Behind its 13th-century ramparts and the Dolder watchtower, the Riquewihr Christmas Market occupies a village that has barely changed since the 1500s. Once a wealthy Winzerdorf that exported Riesling across the Holy Roman Empire, Riquewihr now fills its single cobblestoned main street with around 100 stalls, and the municipality still hand-selects every vendor for quality over volume.
Riquewihr Christmas Market 2026
Dates and Location
Status: Confirmed
Riquewihr dates: 27th November to 20th December 2026
Last checked: July 2026
Source: Visit Alsace
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Location: Riquewihr Old Town.
Opening times:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 6:30pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 7:30pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date announced. The lights are switched off at 10pm each evening to save energy.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: No.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion. You can take the shuttle from Colmar to Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg and Riquewihr markets.
Reason to visit: Traditional crafts, regional goods, authentic Alsatian wines and cider. Plus Medieval half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets.
Food specialities: Alsatian wines, pastries, cheeses, traditional sausages and flammekueche.
Where to stay: Hôtel De La Couronne is a popular option.
Convenient Hotels
To be central, you’ll want to stay in the Centre Ville area, the historic heart of the Old Town. This is near the market and the beautiful old half-timbered houses.
I recommend the Hôtel De La Couronne in this area as it’s popular and highly rated.
Read our complete guide to the French Christmas Markets or our popular Alsace Christmas Markets list.
Event Location
What to Expect
Over winter, Riquewihr is illuminated by festive lights, casting a warm glow on its medieval architecture. The town’s rich history and winemaking tradition, along with its renowned food specialties, add to the overall experience. Alsatian wines, festive pastries, bretzels, and traditional confectionery are hugely popular and worth trying.
Regional Specialties
- Bretzels: Usually, you’ll find them both salted for those who want a savoury treat and coated with sugar for a sweet variation.
- Vin Chaud: Hot mulled wine served in collectible mugs.
- Flammekueche: Also known as tarte flambée, this is a local speciality resembling a thin-crust pizza.
- Choucroute Garnie: A generous serving of sauerkraut accompanied by various types of meat, often including sausages and pork. It’s a filling dish that pairs well with the local white wines.
- Männele: These are small, bread-like figures often resembling little men. Made of brioche dough and studded with chocolate or raisins.
- Kouglof: This Alsatian brioche is often baked in a distinctive circular bundt pan.
- Pain d’épices: A rich, spiced bread.
- Local Confectionery: Sweets such as macarons, truffles, and nougat are frequently available.
- Roast Chestnuts: Look for stalls roasting chestnuts for a simple, warm snack.
- Hot Chocolate: Several stalls serve hot chocolate, sometimes with the option to add a shot of spirits.
- Alsatian wines: The Alsace region is renowned for its exceptional wine production, particularly for Gewürztraminer and Riesling.
- Bredele: Small, bite-sized cookies typically made with almonds, spices, and aniseed.
- Raclette: Originating from Switzerland, raclette cheese is melted and scraped onto potatoes or a baguette.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
- Ornaments: Regional handcrafted designs.
- Alsace pottery: Plates, vases, serving dishes and decorative items.
- Local textiles: Scarves, tablecloths, and bags made with Alsatian patterns.
- Wine: Local bottles are available in gift boxes.
- Wooden toys: Toys made using traditional techniques.
- Alsatian cookbooks: Look for local recipe books, both traditional and contemporary.
- Hand-blown glass: Include ornaments and vases.
- Jams and preserves: Many flavours to choose from.
- Nativity sets: A unique gift to display back home.
Sustainability Tips
- Eco-friendly hotel: Select a hotel that is committed to sustainability.
- Mindful dining: To reduce food waste, consider sharing portions or ordering smaller sizes.
- Ethical shopping: Focus on purchasing items you genuinely need or will use.
- Sustainable food: Opt for dishes made from locally sourced, plant-based ingredients.
- Transport: The town is compact, with walkable streets.
Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon as definitive. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.
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