A Storybook Christmas in Alsace: Christmas Markets of Colmar & Strasbourg

Colmar

Wander all six Christmas markets: One of the things that makes Colmar so unique is that it doesn't have just one Christmas market—it has six, each with its own atmosphere. One square might feature regional food, another handcrafted gifts, while another is especially festive for families. Rather than rushing through them, I loved wandering from market to market because each one felt like discovering a new little Christmas village.

While all six are worth visiting, the two I still think about most are the Artisan Market which was my favorite shopping stop in Colmar. Instead of mass-produced souvenirs, you'll find handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, ornaments, woodwork, and other beautiful gifts made by local artisans. I bought the most beautiful textile pouch I have ever seen. My second favorite was the Gourmet Market. This was one of my favorite places to warm up during the day. I enjoyed a wonderful soufflé here before heading back out to explore the Christmas markets, and it's a great place to sample regional cuisine in a relaxed setting.

One thing that surprised me was how family-friendly Colmar felt. Throughout the Christmas markets you'll find attractions for children, including a charming mini Ferris wheel, a sleigh ride, and a whimsical ride featuring life-sized mechanical horses traveling along a track. These playful touches make the city feel like one giant Christmas celebration rather than simply a place to shop.

While wandering the Old Town, don't miss Maison des Têtes (House of Heads), St. Martin's Church, The Koïfhus (Old Customs House) , and Little Venice. Did you know? Colmar is also the birthplace of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg Cathedral: Even if you don't normally seek out churches while traveling, don't skip Strasbourg Cathedral. For more than 200 years it was the tallest building in the world, and its Gothic architecture is breathtaking. Inside, be sure to see the famous astronomical clock, one of the cathedral's most remarkable features.

Watch the giant Christmas tree come alive: One of my favorite evenings was spent beneath Strasbourg's enormous Christmas tree in Place Kléber. As darkness falls, the tree comes alive with synchronized lights set to music. I cannot express to you enough how magical this felt in the moment.

Take the river cruise: Seeing Strasbourg from the water offers an entirely different perspective on the city. Reserve your tickets several days in advance. During Christmas market season, many departures sell out before the day of sailing.

One of my favorite ways to experience Colmar was simply eating my way through the Christmas markets.
Instead of making restaurant reservations for every meal, I wandered from stall to stall trying regional specialties, and warming up with cups of white vin chaud. As opposed to a majority of the country that drinks red mulled wine, the mulled wine in Alsace is white and after trying both, I preferred the white version hands down. My favorite foods and wine included white vin chaud, flammekueche (tarte flambée), and roïgabrageldi, comforting slow-cooked potato casserole with caramelized onions that's perfect on a chilly winter day, soufflé from the Gourmet Market, and raspberry nougat.

Even though I didn't try everything (I'm gluten-free), these treats are all part of the Alsatian Christmas experience. Regional specialties include bredele Christmas cookies, chocolate Têtes (Têtes Choco), Alsatian bretzels, baeckeoffe, Munster cheese, and mustard.

Colmar

While I mostly ate my way through the Christmas markets (which I highly recommend!), a friend—who is from Colmar—shared a few favorite local spots that are worth considering if you're looking for a sit-down meal or coffee break.

• La Soï: A tiny, authentic restaurant serving local Alsatian cuisine.

• Le Bistrot des Lavandières: Traditional Alsatian dishes in a cozy setting.

• Le Cercle des Arômes: An excellent choice if you'd like to sample regional wines paired with cheese.

• Mokka: A popular local café that's perfect for warming up with a coffee or hot drink between Christmas markets.

Strasbourg

• Le Gruber: A cozy Alsatian restaurant that's a great choice for traditional flammekueche and other hearty regional dishes.

• Maison Kammerzell: A beautiful historic half-timbered restaurant serving classic Alsatian specialties just steps from Strasbourg Cathedral.

• Maison des Tanneurs (Gerwerstub): A charming Petite France restaurant serving traditional Alsatian cuisine in a picturesque canal-side setting.

• Restaurant Alsacien Schnockeloch: A rustic restaurant known for classic Alsatian dishes and a cozy, traditional atmosphere.

• For gluten-free travelers, I was thrilled to discover L'Eden Libre de Gluten Strasbourg, a dedicated gluten-free bakery that became my breakfast stop each morning before heading out to explore the Christmas markets.