Riquewihr Christmas Market

A Fairytale Village for an Unforgettable Christmas

Riquewihr, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, is often considered the « pearl of the Alsatian vineyard ». Surrounded by medieval ramparts and endless vineyards, this 16th-century village offers a postcard-perfect setting that takes on a magical dimension during the Christmas season. The richly decorated half-timbered facades, wrought-iron signs, carved oriels, and flowery courtyards create an enchanting tableau when the fairy lights and Advent decorations adorn them.

The Traditional Market on Place Fernand Zeyer

The heart of the market beats on Place Fernand Zeyer, where over forty wooden chalets offer carefully selected crafts: Christmas decorations made of Meisenthal blown glass, hand-painted baubles, wooden toys, artisanal jewelry, scented candles, embroidered tablecloths, and Alsatian pottery. Gourmet treats are also abundant with bredele (small Christmas cakes), kougelhopf, gingerbread, mulled wine with spices, and local regional specialties.

Activities for All Ages

Throughout the season, Riquewihr offers a varied program of activities. The nocturnal guided tour « Wihnacht ! » immerses participants in the most authentic Alsatian Christmas traditions, guided by a storyteller through the candlelit streets. Advent concerts resonate in churches and courtyards, while children can meet Saint Nicholas and participate in creative workshops. The village also hosts thematic exhibitions related to Christmas traditions in Alsace.

Remarkable Wine and Architectural Heritage

Riquewihr is inseparable from its prestigious vineyards. The village is at the heart of the Grand Cru Schoenenbourg, one of the most famous in Alsace, renowned for its exceptional Riesling. During the Christmas market, winemakers open their winstubs and cellars for tastings that warm visitors. The village's Renaissance architecture, miraculously preserved from destruction, is a unique testament: the Tour des Voleurs, the Dolder (13th-century fortified gate), and noble houses like Maison Liebrich or the Château des Wurtemberg offer a journey through five centuries of Alsatian history.

A Tradition Perpetuated Since 1990

Created in 1990, the Riquewihr Christmas Market perpetuates the tradition of Christkindelsmärik, these traditional Germanic Christmas markets of Alsatian and Alemannic cultures. Over the decades, it has become one of the unmissable Christmas events in Alsace, attracting visitors from around the world seduced by the authenticity of this jewel-like village where time seems to have stood still.