Strasbourg is a city that truly shines during the holiday season, thanks to its famous Christmas markets and charming Alsace villages. Its blend of historic charm, local craftsmanship, and festive cheer makes it an ideal destination for anyone wanting to experience authentic Alsatian culture. Whether you’re after the magic of Strasbourg’s illuminated markets, a scenic day exploring quaint villages, or a luxurious shopping spree, there’s a tour for you. Among our favorites are the immersive Christmas market tours that offer insider tips and festive stories, and the full-day trips to Alsace’s picturesque villages along the wine route, where you can taste regional specialties and find unique gifts. If relaxation is your goal, the combination of shopping at Roppenheim outlets and unwinding in Baden Baden’s thermal baths is perfect.
For those who want a deeper dive into Strasbourg’s holiday traditions, the guided walks and intimate experiences like the Christmas Market Magic in Strasbourg with a Local highlight the city’s most festive spots with personal stories and tastings. Meanwhile, travelers seeking a broader shopping experience can enjoy a combination trip to Roppenheim and Baden Baden, mixing retail therapy with spa relaxation.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of shopping and market tours, from full-day excursions to short guided walks. You’ll find options that focus on Christmas markets, Alsace village visits, culinary tastings, and luxury shopping. Each offers a unique lens on Strasbourg and the surrounding region, with options suited for budget travelers, food lovers, and those seeking a relaxed spa day. Check out the detailed descriptions below to find your perfect match.
1. From Strasbourg: Alsace Villages & Colmar Christmas Market
At number 1, this full-day trip combines visits to two picturesque Alsace villages and the enchanting Christmas markets of Colmar. The tour is designed for those who want to explore beyond Strasbourg, soaking up the scenery of the wine route and tasting regional specialties. The journey begins with a scenic bus ride along the wine route, passing through Bergheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg, each famous for their timbered houses, narrow streets, and local charm. You’ll enjoy free time in Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, giving you plenty of opportunity to browse artisanal shops and sample Alsace wines. The highlight is visiting Colmar’s Christmas markets spread across six neighborhoods, where every corner is festooned with lights, and stalls tempt with local treats, handmade gifts, and mulled wine.
This tour is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 63 reviews, making it a popular choice. The audio guides in 11 languages add value, especially if you’re eager to learn about Alsace’s history while shopping and sightseeing. The 10.5-hour duration makes it a full immersion, and the price of $129 offers good value for an in-depth experience of the region.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing, local culture, and Christmas cheer in one day, with plenty of time to explore at their own pace.
2. Strasbourg: Christmas Market Tour
At number 2, this guided walking tour focuses solely on the famous Strasbourg Christmas Market, rated 4.5 out of 5 from 93 reviews. For just $46 per person and in just 2 hours, you’ll explore the most iconic stalls and hidden gems of Europe’s oldest Christmas market. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll hear stories behind the market’s traditions, learn about Strasbourg’s unique festive customs, and get insider tips on where to find the best mulled wine and crafts. It’s a great option if you’re short on time but want a meaningful, local perspective.
Walking through the decorated streets, your guide will point out the best places to buy handmade ornaments, local culinary specialties, and share fun anecdotes about the market’s history. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an authentic glimpse into Strasbourg’s Christmas traditions.
Bottom Line: An affordable, well-paced introduction to the city’s festive season, perfect for those wanting a local touch without a full-day commitment.
3. Strasbourg: Christmas Market by Night with Mulled Wine
Number 3 offers a magical experience—seeing Strasbourg’s Christmas market after dark. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 12 reviews, this 2-hour tour for $53 takes you through the market illuminated by thousands of lights, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere. The highlight is tasting Alsatian mulled wine as you stroll past stalls shimmering with decorations. It’s a relaxed way to enjoy the festive ambiance, especially if you love evening sightseeing.
The tour uncovers hidden corners and lesser-known stalls, making it a more intimate experience. Guides share stories about Strasbourg’s Christmas traditions and the history behind the decorations. The combination of night lights, warm drinks, and lively atmosphere makes this a not-to-miss for romantics and night owls.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a cozy, atmospheric tour at the most enchanting time of day—perfect after a day of sightseeing or shopping.
4. Christmas Market Magic in Strasbourg with a Local
Number 4 is an intimate, approx. 1-hour tour rated 5.0 out of 5, priced at $97.17. Led by a passionate local, this experience provides a personal view of Strasbourg’s main Christmas highlights, including the Place Kleber Christmas Tree and the original Christkindlmarkt. You’ll walk through the Place Broglie, sampling mulled wine or Christmas beer, while learning about local traditions.
What makes this tour special is its focus on authentic local stories and sampling regional delicacies. The guide’s warmth and knowledge make it feel more like a friendly walk with a friend than a formal tour. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a personalized, insider experience without a large crowd.
Reviews praise the guide’s storytelling and ability to reveal Strasbourg’s true holiday spirit. If your time is limited but you want to truly feel the city during Christmas, this is a top pick.
Bottom Line: A short but meaningful tour ideal for those who want to connect personally with Strasbourg’s holiday traditions.
5. Shopping at Roppenheim and Spa at Baden Baden
Number 5 combines luxury shopping with spa relaxation. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 review and priced at about $193.51 for 5-6 hours, this tour is perfect if you crave retail therapy and pampering. You’ll start at Roppenheim The Style Outlets, known for discounted designer brands, where you can shop for hours without the crowds of city stores. Then, after a break, you’ll head to Baden Baden’s Caracalla Therme, with its thermal pools, waterfalls, and massage jets.
This tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy a little bit of everything—shopping, spa, and scenic drives. The guide is praised for being kind and helpful, making the experience smooth and enjoyable. The combination of high-end outlet shopping and relaxing baths offers excellent value, especially for those with a day to spare.
Bottom Line: Great for shoppers and spa lovers who want a relaxed, upscale experience outside Strasbourg.
$193.51 per person
6. Strasbourg Christmas Market Tour and Culinary City Tour with Tastings
At number 6, this 3-hour food tour rated 5/5 is perfect for foodies. You’ll explore Strasbourg’s festive markets with a local guide, stopping at 5-6 locations for tastings of savory, sweet, and drink specialties. It’s a wonderful way to sample regional dishes like pretzels, sauerkraut, and Christmas treats, all while learning about Alsace’s culinary traditions.
This tour is ideal for those who want more than sightseeing—a hands-on, delicious journey through Strasbourg’s holiday flavors. The guide carefully selects authentic vendors and local producers, ensuring you taste genuine Alsatian fare. It’s a fantastic option for first-timers eager to combine shopping, sightseeing, and eating.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, intimate experience that pairs well with other sightseeing, especially in the winter months when the market stalls are at their best.
$123 per person
7. Strasbourg Christmas Market Small Group Walking Tour
This small-group tour, approximately 1.5 hours long, is rated 3.5/5 and costs $0 (free). It’s especially suited for travelers wanting a personalized introduction to Strasbourg’s oldest Christmas markets. Led by a guide who shares detailed history and cultural insights, you’ll visit highlights like Cathedrale Notre Dame and Place Kleber with its spectacular Christmas Tree.
The small size ensures you can ask questions freely and get personalized recommendations on where to buy artisanal crafts or try local culinary treats. The focus on history and culture makes it appealing for curious visitors who want context along with their holiday stroll.
Bottom Line: A brief but enriching tour that’s perfect for first-time visitors who want an insider’s look into Strasbourg’s Christmas traditions.
$0.00 per person
8. Strasbourg: Christmas Market and City 3 Hour Walking Tour
Number 8 offers a comprehensive 3-hour overview of Strasbourg’s highlights, including the Cathedral, La Petite France, and the Christmas Market. While the rating isn’t specified, this tour appeals to those wanting a balanced mix of sightseeing and festive fun. You’ll stroll through historic districts, admire Gothic architecture, and sample some Alsatian treats.
The tour emphasizes visual splendor and local flavor, making it an efficient way to get acquainted with Strasbourg’s most photogenic spots and holiday spirit. It’s best suited for travelers who prefer a guided, rundown.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a structured walk covering city highlights and Christmas decorations in just a few hours.
$726 per person
9. Visit the Authentic Christmas Market in Obernai
Finally, number 9 takes you out of Strasbourg to Obernai, just a short drive away. This day-trip offers authentic Alsatian flavor in a gourmet, cozy setting. You’ll stroll among illuminated chalets, sampling regional specialties like local cheeses, baked goods, and mulled wine. The historical center provides a picturesque backdrop, making it a perfect escape for those seeking a genuine holiday experience.
Rated for its gourmet atmosphere and welcoming ambiance, Obernai’s market is less crowded than Strasbourg’s, giving you a more relaxed shopping and tasting environment. It’s particularly suited for food lovers and anyone wanting a peaceful, authentic holiday outing.
Bottom Line: A charming, less hectic alternative to Strasbourg’s markets, great for a relaxed day of sampling and sightseeing.
$105 per person
How to Choose the Best Shopping & Market Tour in Strasbourg
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, time, and interests. If you only have a couple of hours and want a deep dive into Strasbourg’s decorations and traditions, the Small Group Walking Tour offers a personalized touch. For those eager to explore Alsace villages and Christmas markets in one day, the Villages & Colmar Christmas Market provides a comprehensive experience.
If your priority is shopping, the Roppenheim outlets combined with Baden Baden spas provide a luxurious escape, blending retail therapy with relaxation. Food lovers should consider the Culinary City Tour, which combines festive markets with tastings of regional dishes.
Timing is also key—book early for popular tours like the full-day Alsace villages trip during peak Christmas season, and check availability for small-group or private experiences if you prefer a more personalized touch.
Final Thoughts
Strasbourg offers a wide variety of shopping and market tours that cater to different interests and schedules. For a full immersion in Alsace’s holiday spirit, the From Strasbourg: Alsace Villages & Colmar Christmas Market delivers a detailed cultural and scenic experience. If you’re after a more intimate, local perspective, the Christmas Market Magic in Strasbourg with a Local is hard to beat.
Travelers seeking luxury shopping and spa relaxation will love the combination of outlet shopping and thermal baths. Meanwhile, culinary enthusiasts can indulge in tastings that bring Alsace’s flavors to life. Whatever your style, Strasbourg’s markets and shopping tours promise memorable holiday moments—just remember to book early to secure your spot during the busy season.