Kaysersberg is a town on the Alsace wine route renowned for its timber-framed houses, cobblestone streets, and the iconic Kaysersberg Castle.
The town transforms into a festive marketplace during Christmas, featuring various local crafts and Alsatian produce.
In this article, you’ll find essential details for planning a visit to Kaysersberg Christmas Market, like unconfirmed 2024 dates, opening times, and a list of local specialties.
Christmas in Kaysersberg is a time when lights illuminate the town’s medieval architecture.
Kaysersberg Christmas Market 2024
The Christmas market in Kaysersberg is known for its variety of authentic Alsatian crafts and local wines.
The market distinguishes itself by being set among historic half-timbered buildings, creating a quaint and cosy atmosphere.
You’ll also discover unique local treats like Alsatian bredele cookies, hand-painted ceramics, and wooden toys. Below is a full list of what you’ll find at the Christmas chalets.
Dates and Location
Kaysersberg Christmas Market dates: Friday to Sunday (and the final Monday and Tuesday) 23rd November to 18th December 2024 (unconfirmed).
Location: Cour de l’Arsenal and behind Sainte-Croix church. The Christmas farmers’ market is at Place de la Mairie.
Opening times: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: Yes, switch on date: 23rd November (unconfirmed).
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. Alternatively, take the Christmas Shuttle from Colmar to the Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Turckheim and Kaysersberg Christmas markets.
Reason to visit: Rich Alsace traditions; unique crafts; local delicacies like kougelhopf; Kaysersberg’s artisanal heritage shining through.
Specialities: Kougelhopf; flammekueche; mulled wine; gingerbread; bredele biscuits; hot chocolate.
Where to stay: Hotel KLE is a popular choice, located 2 minutes from the Christmas market.
Convenient Hotels
For proximity to the Christmas market in Cour de l’Arsenal, consider staying in the town centre of Kaysersberg. It provides easy access to the market as well as to local shops and eateries.
I recommend Hotel KLE, popular for its eco-friendly features and excellent location near the Christmas market.
Event Location
For a well-researched guide on the best Christmas markets in France, I recommend checking out my dedicated page to the French Christmas Markets 2024.
Or if you’d like to continue travelling in Alsace, this guide to the best Christmas markets in Alsace has lots of options to choose from.
Christmas in Kaysersberg
Regional Specialties
Bredele: These small, festive cookies come in an assortment of flavours like anise, orange, and cinnamon. Traditionally baked at home, they make their way to the market stalls where you can buy them in decorative tins or paper bags. Bredele makes ideal gifts or snacks to enjoy as you wander the market.
Kougelhopf: This Alsatian yeast cake is often baked in a distinctive circular bundt mould. Filled with raisins, almonds, and Kirschwasser cherry brandy, kougelhopf is a treat you don’t want to miss. Some vendors even offer savoury versions with cheese or ham.
Berawecka: Also known as fruit bread, berawecka is a dense, moist loaf packed with dried fruits and nuts. Originating from the Alsace region, it’s enjoyed sliced thin and can be stored for weeks, allowing the flavours to mature over time. You’ll often find it at stalls that specialise in Alsatian breads.
Mannala: These small, brioche-like figures are particularly popular during St. Nicholas Day but also make appearances during Christmas. They are lightly sweetened, sometimes filled with chocolate or raisins, and often shaped like little men, hence the name “mannala,” which means ‘little man’ in Alsatian.
Vin Chaud: For a warming beverage, opt for vin chaud, or hot mulled wine. It’s red wine simmered with spices like cinnamon and cloves and typically sweetened with sugar or honey. It’s a staple at Christmas markets across France and provides a warming counterpoint to the winter chill.
Pretzels: A common sight not just in Alsace but at Christmas markets globally, pretzels come in various forms here. Whether you like them plain, salted, or even filled with cream cheese, they make for a quick and satisfying snack.
Churros: Churros are a welcome sight for those craving something a bit different. This Spanish-origin snack features fried dough, often dusted with sugar and served with a side of chocolate for dipping. You’ll find these at stalls that feature international treats.
Roasted Chestnuts: The aroma of roasted chestnuts often fills the air at the Kaysersberg Christmas Market. They’re sold in paper cones and are an excellent handheld snack. While chestnuts are a common sight at many Christmas markets, the ones at Kaysersberg are especially prized for their quality.
Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Wooden Toys: Traditional craftsmanship shines in the wooden toys at Kaysersberg’s Christmas market. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill plastic toys; local artisans carve them and often feature intricate detailing. Many families appreciate these wooden items’ durability and timeless appeal, which can be passed down through generations.
Ceramic Vases: Alsace is known for its pottery, and you’ll find ceramic vases that make great gifts or home decor. Artisans at the market typically employ traditional techniques, and the vases often feature regional designs. They’re functional pieces that also serve as a reminder of your trip.
Advent Wreaths: One of the more religiously significant items you can pick up is an Advent wreath. Artisans use local foliage and decorations to create these seasonal items, intended for counting the weeks leading up to Christmas. They add a bit of local tradition to your holiday season.
Christmas Decorations: From handmade baubles to intricately designed stars, these are perfect for sprucing up your Christmas tree. Local artisans put their unique twist on these items so you can take a piece of Alsace home.
Alsatian Wine: The region is famed for its vineyards, and the Christmas market in Kaysersberg is a good place to pick up a bottle of local wine. It’s a staple of the region’s culture and makes a fantastic gift for any wine lover. A bottle of Pinot Blanc or Gewurztraminer is a way to bring a taste of Alsace to your holiday celebrations.
Christmas Linens: Embroidered and beautifully made, Christmas linens like tablecloths and napkins are among the market’s treasures. They often come in holiday themes and are fashioned from high-quality fabrics. Their intricate stitching often depicts scenes or designs specific to the region.
Artisanal Cheese: The locally produced cheeses are a real treat for foodies. Vendors offer samples, and you can purchase a selection to take back home. These cheeses pair well with the Alsatian wines and create a complete gourmet experience.
Local Artwork: The Kaysersberg Christmas market frequently hosts local artists who display their work. From paintings to sketches capturing the essence of Alsace, these pieces make for unique gifts and serve as a lasting reminder of your visit.
Things to Do in Winter
For additional insights on winter activities and the newest events in the city, I suggest checking out Visit Alsace. They have comprehensive information about visiting Kaysersberg and the entire region.
Sustainable Travel Tips
Here’s how we can travel more responsibly in Kaysersberg this festive season:
Eco-friendly Accommodation: Kaysersberg has hotels that champion green practices, prioritising renewable energy sources. By staying in such places, you directly support their sustainable initiatives, from solar panels to geothermal heating systems. It’s a small change in your travel plans, but it can make a considerable difference in the overall carbon footprint of your trip.
Reduce Food Waste: The Christmas market in Kaysersberg is a culinary treat, with numerous stalls offering a variety of local dishes. While trying everything is tempting, it’s vital to order mindfully, ensuring you don’t leave uneaten food behind. Not only does this reduce waste, but it also allows you to savour and appreciate the local gastronomy.
Ethical Consumption: Kaysersberg’s market stalls overflow with unique and intricate items. While shopping, think about the longevity and usefulness of each purchase. Buying items you genuinely need or can gift ensures you’re not contributing to the cycle of fast consumerism, and you support artisans who pour their heart into their creations.
Sustainable Diets: Opt for plant-based or vegetarian food options at the market when possible. Kaysersberg, with its Alsatian roots, provides several vegetarian dishes like Flammekueche (a type of Alsatian pizza) with cheese and onions. Consuming less meat during your trip can significantly reduce your environmental impact.
Sustainable Transport: Kaysersberg is a compact town, making it perfect for exploring on foot. Opting to walk or use public transportation instead of private taxis or rented cars helps reduce the carbon emissions associated with your visit. Besides, walking around the charming streets gives you an intimate feel of the town’s character and lets you stumble upon hidden gems.
If you want to leave a review of Kaysersberg Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Kaysersberg, France. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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