A smell of spices that tickles your nostrils, a hot drink in one hand, a "bredele" or a "manele" in the other, your eyes sparkling under the lights and the richly decorated tree that stands in the distance.; there is nothing like the Christmas markets of Alsace to get in the mood for the end-of-year festivities. France.fr reveals its favorite locations in the region!
Strasbourg: the oldest
Created in 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas market is undoubtedly the oldest of its kind in France! For several weeks, the heart of the city bursts into life with the Christmas markets, with small wooden houses at the corner of each street. The most emblematic one stands at the foot of the cathedral, while gourmands meet on Place des Meuniers to taste the Alsatian flavors. Near Place d'Austerlitz, you can go food shopping for Christmas, while children have their own market on Place Saint-Thomas. Don't forget to have a look around the OFF market in the district of La Petite France, showcasing responsible products made with respect for the environment. Special mention must be made of the big Christmas tree on Place Kléber that watches over the ice rink and lights up every day at 5 pm. Strasbourg Christmas market
Colmar: the most magical
In Colmar, the city shines brightly. You walk in the middle of timber-framed houses that are richly decorated with Christmas lights and wreaths. The city has no fewer than six markets, enough to meet all expectations: a spiritual dimension on Place des Dominicains, arts and crafts at Koïfhus, local produce on Place Jeanne d'Arc, a Christmas market for children in the neighborhood of Little Venice, a gastronomic village on Place de la Cathédrale, and decorations on Place de l'Ancienne Douane. It is a great opportunity to discover Colmar, where you will take pleasure in returning to the beautiful season to enjoy its canals, bridges and other narrow streets with romantic decor. Colmar Christmas market
Mulhouse: the most colorful
A city with a rich textile past, Mulhouse combines tradition and creative legacy with l’étoffe de Noël, Christmas fabric, a cloth especially made every year for the end-of-year celebrations, and which patterns and colors are inspired by the textile history of the city. It is found on the facade of the town hall, in the streets and on the chalets of the Christmas market on Place de la Réunion. Among regional specialties and decorations, you must have a look around the fabric shop, where Christmas cloth is available in tablecloths, napkins and other decorations that you can easily slide in your suitcase.
Obernai: the most gourmet
Whether you prefer bredele—small biscuits traditionally made during the Advent season—or manele—little brioche men—and mulled wine or apple juice, gingerbread or kugelhopf, you can bet that you will taste joy at the Christmas gastronomic and crafts market of Obernai. The best time to stride along its paths? At dusk, when all facades are illuminated, glowing with the charm of this small town nestled in the heart of the Christmas Tree Country.
Kaysersberg: the most authentic
The historic center of Kaysersberg hosts a most typical market that is open all four weekends of Advent. At the heart of the ramparts and under the attentive eye of the watchtower, a relic of the castle, about 30 chalets offer nativity figures, decorative elements, blown glass items, mulled wine, wooden objects, jewelry--farmers' market with produce from the valley also allows you to stock up on local products, such as herbs, syrups, herbal teas or a key food during the holiday season: foie gras. The program also includes a series of Christmas concerts and recitals.
By Constance Dive
Head of section for France.fr
