The Alsace Wine Route is a scenic itinerary that criss-crosses the Alsatian vineyards from Marlenheim to Thann. During the Advent period, many villages and towns host Christmas markets in a magical atmosphere. Lights, Christmas trees, Advent wreaths, beautiful Christmas window displays… here are 5 Christmas markets on the Alsace Wine Route to discover.
Christmas markets on the Alsace Wine Route
The 170 kilometer-long scenic road extends from Marlenheim (North Gate) to Thann (South Gate). It finds it way on the foot of the Vosges where hundreds of ruined medieval castles still keep an eye to the hustle and bustle of the Alsace Plain. Charming villages and small towns punctuate the visit. They share similar features: half-timbered houses, old churches, fountains, narrow streets and fortified gates. On the roofs of houses and public buildings, it is not rare to spot stork nests. The holiday season is a great opportunity to discover the pearls of the Alsatian vineyards. Our five favourite Christmas markets are found in Obernai, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar and Éguisheim.
Christmas in Obernai
Obernai, the second most visited town in the département of Bas-Rhin, hosts a beautiful Christmas market by the ramparts. The market is dedicated to local handicrafts and gastronomy. About 30 chalets offer gingerbreads, mulled wine and other local delicacies.
Christmas in Riquewihr
Riquewihr is one of France’s most beautiful villages. It is also one of the most visited sites in Alsace. The winding, cobbled streets of Riquewihr are lined with half-timbered houses dating from the Renaissance. The Christmas market of Riquewihr is held by the Town-Hall with a number of chalets selling food and local handicrafts. Discover the decorated streets of Riquewihr to feel the fairy-tale atmosphere of the place.
Christmas in Kaysersberg
Out of the many Christmas Markets on the Alsace Wine Route, the one in Kaysersberg is the oldest. The first edition took place in 1987 when an association of locals decided to organise an authentic and traditional Christmas market. Today, the Kaysersberg Christmas Market is extremely popular and visitors come from far away across France and Europe. Note that it only takes place during the four weekends of Advent, from Friday to Sunday.
Christmas in Colmar
The capital of the Alsace Wines hosts the largest of all Christmas Markets on the Alsace Wine Route. No less than 5 markets are found across the town centre. From the Place des Dominicains to the Little Venice district, the lights of Christmas make Colmar a great destination for Christmas, not far from another great Christmas Market: Strasbourg.
Christmas in Éguisheim
Éguisheim is listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages. The little village nestled in the Alsace vineyards has been built in concentric circles all around the castle. The narrow streets are lined with old and brightly coloured half-timbered houses. The Christmas market may be small, it is therefore one of our favourite of all the Christmas markets on the Alsace Wine Route.
Other Christmas Markets on the Alsace Wine Route
There are more Christmas markets worth visiting on your visit to the Alsace Wine Route. It would be fair to mention the Christmas markets of Thann, Rouffach, Turckheim, Ribeauvillé and Molsheim. During the Advent period, the town of Guebwiller hosts the Noël Bleu event (Blue Christmas).
Did you like what you read? If so, please share this article on Facebook or Twitter! 🙂
