Christmas markets in the Vosges and Alsace 2026: dates and the most beautiful markets
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Christmas markets in the Vosges and Alsace are among the unmissable events of winter. Between illuminated villages, artisan chalets, local specialties and Advent traditions, each destination has its own atmosphere, from Gérardmer to the famous Alsatian villages.
In this guide, you will find the dates of the main Christmas markets in 2026 in the Vosges and Alsace , our selection of the most beautiful markets to discover and our advice for choosing which ones to visit during a stay around Gérardmer.
Which Christmas markets should I visit in the Vosges and Alsace in 2026?
From Gérardmer, it is easy to discover Christmas markets with very different atmospheres : the mountain atmosphere of Gérardmer and La Bresse, the Alsatian traditions of Munster or the magical settings of Colmar and the villages of the Wine Route.
Rather than trying to visit them all, here is a selection of the main Christmas markets in the Vosges and Alsace accessible from the Forest Lodge , their dates, their particularities and the travel time to allow.
Christmas Markets | Region | Dates 2026 | Why choose it? | From the Forest Lodge |
Gérardmer | Vosges | End of November 2026 → January 3, 2027 | Family atmosphere and entertainment | ~10 min |
La Bresse | Vosges | Dates for 2026 to be announced | Christmas in the mountains | ~15 min |
Munster | Alsace | December 5th | Authentic and friendly | ~35 min |
Colmar | Alsace | November 23 → December 29, 2026 | The most spectacular | ~55 min |
Eguisheim | Alsace | November 27 → December 23, then December 27 → December 30, 2026 | A small, magical village | ~50 min |
Kaysersberg | Alsace | Nov. 27–29, Dec. 4–6, Dec. 11–13 and Dec. 18–20 2026 | Alsatian craftsmanship and charm | ~55 min |
Riquewihr | Alsace | November 27 → December 20, 2026 | Medieval decor | ~1h |
Plombières-les-Bains | Vosges | December 5–6, 12–13 and 19–20, 2026 | Handcrafted and romantic atmosphere | ~50 min |
Some dates and schedules for 2026 are still being confirmed by the organizers. This article will be updated as official announcements are made.
To discover more villages and all the dates:
👉 Guide to Christmas markets in the Vosges 2026
👉 Guide to the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace 2026 .
Which Christmas market should I choose from Gérardmer?
If you only have time to choose one, we recommend Gérardmer for its proximity and family-friendly atmosphere. For a more exotic day trip, Colmar is the most spectacular choice, while Munster offers a more authentic and intimate Alsatian experience.
The choice therefore depends mainly on the atmosphere you're looking for and the time you have available. From the Forest Lodge, several of these markets can easily be explored during a single stay.
🎄 Gérardmer: for a family atmosphere
Just a few minutes from the Forest Lodge, the Gérardmer Christmas market is ideal for a first taste of the festive atmosphere. Wooden chalets, artisans, treats, and entertainment fill the town center with a friendly ambiance, especially enjoyable with children.
To prepare for your visit, check out our complete guide to Gérardmer Christmas market 2026 , with dates, program, our photos and our opinion.
🏔️ La Bresse: for Christmas in the mountains
In La Bresse, Christmas is experienced in the heart of the Vosges mountains. More intimate, the market blends local products, crafts and family entertainment , with the advantage of being able to easily combine your visit with a day in the High Vosges.
✨ Munster: for authentic Alsatian cheese
About 35 minutes from the chalet, Munster offers a lovely transition between the Vosges Mountains and Alsace. Its Christmas market is smaller than Colmar's, but its warm atmosphere, artisans, and local specialties make it one of our favorites for experiencing a more authentic Alsatian Christmas.
🌟 Colmar: for the magical
With its illuminated streets and various markets set up in the heart of the old town, Colmar offers the most spectacular experience of this selection. Very crowded in the run-up to Christmas, the city nevertheless deserves several hours of your time to fully appreciate the decorations, the markets, and the atmosphere.
Is it possible to visit several Christmas markets in one day from Gérardmer?
Yes. Gérardmer's location makes it possible to visit several Christmas markets in a single day , both in the Vosges and in Alsace. Ideally, however, it's best to choose markets that are close to each other so you can enjoy the atmosphere without spending the whole day on the road.
Here are three routes we recommend from the Forest Lodge.
🚆 Munster and Colmar: our ideal day trip between the Vosges and Alsace
One combination we particularly like is to drive to Munster , then leave the car there and take the train to Colmar .
The day can begin with exploring the markets and illuminated streets of Colmar. In the late afternoon, the train journey back to Munster offers a much more intimate atmosphere and the chance to enjoy its Christmas market at nightfall before continuing on to Gérardmer.
Forest Lodge → Munster by car → Colmar by train → return to Munster → Munster Christmas market → Forest Lodge.
This formula allows you to discover two very different faces of Christmas in Alsace while avoiding driving around and looking for a parking space in the center of Colmar during peak periods.
🚆 Good to know: the TER train connection between Munster and Colmar is direct and usually takes around 22 to 25 minutes. As timetables vary depending on the day, remember to check the SNCF timetables before you travel.
Our advice: also check the time of the last return Colmar → Munster before leaving, especially if you want to enjoy the illuminations of Colmar at the end of the day.
The reverse connection is also direct and takes around 21 to 23 minutes depending on the train.
🎄 Gérardmer and La Bresse: a Christmas day in the Vosges
To stay in the Vosges region, Gérardmer and La Bresse can easily be combined in a single day. You can start in Gérardmer, enjoy the lake and the town center, then head to La Bresse to discover a more mountainous Christmas atmosphere.
With both towns close to the Forest Lodge, this itinerary also leaves time to enjoy the chalet at the end of the day.
✨ Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim: a day in the heart of Alsatian villages
To discover the most traditional image of Christmas in Alsace , several villages on the Wine Route can be combined during the same day.
Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim each offer a different atmosphere, between medieval alleyways, half-timbered houses, Christmas decorations and small artisan chalets.
However, it's best not to try to see everything: during Advent, traffic and parking times can be longer. Visiting two villages at a leisurely pace is often better than rushing through three markets.
What to do in the Vosges during a Christmas stay?
Christmas markets are just one part of the winter delights around Gérardmer. During the holidays, the town and villages of the High Vosges come alive with illuminations, shows, and Saint Nicholas traditions.
🎅 To extend the magic with the children , head to the Reindeer Farm, a few kilometers from Gérardmer. Hidden among the reindeer and Vosges landscapes is even Santa's Vosges residence… but shh, it's a secret!
❄️ Between markets, winter can also be discovered in other ways: a stroll around the lakes, a hike in the snowy landscapes, sledding or a day on the slopes of Gérardmer and La Bresse.
To prepare for your stay, find all our ideas in our guide What to do in the Vosges in winter.
Where to stay to visit the Christmas markets of the Vosges and Alsace?
To discover both the Christmas markets of the Vosges and Alsace , staying around Gérardmer offers a particularly interesting situation: Gérardmer and La Bresse are accessible in a few minutes, while Munster, Colmar and the villages of the Wine Route can be easily reached for a day trip.
Located in Xonrupt-Longemer, the Forest Lodge offers the perfect opportunity to alternate between days spent exploring the Christmas markets and peaceful evenings in the Vosges mountains. After admiring the illuminations, the chalets, and enjoying mulled wine, guests return to their chalet to relax in the jacuzzi, sauna, and the surrounding forest during the winter months.
Another way to extend the magic of Christmas, once the markets have closed.
Want to go further? Find our complete guide to Christmas markets in the Vosges 2026 , from Gérardmer to La Bresse, Remiremont or Plombières-les-Bains, as well as our selection of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Alsace 2026 , from Munster to Colmar via the villages of the Wine Route.
To help you plan your stay throughout the year, check out our guide "What to do in the Vosges" , with our ideas for visits, walks and activities around Gérardmer throughout the year.
FAQ – Christmas Markets in the Vosges & Alsace from the Forest Lodge
What are the most beautiful Christmas markets to visit from Gérardmer?
To stay within the Vosges Mountains, Gérardmer and La Bresse are the easiest to explore. On the Alsatian side, Munster and Colmar are particularly accessible from the High Vosges. Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim also offer the chance to experience the traditional atmosphere of Alsatian villages during Advent.
Vosges or Alsace: which Christmas markets to choose?
The Christmas markets in the Vosges Mountains generally offer a more mountainous, family-oriented, and intimate atmosphere. In Alsace, the decorations are often more spectacular, and Christmas traditions are particularly prominent in the villages and historic centers.
The ideal thing to do when staying around Gérardmer is to discover both worlds.
Which Christmas market is closest to the Forest Lodge?
The Gérardmer Christmas market is the closest to the Forest Lodge, just a few minutes' drive away. La Bresse is also easily accessible, while Munster is one of the closest gateways to the Alsatian Christmas markets.
How long does it take to get from the Forest Lodge to the Christmas markets in Alsace?
From the Forest Lodge in Xonrupt-Longemer, there is approximately:
Munster: 35 min
Eguisheim: 50 min
Colmar: 55 min
Kaysersberg: 1 hour
Ribeauvillé: 1 hour 10 minutes
Is it possible to visit the Colmar Christmas market from Gérardmer in a single day?
Yes. Colmar is easily accessible for a day trip from Gérardmer. A particularly convenient alternative is to drive to Munster and then take the train to Colmar , before returning to Munster to enjoy its market at nightfall.
Is it possible to visit several Christmas markets in a single day?
Yes, provided you choose markets that are geographically close. Gérardmer and La Bresse combine easily, as do Munster and Colmar . In Alsace, it's also possible to link several villages along the Wine Route, but it's best to limit the number of visits to truly enjoy each market.
Which Christmas market is best to choose with children?
Gérardmer is particularly well-suited to a family holiday thanks to the festive events and numerous activities available around the town. Colmar also offers a truly magical experience, but it can get very crowded on some weekends in December.
How many days should I allow to explore the Christmas markets of the Vosges and Alsace?
A two- to three-day stay already allows you to combine several different experiences: a day in the Vosges Mountains, an excursion to Alsace, and time to enjoy winter activities around Gérardmer. To visit several Alsatian villages at a leisurely pace, four days offers greater comfort.
When do the 2026 Christmas markets start in the Vosges and Alsace?
Most open between late November and early December. Some events end before Christmas, while others run until late December or early January. As dates can vary by city, our 2026 calendar is updated as official announcements are made.
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