10 Christmas markets for a change from the usual favourites

Experience the magical atmosphere of the ‘smaller’ Christmas markets

Away from the must-visit Christmas markets such as those in Strasbourg, Colmar or Reims, the more intimate Christmas markets invite you to slow down and savour the moment. The experience is profoundly different, thanks to their smaller scale and varied programme of events.

Some of these markets last for just a single weekend in November or December, making them eagerly anticipated events that bring the local community together:
- You’ll come across unique traditions that are kept alive, such as village choirs.
- People linger around a wooden barrel converted into a high table to enjoy a cup of mulled wine with cinnamon.
- You can share moments with your family whilst taking part in cherished traditions...
In short, you let yourself be gently enveloped by a fairytale setting!

10 Christmas markets in the Grand Est region that are well worth discovering

The Grand Est region is also brimming with more intimate Christmas markets, tucked away in picturesque villages where authentic traditions are still very much alive. Illuminated alleyways, stalls run by passionate craftspeople, a warm and welcoming atmosphere: these hidden gems have everything to charm visitors.

Avioth

A real hidden gem, the Avioth Christmas Village takes place over a weekend in December every year. This renowned event in the north of the Meuse takes place in a unique, temporary setting at the foot of Avioth Basilica, a masterpiece of Flamboyant Gothic architecture.

The highlight: A grand opening parade and a night-time show provide the highlight of the weekend’s festivities. Please note that there is an admission charge for the Christmas Village.

Dabo

Two ‘secret’ markets in the Moselle, each offering a warm and authentic atmosphere! The Dabo Mountain Christmas Market (held within the Salle Léon IX) fosters an intimate atmosphere, in perfect harmony with the wooded surroundings and the rolling hills of the Dabo region.

Bonus tip: make the most of your visit by heading up to the Dabo rock to admire the panoramic view over the wooded landscapes of the Moselle Vosges.

Gérardmer

This market is a must-visit winter event in the Vosges, blending local traditions with a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the resort. On the Place du Vieux-Gérardmer, around thirty stallholders showcase crafts and handmade goods at the Village des Artisans.

Bonus: If there’s snow during your stay, you’ll have the chance to experience a magical Christmas at the foot of the fir trees!

Haguenau

To the north of Strasbourg, the Haguenau Christmas market is little known but well worth a visit. Around fifty traditional chalets are clustered on Place de la République, which forms the beating heart of the market.

Don’t miss: Be sure to pop into the Halle des Créateurs, an unmissable event during the festive season, bringing together nearly 80 local craftspeople (paintings, sculptures, decorations, jewellery, pottery).

Munster

A Christmas market in the heart of the mountains is twice as magical! In Munster, in the Vosges Mountains, the Place du Marché takes on the air of an enchanted village every weekend during Advent. As night falls, the atmosphere becomes even cosier thanks to the magical illuminations.

Bonus: Try a bowl of Munster soup, an iconic regional speciality, whilst you’re there. The perfect gourmet break to warm up between shopping trips!

Neuf-Brisach

Step back in time at the ‘Antan’ Christmas market in Neuf-Brisach, a charming Vauban-fortified town just 25 minutes from Colmar. For a weekend in mid-December, a 17th-century village is fully recreated on the Town Hall square, complete with stalls, period costumes… and even straw on the ground!

The highlight: Whether it’s a clog-maker, blacksmith or baker, discover a different side to Christmas in Alsace through unique demonstrations of traditional crafts.

Ribeauvillé

This medieval Christmas market is one of the most original in the region! The village’s Grand’Rue is decked out in period decorations, offering lively street scenes. Troupes of street performers, musicians, fire-eaters and costumed characters bring the streets to life and recount stories from days gone by! Make the most of the occasion to sample Ribeauvillé’s famous spit-roasted wild boar.

The highlight: Ribeauvillé’s Christmas market takes place over just two weekends in December – it’s well worth a visit! That said, with only four days to it, it creates quite a buzz and attracts the crowds to match.

Saint-Quirin

The Christmas market in Saint-Quirin, a charming village of character listed amongst the most beautiful villages in France, is traditionally held around its priory church.

The highlight: A wide range of activities will allow you to experience the magic of the festive season even more fully whilst you’re there (craft market, people in traditional costume, a friendly dining atmosphere, and more...).

Sélestat

Significantly quieter than the large neighbouring markets, the Sélestat Christmas market offers an experience centred on the magic of the Christmas tree and Alsatian traditions. It is not a traditional market with huts, but a themed trail through the historic heart of the town featuring unique exhibitions.

The highlight: A visit to the famous exhibition of suspended Christmas trees in Sainte-Foy Church – an absolute must-see (as is the monumental chandelier made up of 170 baubles from Meisenthal)!

Troyes

This market takes place right in the heart of Troyes’ historic centre in a picturesque setting, surrounded by the town’s famous medieval alleyways and half-timbered houses. A particularly cosy atmosphere, just an hour’s drive from the very popular Reims Christmas market!

The highlight: Plenty of space is given to local crafts and producers, particularly those from the Forêt d’Orient Regional Nature Park.

Bonus: Charleville-Mézières

Why not celebrate Christmas amidst the folklore of the Ardennes? The atmosphere at the Charleville-Mézières Christmas market reflects the charm of the Ardennes’ tales and legends, with a special focus on local produce and crafts.

The highlight: This market is held on the Place Ducale, the town’s splendid historic square modelled on the Place des Vosges. A truly remarkable architectural setting!

What can you find at the lesser-known Christmas markets in the Grand Est region?

Heading away from the busy main attractions (such as Strasbourg or Colmar) to visit the more off-the-beaten-track or smaller-scale Christmas markets offers a completely different experience of the Advent season!

The atmosphere here is calmer, more family-oriented and has a real village feel. You can take your time strolling around, often against a stunning backdrop: cobbled streets in medieval towns, picturesque village squares or centuries-old abbeys

The Christmas huts showcase local creators. You’ll find genuine craftspeople (potters, woodturners, glassblowers, Advent wreath makers, dressmakers…) who take the time to explain their work.

The programme at these more intimate markets usually includes performances (brass bands, parades, concerts, fireworks, lantern walks…), activities for children (creative workshops, Christmas crafts, making bredele, storytelling, treasure hunts, etc.), and even original themes (centred on the Middle Ages, rural life of yesteryear or mountain traditions). You’ll certainly have no shortage of ideas to keep the whole family entertained!

This is one of the highlights of these small markets: quality and a friendly atmosphere take precedence over quantity. You can sample regional culinary specialities (bredele, mulled wine or hot apple juice, artisanal gingerbread, tartes flambées) and local produce. The food stalls, sometimes run by local organisations or volunteers, also play their part in the market’s atmosphere. It’s a chance to sample local specialities and fully soak up the festive atmosphere.

To sum up: visiting these sometimes less crowded markets is a sure-fire way to rediscover the true spirit of Christmas: simple, warm, rooted in tradition and deeply human!

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