Celebrate winter in the Vosges & Alsace: Discover the most beautiful Christmas markets

Winter in the Vosges and Alsace has something special about it. As the days grow shorter, towns and villages fill with lights; squares are festively decorated and the air fills with the scent of mulled wine. If you want to experience the ultimate Christmas feeling, you don't have to travel far. In and around the Vosges, you will find some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.

From the world-famous Christmas market in Strasbourg to the romantic streets of Colmar. Each market has its own character and atmosphere. The best part? From your Basic Travel holiday home, you can be there in no time.

Strasbourg – 'The Christmas Capital'

When? 26 November to 24 December 2025

Strasbourg has the oldest and largest Christmas market in France, which you can feel immediately when you walk through the old town. Since 1570, Strasbourg has been transformed into a true winter wonderland with hundreds of stalls, thousands of lights and a huge illuminated Christmas tree on Place Kléber.

Around the cathedral, you can buy lovely Christmas decorations and gifts. For delicacies, head to Place des Meuniers, where you can sample all kinds of local Christmas specialities. If you want to do your shopping for Christmas dinner, go to Place d'Austerlitz. For families with children, there is a special Christmas market on Place Saint-Thomas. In the La Petite France district, you will find the OFF market, where you can buy sustainable and organic products.

Colmar – The most romantic Christmas market in France

When? 25 November to 29 December 2025 (except 25/12)

Colmar is a charming town in Alsace that turns into a fairytale in winter. The colourful half-timbered houses, twinkling lights and cosy squares create an atmosphere that immediately puts you in the Christmas spirit. The centre is compact and easy to explore in a day. Spread throughout the town are six Christmas markets, each with its own character and all within walking distance of each other.

• Place des Dominicains: Colmar's largest Christmas market.
• Petite Venise: Romantic and child-friendly. Along the canals, you will find wooden chalets with stalls selling handmade gifts and hot chocolate.
• Place Jeanne d'Arc: Here, everything revolves around regional products and delicacies from Alsace.
• Koïfhus: In this medieval trading house, you will find an indoor Christmas market where local artists and craftsmen present their work.
• Place de Cathédrale: Gastronomic Christmas market with dishes from local chefs.
• Place de l'Ancienne: The most photogenic market, around the Schwendi fountain, with views of the half-timbered houses, Christmas decorations and a large Advent calendar that reveals a new window every day.

Mulhouse – A textile city full of light, colour and tradition

When? 21 November to 27 December 2025 (except 25/12)

Mulhouse is known for its textile history, which is reflected in the Christmas market. Every year, a new, exclusive fabric is used as decoration, which can be found throughout the city to honour its textile past. This year's theme is “Perles du Rhin” (Rhine pearls) with blue and gold motifs. During your visit, you can enjoy a glass of mulled wine or sample “bredele”, the typical Christmas biscuits from Alsace.

Gérardmer – Cosy Christmas market surrounded by nature

When? 14th November to 4th January 2026

Gérardmer is a charming town surrounded by forests and mountains. The Christmas market around the church square is small but very atmospheric, with handmade products, mulled wine, pain d'épices (gingerbread) and local specialities.

There are plenty of activities for families and children. There are workshops, Christmas concerts and sometimes a carousel or ice rink. Those who enjoy winter sports can combine a day of skiing or hiking in the mountains with a visit to the Christmas market.

Atmospheric stays in the Vosges and Alsace

Discover our lovely holiday homes in the Vosges and Alsace, perfect for a winter trip to the Christmas markets. We have listed 4 of them for you. Let Christmas begin.

Christmas fun in Le Saulcy, Grand Est

Detached holiday home for 6 people, attractively furnished and carefully restored. Located in the woods, offering plenty of peace and privacy, approx. 2 km from the village of Le Saulcy and 9 km from Senones. The Christmas markets of Strasbourg and Colmar are within easy reach. Strasbourg is only an hour's drive away.

This holiday home in brief:

• Wonderfully peaceful location, surrounded by nature.
• Beautifully restored former farmhouse.
• Large grounds surrounding the house.
• A beautiful walking area.

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Charming holiday home in Le Val-d'Ajol, in Grand Est

This spacious, detached holiday home is located on the edge of the forest in a small hamlet, just 2 km from the village of Le Val-d'Ajol. From the terrace and the large garden, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the valley and the village. The house is well furnished, ideal for families or groups of up to 10 people.

This holiday home in brief:

• Beautiful views over the valley and hills.
• Attractive, peaceful location on the edge of the forest.
• Pleasant garden where you can relax.
• Excellent walking opportunities.
• Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing opportunities in the area.

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Cosy chalet in La Bresse, in Grand Est

This charming, detached chalet is located in the heart of the Vosges, about 2.5 km from La Bresse. The chalet has 2 spacious terraces, one of which is covered. Suitable for 7–9 people, with a panoramic view of the wooded hills of the valley. La Bresse has excellent facilities all year round, such as a modern indoor swimming complex with a slide, sauna and hammam.

This holiday home in brief:

• Ideal for walkers.
• There are excellent skiing and cross-country skiing opportunities in the immediate vicinity.
• Attractively furnished detached chalet.
• Terrace with a magnificent view.

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Holiday home with a view in Saulxures-sur-Moselotte, in Grand Est

This delightful detached chalet with a spacious garden and covered terrace is located in the heart of the Vosges, approximately 3.5 kilometres from Saulxures-sur-Moselotte. It can accommodate 8 people and has 3 spacious bedrooms. At an altitude of 600 metres, you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-covered landscape. In winter, the ski resorts of Ventron (13 km), La Bresse (17 km) and Gérardmer (25 km) are within easy reach.

This holiday home in brief:

• Ideal for walkers.
• Panoramic views over the surrounding hilly landscape.
• Comfortably furnished, completely detached chalet.
• Large, well-maintained grounds.
• Spacious, covered terrace.

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Ready to experience winter in the Vosges and Alsace?

Discover our range of holiday homes in France or contact us for personal advice. We are happy to help you on your way to your Christmas and winter adventure in the Vosges and Alsace.