France during Christmas

Unfortunately, by then, the amazing Christmas Markets in those areas will be closed. We love Strasbourg and Colmar and have been during the Xmas Markets, not sure what it will be like during those dates after the Markets are over. Also, know that many towns totally shut down on 12/24 and 12/25, so be prepared for that. We will be on a River Cruise 12/20 - 12/27 and then in Amsterdam for a few days afterwards and we've been told by the River Cruise line that nothing will be open on 12/24 and 12/25.

We went to Strasbourg and Colmar last December for the Christmas markets. Despite what a lot of people say, I thought the Strasbourg Christmas markets were a lot more authentic for stalls than Colmar. In Colmar there was a lot of food/wine for authentic items but, everything else seemed to be made in China. Strasbourg's mayor has made a big push in recent years to have a 'made in France' Christmasmarket so that is probably the reason why. I bought a nativity from Provence and a lot of great wooden ornaments.

I would highly recommend the Alsatian museum. The Alsace has a complicated history of being both German and French in culture. The Alsace Museum really showcased the culture to us as Americans with nice displays of what life was like for them. Some examples of things we saw were folks costumes and information about daily life. I had no idea outside of Strasbourg most towns didnt have running water until the 60's.

I highly highly recommend Le Bouclier d'Or Hotel & Spa for a place to stay. The staff were great and the location was perfect. An easy walk to the train station and right in the beautiful Petite Venice area. The hotel was originally the mayor's house during the French Revolution and was sacked when protestors attacked the Cathedral. Every room has a beautiful 16th century wardrobe.

If you have any questions about Strasbourg or Colmar feel free to message me :)

November / December 2021 spent a few nights in Strasbourg and day traveled to Colmar. Chose Strasbourg because of the direct train from CDG airport. Stayed at the Best Western a few blocks from the train station, needed an elevator for my mother due to her limited mobility. We enjoyed the markets in both towns, wish we had time for other towns near by. Yes, cold, but we were dressed for it. We had some snow flurries and it rained for a bit, but we were eating at the time.

Enjoy your trip.

When do the Christmas Markets close in Strasbourg and Colmar? Won't be able to arrive until the evening of December 22.
Would like to visit the Alsatian Museum in Strasbourg, the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar and enjoy the atmosphere of the area.
Also, we are a family of five (3 young adult children); recommendations for places to stay would be appreciated.

You can google the dates for the Xmas Markets. Most close on 12/22 - 12/23, but some do stay open past Xmas. I will say, they are better PRE Xmas - more festive, all the vendors are still there, the shows and music are still going on, -- we've found them to have a different 'feel' to them after Xmas and some of the Vendors have left.

The markets should still be fully open on Dec 23. And I believe that some of them (Colmar) do stay at least partly open for a few days after Christmas as well - you'd have to check that though, and this year's schedule isn't known yet.

In 2021 Strasbourg & Colmar markets where from 26 Nov - 29 Dec.

Riquewihr: 27 Nov - 22 Dec https://www.christmas.alsace/riquewihr-christmas-market/

Eguisheim: 26 Nov - 23 Dec https://www.christmas.alsace/eguisheim-christmas-market/

https://noel.strasbourg.eu/en/les-marches-de-noel

https://www.noel-colmar.com/en/

Thank you al. Any suggestions of where to stay in Strasbourg? We are a family of five, kids are in the early 20's; would prefer two rooms and under $600 US total per night. Don't mind being out of the city center. Thanks, Karen

We stayed last minute at an Aloft hotel in Strasbourg. Close to the tram. Several restaurants in the square nearby. Should hit your price points

Have you thought about a short term rental instead of a hotel? With five adults the extra space would probably be helpful and overall cheaper or the same price than what you'd pay for two rooms.

I have, but haven’t found anything decent on Airbnb. Are there French apartment let companies that you can recommend?

Just as an aside, I found the markets repetitious and kinda boring. Rows and rows of booths with the same stuff. There are only so many ornaments you can design and then look at, and enough with the mulled wine. They did have cotton candy however, or as they say barbe à papa.

Just a note re: the remark above - we go to the Xmas Markets every other year in Germany, Austria, France, Budapest, and Switzerland. The best are definitely in Germany, but i wouldn't say any are repetitious - most markets sell LOTS more than ornaments too. We find them to have just as many non-Christmas items as they do Christmas items. And great Food!! And the Gluwein doesn't get old as it's different in each market - and if you do get tired of it- they also offer delicious hot chocolates, coffees, hot egg nogs, hot juices with or without Rum. I just don't want you thinking they are all the same, because they are not - esp if you go to several countries. I would say that the ones in France are not my favorites, but Strasbourg and Colmar are stunning. Maybe one year you can return in early December and do some of the German and Austrian ones.

I LOVE Christmas markets but wanted to chime in with an added thought. If you're looking for something else to do while in the Strasboug area, maybe consider visiting Baden-Baden. It's known for thermal spas and is a great day trip in my opinion. We didn't cross over to visit it on our Strasbourg trip (saw it on a different trip) but it seems to be very close by train.
Just in case you find yourself tired of markets and cold weather.
https://www.baden-baden.com/en

Normandy is nice for Christmas. Honfleur and Bayeux are nice towns. Alsace will have more Christmas activities and also has many great value hotels. I would recommend smaller towns like Obernai and Barr near Strasbourg. Savoie (Alps) are also fun and Christmassy. You dont have to ski especially in a place like Chamonix or beautiful town like Megeve or Saint Gervais. The Chamonix area is more international as well. Also not true about christmas markets being closed! The big ones in cities like Strasbourg are open until Christmas- I think even after. It completely varies by city/town and changes each year.