In Riquewihr, Christmas magic is starting as early as end of November

Know that whatever happens, the magic of Christmas, from the end of November to the beginning of January, with its little lights and its magical decorations will be more than ever at the rendezvous. 

We are waiting for you, do not hesitate to book one of our romantic holiday apartments! 

Christmas market time in Riquewihr, a magical atmosphere …

Imagine one of the prettiest villages in France combined with the fairy tale of Christmas!

Here are some pictures of the Christmas market in Riquewihr. The stalls of the plaza near the City Hall as well as several Christmas markets in private courtyards are open daily. Prefer weekdays as the village will be less crowded and you will enjoy the magical atmosphere more.

All our holiday apartment are decorated with a Christmas tree to allow you to enjoy Christmas Atmosphere like an Alsatian family. 

From the studio to the large luxury apartment: our 10 romantic gites in Alsace provide some of the best self catering accommodation in Alsace. Select yours!

In Riquewihr and in whole Alsace: a long lasting Christmas fairy tale for young and less young visitors

Riquewihr and the small towns and surrounding villages as Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim but also smaller and less known villages are a genuine delight during the festivities and Christmas markets. The Christmas markets time extends from late November to Christmas and even into the New Year (Colmar). The streets are decorated with many small trees and lights: delightful decorations so that the magic of Christmas is everywhere. Everywhere, on each christmas market, you will have the opportunity to sample specialties from Alsace directly in the street like that traditional sweets prepared at home or Glühwein (warm wine prepared with spices).

Christmas markets in the neighbour town of Colmar

The Christmas markets in the neighbour towns of Colmar are only minutes away from Riquewihr.

We took some nice pictures on several Christmas markets and events related to Christmas in Alsace. Most of them happen every year. Have a look at our dedicated blog: https://best-of-upper-rhine.com/my-favorite-christmas-markets-events-in-alsace/

Christmas market in Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé

The nearby little towns of Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé are 15 minutes away from Riquewihr and organise every year beautiful Christmas markets. There is a Christmas shuttle taking you there. No need to take your car.

Ribeauvillé has a long history. Medieval times are surviving through the architecture but also through festivals all over the year, included the Christmas time. In Ribeauvillé, Christmas markets are… medieval.

Christmas market in Ribeauvillé in video

We created a video especially for you. Discover the magic Christmas atmosphere in Ribeauvillé. 

All our holiday apartment are decorated with a Christmas tree to allow you to enjoy Christmas Atmosphere like an Alsatian family. 

From the studio to the large luxury apartment: our 10 romantic gites in Alsace provide some of the best self catering accommodation in Alsace. Select yours!

Saint Nicholas visits the Christmas market in Selestat near Riquewihr

Saint Nicholas visits the Christmas market in Selestat near Riquewihr Sélestat is a must visit little city only 20 minutes drive north of Riquewihr and Colmar. Do not miss the Procession of Saint-Nicholas and opening of the Christmas market. Spectacular night parade in the streets of downtown (from 16:00 usually), speech by the saint patron of schoolchildren and distribution of sweets and hot chocolate to good children. Sélestat remains a city somewhat unknown to tourists. Perhaps because they often rush on the highway from Strasbourg to Colmar without thinking of stopping at Sélestat. What a pity! Sélestat is a beautiful city with a rich historical and architectural heritage. Christmas animations are nice and tidy. It is also the historical birthplace of the Christmas tree, with the oldest written reference in the world dating back to 1521.

Strasbourg Christmas markets are dating back to medieval times

Do not miss an afternoon at the Chrismas markets in Strasbourg. They are definitely the oldest tradition of Christmas markets in the world and are held since 1570!

Catch a train at the station in Sélestat or drive to the P+R parking and tram station of Illkirch-Grafenstaden south of Strasbourg. Do not attempt to enter Strasbourg with your car, it would be a nightmare. Check our blog for more practical details.

And when the Christmas time is over …

Winter is the season of traditional Alsace. Mid November, January and February offer plenty of discoveries for those who know how to look and approach closer. Riquewihr is your base for exploring the vineyard and the mountains of Vosges and Alsace! 

In the aftermath of the Epiphany, the Feast of the Magi, 6 January, when the celebrations of Christmas fade in our memories, when the lanterns have been removed and the new year has begun its march towards Easter, then another Alsace unfolds. Some find it more authentic, far from the tumult of the crowds of the beautiful days.

And even if the snow is not present every year in Riquewihr, those who want to take a walk in snowshoes or cross-country skiing should find their happiness with a day out a little higher in the Vosges, a half an hour’s drive barely (station du Lac Blanc). Finally, do not be worried by any wintry road conditions: of course caution on the road is always up, but in Alsace and in the Vosges, snow is not an unknown phenomenon and there is appropriate equipment available (and know how) to quickly clean the roads in case of snowfall …

Christmas and Winter atmosphere in our romantic holiday apartments in the medieval village of Riquewihr in Alsace!

Our self catering gites in Riquewihr are wonderful places to stay in Winter. In the lounge of the Dove’s Nest as well as in the White Stork (2 persons) you will have a safe pellet fireplace. During the Christmas markets period (end of November to January), all our apartments, from the smallest studio to the largest flat, have a beautiful romantic Christmas decoration.

We have guests coming from all over the world especially for the Christmas markets period. Availabilities in our holiday apartments are vanishing rapidly.

For even more fun, make your explorations during weekdays. The Christmas markets will be less crowded.

All our holiday apartment are decorated with a Christmas tree to allow you to enjoy Christmas Atmosphere like an Alsatian family. 

From the studio to the large luxury apartment: our 10 romantic gites in Alsace provide some of the best self catering accommodation in Alsace. Select yours!