A Guide to the Christmas Markets of Alsace

The Alsace Region

Nestled on the border with Germany, Alsace benefits from the best of both French and German culture. You will find delicious chocolate, incredible mulled wine and dominating fir trees at the markets. Enjoy the scents of cinnamon, cloves and sweet chestnuts as well as hearing the angelic voices of the choirs as they sing traditional Christmas carols. You’ll leave feeling ten times more Christmassy than when you arrived!

We can’t promise the gentle drifting of snowflakes for your Alsace Christmas markets visit, but we can guarantee you great gastronomy, festive scenery and seasonal activities. You’re in for a treat as you cruise through the Alsace region this Christmas!

The City of Strasbourg

Strasbourg Christmas market has consistently been voted the best Christmas Market in the whole of France. This market is famous for its enormous Christmas tree, which stands in Place Klébler. Admire the Christmas illuminations and sparkling ice-skating rink, as well as the enormous carousel.

The colourful carousel radiates warm beams of light and exhibits extravagantly painted horses and other animals. If you’re up to the challenge, then why not take to the ice on the enormous ice rink and have a go at this seasonal sport. Alternatively, you might wish to stand and watch the skaters elegantly glide by as you warm your hands on a mug of vin chaud.

The Village of Riquewhir

Another Christmas Market in Alsace that you shouldn’t miss is located in the pretty medieval village of Riquewhir, popular for its warm and friendly atmosphere. Here, you will find wooden chalet-style stalls that sell a plethora of handicrafts to artisanal delicacies such as spice bread and bretzels.

Located amongst vineyards and on the popular Vins d’Alsace wine route, Riquewhir is listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages, making it a must-visit. The half-timbered houses are beautifully quaint in their colourful palettes. There are old fountains dotted here and there amongst the cobbled streets.

The Town of Colmar

Colmar Christmas market is set within the town, to a backdrop of stunning scenery. The area boasts historic half-timbered houses, adorned with adorable decorations like bows, stars, and candles. The Christmas magic is alive and thriving with its jaw-droppingly beautiful chocolate box façade. La Petit Venise is a must-visit for its colourful buildings, which towers over the canal to reflect in the calm waters. Colmar is ideal if you’re looking for a picture-perfect place.

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the addition of chocolate! Located near Colmar, guests will visit a local chocolate atelier to watch the chocolatiers prepare their creations and get involved in creating your own chocolate masterpiece. For those wishing to take home a souvenir, the gift shop offers some gourmet seasonal creations.

Food at Christmas Markets

Do you have a big appetite for Christmas? Well, with the smell of mouth-watering melted chocolate in the air and the sight of sizzling Wurst sausages on the grill, you won’t want to miss out on sampling some of the seasonal delicacies on display.

If you’re looking for a savoury meal, then why not taste the delights of a choucroute? This Alsatian recipe combines charcuterie meats, sauerkraut and sausages with potatoes, for a French twist on the German classic.

If you’re looking for a much sweeter treat to devour, then waffles and crepes are easy to find. And don’t forget some of the more regional delicacies. You can buy traditional biscuits called bredeles at most of the markets. Pretzels aren’t in short demand either. Other local favourites are brioche gingerbread men, known as manele.

Savour Local Flavours

When in Alsace, do what the Alsatians do. The Christmas markets are full of opportunities for you to drink ‘vin chaud’, which is the Alsatian equivalent of mulled wine. Unusually, vin chaud is made from white wine, rather than red. On tasting it, you will find it to be full of festive flavours like cinnamon, orange and lemon.

If you’re not a huge fan of warm beverages, then try an Alsatian lager. Made from water extracted from underground, this beer is created by adding barley malt, yeast and hops. Or you might come across Alsatian Christmas beer, which is a seasonal dark ale.

If you’re looking to buy presents, then the markets are the ideal place to do your Christmas shopping. Wander and browse the market stalls for a great array of truly unique gifts. You will find all sorts of amazing artisan stalls selling ceramics, pots, glassware, woodwork, furniture, textiles and jewellery. Of course, there’s also a chance to purchase the famous and stunning glass Christmas decorations.

Meisenthal glassworks

Don’t miss out on a visit to Meisenthal glassworks, known as the ‘cradle of Art Nouveau glass’ as this glassworks was a leading pioneer at that time. This glasswork is the origin of the Christmas bauble.

In 1858 there was a severe drought. This actually impacted on Christmas tree decorations as up until this time fruit was typically used to decorate trees. But with the drought there was no fruit to spare. A glassblower decided to make an alternative and made a few glass baubles, or round balls of coloured glass. Single-handedly he created a tradition that we still adhere to today of hanging ornaments on the tree.

Throughout the Christmas period, you can attend demonstrations by craftsmen of glass bauble blowing.

Christmas Season Paradise

The Alsace region is a visual paradise during the Christmas season. Cheerful lights, white-capped fir trees and twinkling decorations create a wondrous winter wonderland. The Christmas markets of Alsace provide ample opportunity to experience the romance of the region.

When you are ready to leave the hustle and bustle, head back to your hotel barge. The Panache is a spacious and quiet retreat from the busy markets. On board you can also enjoy unique views of the Alsatian cities we visit from the calm canals where we moor.

For more information on our Christmas Market Cruises, and the rest of our collection of luxury hotel barge cruises, why not order a free copy of our brochure or speak to a member of our team directly using our handy Contact Form.