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Alsace for Christmas markets--which town?

Posted by (Nova Scotia, Canada) on

Hello all. We have 2 nights for Alsace in December for the Christmas markets and are wondering which town is the best fit for us. I've heard great things about Colmar, Eguishiem, Riquewihr and currently have a reservation in Colmar. We are considering changing our reservation. This is part of a longer trip to S. Germany, so while it's quick, we will be in the same general area before and after the days in Alsace.

We have not visited Strasbourg, and to be honest I am afraid it will be too big and busy for our tastes. We want to be able to park our rental car and walk to the market for the evening where-ever we stay, and to have easy driving access to other nearby markets during the day. If you've been to Strasbourg during market season, I'd love your thoughts on how busy it is and how easy (or hard) it is to get around.

(We booked our hotel back in June, but I'm surprised that there still seems to be some availability in the area, probably because we will be there on Mon/Tues as opposed to later in the week.)

Thanks for your insight.

Posted by
141 posts

I loved my time at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg. I was there with a tour so didn’t have to drive. I was there only in the daytime but thought the decorations were wonderful. There is a lot more security now to get into the old town after the terrorist attack a few years ago. Maybe take public transportation?
Small towns that were great and fun Christmas markets include Kayserberg (outside Colmar), Riquewihr, and Obernai.

Posted by
6876 posts

Colmar is a very good choice! Central to all the places you mention. Strasbourg can be visited from Colmar by train, it is a quick ride, or you can drive but I never did so.

Posted by
233 posts

Thank you CAJan. Glad that you commented on Riquewihr and the others as well.

Balso, thanks for the idea, it might be worth training it to Strasbourg. Is it easy to get from the station to the market, do you recall?

Decisions, decisions!

Posted by
4675 posts

Strasbourg has several markets located within walking distance around the town, enough to keep you busy for two days. The ambiance is fantastic, and I'd recommend staying here instead of Colmar: it's not too big or too small, IMHO, it's just right!
Note-After about 10am, car access is restricted into the Strasbourg old town area, and doesn't resume until the markets close at 8:00pm.
Have a magical trip!

Posted by
3 posts

My wife and I stayed for two nights in Colmar for my 50th birthday in late November in 2019. The Christmas market was spectacular. We stayed at the HostelIerie Merechal, which was right in the middle of the Christmas festivities. It was an absolutely magical two days. I highly recommend it.

Posted by
110 posts

If you base yourself in Colmar, there are buses (navettes) that keep looping to Kayserberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim. I’m pretty sure the navettes only ran on weekends though, but I could be remembering wrong.

But they were great....let someone else do the driving and you can sightsee. We enjoyed seeing the storks and their nests in Riquewihr.

I’ve been to both Strasbourg and Colmar (twice) and hope to get to Metz next year. Highly recommend Colmar.

Posted by
32 posts

Out of the 40 Christmas Markets I have visited over the years, Strasbourg is perhaps the most exquisitely beautiful. While the stalls/booths are nothing special, the decorations along side streets and on buildings are exquisite and need to be seen. I also like the love music usually playing outside the cathedral.

I love the Strasbourg Christmas Markets so much that I am going well out of my way this December just to catch a train into town to experience it again. It's that special.

I have been spoiled on two occasions, staying in a room overlooking the cathedral and all the action. If I had a car, I would stay in Colmar and take the train one late afternoon and into the evening into Strasbourg. Stroll and look up--you won't be disappointed.

Riquewihr is just a picturesque little town that is worth a visit as well. No matter what you do, you will have such an amazing time!

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