Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg

If you’re dreaming of experiencing the twinkling lights, festive cheer, and quaint atmosphere of French Alsace’s renowned Christmas markets, this Alsace Christmas Markets Day Tour from Strasbourg might catch your eye. While I haven’t taken this tour myself, I’ve gone through detailed reviews and the itinerary to paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What really catches our attention are the personalized small-group setting—limiting to just 8 people—and the chance to visit multiple charming villages beyond Strasbourg, like Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, and Bergheim. These spots often look like they’ve leapt straight out of a storybook, with their medieval architecture and lively markets.

A couple of considerations are worth noting. First, the tour’s timing and pace mean you’ll need to enjoy multiple stops within a limited window, which sometimes feels rushed—something common with day trips packed with highlights. Second, the cost, at around $155 per person, is quite reasonable given the itinerary and small-group intimacy, but you’ll need to budget for your own meals and souvenirs.

This tour appears best suited for those who want a curated experience, appreciate guided insights, and are eager to explore some lesser-known villages in addition to Colmar. If you prefer total independence or have young children, it might be worth considering other options, but for most travelers wanting a hassle-free festive outing, it’s a solid pick.

Key Points

• Small-group experience offers personalized attention and a relaxed vibe.
• Visiting multiple villages gives a richer taste of Alsace’s festive charm.
• Comfortable transportation makes traveling between destinations effortless.
• Flexible itinerary depending on the day, with highlights in each village.
• Excellent reviews for guides who share stories and local insights.
• All-inclusive market visits as part of the day’s highlights, with free time to browse and soak in the atmosphere.

What to Expect from This Tour

This full-day experience kicks off early in Strasbourg’s city center, specifically at Place de la Cathédrale. You’ll meet your guide and a small group of no more than 8 travelers, which is ideal if you’re after a more intimate experience. The journey starts with a comfortable minivan ride out of Strasbourg, with most of the trip focusing on the scenic countryside of Alsace.

The Drive and the First Stop: Colmar

The first highlight is Colmar, one of France’s most charming towns. The drive itself, about 50 minutes, is pleasant, with your guide sharing insights about the region—its landscape, history, and wine culture. Once in Colmar, you’ll go on a guided walk through the Old Town, which is often described as “storybook-like,” with medieval buildings and colorful houses lining the Lauch River.

Reviewers consistently praise the twinkling Christmas lights and festive decor that transform the town into a winter wonderland. You’ll have about 1.5 hours here to explore, shop at the markets, and take photos. Many rave about Colmar’s picturesque setting and lively markets, which feature regional specialties, crafts, and local treats.

Visiting the Christmas Markets and Free Time

The markets in Colmar are a major draw—colorful stalls selling everything from handmade ornaments to regional foods. Travelers particularly appreciate the balance between guided tour and free time, allowing you to browse at your own pace. One reviewer noted, “Our guide gave us a brief history but also let us enjoy the markets freely,” which is ideal if you want a bit of independence.

The Scenic Route and Village Visits

After Colmar, the tour continues along the Alsace Wine Route, winding through landscapes of snow-dusted vineyards. Here, the itinerary varies depending on the day: you might visit Bergheim, Kaysersberg, or Riquewihr.

• Kaysersberg is often described as “magical,” with a medieval ambiance and charming market stalls.
• Riquewihr is frequently highlighted as extra special, with medieval architecture and a vibrant market scene. Several reviews mention Riquewihr as a personal favorite, calling it “charming” and “medieval,” with plenty to see and taste.

Some days, the itinerary includes a visit to Eguisheim, which is known for its circular streets and cozy market atmosphere. One reviewer loved the medieval vibe and enjoyed regional Glühwein (mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts.

Lunch and the Afternoon

Lunch isn’t included, giving you the flexibility to choose your own meal—something many travelers appreciate. The guide might suggest local restaurants or cafes, but you’ll want to budget extra for this.

Post-lunch, the tour might take you to Ribeauvillé or Bergheim for more market strolling and sightseeing. The aim here is to soak in the festive ambiance and enjoy regional specialties, wine, and crafts.

Ending the Day

By around 4 pm, the tour wraps up back in Strasbourg, near the city center. It’s a long, fulfilling day of walking, exploring, and enjoying Alsace’s Christmas magic. Several reviews mention how well-organized the end of the day is, making sure everyone gets back comfortably.

The Value of This Tour

Considering the price—about $154.76 per person—the experience offers a lot for your money. The small-group setting, with a knowledgeable guide, makes it more personal than large bus tours. Plus, the guided insights help you appreciate the history and culture behind the markets and towns, enriching the visit beyond just shopping.

The scenic drive, combined with visits to multiple villages, transforms a standard Christmas market outing into a regional discovery. And with the flexibility to explore markets at your own pace, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation of Alsace’s festive traditions.

Many travelers mention great guides—some praised their storytelling and local knowledge, making the trip more meaningful. Others appreciated the picturesque scenery and charming towns, often calling Riquewihr and Kaysersberg highlights of their trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who love guided tours but want some freedom to wander and browse. If you’re after a relaxed day in charming towns, with the convenience of transportation and local insights, this tour hits the mark.

It’s also well-suited to those who enjoy regional wine and food culture, as many stops are in areas famous for their vineyards and culinary traditions. Keep in mind, it’s not ideal for families with very young children or those with mobility issues, as there will be a fair amount of walking and some bus stops in cobbled streets.

If you’re seeking a comprehensive, authentic Alsace experience that balances sightseeing with leisure, this tour offers excellent value, especially if you appreciate a small-group atmosphere.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children? The tour is not recommended for children under 4, mainly because of the walking involved and the small-group format.

What is included in the price? The tour covers visits to Christmas markets, transportation in a comfortable minivan, and an English-speaking guide. Meals, drinks, and entrance fees are not included.

How long is the drive from Strasbourg to Colmar? The drive takes about 50 minutes, offering scenic views of the countryside on the way.

What happens if the weather is bad? The tour requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start, and you’ll get a full refund.

What if I want to explore more on my own? You’ll have free time in each town to browse markets, shop, and enjoy local food at your own pace.

Are there any hidden costs? Besides personal expenses (meals, souvenirs), there are no hidden fees.

How big is the group? The maximum size is 8 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Does the tour include insurance? Personal insurance is not included, so make sure your travel coverage is up to date.

What is the meeting point? The tour starts at 17 Pl. de la Cathédrale in Strasbourg, near public transportation.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to soak in Alsace’s Christmas magic without the stress of driving or navigating unfamiliar towns alone, this small-group day tour offers a balanced mix of guided insight and free exploration. You’ll visit stunning markets, enjoy scenic drives, and walk through storybook-like villages—all in a single day.

While it’s not the cheapest option, the value lies in the personalized experience, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to see multiple towns with a local guiding you. It’s especially suitable for those who love regional wine, charming architecture, and festive cheer, and who want a hassle-free way to enjoy the best of Alsace during Christmas.

This tour seems to serve as a reliable, well-reviewed way to make the most of the holiday season in this picturesque region—whether you’re after beautiful photo spots, regional delicacies, or just a cozy Christmas vibe.