Magical Christmas Day

Christmas markets in Alsace with a private guide: Strasbourg, Colmar or Obernai

Book your magical Christmas day

Tell me your favourite city, your dates and the number of participants: I’ll put together a bespoke itinerary for you.

1 day

Duration

Strasbourg, Colmar or Obernai

Of your choice

23 Nov → 31 Dec 2026

Market season

From €90 per person*

Based on 4 people

What you’re going to discover

Christmas traditions in Alsace

Alsace has been celebrating Christmas for centuries, and many of the traditions now widespread throughout France originated there. Laurence will tell you about a few of them as you go along:

The Christmas tree

One of the earliest references to a decorated Christmas tree appears in an account book from Sélestat, dating from 1521.

Bredele

Small Christmas biscuits with countless recipes, made as a family from the start of Advent.

Mulled wine

Red and spiced in Strasbourg, white in Obernai: every town has its own version.

St Nicholas’ Day

On 6 December, children are given a ‘mannele’, a brioche shaped like a little man.

Gingerbread

An age-old artisanal tradition, best enjoyed straight from the producers.

Façade decorations

Half-timbered houses, stars and figures: every town tries to outdo the others in creativity.

Three towns, three atmospheres

Which Christmas market should you choose in Alsace?

Every city has its own character. Laurence will help you choose based on your preferences, your chosen destination and your dates.

27 Nov → 24 Dec 2026

Strasbourg

The Christmas Capital

The Christkindelsmärik, established in 1570, is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Around ten markets are scattered across the Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ideal for first-time visitors and lovers of spectacular light displays.

23 Nov → 29 Dec 2026

Colmar

A fairy-tale setting

Six markets scattered throughout the old town, amongst colourful half-timbered houses, canals and monuments lit up at dusk.

Nearby: extend your day with a visit to Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim, villages on the Wine Route renowned for their Christmas markets.

27 Nov → 31 Dec 2026

Obernai

The cosy, gourmet market

25 km from Strasbourg, a medieval town at the foot of Mont Sainte-Odile. Its Christmas market is dedicated to food and crafts: 45 stalls spread across five squares.

Ideal for getting away from the crowds and focusing on meeting local craftspeople.

Dates announced by the tourist information offices, to be confirmed as the season approaches. Opening hours vary depending on the day.

Sample itinerary

Your magical Christmas day, step by step

The programme is tailored to your chosen city, your group and the weather. Here is an outline of a typical day.

Morning · Arrival and tour of the historic centre

A warm welcome from Laurence, followed by a tour of the monuments and narrow streets before the crowds arrive.

Late morning · Christmas history and traditions

St Nicholas, Christmas trees, bredele, Advent calendars: the Alsatian origins of Christmas traditions, told by the people who live there.

Lunchtime · A gourmet break

Afternoon · A stroll around the Christmas markets

The chalets you shouldn’t miss, the craftspeople, and the specialities to try and take home..

Vers 16h30 · La magie des illuminations

As night falls, it’s the best time to admire the illuminated façades and squares.

Tips for making the most of Christmas markets

Come on a weekday, from late November to early December: it’s much less crowded than at weekends in mid-December.
Book early: from October for weekends in December.
Leave your car behind: town centres are pedestrianised during market days. Regional trains or private transfers are a more stress-free option.
Travel light: security checks are in place to restrict access to the centre of Strasbourg.
Make sure you wrap up warm: wear good shoes and warm clothes, as you’ll be spending the day on your feet and outdoors.

Other seasonal experiences

Fancy extending your stay in Alsace?

What is included

Private guided tour of the historic centre
The History and Traditions of Christmas in Alsace
Guided tour of the Christmas markets
Tips and recommended places from your guide
A festive atmosphere, in small groups and at your own pace

Options on request

Private transfer with a driver, or a journey by regional train
Trips to Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim (departing from Colmar)
Culinary breaks and tastings of Christmas specialities
A tasting of Alsace wines, guided by a sommelier
A programme suitable for families or corporate groups

Frequently Asked Questions

Christmas markets in Alsace: your questions

Which Christmas market should you choose in Alsace: Strasbourg, Colmar or Obernai?

Strasbourg, the ‘Christmas Capital’, is the oldest (dating back to 1570) and the largest, with around ten markets on the Grande Île. Colmar offers a picture-postcard setting with six markets spread between the old town and Petite Venise. Obernai is more intimate and focused on fine food, with 45 stalls dedicated to gastronomy and crafts. Laurence will help you choose based on your preferences and your starting point.

When are the Alsace Christmas markets taking place in 2026?

According to announcements from the tourist offices: Colmar from 23 November to 29 December 2026, Strasbourg from 27 November to 24 December 2026, Obernai from 27 November to 31 December 2026. Dates and times are subject to confirmation by the towns as the season approaches.

How much does the guided tour of the Christmas markets cost?

The Magical Christmas Day Out is available from €90 per person, based on a group of four people for the day. The price is adjusted according to the number of participants and the options chosen (private transfer, gourmet breaks, tastings, etc.).

Is the tour private?

Yes. Each day is private: you’ll be spending time exclusively with your family, friends or colleagues, and the pace will be tailored to your group.

Can we add Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim?

Yes, starting from Colmar, you can extend your day out to the neighbouring villages along the Wine Route, such as Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim, depending on how much time you have and when their markets are open

When is the best time to visit the Christmas markets in Alsace?

On weekdays, from late November to the first week of December, the crowds are significantly smaller than at weekends in mid-December. Dusk, around 4.30 pm, is the ideal time to enjoy the illuminations.

How do you get to the markets with the guide?

There are two options: the regional train, in the spirit of slow travel, or a private transfer with a driver for greater comfort. As the town centres are pedestrianised during market days, the rest of the tour is then on foot.

How do I book?

Via the contact form, by e-mail to laurence@wineandcitytours.alsace or via WhatsApp on 06 20 37 36 26. We recommend booking from October onwards for weekends in December.

Key points at a glance

What: a private, full-day guided tour of the Alsace Christmas markets, including a visit to the historic centre and an introduction to Alsatian Christmas traditions.
Where: a choice of Strasbourg, Colmar or Obernai. Departing from Colmar, the tour can be extended to include Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim.
When: during the Christmas market season, from 23 November to 31 December 2026, depending on the town.
With whom: Laurence, a certified tour guide and sommelier, and a wine competition judge since 2013.
Price: from €90 per person (based on 4 people for the day), adjusted according to the group and options chosen.
For whom: couples, families, friends, corporate groups. 100% private tour, in French or English.