Marché de Noël: Christmas Markets of Alsace France, Liege Belgium, and Luxembourg
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Destinations > Europe > France > Marché de Noël: Christmas Markets of Alsace France, Plus Liege and Luxembourg
Other Christmas articles: Weihnachtsmarkt: The Christmas Markets of Western Germany
Christmas Markets - Marché de Noël
The holiday season in Europe is truly magical. Bundle up and enjoy the twinkling lights and holiday wonders.
A great place to take in some of this holiday spirit is one of the Christmas markets that you will find just outside of Germany’s western border, in Eastern France, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
These markets are filled with tradition and pageantry, toys and small gifts, nativity figurines and mangers, decorations and local products.
Delicious foods such as hot mulled wine (“vin chaud”), the famous regional Bundt-cake-like “Kugelhopf’s” (also known as “Gugelhupf’s” in Germany), “Mannala” (a small brioche shaped like little men), roasted chestnuts, crepes, pancake-like waffles, Christmas cakes, Pretzels, biscuits, gingerbread, Munster-cheese flatbreads (“Tarte Flambée au Munster”), and Champignon mushrooms will keep your stomachs content.
If you wait until evening the festive atmosphere and light displays make each of these unique markets feel like a magical winter wonderland!
Known as a Marché de Noël in French, Christmas markets also have other names, including Advent(s)markt, Christkindlmarkt, Christkindlesmarkt, Nikolausmarkt, Striezelmarkt, and Krippenmarkt.
Christmas Markets of Alsace, France
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg, France has a special place in the world of Christmas Markets. The home of the oldest Christmas market in France, the city has styled itself the Capital of Christmas.
The city transforms into a magical wonderland of sparkling lights and fabulous Christmas decorations. The Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, is the traditional core of this fairyland, but it replaced an even older market that appears in records all the way back in the 12th century.
The modern city features the best of both worlds with traditional craftsmen and women and modern artisans alike presenting their creations. They also feature amazing and award-winning regional cuisine.
Obernai Christmas Market
For a much more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, check out the Christmas Market in Obernai. This small city has a great selection of the offerings at the larger markets but is slightly spaced out and doesn't attract nearly as many visitors.
The four main areas are very picturesque and the short cobblestone roads connecting them, as well as the stores along those roads, are well decorated and covered in many Christmas lights to give a cozy warm feeling.
We were very surprised at how much we enjoyed our relaxed night in Obernai’s Marché de Noël and would definitely recommend it to families!
Colmar Christmas Market
The photo-ready backdrops of Colmar, France’s half-timbered houses and winding canals are stunning when decorated for Christmas, so it’s no wonder that their Christmas Market is a draw for photographers and ordinary visitors alike.
Though the city center is small, the variety and quality of goods available at the markets – there are six of them around the city – is impressive. There is an artisan market, a gourmet market, an indoor crafts market, a children’s market, an Alsatian specialties market, in addition to the main market on Place de l’Ancienne Douane.
As with other European Christmas markets, the Colmar festivities run from the end of November to just before the New Year.
Munster Christmas Market
The Christmas Market at Munster, in France, opens with an impressive salute from a group of Cors de Alps, or Alphorns in mid-November.
This smaller market is full of fun local traditions, like Munster Soup and the traditional Alsatian biscuits called la Bredla.
There are also frequent choir performances and visits from St. Nicholas.
Additionally, this market is only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Unfortunately, we could only fit in a visit to Munster on Monday - but the market still looks cute during the daytime!
Eguisheim Christmas Market
In Eguisheim, France, the Christmas Market is small and picturesque.Featuring only around thirty craftsmen and artisans, the market has won awards for celebrating tradition and authenticity.
The medieval town is a lovely backdrop for the glitter of the Advent festivities. Beyond the magic of the market itself, there are also events and storytelling throughout the Advent season.
While you’re there, be sure to take advantage of the offerings of nearby wine-growers – Alsatian wine is truly unique.
Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
Ribeauvillé’s Christmas Market is a very LONG market that is absolutely filled with Christmas stores, booths, food, crafts, and a great amount of Medieval activities - as well as plenty of people dressed in the part and putting on shows - throughout. Plus, the whole market is set in an extremely picturesque French village. Wow!
This Christmas market is only held on select weekends each year, but it has become extremely popular!
Riquewihr Christmas Market
A nearby historical village, architecture is the star at the Christmas Market in Riquewihr, France. Lit like a sparkling village out of a fairytale, the medieval buildings shine.
The scents of roasting chestnuts and spiced wine will entice you back to childhood, and everywhere you look it will seem like you’re in the middle of a storybook.
But there are grown-up pleasures to be had too, the village is completely surrounded by wineries to sample from!
Bergheim Christmas Market
Bergheim is a charming medieval town surrounded by a fortified wall and vineyards. Its Christmas market is a blend of tradition and creativity, offering a warm and authentic atmosphere in the heart of the old town. You can admire the decorated houses, windows, and fountains, and enjoy the local crafts, delicacies, and entertainment. Some of the highlights of the Bergheim Christmas Market are:
- The Advent calendar: Every day from December 1st to 24th, a window of a house is illuminated and reveals a scene related to Christmas or the history of Bergheim.
- The nativity scenes: You can discover more than 50 nativity scenes of different sizes and styles, displayed in various locations throughout the town.
- The concerts and animations: You can listen to the choirs, orchestras, and bands that perform in the streets and churches, or join the guided tours, workshops, and games that are organized for children and adults.
- The gastronomy: You can taste the typical specialties of Alsace, such as pretzels, gingerbread, mulled wine, and kougelhopf, or try the local products, such as cheese, honey, jam, and wine.
The Bergheim Christmas Market is open from November 29th to December 1st, 2024, from 10 am to 7 pm. Admission is free. You can find more information on the official website or the tourism office.
Christmas Markets of
Luxembourg and Liege, Belgium
Luxembourg Christmas Market
The Winterlights Festival in Luxembourg City transforms the city into a sparkling wonderland and several Christmas markets appear throughout the small city.
The main Christmas Market at the Place d’Armes is more traditional, with local music and food showing off Luxembourg’s Christmas customs.
For a more festival-like atmosphere, the market at Place de Constitution has carnival rides and an ice-skating rink.
In connection with the festival that runs from the end of November through the 2nd of January, concerts and workshops are held at the various markets for those who want to get a bit deeper into the Christmas spirit.
Liege Christmas Market
The Liege Christmas Market is both the largest and oldest in Belgium.
With its 200 seasonal chalets, the market is built as a Christmas village, and even has its own mayor, aldermen, and honorable citizens who welcome and entertain visitors through the month of December.
Delicious food and traditional crafts share the village with a skating rink and a sledging run to work of some of the holiday snacks.
Luxembourg Christmas Market
Must See Christmas Markets of France, Belgium, and Luxembourg
Whether in the heart of a large French city, a medieval village in rural France, or the cities of Liege or Luxembourg, there is a special kind of magic that is unique to these French-speaking Christmas markets. They emphasize the magic of the season and bring out the inner child in all of us. Each with its own special joy, a Christmas market is a wonder not to be missed.
FAQ’s
How can I get to Alsace, Liege, and Luxembourg from other parts of Europe?
Alsace, Liege, and Luxembourg are well-connected by train, bus, and air to other major cities in Europe. You can find the best options and prices for your travel on websites like Omio or Skyscanner. For example, you can take a direct train from Paris to Strasbourg in about two hours, or a direct flight from Amsterdam to Luxembourg in about one hour.
What are some of the other Christmas markets in the region that are worth visiting?
Besides the ones mentioned in the article, there are many other Christmas markets in the region that are worth visiting. Some of them are:
- Brussels Christmas Market: The capital of Belgium and Europe hosts a large and festive Christmas market that spans across several squares and streets. You can enjoy the ice skating rink, the Ferris wheel, the light show, and the giant Christmas tree.
- Strasbourg Christmas Market: The oldest and one of the most famous Christmas markets in France, Strasbourg offers a magical atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage. You can admire the illuminated cathedral, the giant Christmas tree, and the traditional Alsatian houses.
- Metz Christmas Market: The city of Metz in northeastern France hosts six different Christmas markets, each with its own theme and charm. You can explore the medieval market, the gourmet market, the children's market, and more.
What are some of the tips and tricks to make the most of the Christmas market experience?
Some of the tips and tricks to make the most of the Christmas market experience are:
- Plan ahead: Check the opening dates and hours of the markets, as well as the weather forecast, before you go. Some markets may be closed on certain days, or have different schedules on weekdays and weekends.
- Dress warmly: The Christmas markets are mostly outdoors, and the weather can be cold and wet in winter. Make sure you wear warm and comfortable clothes, shoes, and accessories. You can also buy some gloves, hats, or scarves at the markets if you need them.
- Bring cash: Most of the stalls at the markets only accept cash, and the ATMs may be hard to find or have long queues. It is advisable to bring enough cash in the local currency, or exchange it beforehand at a bank or a bureau de change.
- Try the local specialties: The Christmas markets are a great opportunity to taste the local cuisine and drinks of the region. Some of the specialties include mulled wine, hot chocolate, pretzels, gingerbread, sausages, cheese, and pastries.
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