Alsace Christmas Markets, the Private Way: Strasbourg, Colmar, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Eguisheim

Why Alsace is still Europe’s capital of Christmas

Strasbourg’s Christkindelsmärik, documented since 1570, is among the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Around it, Colmar and the villages of the wine route have shaped a tradition of their own: illuminated half-timbered houses, wooden stalls, bredele biscuits, gingerbread, spiced mulled wine and the great white wines of Alsace. Five major destinations within an hour’s drive of each other — that density is what makes the region unique.

The downside is well known. On Advent weekends the historic centres fill up, car parks close and restaurants are booked weeks ahead. For a family, a collector or an executive hosting guests, the experience can quickly lose its charm. This is where a private concierge earns its place.

What “the private way” actually means

Nobody privatises a public market, and that is not the point. The point is to orchestrate everything around it so that you keep only the best:

• The right time slot: weekday or early visits before the crowds, and a calm retreat just as they arrive.
• Effortless mobility: a private driver and dedicated vehicle, dropping you as close as permitted to the pedestrian and security perimeters.
• The tables that matter: authentic winstubs as well as the region’s gastronomic houses, lunch at a wine estate, private dinners.
• Doors that open: tastings with winegrowers, meetings with glass, ceramic and decoration artisans, tours with licensed guides.
• A refuge: a characterful hotel, a manor house or a private residence with a chef for family evenings.

The five stops on the circuit

Strasbourg, the Christkindelsmärik and the cathedral

The Alsatian capital spreads its markets from Place de la Cathédrale to Place Broglie, beneath the great tree on Place Kléber. The market traditionally runs from late November to 24 December; the 2026 dates will be confirmed by the city. Our full approach is set out in the Strasbourg Christmas market, the private way.

Colmar, Little Venice in lights

Colmar gathers several markets in its old town from 23 November to 29 December 2026, and makes the ideal base for the villages. Discover the Colmar Christmas market, the private way.

Kaysersberg, a weekend-only Christmas

Below its castle, Kaysersberg opens its market only on Advent weekends, Friday to Sunday — a rhythm that calls for careful planning. Everything is explained in the Kaysersberg Christmas market, the private way.

Riquewihr, the jewel of the vineyards

Ramparts, the Dolder tower, cobbled lanes and historic cellars: Riquewihr is the most wine-minded of the Christmas markets. Read the Riquewihr Christmas market, the private way.

Eguisheim, the village built in circles

Laid out in concentric rings around its castle, Eguisheim offers the most intimate setting of the circuit. See the Eguisheim Christmas market, the private way.

Indicative 2026 calendar

• Colmar: 23 November to 29 December 2026; the gourmet market and the Place Rapp big wheel until 3 January 2027.
• Kaysersberg: Advent weekends, Friday to Sunday — 27-29 November, 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20 December 2026.
• Riquewihr and Eguisheim: daily from 26 November to 29 December 2026, closed 25 December (indicative dates, to be reconfirmed with the tourist offices).
• Strasbourg: traditionally late November to 24 December; 2026 dates awaiting official publication.

We always check opening hours against official sources before finalising a programme.

Three ways to do the circuit

The three-day escape: arrive in Strasbourg, spend a day in the city, then use Colmar as a base for Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim. The family week: a house on the wine route, a private chef in the evening and every visit made in the morning before the crowds. The corporate welcome: hosting clients or partners with a private dinner in a residence or a wine cellar, and gifts from Alsatian artisans.

How we work

AC PRIVATE - A List concierge was born in Strasbourg. Our private concierge designs every programme to measure, with private drivers, a private chef and hand-picked partners. Every proposal is personal and confidential, with no public price list. To begin, write to us through our contact page.

Frequently asked questions

Can you privatise a Christmas market in Alsace?

No — the markets are public spaces. The private experience covers everything around them: visiting times, transport, tables, guided tours, tastings and accommodation.

When is the best time to visit the Alsace Christmas markets?

Weekdays in late November and early December are the calmest. Kaysersberg, however, only opens Friday to Sunday, so the circuit has to be built around its weekends.

Should we stay in Strasbourg or Colmar?

It depends on the programme. Strasbourg suits the city and the European Parliament; Colmar or a house on the wine route is more practical for the villages.

Do you provide a driver between the villages?

Yes. A private driver and dedicated vehicle connect Strasbourg, Colmar and the villages, with drop-offs as close as the pedestrian perimeters allow.

Can a private dinner be arranged during the circuit?

Yes — at a wine estate, a private residence or wherever you are staying, with a private chef and a selection of Alsace wines.

Are the 2026 market dates final?

Colmar and Kaysersberg have published theirs; Riquewihr and Eguisheim are indicative and Strasbourg is still to be confirmed. We check every opening time before finalising your programme.

Photographs: real, credited images from Wikimedia Commons.