Riquewihr Christmas Market 2025: Medieval Alsace

Riquewihr is tucked into the heart of Alsace’s vineyards. In December, one of the region’s most traditional markets transforms the town’s half-timbered houses and cobbled streets, blending centuries-old charm with the season’s magic.

Riquewihr Christmas Market 2025 in Beautiful Alsace

Dates and Location – Confirmed

Riquewihr dates: 28th November to 21st December 2025 (confirmed in January by the Alsace tourist office).
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.

For a detailed overview of where to go this year, check out my French Christmas Markets List or our popular Alsace Christmas Markets List, where you’ll find a list of interesting destinations.

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, as well as the renowned food specialties, add to the experience. Alsatian wines, festive pastries, bretzels, and traditional confectioneries are hugely popular and worth trying.

Regional Specialties

• Bretzels: Bretzels are a snack you’ll frequently encounter at the Riquewihr Christmas Market. While you might associate them more with Germany, the Alsace region has its special take. 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, known locally as vin chaud, is a staple at the market. It combines red wine, spices, and sometimes orange peel for a warm, comforting beverage. Usually, it is served in collectible mugs explicitly designed for the holiday season.
• Flammekueche: Also known as tarte flambée, flammekueche is a local speciality resembling a thin-crust pizza topped with onions, bacon, and a cream sauce. It’s hearty if you want something more substantial than a snack.
• Choucroute Garnie: For meat lovers, choucroute garnie is a go-to dish. It’s 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, männele are especially popular with children but enjoyable for all ages.
• Kouglof: This Alsatian brioche is often baked in a distinctive circular bundt pan. It is studded with raisins and topped with almonds, providing a sweet and slightly nutty flavour.
• Pain d’épices: This spiced bread, resembling gingerbread, is a Christmas classic in Alsace. It’s made with rye flour, honey, and spices such as aniseed and is perfect for enjoying with a cup of vin chaud.
• Local Confectionery: Sweets like macarons, truffles, and nougat frequently appear. These are often locally made, emphasising the flavours and ingredients found in Alsace, such as local honey or almonds.
• Roast Chestnuts: Look for stalls roasting chestnuts for a simple, warm snack. They’re a traditional treat, filling the air with a nutty aroma and providing a quick, satisfying bite.
• Schnitzel Sandwich: While not local to Alsace, the schnitzel sandwich is a common find. It’s a quick and easy hand-held meal for those wanting to continue their exploration without a break.
• Hot Chocolate: Several stalls serve hot chocolate, sometimes with the option to add a shot of something stronger. It’s another way to keep warm while perusing the market.
• Alsatian wines: The Alsace region is renowned for its wine production. When you visit Riquewihr’s Christmas market, sampling the local wines, especially those with a festive twist, is a must. Varieties like Gewürztraminer and Riesling are typical finds.
• Bredele: These are small, bite-sized cookies typically made with almonds, spices, and aniseed. They’re baked in various shapes and flavours and are often shared and gifted during the festive season.
• Raclette: Originating from Switzerland but widely enjoyed in the Alsace region, raclette cheese is melted and scraped onto diners’ plates. It’s typically served with boiled potatoes, pickles, and onions.

Gifts and Stocking Fillers

• Handcrafted ornaments: Riquewihr’s artisans craft beautiful tree ornaments, many reflecting the town’s unique history and culture. The intricate designs often feature local symbols and provide a personal touch to festive decorations, making them a cherished keepsake.
• Alsace pottery: The region is known for its traditional pottery, often displaying intricate patterns and designs. Whether a plate or a decorative item, buying Alsace pottery is a great way to bring home a piece of Riquewihr’s artistic heritage.
• Local textiles: Riquewihr and the surrounding areas have a rich tradition of textile craftsmanship. Scarves, tablecloths, and even bags made with Alsatian patterns are widely available, giving you a functional and beautiful souvenir.
• Wine from local vineyards: Given the region’s winemaking prowess, bottles of local wine make an excellent gift. You can select from various varieties, ensuring you have a taste of Alsace to share or enjoy at home.
• Wooden toys: Handcrafted wooden toys, reflecting a classic European market offering, are abundant in Riquewihr. These toys often use traditional techniques, providing children with a lasting and meaningful gift.
• Alsatian cookbooks: An Alsatian cookbook is ideal for those looking to recreate the region’s culinary delights at home. These books provide a range of local recipes, both traditional and contemporary, to explore and enjoy.
• Hand-blown glass: Several vendors at the market specialise in hand-blown glass creations. From intricate ornaments to functional items like vases or glasses, these pieces shimmer with artistry and dedication.
• Jams and preserves: Delicious jams and preserves made from locally sourced fruits and berries come in various flavours, encapsulating Alsace’s taste in a jar.
• Nativity sets: A classic festive purchase; nativity sets in Riquewihr incorporate local artistry. Whether it’s the materials used or the specific designs, they’re a beautiful addition to any festive display.

Sustainability Tips

• Eco-friendly accommodations: When choosing where to stay, look for hotels in Riquewihr that are committed to sustainability. Many establishments in the area have started using renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to power their operations.
• Mindful dining at the markets: To reduce food waste, consider sharing portions with fellow travellers or ordering smaller sizes.
• Ethical shopping: While the allure of the festive stalls can be strong, it’s crucial to buy mindfully. Focus on purchasing items you genuinely need or will use. Handcrafted items, for instance, support local artisans and ensure your money benefits the community directly.
• Sustainable diets: Riquewihr offers a plethora of regional foods. Opt for dishes made from locally sourced ingredients, which have a smaller carbon footprint due to reduced transportation. Additionally, consider trying some plant-based options available at the market, as they typically have a lower environmental impact.
• Eco-friendly transport: Riquewihr’s charm lies in its compact size and walkable streets. Instead of relying on vehicles, explore the town on foot or rent a bicycle. This reduces emissions and allows you to immerse yourself fully in the town’s festive atmosphere.

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. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.