Riquewihr Christmas Market: Dates and Visitor Guide

The Riquewihr Christmas Market is one of the highlights of the festive season in Alsace.

Surrounded by vineyards and filled with colourful half-timbered houses, Riquewihr is already one of the most beautiful villages in France. But when Christmas approaches, it becomes even more attractive!

Its cobbled streets are decorated with Christmas lights, the historic façades are adorned with festive ornaments, and the market stalls bring a lively atmosphere to the heart of the old town.

I have visited Riquewihr on several occasions, and I never tire of walking through its picturesque streets.

In this guide, I'll introduce you to the Riquewihr Christmas Market, give you the confirmed dates and opening hours for 2026, explain how to get there and share a few tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Riquewihr Christmas Market: Dates and Opening Hours

The traditional Christmas market of Riquewihr will take place from Friday 27 November to Sunday 20 December 2026.

Unlike some of the larger Christmas markets in Alsace, Riquewihr's market closes a few days before Christmas.

Opening hours for 2026

Admission is free.

The market takes place every day during this period.

For the latest updates, consult the official Riquewihr Christmas Market page.

Where is the Riquewihr Christmas Market?

The market takes place in the historic centre of Riquewihr, particularly around the Esplanade des Remparts and several squares within the old town.

Some stalls are also found along the main shopping streets during the festive season.

Unlike a Christmas market organised in one large square, Riquewihr offers an opportunity to explore a whole village decorated for Christmas.

And that is precisely what makes the visit so enjoyable.

Discovering the Riquewihr Christmas Market

The Riquewihr Christmas Market is often considered one of the most picturesque in Alsace.

And it is easy to understand why!

The village has retained much of its medieval and Renaissance architecture. Its narrow streets, old houses, gateways and courtyards provide a remarkable setting for the Christmas celebrations.

The market stalls offer a variety of seasonal goods, including Christmas decorations, handmade gifts, local crafts and regional food specialities.

You will also find traditional treats such as pain d'épices (gingerbread), bredeles (Alsatian Christmas biscuits) and vin chaud (mulled wine).

However, I would not recommend visiting Riquewihr simply to browse the stalls.

The real attraction is the village itself.

A Christmas walk through Riquewihr

One of the best ways to discover Riquewihr during Advent is to take your time exploring its historic streets.

From the Town Hall at the lower entrance to the village, follow the main street, Rue du Général de Gaulle, towards the Dolder.

This is one of the most attractive streets in Alsace, lined with brightly coloured half-timbered houses.

At Christmas, the façades are decorated with garlands, wreaths, Christmas trees and illuminated ornaments.

Every few metres, another house seems to compete with its neighbour for the most attractive decorations!

The street climbs gently towards the Dolder, Riquewihr's famous medieval tower.

But do not limit your visit to the main street.

Take a few detours into the smaller lanes, where you will discover old doorways, quiet courtyards and architectural details that are easy to overlook when following the crowds.

You can learn more about the village and its remarkable history in my complete guide to Riquewihr in Alsace.

The Dolder: Riquewihr's medieval landmark

The Dolder is one of the most recognisable monuments in Riquewihr.

Built in 1291, this 25-metre-high tower once formed part of the village's medieval fortifications.

Its name comes from the Alsatian dialect and refers to its position at the top of the town.

The tower presents two very different appearances: a picturesque timber-framed façade facing the village and a more defensive stone exterior facing the surrounding countryside.

At Christmas, the decorated houses near the Dolder create one of the most attractive scenes in Riquewihr.

It is certainly worth bringing your camera!

When is the best time to take photographs?

If you enjoy photography, I recommend visiting in the late afternoon.

This gives you the opportunity to discover the village in daylight before seeing the Christmas lights come on.

During the blue hour, just after sunset, the warm illumination of the half-timbered houses contrasts beautifully with the deep blue evening sky.

It is one of my favourite times to photograph Alsatian villages at Christmas.

Of course, Riquewihr is a popular destination and the streets can become crowded, particularly at weekends.

If possible, try visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning.

You will have more time to appreciate the decorated façades without having to negotiate your way through large groups of visitors.

La Féerie de Noël: Riquewihr's Christmas Shop

There is one particular place in Riquewihr where Christmas lasts all year!

Near the Dolder, a giant Nutcracker stands guard outside one of the most remarkable shops in the village: La Féerie de Noël.

This Christmas shop is open throughout the year and is an attraction in its own right.

Inside, visitors follow a one-way route through a re-creation of a snowy Alsatian village.

The shop extends over two levels and contains an impressive collection of Christmas decorations.

A little street leads towards a balcony overlooking a miniature town square, where a large white Christmas tree stands approximately 4.5 metres high.

Along the way, carefully arranged displays present Christmas baubles, angels, figurines, Father Christmas decorations and many other festive ornaments.

Further on, visitors pass through a woodland-inspired setting, with decorated fir trees and delicate glass ornaments.

Upstairs, the displays include more traditional Alsatian decorative items, such as candles, candlesticks and other seasonal objects.

Even if you do not intend to buy anything, La Féerie de Noël is worth discovering for its imaginative decorations.

And if you are visiting Riquewihr outside the Advent season, this is one place where you can still enjoy a little Christmas atmosphere!

The Caves de Noël: Christmas in the Wine Cellars

There is more to Christmas in Riquewihr than its traditional market!

After all, we are in the heart of the Alsace Wine Route, surrounded by vineyards and villages with a long winemaking tradition.

One of the more unusual Christmas experiences in the region is known as the Caves de Noël (Christmas Wine Cellars).

During the Advent season, participating winegrowers in the Colmar area, including the Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr region, welcome visitors to their estates for special festive activities.

Depending on the programme, these may include guided cellar tours, tastings of Alsace wines and local produce, workshops and opportunities to learn more about the work of local winemakers.

I particularly like the idea of combining two important aspects of Alsatian culture: its Christmas traditions and its vineyards.

It is also an opportunity to venture beyond the busy streets of Riquewihr and discover some of the neighbouring wine-producing villages.

If you are interested in taking part, check the official Caves de Noël programme or contact the Pays de Ribeauvillé and Riquewihr Tourist Office for the latest participating wineries and booking arrangements.

How to Get to the Riquewihr Christmas Market

Riquewihr is situated in the Haut-Rhin département of Alsace, approximately 15 kilometres north of Colmar.

The village lies at the foot of the Vosges Mountains, surrounded by vineyards.

Although it is easily accessible by car, travelling to Riquewihr during the Christmas market requires a little planning, especially at weekends.

Getting to Riquewihr by car

Riquewihr is located close to the A35 motorway, the principal north–south route through Alsace.

The village is approximately:

• 15 km from Colmar
• 65 km from Strasbourg
• 70 km from Mulhouse
• Just over 70 km from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg

These distances are approximate and may vary depending on your route.

During the Advent season, traffic around Riquewihr can be particularly heavy, especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

For this reason, I recommend checking the parking arrangements before setting off.

Where to park for the Riquewihr Christmas Market

Riquewihr has several parking areas outside the historic centre.

However, spaces can fill up quickly when the Christmas market attracts large numbers of visitors.

For the 2026 season, a special park-and-ride service called Perles de Noël will operate at Naturoparc in nearby Hunawihr.

Parking location: Naturoparc, Route de Ribeauvillé, 68150 Hunawihr.

The car park offers approximately 220 spaces.

The charge is €10 per vehicle, including the shuttle transfer to and from Riquewihr for all occupants of the vehicle.

Payment can be made by cash or bank card.

The service is scheduled to operate on Saturdays and Sundays during the market period, from 28 November to 20 December 2026.

The shuttle is advertised to run approximately every 30 minutes, between 9.45 am and 6.30 pm, although the detailed timetable should be checked before travelling.

For current information, consult the official Riquewihr Christmas visitor guide.

Christmas shuttles from Colmar

If you are staying in Colmar, you may prefer to leave your car behind and use the special Christmas shuttle buses.

The Navettes de Noël connect Colmar with several Christmas market destinations along the Alsace Wine Route.

For 2026, the routes serving Riquewihr are:

• Line 1: Colmar – Kaysersberg – Riquewihr – Ribeauvillé – Colmar.
• Line 2: Colmar – Ribeauvillé – Riquewihr – Kaysersberg – Colmar.

These services operate on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays between 27 November and 20 December 2026.

The advertised frequency is approximately every hour on Fridays and every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays.

The published fare is €17 per person per day, with free travel for children under 12.

You can find the latest timetable and practical information on the official Christmas in Colmar website.

Getting to Riquewihr by train and bus

Riquewihr does not have a railway station.

If you are travelling by train, the most practical option is to arrive at Colmar, which has rail connections with Strasbourg, Basel, Paris and other destinations.

From Colmar, you can continue to Riquewihr by regional bus, taxi or car.

The regular regional bus network includes line 16, connecting Colmar, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé.

Bear in mind that regional bus services may have different timetables on weekends and public holidays.

Check the latest arrangements on the Fluo Grand Est transport website.

Getting to Riquewihr by plane

The two most convenient airports for reaching Riquewihr are:

• EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg
• Strasbourg Airport

EuroAirport is generally the closer option for visitors heading directly to the southern Alsace Wine Route.

Strasbourg Airport may be more convenient if you intend to explore Strasbourg before continuing south towards Colmar and Riquewihr.

From either airport, the journey involves a combination of road or public transport connections.

Practical Tips for Visiting Riquewihr at Christmas

Here are a few suggestions to help you enjoy the Christmas market.

Visit during the week if possible

Riquewihr is a very popular destination during Advent.

The historic centre is compact, and the narrow streets can become extremely busy at weekends.

If your itinerary allows it, a weekday visit is often more comfortable.

Arrive before the crowds

I recommend arriving in the morning to explore the village before the busiest period.

You can then enjoy the Christmas market stalls, discover the smaller streets and take photographs of the decorated houses.

If you stay until late afternoon, you will also see the Christmas illuminations.

Allow enough time for your visit

You can walk through the historic centre relatively quickly, but that would be a pity!

I would allow at least two to three hours to explore the village and its Christmas market at a relaxed pace.

If you intend to visit La Féerie de Noël, browse the shops, enjoy some local specialities or take plenty of photographs, allow a little longer.

Dress warmly

Late November and December can be cold in Alsace.

Temperatures may drop considerably after sunset, and freezing conditions are possible.

Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes suitable for cobbled streets.

Bring some cash

Although many shops and market stalls accept bank cards, it is always useful to carry a little cash for smaller purchases.

Explore beyond the main street

Rue du Général de Gaulle is certainly worth discovering, but I encourage you to take some time to explore the side streets.

Riquewihr has preserved an exceptional collection of historic buildings, and some of the most interesting details can be found away from the busiest areas.

Other Christmas Markets Near Riquewihr

Riquewihr is ideally situated for discovering several other Christmas markets in Alsace.

If you are spending more than a day in the region, it is worth combining your visit with one or two neighbouring destinations.

Ribeauvillé Christmas Market

A short distance north of Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé organises a particularly original Christmas market inspired by the Middle Ages.

Its historic streets are filled with costumed performers, traditional crafts and entertainment recalling the medieval period.

It is quite different from a conventional Christmas market.

Kaysersberg Christmas Market

Kaysersberg is another beautiful village along the Alsace Wine Route.

Its Christmas market is famous for its traditional setting, half-timbered houses and festive decorations.

The village itself is worth visiting throughout the year.

Colmar Christmas Market

If you are looking for a larger Christmas experience, head to Colmar.

The historic town hosts several Christmas markets, each with its own character.

From the picturesque streets of Petite Venise to the elegant buildings of the old town, Colmar is one of the region's most popular Christmas destinations.

Eguisheim Christmas Market

The Eguisheim Christmas Market takes place in another of Alsace's most attractive villages.

Its circular streets, colourful houses and intimate squares offer a charming setting for the festive season.

Sélestat Christmas Market

Sélestat is particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy the history of Christmas traditions.

The town is associated with one of the earliest known written references to a decorated Christmas tree, dating from 1521.

It is well worth exploring for its historic buildings and Christmas heritage.

Freiburg Christmas Market

If you have time to venture across the Rhine, you could also visit the Freiburg Christmas Market in Germany.

It offers a different Christmas atmosphere, with traditional German specialities, decorated stalls and the attractive setting of Freiburg's historic centre.

Before planning a multi-market itinerary, remember that opening dates and days of operation differ between destinations.

About Riquewihr

Riquewihr is one of the best-preserved historic villages in Alsace.

Situated along the Alsace Wine Route, it is surrounded by vineyards and sheltered by the eastern slopes of the Vosges Mountains.

The village is officially recognised as one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, a distinction awarded to some of the country's most picturesque villages.

Its architectural heritage is particularly impressive.

Riquewihr retains sections of its medieval ramparts, old gateways, cobbled streets and numerous Renaissance houses.

Many of these buildings date from the period when the wine trade brought considerable prosperity to the town.

The village's history is also closely associated with the Counts and Dukes of Württemberg, who ruled Riquewihr for several centuries.

Today, its historic centre attracts visitors from around the world.

And although Christmas is one of the busiest periods of the year, Riquewihr is also well worth discovering in spring, summer and autumn.

For more information about its history, monuments and hidden corners, read my detailed article: Riquewihr, Alsace: What to See and Do.

Where to Stay in Riquewihr

If you are tempted to linger a little longer, staying overnight in Riquewihr can be a wonderful choice.

Once the busiest part of the day is over and many visitors have left, the village often feels quieter and more atmospheric.

It also makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding vineyards and other villages along the Alsace Wine Route.

There is a good range of accommodation in Riquewihr, from hotels and guesthouses to holiday rentals and a campsite.

Among the options in and around the historic village are:

• Best Western Hotel Le Schœnenbourg
• Hôtel de La Couronne
• Hôtel Saint-Nicolas
• Hôtel L’Oriel
• L’Adrihof guesthouse
• Gîtes Les Remparts de Riquewihr

If you are planning to visit during the Christmas market period, I recommend booking accommodation as early as possible, particularly for weekends.

Staying in Colmar is another option, especially if you intend to explore several Christmas markets using public transport.

You can also consult my guide to the Alsace Wine Route to help choose a base for your stay.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Riquewihr Christmas Market

When is the Riquewihr Christmas Market in 2026?

The market will be held from Friday 27 November to Sunday 20 December 2026.

It will be open every day during this period.

Is the Riquewihr Christmas Market free?

Yes. Admission to the traditional Christmas market is free.

You will, of course, need to pay for any food, drinks or gifts you wish to purchase.

Is Riquewihr worth visiting at Christmas?

Absolutely!

Riquewihr is already one of the most picturesque villages in Alsace, and its Christmas decorations make it particularly attractive during Advent.

The combination of historic buildings, narrow streets, decorated shopfronts and festive stalls creates a memorable setting.

However, be prepared for crowds, especially at weekends.

How much time do you need at the Riquewihr Christmas Market?

Allow at least two to three hours for a comfortable visit.

If you enjoy photography, shopping or discovering historic villages, you may wish to spend half a day in Riquewihr.

Can you visit Riquewihr and Colmar Christmas markets on the same day?

Yes, it is possible.

Riquewihr is approximately 15 kilometres from Colmar, making it relatively easy to combine both destinations.

However, journey times may increase during busy weekends.

If you want to explore both places properly, I recommend starting early and planning your transport arrangements in advance.

Is there a Christmas shuttle from Colmar to Riquewihr?

Yes. Special Christmas shuttle services are scheduled to operate between Colmar, Riquewihr and other nearby villages on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the 2026 market period.

Check the latest timetables before travelling.

Does the Riquewihr Christmas Market continue after Christmas Day?

No. The traditional Christmas market ends on Sunday 20 December 2026.

If you are visiting Alsace between Christmas and New Year, consider exploring other Christmas markets that remain open later in December.

English-French Vocabulary

Here are a few useful French words and expressions to help you enjoy your visit to the Riquewihr Christmas Market.

For nouns, (m) means masculine, (f) feminine and (pl) plural.

You may also come across a few regional words, particularly bredeles (traditional Alsatian Christmas biscuits) and Caves de Noël (Christmas wine cellars), which reflect the region's distinctive festive traditions.

Discover More of Christmas in Alsace

If you are planning a Christmas holiday in eastern France, Riquewihr is just one of many wonderful places to discover.

The historic towns and villages of Alsace have developed their own Christmas customs, with festive decorations, regional specialities and local traditions.

For further inspiration, explore my articles about Christmas in Alsace and discover the Alsace Wine Route.

I hope this guide will help you prepare your visit to the Riquewihr Christmas Market and enjoy this beautiful corner of France during the Advent season!