Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Pick-up in front of Strasbourg Tourism Office. Your guide will have a sign with company logo and tour name. Please be ready 10 minutes before tour departure time.(17 Place de la Cathédrale, 67000 Strasbourg, France)
Accessibility:Not suitable for wheelchairs
Not allowed:Children under 4 years old of age
Know in advance:It's a shared sightseeing tour
The minimum number of participants is 2 people, and a maximum is 8. In case minimum numbers are not reached, the tour may be rescheduled or refunded
The tour is operated in English only
Prices are per person
The tour returns to Strasbourg, just outside the Grande-Ile district, with the exact address to be arranged with the guide
Strasbourg's Christmas market, known as the "Capital of Christmas," is one of Europe's largest, spreading across multiple squares with a grand, traditional ambiance focusing on diverse crafts and food. Colmar offers a more intimate, fairytale-like experience set within its charming canals and half-timbered houses, often featuring smaller, themed markets with local artisans and regional produce, creating a distinctively picturesque setting.
Alsace's Christmas markets are unique for their enchanting blend of French and German traditions, creating a magical atmosphere. Visitors are captivated by the festive lights, historic town settings, and authentic local crafts. You can indulge in regional culinary delights, admire intricate decorations, and soak in the charming appeal of picturesque villages, making it a truly immersive and memorable holiday experience.
A shared day trip typically includes a visit to the famous Colmar Christmas market, renowned for its stunning festive decorations. Beyond Colmar, tours often incorporate stops in other picturesque Alsace villages like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, or Kaysersberg. These villages are celebrated for their well-preserved medieval architecture and captivating holiday displays, offering a quintessential Alsatian Christmas experience.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market, one of France's oldest, offers a vibrant experience across several city squares. Key highlights include the impressive Grand Sapin (Christmas tree) at Place Kléber, numerous chalets selling artisan products, traditional Alsatian food, and warm mulled wine. The market's captivating light displays illuminate the historic city center and its magnificent cathedral, creating a truly festive atmosphere.
Visitors to the Colmar Christmas Market can expect an enchanting and intimate experience within the town's stunning "Little Venice" district. The market features five distinct themed areas, each showcasing local artisans, unique crafts, and delicious Alsatian delicacies. The festive illuminations and half-timbered houses create a truly magical, fairytale setting, often enhanced by local choirs and traditional music performances.
The Christmas markets in Alsace usually commence in late November, typically around the last weekend of the month. They continue operating throughout December, generally closing just before or shortly after Christmas Day. Specific dates can vary slightly each year, so it's always recommended to check the exact opening and closing times for the particular season you plan to visit.
A shared day trip from Strasbourg significantly enhances the experience by providing convenient, comfortable transportation and the expertise of a local driver-guide. This eliminates the complexities of navigating public transport or driving, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the markets. The guide offers valuable insights into the region's history and traditions, making the journey seamless and enriching.
At Alsace Christmas markets, visitors should seek out local culinary specialties such as traditional Bredeles (Alsatian cookies), pain d'épices (gingerbread), and various artisanal cheeses and charcuterie. For unique souvenirs, look for hand-blown glass ornaments, traditional wooden toys, and intricate ceramics. Warm beverages like spiced mulled wine (vin chaud) or hot apple juice are also popular market treats.