You need to start making your Christmas travel plans right now because our Christmas market tour in the Alsace region of France might go down as one of my favorite trips of all time. Forget Paris. I’m going to be coming back to visit all of these fairy tale villages year after year because it is that good. So get ready to start planning because I’m going to give you our full itinerary and all the details you need to have a magical family Christmas experience.
Getting There and Getting Around
The easiest way to reach Alsace is by flying into Strasbourg or Basel-Mulhouse airport. From there, renting a car is a must for families. It gives you the flexibility to explore the small towns at your own pace.
Although there are day tours and buses that can take you to all the villages, we found it was actually cheaper to have a car, especially as a family of five. Keep in mind that parking can be tricky in the smaller towns, so starting your day early is the best way to secure a spot close to the market.
Learn more about the best flights to Paris and finding cheap flights.
Where to Stay
For this trip, we stayed an entire week. That was the perfect amount of time to see everything without feeling rushed and allowed us to enjoy the Christmas markets fully. We chose to stay in the small town of Eguisheim instead of bigger cities like Colmar or Strasbourg. Ten out of ten would recommend this. It is so much more quaint and gives you the chance to experience the town before the crowds arrive. Staying in a smaller village also means that many Christmas markets feel cozy and magical, almost like stepping into a storybook.
When to Go
We visited during the first week of December. While it was busy, it was nowhere near the crowds you see in videos. Most markets open shortly after Thanksgiving, and closer to Christmas they get very crowded. Planning your trip early in the season gives you a more relaxed experience and a chance to enjoy the decorations and festivities without feeling rushed.
Our One-Week Christmas Market Itinerary
Here is our full week-long itinerary laid out day by day to make it easy to follow. Each market has its own personality, and we made sure to balance bigger towns with smaller villages so the kids had plenty to enjoy.
Day 1: Eguisheim
- Explore the quaint cobblestone streets lined with charming Christmas stalls
- Enjoy the town before the crowds arrive for the perfect morning stroll
Book a place to stay in Eguisheim here.
Day 2: Kaysersberg
- Walk along colorful half-timbered houses
- Sample local holiday treats and enjoy the festive decorations
Book a place to stay in Kaysersberg here.
Day 3: Ribeauvillé
- Family-friendly market with activities and craft stalls
- Kids can enjoy small rides and holiday workshops
Book a place to stay in Ribeauvillé here.
Day 4: Obernai
- Slightly larger market but still retains village charm
- Enjoy carousel rides and local food specialties
Book a place to stay in Obernai here.
Day 5: Riquewihr
- Often called one of the most beautiful villages in Alsace
- Intimate market with magical holiday decorations perfect for photos
Book a place to stay in Riquewihr here.
Day 6: Colmar
- Larger and busier market with more things for kids to do
- Participate in workshops, ride carousels, and explore festive performances
Book a place to stay in Colmar here.
Day 7: Strasbourg
- Known as the capital of Christmas
- Explore the largest market in Alsace with hundreds of stalls, food, and holiday activities
Book a place to stay in Strasbourg here.
Everyone talks about Strasbourg and Colmar, but our favorite markets were the smaller villages. They feel like they were pulled straight out of a fairy tale, giving a magical experience that bigger markets cannot match.
Tips for Families Visiting Alsace Christmas Markets
- Bring layers and comfortable shoes because you will do a lot of walking
- Have a plan for meals as smaller towns may have fewer full meal options
- Take advantage of early morning photo opportunities before crowds appear
- Consider staying in a village for a relaxed pace and authentic experience
- Let kids enjoy family activities like carousel rides, cookie workshops, or tasting local Alsace treats
We had the best week exploring these markets and it was amazing to spend time with our world schooling friends. Christmas in Alsace is truly magical for families and a trip we will never forget.
