Best Christmas Market I’ve been to
🎄✨I visited Strasbourg & Colmar in late November… and it was magical ❄️🇫🇷
If you’re dreaming of fairytale towns, mulled wine, and twinkle lights—this is your sign to go.
📍Strasbourg – “The Capital of Christmas”
I finally understood the hype—Strasbourg feels like stepping into a Christmas movie 🎬 The lights, the music, the scent of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts… everything felt magical.
🌟 My highlights:
• The massive tree at Place Kléber (it’s even more stunning in person!)
• Sipping hot vin chaud while browsing handmade ornaments
• The Christkindelsmärik—Europe’s oldest Christmas market, and it shows in the best way
• Walking around the Strasbourg Cathedral at night while it glowed with lights ✨
📍Colmar – Like a Real-Life Snow Globe
Colmar absolutely stole my heart. It’s smaller than Strasbourg but so cozy and insanely beautiful. The pastel houses, the canals, the smell of baked treats… I didn’t want to leave.
🎁 What I loved most:
• Getting lost in Petite Venise (Little Venice) under all the fairy lights
• The six different markets, each with its own vibe
• Tasting bredele cookies and kougelhopf cake for the first time 🍪
• The children’s market with a vintage carousel—it felt like a movie set
🎒 A Few Tips From My Trip:
🗓️ Go between late November and Dec 24 (they close before Christmas!) I went on the first weekend it opened and it was already so crowded.
🚄 I took a flight to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg from London, which borders 3 different countries: France, Germany and Switzerland and depending on which exit you take you will end up in a different country.
Stayed in a little town that was equidistant from Colmar and Strasbourg.
🧣 Dress warm + wear comfy shoes (you’ll walk for hours and love every second)
💬 If you could only visit one — would you pick Strasbourg or Colmar?
Honestly, I recommend doing both like I did 🥰
Save this if you’re planning a winter trip!
#ChristmasInFrance #StrasbourgMarket #ColmarVibes #WinterWonderland #MyHolidayInAlsace
During my visit, I took the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg route, which is quite unique as it straddles France, Germany, and Switzerland. Exiting through different terminals can literally place you in a different country, which was a fun and practical travel tip I learned on the spot. A highlight you shouldn't miss in Strasbourg is the immense Christmas tree at Place Kléber, glowing warmly amidst the historic surroundings. I found that trying classic local treats like vin chaud while browsing handmade ornaments really added to the festive spirit. Colmar, smaller and even more intimate, felt like stepping inside a snow globe. The canal-side Petite Venise area under fairy lights was especially magical, and I loved the charm of strolling through each of its six distinct markets. Sample local bredele cookies and kougelhopf cake—they're quintessential Alsace holiday flavors that delighted my palate. For practical tips, I suggest visiting between late November and December 24th before the markets close. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, so planning early visits during weekdays might give you a quieter experience. Warm clothing and comfortable footwear are must-haves, as you'll spend hours walking and soaking up the festive ambiance. The children's market with its vintage carousel is a nostalgic treat that feels like stepping onto a movie set. Overall, I highly recommend visiting both Strasbourg and Colmar to experience the full wonder of Alsace during Christmas. Each town offers a unique vibe and memorable moments that make a winter getaway truly magical.
Hii, would u recommend doing France + London for a first time 2 wk trip to Europe in end Nov-Dec or do u have any other reco to pair w France? Thank u!!