our 3 favourites 🍎🍭
Are you looking for a place to spend a wonderful Christmas season? In Alsace, there are of course the big, famous events in Strasbourg and Colmar. But there are also plenty of small, cosy, and equally festive markets. Tie up your scarf, put on your hat, and discover 3 of our best Christmas markets. Get your fill of winter ... Until the New Year!
©Office de Tourisme et du Commerce du Pays de SaverneN°1
The Saverne Market❄️
Willkomme* to Saverne! At the gateway to the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park and just 40 km from Strasbourg, immerse yourself in the adorable Christmas market of the town of the unicorn. Called "Winter Wonderland", the market has a new theme this year: Santa Claus. A whole programme of events!
What's my itinerary? It begins with some window shopping in the streets of the city, all decorated for Christmas. A cinnamon mulled wine, a few "bredele" pastries, and a stop at the Rohan Castle Museum for the temporary exhibition on the theme of Santa Claus. Since Father Christmas is allowed to climb on the roof, I treat myself to a breathtaking view from the rooftop of Rohan Castle, the Little Versailles of Alsace. Book ahead for your visit to the top! 
It's only €5.
* Welcome
©Office de Tourisme et du Commerce du Pays de SaverneNext, it's time to head to the famous Christmas Village for a whirlwind of sensations. Here, dozens of artisans, merchants, and associations share their magic and delicacies in a warm and friendly atmosphere. There is a smell of gingerbread in the air, accordion music in the aisles, and candy hearts and smiles in the chalets: a real Christmas market! And when night falls, another spectacle dazzles young and old alike when the Christmas lights turn on all over the city.
There's also plenty of activities and events on the programme for the holidays: workshops, storytelling walks by lantern, treasure hunts, pop-up shops, and more. And did I mention the ephemeral ice-skating rink in Saverne?
Where
Christmas Village, Place du Général de Gaulle
Dates
From 01 December 2023 to 7 January 2024
@v.schneiderN°2
The Thann Market🎄
Did you know? Thann comes from the German word Tannenbaum meaning "fir tree". The evergreen is even featured on the coat of arms of the city. A clear sign that you should come spend your Christmas here! Thann is also one of the main cities of the Alsatian Wine Route. 
I think I've convinced some of you to book your tickets already!
Spread over the three squares of the historic city centre, Thann's Christmas market (since that's the theme after all) has nothing to envy of the big, famous markets. Be sure to visit the chalets around the illuminated St. Thiébaut Collegiate Church! There are 3 magnificent Christmas trees which, in addition to representing the city, also pay homage to its 3 twin towns: Gubbio (Italy), Sigmaringen (Germany), and Tonneins (France).
©l.manigoldLuckily, Thann doesn't only smell like Christmas trees! The sweet aromas of caramel and orange awaken your inner child and guide you to the events throughout the market. Kids will be amazed at the exhibition of the automatons of the enchanted forest, while parents can stroll through the Rangen vineyard before tasting precious Grand Cru wine. And then everyone comes together to watch a concert.
My favourite? The guided carriage ride every Wednesday afternoon. A unique way to discover the Christmas lights and decorations of the city.
New: Santa Claus's house
Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, children can experience the magic on Place de Lattre de Tassigny! Santa's House is an enchanted world just for kids, with carousels, automatons, fairy tales, wooden games, and much more.
Where
Place Joffre, Place Saint-Thiébaut, Place De Lattre de Tassigny
Dates
From 24 November to 23 December 2023
© Vincent SchneiderN°3
The Haguenau Market🧣
Haguenau of course has a spot on our list of the best Christmas markets in Alsace. With around fifty stands filled with a wide range of artisanal products, it's the perfect compromise between the frenzy of Strasbourg and the intimacy of Saverne. It's also the only Christmas market in the north of Alsace open 5 weeks non-stop!
What's more, it's just a 25-minute drive from Strasbourg. The centre of Haguenau also has more than 200 shops for checking off your Christmas list. Souvenirs for gifts or local treats to taste right here: there's something for everyone.
And if you still can't find what you're looking for, it's probably because of the stars in your eyes.
My 3 not-to-be-missed experiences:
- Savour a delicious dampfnudel, a typical specialty of the Outre Forêt region
- Marvel at the exhibitions of nativity scenes, each one more intricate than the next
- Watch the parades of Christkindel and St. Nicholas
Where
Place de la République, Place d’Armes, Place Joseph Thierry, Cours de la Décapole et Grand’Rue (pedestrian zone)
Dates
From 24 November to 30 December 2023