Kaysersberg Christmas Market Guide 2024 (Events & Illuminations)

Last Updated on 28th October 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.

One of the most delightful and surprisingly large Christmas Markets in Alsace that’s a little off the beaten path are the festive events that take place in Kasyersberg. Here’s your guide to the Kaysersberg Christmas market, as well as travel tips and what to know before you go (which is sometimes known as the Authentic Christmas Market Kaysersberg).

Kaysersberg Christmas Market Dates 2024: Nov 29 – Dec 1 2024, Dec 6 – 8 2024, Dec 13 – 15 2023, Dec 20 – 22 2024 (over four weekends), from 10 AM – 8 PM on Christmas Market opening days

Kaysersberg is a dreamy little town in the Alsace which is best-known for its location along the Alsatian wine route. Its moniker literally means “Mountain of the Emperor” in German and come Christmastime, the entirety of the pastel hued timber framed settlement is transformed into a winter wonderland.

I personally visited the town during the Christmas market period in 2019 and then again in 2022. Each time I found the town to be simply delightful and the Christmas markets a little less busy than those in more touristic locations such as Colmar or even Eguisheim.

If you have the time to spare, do be sure to hang around after dark in order to enjoy the twinkling lights and illuminated decorations. Just note that this Christmas market only takes place on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays so you’ll have to plan your trip accordingly to squeeze in a weekend visit.

I really do recommend planning a stop during your trip, and it turns out I’m not the only person who thinks so! During an RTL Radio competition, Kaysersberg was actually awarded “Best Christmas market in France 2022″!

If you’re looking for more Christmas Market inspiration be sure to check out our suggestions for the perfect Christmas Market road trip itinerary.

A brief history of the Kaysersberg Christmas Market

While some Alsatian Christmas Markets have pretty long and storied histories, that of Kaysersberg is nowhere near as long and there has actually only been an annual Christmas Market in town since 1987.

Since its inception, the Christmas Market has been run by the ‘Noël à Kaysersberg’ association. This group of townspeople’s main aim is to spread the Christmas spirit in Kaysersberg and create the kind of Christmas Market which rivals even the best of Europe.

Each year 30 crafts people are carefully selected by the municipality in order to sell their wares. You’ll find plenty of unique souvenirs and trinkets including wooden toys, handwoven fabric products, and artisanal food and drink.

Over the course of Advent, up to 300,000 visitors are welcomed into Kaysersberg in order to enjoy the lights, purchase souvenirs and indulge in local food and drink.

Kaysersberg Christmas Market locations

Like many of the Alsace towns, large swathes of Kaysersberg’s town centre is closed to tourist vehicles in favour of being almost completely pedestrianised. And one of my favourite aspects of checking out the chalets in Kaysersberg is that the gifts and wares for sale can often feel more authentic than some of the larger markets.

There is no one particular Christmas Market location per se, but rather stalls are scattered across the historic city centre, just off the main street. The two main locations where you’ll find stalls include in the courtyard of the town hall (Marché Paysan) and around the Cour de l’Arsenal and on the lane behind the Sainte-Croix church (Marché Authentique).

The square in front of the town hall hosts a ‘marché paysan’ (rural market) where you can find all sorts of yummy treats for sale. Jams, cheeses, and syrups among other goodies can be picked up here. This is also my favourite spot to grab a vin chaud as there are a few tables where you can sit and drink with your friends outside. During our 2023 visit it even snowed a little bit!

Decorations in Kaysersberg

One of the best parts about a winter visit to Kaysersberg is the chance to enjoy all of the beautiful Christmas decorations. As well as all of the lights and festive baubles and wreaths, one of the cutest aspects is all of the plush toys and stuffed animals which are used to adorn the side of centuries old timber-framed buildings. Some of the best streets to see decorations include:

• Grand Rue – this is the obvious starting point for any venture through Kaysersberg as it also happens to be the main road running through town! There are lots of restaurants and shop fronts here.
• Fortified bridge – best seen at night time when the remains of the castle towering above the rest of the town are illuminated, the fortified bridge crosses the River Weiss and provides beautiful views back into Kaysersberg town centre.
• Place de l’Église – the central fountain here is centuries old and is particularly magical during the Christmas period when it is all dressed up!

Aside from all of the shop front windows (known as vitrines in French) there is another free Christmas exhibition in the form of Salle de l’Arsenal, just next to the tourist office. This can be found at 39 Rue du Général de Gaulle and every year a new Christmas theme is displayed there.

If you want to truly get into the Christmas spirit, another free event is Christmas concerts which are held in the Sainte-Croix Church on Advent Sundays at 4pm.

Food at the Kaysersbrg Christmas Market

Of course, one of the defining features of any Christmas Market in France, and indeed in Europe, is the chance to sample some delicious food and drink. Kaysersberg is no exception and so here are some of the goodies you can sample:

• Vin Chaud: The French version of mulled wine is served piping hot and spiced. Most versions of this are red wine, but you can get white wine versions. Cold wine glasses are also for sale in real wine glasses (refundable deposit required) in the market in front of the town hall. Hot chocolate and spiced apple juice can also be found across the market!
• Bredalas (also known as bredeles): These baked cookies have a history dating all the way back to the Renaissance period and are often baked in fun shapes.
• Kougelhopfs: This cake is similar to a Bundt cake and is a kind of festive brioche cooked in a ring pan.

How to visit Kaysersberg Christmas Market

The easiest way to get to Kaysersberg is by renting your own vehicle (check car rental comparison prices here). There is a fair bit of parking in a field a 5 – 10 minute walk away from the town and it’s clearly signposted so you won’t be able to miss it.

If you would prefer to go on a day trip from one of the larger towns and not have to worry about renting and driving a vehicle in France, then this day trip from Colmar will take you to Kaysersberg as well as a few other towns which have Christmas Markets.

Yet another way to reach the market is to take the Christmas Shuttle from Colmar. This runs throughout the festive period and will conveniently take you to markets including Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr and Turckheim.

Where to stay in Kaysersberg

If you’re the kind of traveller who enjoys smaller towns with local cafés and a friendly vibe, then consider staying overnight in Kaysersberg so that you get to experience all of the illuminations without the day trippers. Here are some of the best places to stay in Kaysersberg (based on web-reviews and location):

Hotel KLE, Kaysersberg: This cosy four-star hotel is conveniently located in the heart of town. Amenities include free Wi-Fi and a bar onsite. Check prices and availability here.

Le Chambard · Hôtel Restaurants Spa Alsace: For a crème de la crème experience during your time in Kaysersberg, you’ll want to check yourself into this five-star hotel. Highlights include a pool, spa, and restaurant onsite. Check prices and availability here.

Enjoyed reading this guide to the Kaysersberg Christmas Market? Pin this article now, read it again later: