Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg

Experience the Charm of Alsace at Christmas in a way that combines comfort, authentic local atmosphere, and a small-group touch. For around 7 hours, you’ll explore Strasbourg’s famous market and then venture out into the picturesque towns of Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim. Priced at about $154.76 per person, this tour offers a well-rounded taste of the region’s festive spirit, with the added benefit of a max group size of 8 for a more personal experience.

What makes this trip special? We love how it balances guided storytelling with free time to wander and shop at the markets. The comfortable minivan transportation means you won’t have to worry about parking or navigation, and the small group format ensures a more intimate, relaxed atmosphere. Plus, the diverse stops—ranging from bustling markets to quaint villages—give you a layered view of Alsace’s holiday traditions.

One potential drawback? The tour is somewhat time-pressed, especially if you’re eager to linger longer at each market or town. You might find yourself feeling a bit rushed in some spots, like Colmar or Riquewihr, especially during peak times. Still, for those looking to maximize their Christmas market experience without the hassle of driving, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience is best suited for travelers who want a curated, scenic, and festive day out—especially those who enjoy local history, beautiful towns, and small-group intimacy. Family groups, couples, or solo travellers who value knowledgeable guides and authentic charm will find it especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Small-group experience: Limited to 8 travelers for personalized attention
• Comfortable transportation: Modern minivans make the journey smooth and hassle-free
• Diverse stops: From the grand Strasbourg markets to postcard-perfect villages like Riquewihr and Kaysersberg
• Flexible itinerary: Depending on the date, visits may include Eguisheim or Bergheim, offering different festive atmospheres
• Learn and explore: Guided walking tours combined with free time for shopping and soaking in the holiday cheer
• Value for money: Access to multiple markets, scenic drives, and expert commentary in one well-priced package

A Deep Dive into the Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour

If you’re visiting Strasbourg during the holiday season, chances are you’ve already heard about the city’s famed Christmas market, which is the largest in France. But this tour offers more than just the main square. It’s a chance to see the region’s holiday spirit radiate through a selection of cozy towns and villages, each with its own unique take on Christmas cheer.

The Journey Begins: Strasbourg to Colmar

You start your day at Central Place in Strasbourg, meeting your guide and small group by 9:00 am. From there, it’s about a 50-minute drive in a late-model minivan through the scenic French countryside. The comfort of the vehicle is immediately appreciated after a long walk through Strasbourg’s bustling streets.

Our guide, whose engaging storytelling and friendly manner shine through in reviews, shared insights into the region’s culture and traditions. We loved the way our guide, Thierry, explained the local history as we drove, making the journey feel like part of the experience rather than just transportation.

Arriving in Colmar, one of the region’s most charming towns, you’re greeted by a postcard view—medieval buildings with brightly painted facades lining the Lauch River, all decorated with glittering lights and Christmas adornments. The guided walk through Old Town is a highlight, with the guide pointing out historic landmarks and explaining the town’s festive decorations.

Exploring the Christmas Markets in Colmar

You’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore Colmar’s markets at your own pace. As one reviewer noted, “Colmar was every bit as charming and storybook like you would imagine.” The markets are a labyrinth of stalls selling local crafts, Alsace wines, roasted chestnuts, and delicious seasonal treats.

Here, you’ll find the perfect blend of authenticity and festive spectacle—brightly lit stalls, the scent of mulled wine, and cheerful crowds. Many travelers appreciated the ample free time to browse and soak in the atmosphere, though some noted feeling a bit rushed, especially if they wanted to linger longer.

The Villages and the Alsace Wine Route

After lunch (own expense), the tour continues along the famous Alsace Wine Route, winding through frosted vineyards and small villages. The day’s itinerary depends on the specific date of your visit. Possible stops include Eguisheim, known for its medieval charm, or Bergheim, with its cozy Christmas Cribs market.

One reviewer raved about Kaysersberg, calling it “truly magical,” and shared how their guide, Magalie, was both fun and knowledgeable. Other popular options include the medieval Christmas market in Riquewihr, which is described as picturesque and medieval—perfect for lovers of history and fairy-tale scenery.

Authentic Village Experiences

The small villages are often the highlight for travelers seeking authentic local flavor. You’ll see twinkling lights, medieval architecture, and stalls selling regional specialties. Many reviews noted how charming and quaint these places are, with hot wines and local crafts creating a cozy, festive feeling.

The Return to Strasbourg

Around 4:00 pm, your tour winds down, and you’ll head back into Strasbourg. Most travelers agree that the trip offers a well-balanced mix of guided touring and free time, allowing you to enjoy both structured insights and personal exploration.

Why This Tour Works

The small-group setting really makes a difference—you’re less likely to feel lost in a crowd, and the guide’s stories and tips feel more personal. Reviewers frequently praised guides like Magalie and Thierry for their knowledge, enthusiasm, and friendliness. They truly enhance the experience by sharing stories, history, and local recommendations.

The transportation in a comfortable minivan ensures a relaxed ride, especially when covering multiple stops in one day. The scenic drives through the Alsace countryside are part of the charm, giving you views of frosty vineyards and quaint villages that look like they belong in a holiday card.

Many travelers found the value of this tour to be high, considering it covers multiple towns, transport, and guided commentary for a reasonable price. The free time at markets allows for personal shopping and sampling—something many found to be the best way to experience local holiday traditions.

A Few Considerations

While the tour is generally praised, some reviews mention feeling rushed or wishing for more time at certain markets. If you’re someone who loves to linger and explore every detail, you might find the schedule a bit tight. Also, the tour doesn’t include meals or entrance fees, so budget accordingly if you want to visit specific attractions or indulge in local cuisine.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy small, intimate groups and appreciate guided storytelling combined with free exploration, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suitable for those who want to visit multiple towns without the hassle of driving or parking, and who value authentic, festive atmospheres over large, commercialized markets.

Families with older children, couples, or solo travelers looking for a well-organized day of Christmas cheer will find it rewarding. You’ll love the variety of stops and the chance to see quaint villages and historic towns decorated for the holidays.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to several Christmas markets in towns like Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim, plus guided walks and transport in comfortable minivans.

How long do we stay in each market?
Expect about 1 to 1.5 hours at each stop, giving you time to browse, shop, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children under 4 are not allowed, and the tour typically caters to travelers comfortable with walking and some time on their feet. Child seats are available upon request.

What should I bring?
Warm clothes, comfortable shoes, and a small bag for shopping are recommended. The markets are outdoors, so dress accordingly.

Does the tour include lunch?
No, lunch is at your own expense. There are plenty of market stalls offering snacks and regional treats.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather, but if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How big is the group?
The maximum group size is 8 people, providing an intimate experience and more personalized attention.

Where does the tour end?
It concludes in Strasbourg city center around 4 pm, just outside the Grande-Ile district. The exact location is arranged with the guide.

To sum it up, this Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour offers a delightful way to soak up festive cheer in some of France’s most charming towns. Its size, comfort, and mix of guided insight with free time make it a solid choice for anyone wanting a manageable, authentic holiday experience. If you love exploring quaint villages, sampling regional wines, and enjoying fairy-tale scenery, this trip is sure to brighten your holiday season.