A GUIDE TO FRANCE CHRISTMAS MARKETS

European Christmas Markets are some of the best holiday markets in the world! So this year after my trip with Galeries Lafayette I made a trip to Alsace to visit Colmar and Strasbourg Christmas Markets. During this time, the holiday markets are a must-visit destination because everything is decorated beautifully and located in the most charming towns in France! Here’s my guide to France Christmas Markets.

HOW TO GET TO ALSACE

Most people rent cars which would be easiest but since I was only visiting for two nights I used public transportation. I took a train to get to each town and used Uber when needed. There’s also taxi’s available.

DAY 1: COLMAR

WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Le Colombier or Hotel Le Marechal

Our first stop was Colmar, we took a train from Paris and it took about 3 hours to arrive. Colmar was on the top of our list, especially for the holidays since the entire city is transformed into a magical Christmas dream. There are Christmas decorations everywhere you go and is one of my favorite towns! I truly felt like I was walking around a Christmas fairytale. Dates: November 22 through December 29th.

THINGS TO DO

Colmar Christmas Market: There’s a total of 6-holiday markets that spread around town and markets open at 10 am. There’s a ton to see when you walk around including shopping and places to eat.
Explore Old Town: Walk around the historical small town where you’ll find beautiful renaissance buildings, you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready because you’ll find picturesque opportunities in every corner
Boat trip through Little Venice: When visiting Colmar, Little Venice must be visited. The charming buildings along the canal are one of the most picturesque views in Colmar.
Maison Pfister: Magnificent building that highlights Alstanian renaissance architecture. Built for the wealthy hatter Ludwig Schurer in 1537.
Koïfhus: The oldest building in Colmar and former customs house
Musee Bartholdi: known for his creation of the Statue of Liberty, Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi has a museum showcasing sculptures, models, and sketches throughout his career
Saint-Martin Church: a 13th century gothic Church that has been in Colmar city for at least 1000 years

PLACES TO EAT

L’ Epicurien: Great local French and European restaurant in Colmar, highly recommend getting reservations in advance
La Soi: Great lunch option, the main specialty at La So is the tarte flambée (a traditional Alsatian specialty)
JY’S: Two Michelin star restaurant by chef Jean-Yves Schillinger, serves outstanding French and European fusion dishes
Le Petit Bidon: Family-run restaurant that is cozy and intimate and serves an innovative twist to French cuisine

DAY 2: STRASBOURG

WHERE TO STAY: Sofitel Strasbourg or Mercure in Petite France

Strasbourg is a 30-minute ride from Colmar and just like Colmar, Christmas in Strasbourg is magical. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are world-famous and thousands of people flock to the markets during the holiday season.

THINGS TO DO

Christmas Markets: 10 Christmas Markets with over 300 stalls! Tons of opportunities for you to shop and purchase goodies
Strasbourg Cathedral: until 1874, it was the tallest building in the world and features a beautiful astronomical clock
The Great Christmas Tree in Place Kléber: a giant Christmas tree in the central and largest square in Strasbourg
La Petite France: Cute and charming cobblestone quarter with old structures from the 1500s and 1600s, is a great place to take photos! Petite France has a Christmas market too
Neustadt (New Town): Recently added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage, this lively part of the city that has numerous recreations of nativity scenes to enjoy

PLACES TO EAT

La Cloche a Fromage: Be sure to book reservations in advance because this popular restaurant is definitely worth a try if you’re a meat and cheese lover
Le Kuhn: Outstanding traditional Alsacean cuisine
Au Crocodile: Popular one Michelin star fine-dining French restaurant
Binchstub: local neighborhood restaurant that serves next level mouthwatering flammekueche (tart flambée)
Brasserie Au Dauphin: super cute restaurant with Christmas Trees lined up upon entering and worth a photo!
Patisserie Christian: Stop by for the pastries and pink storefront for a photo. I believe there are two locations in town – this one is a few minutes from the Cathedral.

There are so many other amazing Christmas Markets in France worth visiting if you have time. Here’s a few worth visiting:

Mulhouse Christmas Market: located in Alsace and worth visiting if you’re already visiting Colmar and Strasbourg
Reims Christmas Market: located just 45 minutes outside of Paris, this Christmas Market has 145 stalls on the Parvis of the Cathedrale for you to discover from November 22, 2019, to December 29, 2019.
Metz Christmas Market: a market not to be missed with an ice-skating rink, Ferris wheel, and ice sculptures! This Christmas market is great for both the old and the young to enjoy. It runs from November 20, 2019, to January 5, 2020.
Montbeliard Christmas Market: a German-style Christmas market located in Montbeliard. This market attracts over 400,000 visitors with it’s 115,000 illuminating Christmas lights. This market runs from November 23, 2019, to December 24, 2019.
Paris Christmas Market: a market you can’t miss if you’re visiting for the holidays. Enjoy festive Christmas decorations, shopping, and regional food specialties. This market runs from November 15, 2019, through January 5, 2020.
Avignon Christmas Market: Open daily from 10am to 7pm from November 30, 2019, to December 20, 2019, you will find everything you need at this Christmas market.
Lille Christmas Market: From November 22, 2019, to December 24, 2019, this Christmas market is open every day. On Place Rihour, 90 stalls are open for you to explore.

I hope you enjoyed this blog post and make your way through France Christmas Markets!