Saint Nicolas, nativity scenes, decorations, lights, concerts, and Christmas markets are among the most important Christmas traditions in the neighboring Alsatian region of France. Nearly every city, small town, or village hosts its own unique Christmas market. Some are only open weekends, some are open each day for the duration, and some are even open past Christmas. Listed below are some of the most noteworthy of these markets to visit; for a comprehensive list of Christmas markets in Alsace, go to www.marche-de-noel-alsace.com/marchenoel2.htm.

• Colmar
  Until December 29
  Located about 40 minutes from Basel, Colmar is an exceptionally quaint town with old timber houses, artistically crafted store signs, and canals running through town, reminiscent of a little Venice. As Colmar has no large main square, the Christmas market is spread out on six locations throughout town, making it particularly magical with all the Christmas decorations.
  Open 11:00-19:00 Monday-Thursday and 10:00-20:00 Friday-Sunday.
  
• Kaysersberg
  December 1-3, 8-10, 15-19
  This is a small Christmas market but very typical for the region and made especially enchanting by the quaintness of the little town itself. About 30 carefully selected craftsmen exhibit their creation sin small chalets nestled in an authentic and picturesque 17th-century setting at the foot of the castle’s ruins. The Kaysersberg Christmas market was voted “Best Christmas Market in France 2022” in the RTL competition.
  Only open on Friday-Sunday from 10:00-20:00.
  
• Mulhouse
  Until December 27
  Visit this traditional Alsatian Christmas market in the heart of the historic center of Mulhouse and discover its particularity—the Christmas fabric! This is a special fabric created each year to decorate the facades and streets in the pedestrian areas and provide a festive setting for the Christmas market. 
  Until December 23, opening hours are Sunday through Thursday from 10:00-20:00, Friday and Saturday from 10:00-21:00. The market is open on December 24 from 10:00-18:00, closed on December 25, open on December 26 from 12:00-20:00 and on December 27 from 10:00-18:00.
  
• Neuf Brisach
  December 8, 9, and 10
  This Christmas market will take you back to the 1700s, with actors and exhibitors in period costume, crafts from days gone by, taverns, farm animals, and boar on the spit. You will also find traditional stalls selling local crafts, Christmas decorations, local products, and more.
  Open 14:00-20:00 on Friday, 10:00-21:00 on Saturday, and 10:00-18:30 on Sunday.
• Riquewihr
  Until December 20
  At Christmas time, the charmingly decorated city streets are sparkling with lights and decorations and the magical setting of the traditional Christmas market exemplifies the spirit of Christmas with everything that makes the charm of Alsace. The market is spread out on rue du Général de Gaulle.
  Opening hours are 10:00-18:30 on weekdays and 10:00-19:30 on weekends.
  
• Ribeauvillé
  December 2, 3, 9, and 10
  This is an original medieval-style Christmas market, a classic of the region, in one of the most celebrated villages of the wine route of Alsace.
  The market is open 10:00-19:00 on Saturdays and 10:00-18:00.
  
• Strasbourg
  Until December 24
  Located about 90 minutes from Basel, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is well worth the drive. The Strasbourg Christmas market is composed this year of 313 chalets, installed in different places in the Alsatian capital. The city’s beautiful cathedral makes a gorgeous backdrop to this very large and special market. In existence since 1570, it is the oldest and most revered Christmas market in France. A visit to the city’s great restaurants and shops completes the day-trip.
  Open every day from 11:00-20:00 (November 25 from 14:00-21:00), and on a voluntary basis on December 24.
  

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