©La Focale de Soultz©La Focale de Soultz

5 magical places for a traditional Christmas in Alsace

Are you looking to celebrate Christmas a bit differently? A warm, authentic, and traditional Christmas? Then come to Alsace to experience Christmas of yesteryear!

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A fairy-tale Christmas at Haut-Koenigsbourg castle

Immerse yourself in the timeless Christmassy atmosphere at Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle! Take a merry journey through the history and customs of Christmas over the centuries with activities, events, and themed exhibitions. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the castle surrounded by Christmas trees decorated with apples and communion wafers just like in the Middle Ages. You might just cross paths with St. Nicholas or Christkindel.

The magic continues with two Christmas evenings in the heart of the fortress. At nightfall, follow the lantern walk through the castle in an exceptional atmosphere.

An authentic Christmas at the ecomuseum

At the Ecomuseum of Alsace, delight in the Christmas preparations and holiday customs of an Alsatian village of yesteryear: a complete immersion in the past! Take part in vigils, set out on a marvellous nocturnal stroll through the heart of the village, sign up for a workshop to make bredeles (little Christmas cakes), or create traditional decorations for your Christmas tree!

Enjoy a Christmas of yesteryear at the Ecomuseum

A nocturnal Christmas with the Turckheim night watchman

All through December, come meet the night watchman in the charming wine village of Turckheim. Wearing a three-cornered hat and carrying his halberd, lantern, and horn, the night watchman would keep a close eye on the village, calling out the hours and bringing order to the streets. Today, three watchmen still take turns watching over Turckheim. Follow them as they tell you the history of the city on a walk filled with anecdotes and Alsatian songs. Mingle with tradition and come hear the wishes of the watchman at midnight on December 31.

Meet the watchman

Danse médiévale - Marché de Noël de Ribeauvillé

A medieval Christmas in Ribeauvillé

Go back in time with the medieval Christmas festivities in the heart of the city of minstrels! The village of Ribeauvillé puts on a stunning show for all ages: wine and barley beer, traditional dances, jugglers, peasants, street artists, and even fire eaters take part in the celebration. In the centre of town, the delightful market stalls overflow with crafts and delicious local products, all in a medieval atmosphere of course. Get ready to be whisked away to the Middle Ages!

Marvel in Ribeauvillé

An 18th-century Christmas in Neuf-Brisach

The Vauban fortifications of Neuf-Brisach, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, puts on a Christmas market of the 1700s, with wild boar on a spit, farm animals, and period costumes.

Take a journey back in time in the village stronghold and discover the sometimes forgotten trades of yesteryear with demonstrations from ropemakers and clogmakers. Be transported into the world of the 18th contury!

Going back in time