Exploring Alsace Christmas Markets, Episode 522

Category: Alsace and Lorraine

Have you ever thought about Exploring Alsace Christmas Markets? In episode 522 of the Join Us in France podcast, host Annie Sargent chats with guest Eddie Hamalian about his family’s journey through the charming towns of Alsace during the holiday season. They explore the highlights of cities like Strasbourg, Colmar, and Eguisheim, sharing tips, stories, and practical advice for visitors.

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Eddie’s trip begins at the end of November, just as the Christmas markets in Alsace kick off. His family, including his two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, made the most of their holiday by visiting both large and small markets, experiencing local cuisine, and enjoying the region’s festive atmosphere. If you're planning a holiday trip to Alsace, this episode is packed with insights.

Strasbourg: The Capital of Christmas

Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas," and for good reason. Eddie describes it as expansive, magical, and buzzing with holiday spirit. The Strasbourg Christmas market spans the city with booths filled with handcrafted goods, mulled wine, and local delicacies. Eddie recommends planning ahead for parking, as city-center garages fill up quickly.

Annie and Eddie also discuss the Strasbourg Cathedral, with its stunning architecture and astronomical clock. Eddie shares a tip for catching the clock's famous show: buy a ticket for the special noon performance from the side entrance of the cathedral. The river cruise in Strasbourg also gets high marks as a warm, family-friendly way to see the city.

Colmar: A Storybook Christmas Town

Colmar feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Eddie loved its canals, half-timbered houses, and Christmas market atmosphere. The city offers multiple small markets, each with unique themes. Eddie’s family sampled spätzle, choucroute, and of course, plenty of vin chaud (mulled wine). The reusable Christmas market cups, each featuring the town’s name, became a cherished souvenir of their trip.

Annie adds a useful tip: small villages in Alsace don’t host Christmas markets every day. She recommends checking the Noël Alsace website to plan your visit and ensure you don’t miss the festivities.

Small Villages with Big Charm

Alsace is famous for its charming villages, and Eddie visited several, including Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Ribeauvillé. Eguisheim, with its walled layout and picturesque streets, feels almost like a movie set. Riquewihr is known for its terrines and rillettes, which Eddie tasted during his visit. Ribeauvillé, often associated with Beauty and the Beast, charmed Eddie with its small size and relaxed atmosphere.

Annie and Eddie agree that these towns are tiny, so a few hours is often enough to explore. Eddie also highlights the beauty of driving through the Alsace wine route, with vineyards and castles dotting the landscape.

Staying in Sélestat: The Perfect Base

Eddie’s family chose Sélestat as their base for exploring Alsace. Located between Strasbourg and Colmar, Sélestat made it easy to explore both cities and the smaller villages. Their Airbnb offered a cozy and convenient stay. Eddie recommends asking locals for restaurant tips to find authentic Alsatian cuisine away from the tourist crowds.

Tips for Visiting Alsace at Christmas

1. Plan early: Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar get crowded, especially closer to Christmas. Visit in late November or early December for fewer crowds.
2. Check market dates: Smaller towns often host markets only on specific weekends or evenings.
3. Embrace local food: Try choucroute garnie, spätzle, and terrines. Visit a winstub for a traditional Alsatian dining experience.
4. Explore by car: Driving lets you see the beautiful Alsatian countryside and its castles, but plan for parking in the towns.

Final Thoughts

Eddie loved his time in Alsace and recommends it as a must-see for anyone visiting France during the holidays. Whether you’re exploring Strasbourg’s grand markets, savoring mulled wine in Colmar, or walking the cobbled streets of Eguisheim, Alsace offers a unique blend of French and German holiday traditions.

Annie and Eddie also discuss the differences between Christmas markets in Alsace and Germany, offering insights for those planning a trip across the border. Eddie’s favorite part? The warm, festive feeling of Alsace, which feels more intimate and picturesque than its German counterparts.

This episode is perfect for travelers dreaming of a holiday escape filled with lights, flavors, and tradition. Don’t miss it—listen now to episode 522 of the Join Us in France podcast for the full story and even more tips!

Recommended in this Episode

• Mondly language learning app. It's not game changing, but it can participate in an overall effort to learn a new language.
• Annie's YouTube playlist of French songs

More episodes about Christmas in France

#AlsaceChristmasMarkets, #FranceTravel, #Strasbourg, #Colmar, #Eguisheim, #ChristmasInFrance, #FrenchCulture, #FamilyTravel, #TravelWithKids, #HolidayTravel, #JoinUsInFrance, #FrenchCuisine, #MulledWine, #ChristmasMarkets, #DiscoverFrance, #FrancePodcast, #FrenchHistory, #ExploreFrance, #TravelPodcast

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Discussed in this Episode

• Strasbourg
• Colmar
• Eguisheim
• Sélestat
• Ribeauvillé
• Riquewihr
• Kintzheim
• Troyes
• Paris
• Belleville
• Reims
• Freiburg
• Vosges Mountains
• Notre-Dame Cathedral (Strasbourg)
• European Parliament
• Strasbourg Cathedral
• Les Halles (Troyes)
• Noël Alsace website
• Atelier des Lumières (Paris)
• Nonette (restaurant in Paris)
• Mokonuts (restaurant in Paris)
• Mumm Champagne
• Martel Champagne
• Auberge Jenny (Kintzheim)
• Galeries Lafayette (Paris)
• Champs-Élysées (Paris)
• Choucroute garnie
• Spätzle
• Foie gras
• Bredele
• Vin chaud
• Terrine
• Rillettes
• Bûche de Noël
• Galette des rois
• Winstub restaurants
• Sixt car rental
• Avis car rental
• Europcar car rental.

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Category: Alsace and Lorraine