Turckheim Christmas Market

The Elves' Village, a magical market

Turckheim's Christmas market bears a name that says it all about its atmosphere: the Elves' Village. On the picturesque Place de l'Hôtel de Ville, surrounded by Renaissance half-timbered houses, about thirty wooden chalets are decorated with meticulous care, as if real elves had taken care of them. Local artisans and producers offer their finest creations: artisanal Christmas decorations, wooden toys, jewelry, ceramics, scented candles, and Alsatian textiles. Gourmet specialties — bredele, gingerbread, mulled wine with spices, foie gras, and Alsace wines — complete this warm offering.

The Night Watchman, guardian of traditions

What makes the Turckheim market absolutely unique in Alsace is the Night Watchman's round. Every evening at 9 PM, France's only authentic night watchman, dressed in his period costume — tricorne hat, cape, halberd, lantern, and horn —, patrols the town's cobbled streets, singing in Alsatian and recounting the history and legends of Turckheim. This exceptional tradition, with written records dating back to 1540, takes on an even more magical dimension during the Christmas season, when the streets are illuminated and snow covers the half-timbered roofs.

The giant Advent calendar

For over twenty-seven years, a giant Advent calendar has stood on the façade of the Town Hall. Every evening at 5 PM, from December 1st to 24th, little light bearers accompany the lamplighter to open a new window, revealing an illustrated scene in a poetic ceremony. This daily ritual, eagerly awaited by children and families, has become one of the most moving moments of Christmas in Turckheim.

The Wiehnacht's Stewala and entertainment

The Wiehnacht's Stewala (the little Christmas room in Alsatian) invites visitors to immerse themselves in the Christmas traditions of yesteryear: tasting mulled wine and traditional bredele, an exhibition of antique toys, and discovering Alsatian Advent customs. On Saturday evenings, the market comes alive until 8 PM with light catering and musical entertainment: brass quintets, blues bands, folk groups, and Christmas choirs resonate between the illuminated facades.

A wine village with remarkable heritage

Turckheim, located at the entrance to the Munster valley, is a wine village with exceptional architectural heritage. Its Porte de France, Porte du Brand, and Porte de Munster bear witness to its ancient fortifications. The Grand Cru Brand, one of the most prestigious in Alsace, produces internationally renowned Riesling and Gewurztraminer wines. During the Christmas market, winemakers open their cellars for warm tastings. The Wishing Well, set up during the holidays, allows children to share their dreams with the elves of Turckheim.