Munster Christmas Market
The Christmas market in the heart of the Munster valley mountains
About Christmas in Munster
An authentic Christmas in the heart of the Vosges
Munster, a small spa town nestled in the hollow of the Vosges valley that bears its name, offers an exceptional mountain setting for its Christmas market. Dubbed "Christmas Market in the Heart of the Mountains", the event has been completely rethought in recent years to assert a resolutely mountainous identity, far from the hustle and bustle of the large wine-growing towns of the Alsace plain. On the Market Square, dominated by the snow-capped peaks of the Vosges, about thirty beautifully decorated wooden chalets welcome visitors in an intimate and warm atmosphere.
Mountain crafts and Vosges terroir
Artisans and producers from the valley are at the heart of this authentic market. The chalets offer unique handmade creations: handmade Christmas decorations, Advent wreaths, scented candles, carved wooden toys, jewelry, ceramics, and textiles. On the gastronomic side, the specialties of the Munster valley are in the spotlight: the famous Munster soup, prepared according to the recipe of chef Émile Jung, mulled wine with spices, bredele, gingerbread, and farm products from the Hautes Vosges. The AOC Munster cheese, a jewel of the local terroir, is presented in all its forms.
Magical and convivial entertainment
The entertainment program punctuates the entire Advent season with highlights that have made the market famous. The spectacular arrival of Saint Nicholas, rappelling down the facade of a building, is an unforgettable highlight for children. The Advent evenings, with hot chocolate, bring families and visitors together in a warm atmosphere. Christmas concerts, including jazz, resonate in the decorated streets, while nativity scene exhibitions showcase the richness of Alsatian traditions.
The Munster valley, a natural Christmas setting
The Munster valley offers an incomparable natural setting for a mountain Christmas. Surrounded by Vosges peaks covered with fir forests, the town benefits from frequent snowfall in December, which enhances the magic of the event. Visitors can combine discovering the market with marked winter hikes in the surrounding mountains. Since 2022, a Christmas shuttle has connected Colmar to Munster, facilitating access and allowing visitors to discover this mountainous gem without parking worries.
A booming market
Thanks to its renewal strategy and the implementation of shuttles from Colmar, the Munster Christmas market is experiencing growing attendance each year. "It's not crowded, it's human and authentic," say visitors, charmed by this convivial alternative to the overcrowded markets of the big Alsatian cities. The site's accessibility, with wide aisles suitable for people with reduced mobility and three free parking lots, contributes to making Munster an increasingly popular Christmas destination.
Christmas in Munster — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Christmas Market in the Heart of the Mountains will take place from Friday, November 20 to Thursday, December 31, 2026 on the Place du Marché in Munster, in the heart of the Vosges valley. Around thirty wooden chalets offer mountain crafts, local specialties from the Munster valley, and magical entertainment throughout Advent. Free admission.
The Christmas Market in the Heart of the Mountains — 2026 edition
From November 20 to December 31, 2026, the Place du Marché in Munster transforms into a true mountain Christmas village. Beneath the Vosges peaks, around thirty wooden chalets welcome visitors in an intimate atmosphere, amidst the scents of mulled wine and spices. Artisans and producers from the valley present handmade Christmas decorations, artisanal creations, and local specialties, with Munster AOC cheese and the famous Munster soup taking center stage.
Entertainment throughout Advent
Every weekend, the Protestant and Catholic churches of Munster offer Advent concerts, free or pay-what-you-can, as well as jazz concerts that resonate through the decorated streets. The Confrérie Saint-Grégoire du Taste Fromage de Munster organizes the sharing of Munster soup, prepared according to the recipe of Strasbourg's Michelin-starred chef Émile Jung. Advent vigils, around a hot chocolate, bring together families and visitors.
A highlight for children: the arrival of Saint Nicholas, accompanied by his mischievous elves (the Zwarikalas), who abseils down the facade of the Protestant church before distributing manalas and clementines. Nativity scene exhibitions and guided walks in the valley complete the program.
Easy access from Colmar
Three free car parks serve the market, and a Christmas shuttle connects Colmar to Munster on Advent weekends, allowing visitors to discover this mountain gem without parking worries.
Programme Christmas in Munster 2026
Christmas Market — November 20 to December 31, 2026
Place du Marché, Munster — free admission. Around thirty wooden chalets (mountain crafts, Vosges local products, Munster AOC cheese).
Opening hours
- From November 20 to December 20: Friday and Saturday 10 am-8 pm · Sunday 10 am-7 pm
- From December 21 to 30: every day 10 am-7 pm
- December 24: 10 am-4 pm · December 26: 2 pm-7 pm · December 31: 10 am-4 pm
- Closed on December 25
Advent Entertainment
- Advent Concerts — every weekend in the Protestant and Catholic churches (free or pay-what-you-can)
- Jazz Concerts in the market streets
- Sharing of Munster Soup — by the Confrérie Saint-Grégoire du Taste Fromage de Munster (recipe by chef Émile Jung)
- Advent Vigils around a hot chocolate — Église évangélique méthodiste, 24 rue du 9e Zouave
- Arrival of Saint Nicholas and his elves the Zwarikalas — abseiling from the Protestant church, distribution of manalas and clementines to children
- Nativity Scene Exhibition — Église Saint-Léger
- Guided walks in the valley (Club Vosgien routes)
Highlights Christmas in Munster 2026
- Mountain Christmas Market from November 20 to December 31, 2026, free admission
- Around thirty wooden chalets on the Place du Marché, at the foot of the Vosges
- Saint Nicholas and the Zwarikalas abseiling from the Protestant church
- Advent and jazz concerts, vigils with hot chocolate
- Munster soup from the Confrérie Saint-Grégoire and Munster AOC cheese
- Colmar-Munster Christmas shuttle on weekends and three free car parks
Prices Christmas in Munster 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Munster
Access
Munster is located 20 km west of Colmar, in the heart of the Vosges valley.
- By car: From Colmar, follow the D417 towards Munster (25 minutes). Three free parking lots: Place de la Salle des Fêtes, Espace Culturel Saint-Grégoire, Médiathèque.
- Christmas Shuttle: Colmar-Munster connection on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during Advent.
- By train: TER Colmar-Munster line (20 minutes), station near the town center.
Opening Hours
From November 21 to December 21: Fridays 11 am-8 pm, Saturdays 10 am-8 pm, Sundays 10 am-7 pm. From December 22 to 31: every day (except December 25). December 31: closing at 4 pm.
Prices
Free admission.
Tips
- Taste the Munster soup, the market's emblematic specialty.
- Take advantage of the Christmas shuttle from Colmar for a hassle-free journey.
- Don't miss the spectacular rappelling arrival of Saint Nicholas.
- Combine with a winter hike in the Munster valley.
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Where does it take place — Christmas in Munster
Place du Marché de Munster
Place du Marché, Munster, 68140 Munster