Capitale de Noël: Fairytale Alsace Christmas Markets of Strasbourg and Colmar

Marvel at the soaring 142-metre spire and medieval astronomical clock of this pink Vosges sandstone masterpiece. Step directly into the surrounding Place de la Cathédrale and Place du Château chalets for warm artisanal kouglof, freshly baked pretzels, and steaming mugs of Alsatian spiced white mulled wine (vin chaud blanc).

Adjoining the cathedral square, this 15th-century carved timber landmark is Strasbourg's most iconic dining institution. Warm up in the frescoed dining rooms with their signature fish choucroute (choucroute aux trois poissons) or slow-braised pork shank before the afternoon crowds pack the square.

The beating heart of Strasbourg Capitale de Noël. Stand beneath "Le Grand Sapin"—a monumental 30-metre natural fir brought from the Vosges mountains, decorated with 7 kilometres of fairy lights. Stroll through the Village du Partage, where charitable associations and local artisans sell traditional wooden crafts.

Wander through the UNESCO-listed tanners' quarter where 16th-century half-timbered houses overhang the River Ill. Browse the intimate gingerbread and artisan craft chalets around Place Benjamin-Zix, watching canal locks operate against a backdrop of festive pine garlands.

Climb to the rooftop viewing terrace of this 17th-century pink sandstone weir just as the December dusk falls. Take in the panoramic view of the three medieval Ponts Couverts watchtowers and the glowing cathedral spire lighting up the winter skyline.

The historic cradle of the Strasbourg Christmas Market, dating back to 1570. Pass beneath the monumental illuminated archway onto the tree-lined boulevard lined with over 100 chalets offering traditional glass baubles, hand-carved nativity figures, flammekueche (tarte flambée), and hot spiced cider.

Arrive in Colmar via the 30-minute direct TER train from Strasbourg. This market is sheltered beneath the soaring 14th-century stained-glass windows of the Dominican Church. Explore 60 wooden chalets specialising in regional timber decorations, handcrafted candles, and festive holiday wreaths.

Nicknamed Colmar's Cathedral, this Gothic masterpiece built from warm golden Rouffach sandstone features an intricate glazed tile roof. Admire the medieval portal and nativity exhibition inside before browsing the surrounding artisan stalls on Place de la Cathédrale.

Step inside the heated Renaissance hall of the 14th-century Old Custom House (Koïfhus), where master potters, glassblowers, woodcarvers, and bookbinders exhibit museum-quality crafts. Outside, chalets encircle the canal fountain for a lunch of hot choucroute or crusty baguettes with melted Munster cheese.

Colmar's most photographed storybook quarter along the Lauch canal. Half-timbered fishermen's houses painted in pastel hues are lavishly decorated with giant illuminated teddy bears, fir boughs, and holiday vignettes. Grab a hot apple juice spiced with cinnamon from Pont Saint-Pierre.

Recreating the atmosphere of a traditional Alsatian farming village, this square is dedicated exclusively to local terroir and gastronomy. Sample authentic duck foie gras, smoked mountain sausages, artisanal gingerbread (pain d'épices), and local cheeses.

End your day in front of this 1609 German Renaissance architectural gem adorned with 106 sculpted stone caricatures. Enjoy a farewell Alsatian dinner or tarte flambée paired with chilled Riesling or Pinot Blanc before heading back to Colmar station for your evening train.