magic of Christmas in the Grand Est

Anyone looking to experience the magic of Christmas in France immediately thinks of the Grand Est! And with good reason: the region is renowned worldwide for its festive and authentic Christmas traditions. Come and discover the region’s iconic Christmas markets, its stunning illuminations and its culinary specialities.

8 Alsatian villages to visit at Christmas

Alsatian villages are renowned for their warm and authentic atmosphere, which is even more evident during the festive season. Richly decorated houses, intimate Christmas markets, and the aroma of freshly baked bredele… All good reasons to stop off there!

Kaysersberg

Voted France’s favourite village in 2017, Kaysersberg is one of the most beautiful villages on the Alsace Wine Route, with its half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and fortified bridge spanning the River Weiss... And at Christmas, the charm is even more evident: Christmas trees adorn the town, craft stalls bring the narrow streets to life, and the aroma of mulled wine with honey* accompanies your stroll through the carefully illuminated historic centre.

Good to know: Kaysersberg’s Christmas market, which has a particularly authentic feel, is open on the four weekends of Advent, from late November to late December.

Ribeauvillé

The most medieval of all Alsatian villages awaits you! With three castles overlooking the village and a one-of-a-kind medieval Christmas market, the capital of Alsatian minstrels promises you an unforgettable end-of-year break. At Christmas, Ribeauvillé welcomes you with brazers, medieval songs and period specialities, for a festive experience like no other.

Good to know: the Christmas market takes place over just two weekends in December.

Riquewihr

Listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Riquewihr lights up every year to bring a sparkle to the eyes of young and old alike. This village will charm you with its little chalets and traditional Christmas market. Bathed in the glow of wrought-iron signs and the illuminated Dolder Tower (the town’s iconic gateway), the ‘pearl of the Alsatian vineyards’ celebrates Christmas as a unique family festival.

Good to know: Christmas is such an integral part of local culture in Riquewihr that one shop sells a selection of Christmas decorations all year round!

Eguisheim

Discover the cosy, intimate atmosphere of Eguisheim as you stroll through its cobbled streets, which wind in concentric circles around the Château des Comtes. At Christmas, residents and shopkeepers go the extra mile to decorate façades, doors and windows with Christmas trees, garlands and other handmade decorations. At every turn, new details catch the eye and transform the stroll into a real Christmas fairy tale!

Good to know: don’t miss the opening of the traditional giant Advent calendar, every day in December on the castle square. A guaranteed hit with the children!

Bergheim

A small, relatively little-known village which nevertheless ticks all the same boxes as its must-see neighbours: medieval architecture, authentic charm and a place on the ‘Most Beautiful Villages of France’ list. You can enjoy the Christmas market and the historic centre, surrounded by its ramparts, at your own pace, far from the usual crowds. As an added bonus, admire Bergheim’s nativity scene trail, featuring over 80 handcrafted nativity scenes, all made by hand by the village’s residents and local organisations.

Good to know: at Christmas, Bergheim is well worth a visit for its famous nativity scene trail (featuring around 80 illuminated nativity scenes), which has made the village famous!

Turckheim

Situated very close to Colmar, this Alsatian village proudly celebrates its Christmas customs and traditions. On a cosy, intimate scale, the ‘Lutins’ Christmas market invites you to take your time, amongst decorated chalets and illuminated alleyways. As night falls, light displays bring the façades to life, whilst the scent of hot chestnuts accompanies your stroll.

Good to know: every evening, join in with a range of activities: the Advent Calendar ritual with the lamplighter, the Night Watchman’s Round (a storytelling tour through the village’s illuminated streets), or the light show projected onto the Porte de Munster.

Hunspach

Head to northern Alsace, 45 minutes from Strasbourg, to discover Hunspach, a village listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. Enjoy the peaceful and authentic atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely visit. The ‘Sentier des fenêtres de Noël’ (Path of Decorated Christmas Windows) winding through the village is pure magic! The half-timbered houses adorned with traditional decorations offer a uniquely authentic Alsatian Christmas scene.

Good to know: on the last weekend of November, the Christmas market known as ‘Noël d’Antan’ is well worth a visit! On the programme: a craft market, a bredele-making workshop, a meet-and-greet with Hans Trapp and Christkindel (traditional figures from the Alsatian Christmas), a concert…

Altkirch

Welcome to Altkirch, about 20 minutes south of Mulhouse. There’s no traditional Christmas market here, but you’ll find a magical and poetic experience thanks to the ‘Enchanted Forest’, the unmissable event that transforms the village into a sparkling forest. Immerse yourself in the tales and legends of the Sundgau, this picturesque region in southern Alsace. As night falls, the lights of the Enchanted Forest transform Altkirch into a setting that will delight young and old alike.

Good to know: from early December to early January, discover the village in its festive guise with a host of activities.

Bonus: The Alsace Ecomuseum

Although not a village, this is an unmissable destination for an immersive experience of a traditional Christmas! Christmas tales and evening gatherings, a school in the Christmas spirit, a tour of the ‘Grenier aux Souvenirs’ (Attic of Memories)... Throughout December, the Écomusée invites you to step back in time and relive the magic of days gone by.

Good to know: don’t miss the two highlights of the season: the arrival of Saint Nicholas in early December, and that of the Three Kings in early January, which brings the festivities to a close.

* Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health; please drink in moderation