Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Alsace During the Festive Season

Here are the common mistakes to avoid in order to make the most of the Christmas markets and end-of-year festivities in Alsace.

Underestimating the crowds

At the end of the year, especially with the opening of the Christmas markets, Alsace attracts a very large number of visitors. Do not expect to wander peacefully through the most famous towns and villages.

If possible, favour visits early in the morning or late in the evening, and choose weekdays rather than weekends.

Not booking (accommodation, restaurants, activities)

A stay in Alsace at the end of the year cannot be improvised. Accommodation is often fully booked several months in advance, and the same applies to all the activities you may wish to enjoy: restaurants, shows, guided tours, wine cellar visits...

Be organised and book your accommodation and activities as early as possible. Do not hesitate to contact the tourist offices for help planning your stay.

Trying to visit too many villages in one day

Alsace may not be large in size, but it is rich in culture and extremely popular, especially at this time of year. Where it usually takes around ten minutes to reach a village, travel time can triple during the Christmas markets.

Prioritise quality over quantity. Limit yourself to two or three Christmas markets per day at most. Do not hesitate to choose lesser-known markets to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Not preparing for the cold

In Alsace, winter temperatures can drop very low, sometimes even below 0°C.

Pack warm clothing, comfortable shoes, gloves, hats, and even thermos flasks for long walks.

Not using public transport

No matter how you arrive in Alsace (car, train, plane), we recommend using public transport as much as possible once you are there (buses, trams, Christmas shuttles). Parking at this time of year is a real challenge: spaces are scarce (and expensive) and traffic jams are common around the most popular villages.

Check with the tourist offices or the website fluo.grandest.fr to find timetables and fares for buses, trams and Christmas shuttles. If you still prefer to use your car, opt for park-and-ride facilities, which allow you to park on the outskirts and take a shuttle to the town centre.

Overlooking local traditions

Alsace has a strong cultural identity, with so much to discover! Limiting yourself to buying Christmas decorations and taking a few photos of the illuminations may prevent you from experiencing its true essence.

Enjoy all the culinary specialties of our beautiful region: bredalas, mannalas, kouglofs, pretzels, gingerbread, flammekueches, goose foie gras, and of course Alsace wines.
Explore Christmas traditions by learning about the role of Saint Nicholas, listening to Christmas tales, visiting the Alsace Écomuseum, or joining guided tours organised in many towns and villages.

Sticking only to the most famous Christmas markets

The Christmas markets of Colmar, Strasbourg, Ribeauvillé or Riquewihr are magnificent but quickly become crowded. Yet, there are many lesser-known gems worth discovering.

Without skipping these iconic markets, we recommend trying more intimate ones, especially in the afternoons or on weekends when the influx is highest.

Not checking the dates and opening hours of the Christmas markets

Christmas markets do not all open at the same time, and some are only held for one or two weekends. Every year, many visitors arrive in a village only to find that the market they were expecting is not yet open or has already closed. While the major markets (Colmar, Mulhouse, Strasbourg) open continuously from late November, the smaller, more authentic ones require a bit more planning. Many also close around 7–8 p.m., so it is essential to plan your day accordingly and keep late evenings for illuminations or a good meal.

Check the dates of the various Christmas markets before you leave (available on the Noël en Alsace website).

Buying everything at the first stall

The Christmas market stalls are full of treasures, both culinary and decorative. However, the best finds are not always at the first stand. It often takes patience to discover the best items. Seek out authentic artisans (glassblowers, potters, handmade decorations) and prioritise regional products over “made in China”.

Walk through the entire market before making your first purchases. It is the best way to avoid regrets.

Not planning the right payment method

Some small stalls do not have the equipment for card payments.

Make sure to always carry some cash so you do not leave disappointed. Most villages have ATMs available if needed.

Thinking that only the Christmas markets are worth discovering

Christmas in Alsace is much more than the markets! There are numerous places and activities to explore:

• Concerts, shows and Christmas exhibitions
• Culinary workshops or Christmas decoration workshops
• Castles (including Haut-Koenigsbourg) or the Alsace Écomuseum, specially decorated for the festive season

Do not hesitate to contact the tourist offices for information on the various events and activities organised in Alsace at the end of the year.

Looking forward to experiencing the magic of the Christmas markets? Book your room now in one of our hotels (Hôtel de la Tour in the centre of Ribeauvillé and Hôtel Le Ménestrel near the vineyards of Ribeauvillé)!