If you want to experience the best Christmas markets in France, there should be one destination at the top of your itinerary: Alsace. This German-flavored region in northeast France is home to the best Christmas markets in the country.
And boy, does Alsace go all out at Christmas! You’re going to love it here. If you can handle the crowds.
Planning your Christmas market trip last minute?
Alsace is TREMENDOUSLY busy during the Christmas market season, especially weekends in December. It’s critical to book as early as possible.
Top Christmas Experiences and Tours in Alsace:
- Christmas Towns Tour from Strasbourg or from Colmar (See several towns in one day)
- Alsace Wine Route from Strasbourg or from Colmar (Fun wine tasting trip!)
- 3 Country Christmas Market Tour from Colmar (Visit France, Germany, AND Switzerland!)
 My recommended hotels for Christmas market season:
- In Colmar: Ibis Budget Centre Ville (I stayed here; simple but value for money!)
- In Strasbourg: Ibis Strasbourg Center Historique (Similar option to mine)
- In Ribeauvillé: Hôtel Le Ménestrel (Best option in town)
Christmas market road trip? Find deals on car rental rates here.
I’ve been covering Christmas markets in Europe as a travel blogger since 2016, and in that near-decade, I’ve seen Europe’s Christmas market tourism grow enormously. And as is always the case with tourism, that is both a good and a bad thing.
On top of that, river cruises have really taken off during the same time period, and one of the most popular river cruise stops along the Rhine is the Alsatian city of Strasbourg. It’s easier than ever to visit Alsace at Christmas — and the streets have never been more crowded.
While I first visited Alsace on a September trip some years ago, last year my husband Charlie and I road tripped from Prague to enjoy Christmas in Alsace. We visited five different Alsatian cities — Strasbourg, Colmar, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and Kayserberg-Vignoble.
And while we enjoyed our trip, there is one BIG thing we need to talk about: overtourism. Alsace’s Christmas markets are flooded with tourists from all over France, as well as the entire world.
And if you don’t plan appropriately, you might hate your trip here. Read on for how to plan it well!
This post was published in November 2025.
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