Discover the Kaysersberg Christmas market in Alsace © French Moments
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Last Updated: 10 September 2024

My first visit to the Kaysersberg Christmas Market was back in 2012, and I still vividly remember the sense of wonder it sparked in me.

The attention to detail was incredible—from the beautifully decorated half-timbered houses to the charming little courtyards, all twinkling under festive lights.

Every corner felt like it was made to celebrate Christmas, the Alsatian style.

Just a short drive from Colmar, Kaysersberg, which translates to the “Mountain of the Emperor”, certainly lives up to its grand name.

When Advent begins, this picturesque village transforms into a truly enchanting place.

The Kaysersberg Christmas Market is one of the most traditional in Alsace.

If you’re a fan of authentic Christmas markets, this one is not to be missed.

With its rustic decorations, warm lights, and festive atmosphere, it’s a feast for the eyes and a perfect way to soak up the Christmas spirit in Alsace.

 

Why Should You Visit the Kaysersberg Christmas Market?

For many, the Christmas market of Kaysersberg is the most authentic of all the Alsatian markets.

The reason why?

It’s not about the quantity… it’s about the quality! Indeed, each year the municipality carefully chooses some 30 craftsmen to offer their goods at the market.

Stalls of the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments
Stalls of the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments

 

Our Visit to the Kaysersberg Christmas market

Our visit to the Kaysersberg Christmas market was an enchanting one.

The first time we went there (back in 2012!), we were stunned by the beautiful decorations and illuminations (I’ll get back to that later in the article).

At the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments
Us visiting the Kaysersberg Christmas market © French Moments

You’ll find the stalls of the Kaysersberg Christmas market off the main street.

There are several ways to access it. We chose to go through the passageway of the town hall.

You’ll find it signposted from the main street.

Christmas market of Kaysersberg © French Moments
At Grand’Rue, towards the Christmas market © French Moments

Off we go…

Christmas market of Kaysersberg © French Moments
The passageway of the Town-Hall © French Moments

The event takes place in two adjacent locations:

In the courtyard of the Town Hall:

At the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments
The market in the town hall’s courtyard © French Moments

And along the lane behind the church:

Stalls at the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments
At the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments

There is a wide range of Christmas present ideas: floral art, pottery, Christmas crib figures, glass ornaments, toys made from wood, rich fabrics…

Oh, and without forgetting mulled wine, gingerbread, and bridal as!

At the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments
The stalls of the Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments

The square before the town hall hosts a “marché paysan” (rural market).

Kaysersberg Christmas market, Alsace © French Moments
The rural market, place de l’Hôtel de Ville © French Moments

 

The Christmas exhibition

Before heading back to the main street of Kaysersberg, visit the Christmas exhibition in the Arsenal Room (next to the Tourist Office).

It features enchanting scenes of Alsatian Christmases with the local heroes: Saint-Nicolas, Hans Trapp, Christkindel…

Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Saint-Nicolas © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
In the Arsenal Room, Kaysersberg © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
At the Christmas exhibition, Kaysersberg © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
A scene at the Christmas exhibition in Kaysersberg © French Moments

 

Christmas in Kaysersberg: decorations and illuminations!

You don’t need to visit Kaysersberg at Christmas to enjoy the beautiful historic town.

With its half-timbered houses, old churches and castle, Kaysersberg is already a treat…

But when the night falls at Christmas, Kaysersberg transforms into an enchanting world.

Like in many other places in Alsace, the municipality and the residents carefully decorate and light up their streets.

Let me give you a few not-to-miss sites to see!

 

Grand’Rue

First, the main street (Grand’Rue) is the place to be.

You’ll find most of the stores, restaurants and tearooms there.

The main street of Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
Grand’Rue of Kaysersberg © French Moments

 

Place de l’église

Place de l’Eglise is wonderfully decorated. See the fountain of Constantine.

It features a rich rustic Christmas decoration.

At the feet of the statue lies a traditional nativity scene.

Place de l'église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
The old Romanesque church © French Moments
Place de l'église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
It’s Christmas time on Place de l’église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
Place de l'église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
The Christmas decorations on Place de l’église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
Place de l'église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
Christmas trees on Place de l’église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
Nativity Scenes in France - Place de l'église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
Nativity scenes in France – here Kaysersberg, Alsace © French Moments

 

The Fortified Bridge

Then, head towards the fortified bridge.

An amazing picture-postcard view of yesteryear Christmas awaits you.

Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Kaysersberg at night-time © French Moments

Visitors particularly enjoy the night-time view of the fortified bridge.

The bridge, a unique feature in Alsace, spans the River Weiss, linking the Badhus to the Faller Houses.

Overlooking the whole scene is the castle perched atop the hill…

Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
The Badhus House and the castle © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
The River Weiss in Kaysersberg © French Moments

 

The River Weiss looks like a mountain stream…

Christmas in Kaysersberg © French Moments
The River Weiss in Kaysersberg © French Moments

 

The hidden courtyards

Moreover, don’t hesitate to enter the intimate and sometimes hidden courtyards (as long as they’re open to the public!). 

They will surprise you with their decoration, some featuring a Nativity scene.

Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
A courtyard in Kaysersberg © French Moments
Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
Leading to another courtyard! © French Moments
Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
Enter in! At Kaysersberg © French Moments
Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments
In the streets of Kaysersberg at Christmas © French Moments

 

Finally, make sure to taste one of the local specialties.

Christmas in Kaysersberg, Alsace © French Moments
An inviting boulangerie-pâtisserie in Kaysersberg © French Moments

And hurry to get your own Mannala – briochy man – before they’re out of stock!

Christmas in Kaysersberg, Alsace © French Moments
Hurry up! These Mannalas won’t last long… © French Moments

Many cultural events are organised during the weekends of Advent in Kaysersberg: Treasure hunts, classical music concerts, guided town tours, the shepherds’ Christmas, workshops for children, etc.

 

About Kaysersberg in Alsace

The remarkable heritage of Kaysersberg goes hand in hand with famous historical personalities who have marked the region and beyond: 

Place de l'église, Kaysersberg © French Moments
The fountain on place de l’église, Kaysersberg © French Moments

The round keep of the medieval castle dominates the town of Kaysersberg and its vineyards.

The view from the viewing platform offers a breathtaking panorama of the town’s roofs, the Weiss Valley, and the vineyards.

Beyond the Plain of Alsace, the Black Forest in Germany closes the horizon.

 

How to get to Kaysersberg

Christmas lights in Kaysersberg, Alsace © French Moments
Christmas lights in Kaysersberg, Alsace © French Moments

 

Catch the train

Kaysersberg is 12 km from Colmar train station, which connects Mulhouse, Strasbourg, Lyon, Basel, and Paris.

By car

The main road that crosses the commune of Kaysersberg links Colmar to Saint-Dié-des-Vosges.

It is really easy to get to Kaysersberg from Mulhouse (55 km), Strasbourg (80 km), Freiburg-im-Breisgau (65 km), Basel (80 km), and Nancy (130 km).

Paris is 440 km away.

Flight to Alsace!

Finally, the closest international airports are Strasbourg-Entzheim and the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Euroairport, both at equal distances (70km) with national and European airlines.

 
 

Where to stay in Kaysersberg at Christmas?

My advice: don’t wait too long before booking your accommodation in Kaysersberg, particularly at Christmas time!

The Kaysersberg Christmas market draws a lot of people, and availabilities in hotels/short rentals tend to go very quickly.

To book your accommodation in Kaysersberg, Alsace, click on this affiliate link, which will redirect you to our partner booking.com… or use the interactive map below:



Booking.com

 

Find out more about the Kaysersberg Christmas market

In fact, Kaysersberg is a good base from which to explore other popular Christmas markets in Alsace and beyond: RiquewihrColmarÉguisheimSélestat, and Freiburg-im-Breisgau.

 

A small English-French Glossary for Christmas! 

(f) for féminin, (m) for masculin, (adj) for adjective and (v) for verbs

  • Advent = Avent (m)
  • bridge = pont (m)
  • castle = château (m)
  • Christmas market = marché de Noël (m)
  • Christmas Tree = sapin de Noël (m), arbre de Noël (m)
  • church = église (f)
  • Father Christmas = Père Noël (m)
  • half-timbered house = maison à colombages (f)
  • holiday season = période de Noël (f), temps des fêtes (m)
  • Santa = Père Noël (m)
  • square = place (f)
  • stall = étal (m)
  • street = rue (f)

 

Pin it for later!

Discover the Kaysersberg Christmas market in Alsace © French Moments

Christmas in Paris ebook
Journey to the Land of Christmas
About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

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