Mulhouse in the Alsace region is well-known for its rich industrial history and museums, such as the Cité de l’Automobile. The Mulhouse Christmas Market is an annual highlight featuring colourful Alsatian fabrics and gifts that set it apart from other markets.
Read below for essential details like confirmed 2024 dates, opening times, locations and what local specialties to look out for.
Mulhouse Christmas Market 2024
Dates and Location – Confirmed
Mulhouse dates: 22nd November to 24th December 2024 (confirmed). Verify the schedule here.
Location: Place de la Réunion.
Opening times:
Monday to Thursday: 11am to 8pm
Friday: 11am to 9pm.
Saturday: 10am to 9pm.
Sunday: 10am to 8pm.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 6pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
Boxing Day: 12pm at 8pm.
Final day: 11am to 6pm.
Admission: Free.
Lights: No switch-on date.
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.
Reason to visit: Unique fabric decorations; blend of textile heritage; regional food specialties; local crafts and entertainment.
Specialities: Regional Alsace delicacies; flammekueche; traditional pastries; mulled wine; artisanal cheeses; locally-produced sausages and preserves.
Where to stay: La Maison Hôtel is a popular hotel, located 3 minutes from the event.
Convenient Hotels
Consider staying in the historic city centre for proximity to Place de la Réunion. This area gives you easy access to the market and other local attractions.
La Maison Hôtel is a popular choice due to its great location near the Christmas market, and it’s an eco-friendly choice too.
For detailed information on the Christmas markets in France, including insights into local traditions, opening dates, and specialties, you can refer to my French Christmas Markets List, where I’ve curated essential facts to help you plan your visit.
Or take one from this Alsace Christmas Market List as a day trip from Mulhouse.
Event Location Map
What to Expect
In Mulhouse, the winter period is marked by an increase in cultural activities and the illumination of public spaces. It becomes a hub for family outings, with events often centred around the city’s historical venues.
At the Christmas market in Mulhouse, the standout feature is the Christmas cloth, an annual tradition where a unique fabric design is created to adorn facades and pedestrian areas around Place de la Réunion, the city’s main square.
The market itself hosts an array of Christmas chalets with local crafts and food, adding to the warm atmosphere.
Alsatian Specialties
- Bretzel: A traditional Alsatian snack, the bretzel is a type of soft pretzel often enjoyed with mustard. You’ll find it freshly baked, with both salted and unsalted versions available, and it serves as an enjoyable and convenient snack while exploring the market.
- Mulled Wine: Drawing visitors with aromatic spices, spiced or mulled wine is a winter favourite. Typically infused with cinnamon, cloves, and star anise, it’s served hot and is perfect for sipping on a chilly day.
- Tarte Flambée: Also known as Flammekueche, this thin-crusted Alsatian tart is typically topped with cream, onions, and bacon. Vegetarian versions with cheese and vegetables are also available, providing an option for those preferring plant-based fare.
- Roasted Chestnuts: A classic Christmas market snack, roasted chestnuts are available throughout the market. Their warm, nutty flavour is comforting and delicious, making them popular among locals and tourists.
- Kouglof: A sweet Alsatian bread, kouglof is often baked with nuts and raisins and then dusted with powdered sugar. You can find it in various sizes, making it a lovely treat to enjoy at the market or take home.
- Pain d’épices: This spiced bread, similar to gingerbread, is another Alsatian specialty. Often shaped into festive designs and decorated with icing, it’s a delightful addition to the Christmas festivities.
- Hot Chocolate: A universal favourite, hot chocolate is readily available at the Mulhouse Christmas Market.
- Sausage Sandwiches: Representing the region’s love for sausages, you’ll find various sausage sandwiches, often served in crusty bread with sautéed onions and mustard.
- Macarons: A delicate and popular French pastry, macarons come in various flavours and colours. You’ll find these gluten-free treats at select stalls, providing a sweet and elegant touch to the market’s culinary offerings.
- Cheese Plates: Reflecting France’s renowned cheese culture, some stalls serve cheese plates featuring a selection of regional cheeses.
- Apple Strudel: A nod to the broader European Christmas tradition, apple strudel is available at some stalls. Its flaky pastry, filled with spiced apples and raisins, provides a sweet and familiar taste enjoyed by many.
Interesting Gift Stalls
- Fabric Items: Mulhouse is renowned for its textile history, and you’ll find various fabric-based items such as tablecloths, scarves, and handkerchiefs. Often showcasing traditional Alsatian patterns, these make practical and culturally meaningful gifts.
- Christmas Ornaments: Reflecting the festive spirit, the market offers a variety of Christmas ornaments. From glass baubles to wooden figurines, you’ll find both traditional and contemporary designs that cater to different tastes and preferences.
- Local Wines: The Alsace region is known for its wines, and you can purchase bottles of local favourites like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. These can be ideal gifts for wine connoisseurs or a special addition to your holiday celebrations.
- Wooden Toys: Crafted by skilled artisans, wooden toys like puzzles, cars, and dolls are available at several stalls. These toys often display a level of craftsmanship that distinguishes them from mass-produced alternatives, making them appealing to those looking for unique children’s gifts.
- Alsatian Cookies and Pastries: Packaged in decorative boxes or tins, traditional Alsatian cookies and pastries are sold at some stalls. These sweet treats can be a delightful way to share the flavours of the region with others during the holiday season.
- Cooking Ingredients: For food enthusiasts, there are stalls selling regional cooking ingredients like mustard, vinegar, and spices. Packaged in gift-ready containers, these can be an ideal present for someone who enjoys experimenting in the kitchen.
- Books: Some vendors offer books related to local history, cuisine, or children’s stories. Whether you’re seeking a cookbook filled with regional recipes or a historical account of Mulhouse, you’ll find reading materials to suit different interests.
- Christmas Cards: With designs ranging from classic to contemporary, Christmas cards are available in many stalls. Often created by local artists, these cards can add a personal and artistic touch to your holiday greetings.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Eco-Friendly Hotels: In Mulhouse, you’ll find a selection of hotels committed to environmental sustainability. Many employ energy-saving measures and use renewable energy sources. Staying in one of these hotels minimises your carbon footprint and supports businesses dedicated to environmental stewardship. This includes my top hotel pick listed above.
- Reducing Food Waste at the Markets: The Christmas markets in Mulhouse are vibrant places to eat and drink, but they can also generate significant food waste. To help reduce this, you can be mindful of your portion sizes, share dishes with friends or family, and consider bringing reusable containers for leftovers. This approach minimises waste and allows you to enjoy the market’s diverse culinary offerings without excess.
- Ethical Consumption: Mulhouse’s Christmas markets are filled with charming gifts and souvenirs, but it’s vital to shop consciously. Focus on purchasing items that you truly need or can use, and seek out locally made or sustainable products. Supporting local artisans and craftsmakers helps sustain the community’s unique culture and promotes a responsible consumer culture.
- Sustainable Diets: While enjoying the Christmas markets, consider options that align with a sustainable diet. Many vendors offer vegetarian or vegan options, locally sourced products, and traditional Alsatian foods made with seasonal ingredients. By choosing these, you contribute to reducing your environmental impact and experiencing the region’s authentic tastes.
- Sustainable Transport: Mulhouse provides an array of public transport options, including trams and buses, that help lessen the environmental impact of your travel. You might also consider walking or cycling, as the city centre, where the Christmas market is located, is quite pedestrian-friendly. Using public transport or non-motorised options reduces emissions and gives you a different perspective of the city’s Christmas ambience.
If you would like to leave a review of Mulhouse 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 Mulhouse, France. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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