Christmas in Alsace means of course the must-see Strasbourg Christmas Capital, the oldest in Europe with its illuminations and its Great Christmas Tree, as well as numerous Christmas markets to discover throughout Alsace. You'll also just have to cross the Rhine to our German or Swiss neighbours to discover markets that are just as welcoming and authentic.
Strasbourg Eurometropole: 33 towns and villages in the Christmas spirit
From the decoration of facades to the illumination of streets and monuments, the inhabitants of the communes around Strasbourg perpetuate the tradition of Christmas in Alsace. Set up chalets in the Place de l'Église, a small market in a farmhouse, entertainment for children, forest trails... There's a whole host of activities on offer, all of which promise to take you right to the heart of local life.
- Discover the Christmas markets in the Eurometropole
Your holidays in Alsace
Christmas is also an opportunity to (re)discover the region. Just 30 minutes away by train, Colmar and its famous "Petite Venise" open their doors to you (from 11/23 to 12/29). If you're a fan of the great outdoors, Munster offers a Christmas market "Au Coeur des Montagnes" (from 11/24 to 12/23). Another memorable experience: a Christmas like in 1700 in Neuf-Brisach (12/08 to 12/10). There are exhibitors and artists dressed in period costumes, traditional stalls and entertainment just like in the old days. The list of markets and events is long: Orbey, Ungersheim, Grendelbruch, Bergheim, Saverne, Orschwiller, Haguenau, Ottmarsheim, Mulhouse, Barr, Obernai, Soufflenheim... You may find it hard to pronounce them, but you certainly won't find it hard to appreciate them! Find out all about Christmas in Alsace on the website of Alsace Destination Tourisme
Your holiday across the Rhine
On the other side of the border, too, tradition is alive. In Freiburg im Breisgau, 150 craftspeople welcome you to the warm atmosphere of the old town. At the foot of the Ravenna Gorge, the high stone viaduct illuminates the 40 stalls at the Christmas market, which is open every weekend in December.
Or head to the half-timbered village of Gengenbach, where the world's largest Advent calendar awaits you!
Christmas markets, hot wine evenings and Advent concerts: the towns and villages of the Ortenau also offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the festive season. From cutting down the Christmas tree to blowing glass ornaments, there's something for all the family.
- Find out more about the Christmas markets in the Black Forest on the website of Tourism office
- Find out all the details on the Ortenaukreis tourism website
- Canton of Basel-City in Switzerland
Did you know
Most of these Christmas markets are accessible by train! A chance to sit in the warmth.
Let yourself be transported!
SNCF
Deutsche Bahn
SBB