Christmas market towns near Strasbourg France (Germany & Switzerland too)

[marmite]

In November 2022 we did a trip to London, Paris & Strasbourg and we fell for Strasbourg. They were just starting to pull out their Christmas decorations and it got me excited to return to see the Old Town decked-out for the holidays. We've booked London and Strasbourg for early December this year.

Strasbourg seems like a great jumping off point for other places and I am having a hard time narrowing my choices of what other towns to visit because they all seem so beautiful and worthy of a stop. Sure, it is quite possible to be sick of the markets in a few days so I want to prioritize, with the best ones first.

We will not be renting a car, so will be using the train as well as a Christmas Market shuttle from Colmar.

Please give me your feedback on any places you think are not too far from Strasbourg that we should include. Any special things to see, restaurants and travel tips would be helpful too as we'll also be wanting to see any noteworthy architecture or museums.

My list so far:

• Colmar, France
• Basel, Switzerland
• Gengenbach, Germany

Christmas Shuttle from Colmar to:

• Eguisheim
• Kaysersberg
• Riquewihr
• Ribeauville

Also considering (The B List):

• Mulhouse, France
• Obernai, France
• Selestat, France
• Baden-Baden, Germany

Thanks so much.

 

[marmite]

Bumping my own thread as I've only been hearing crickets. Anyone ready to talk Christmas vacations in Europe? I know all you river-cruisers probably have some Christmas Market tips for me. Thanks!

 

[klpca]

One of my dream trips!! But I have nothing to offer in terms of experience. I hope that someone chimes in.

 

[PeakSeason]

Hey @marmite, how did your European Christmas adventure go? Was Strasbourg everything you imagined?

 

[Pennytx]

Vienna and Krakow have amazing Christmas markets
Krakow has so much to offer
Just a thought

 

[JudyH]

Try Bamberg Germany. Old historic town.

 

[Rjbeach2003]

We were there in June, really like the city. Stayed in a hotel in Petite France. I would like to see it at Christmas, but it was worth the time there in June. Someone mentioned Bamburg. It was our first stay in Germany in 2018. Again a hotel. We loved the town and embarked on a boat and bike tour on the Main River.