Pierre Says: Plan Christmas in June — Genius or Madness?
Because Europe’s best Christmas markets in Alsace, Germany and Switzerland fill up fast, and the smartest travellers are already booking their hotels now (before prices soar and rooms)! 😉
Why on Earth Am I Talking About Christmas… in June?!
I know what you’re thinking: “Pierre, have you lost your mind? Summer hasn’t even begun, and you’re already talking about mulled wine, Christmas trees, and gingerbread? Mais tu es fou!”
Well, let me tell you a little story.
Last week, Cindy — one of my French students from New York City — proudly told me she’d just booked her hotel in Colmar for late November. Yes, for the Christmas markets. In May. She smiled and said, “There were only four rooms left at the hotel I wanted!”
And she was right to hurry. Prices are already high, and they’ll only go higher. Many hotels in Alsace, Lorraine, and Germany get fully booked months in advance, especially by tour operators who block large batches of rooms, leaving individual travellers out in the cold (sometimes literally).
So, if you’re dreaming of visiting the legendary Christmas markets this year, don’t wait. Not for the autumn. Not even for late summer. By then, the best rooms will be long gone — or cost a small fortune.
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✨ Why This Article Exists
I wanted to make it easier for you to plan your Christmas market adventure.
I’ve selected 15 enchanting destinations across Alsace, Lorraine, Switzerland, and Germany — each famous for its enchanting Christmas market atmosphere. For each one, I recommend one beautiful hotel (usually right in the town centre) where you can stay.
You’ll find an affiliate link for each hotel: if you book through it, I receive a small commission — but don’t worry, you pay no extra fee. It’s just a way to support my work and help you discover some of Europe’s most festive spots!
And here’s a handy tip: if the hotel I suggest is already fully booked, don’t worry — the affiliate link will automatically show you other available hotels nearby, in the same area or neighbourhood. That way, you can still secure a great place to stay without having to search all over again.
Plus, if the featured hotel doesn’t quite match your style — maybe it’s not luxurious enough, or perhaps it’s too luxurious for your taste or budget — clicking the link will also give you the freedom to browse and choose another hotel that suits you better. You stay in control, with a wide selection at your fingertips.
🎅 The 15 Christmas Destinations
1. Strasbourg (France)
The self-proclaimed “Capital of Christmas”, Strasbourg is where it all began — its Christkindelsmärik dates back to 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Picture a giant Christmas tree towering over the main square, half-timbered houses glowing under delicate illuminations, and the scent of cinnamon and mulled wine drifting through the streets. Expect a bustling, lively atmosphere with over 300 stalls spread across the old town.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Strasbourg: Hôtel Régent****, ideally located in the Petite France district.
⭐️ Discover the Strasbourg Christmas Market on the blog
2. Colmar (France)
Colmar looks like a living Christmas postcard: canals reflecting the twinkling lights, medieval houses adorned with festive garlands, and no fewer than five distinct markets scattered across the town. The setting is intimate and charming, perfect for couples, families, or anyone seeking a truly magical experience in one of France’s prettiest towns.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Colmar: Hostellerie Le Maréchal****, in the beautiful setting of Colmar’s Little Venice district.
⭐️ Discover the Colmar Christmas Market on the blog
3. Mulhouse (France)
Mulhouse’s Christmas market stands out thanks to its unique “Christmas fabric” — a specially designed textile used to decorate the streets, honouring the town’s rich industrial past. The market itself is colourful and lively, filled with local crafts, Alsatian treats, and a giant Ferris wheel offering panoramic views over the festive city.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Mulhouse: Maison Hôtel Mulhouse Centre***, it will take you only 3 minutes to reach the Christmas market on Place de la Réunion!
⭐️ Discover the Mulhouse Christmas Market on the blog
4. Riquewihr (France)
Riquewihr is famous for its Riesling wines and medieval architecture, but during Advent, it transforms into a Christmas wonderland. The town’s narrow streets, flanked by pastel-coloured houses, become home to stalls brimming with seasonal goodies — gingerbread, ornaments, and, of course, wine.
🎄 My hotel recommendation is Hôtel Le Chambard****, situated in the neighbouring village of Kaysersberg (there is a Christmas market which takes place on the 4 weekends of Advent)
⭐️ Discover the Riquewihr Christmas Market on the blog
⭐️ Discover the Kaysersberg Christmas Market on the blog
5. Obernai (France)
Obernai’s Christmas market is all about Alsatian gastronomy: mulled wine, bredele biscuits, foie gras, and Munster cheese. Set against the backdrop of half-timbered houses and a pretty main square, it’s a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Obernai: Hôtel Le Gouverneur****, within the ramparts of the historic town. I really enjoyed my stay there and marvelled at the inner courtyard!
⭐️ Discover the Obernai Christmas Market on the blog
6. Nancy (France)
Nancy’s Stanislas Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, becomes the meeting point for Saint Nicholas celebrations. Expect a grand, elegant setting, light shows, parades, and a Christmas market that reflects the city’s artistic flair.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Nancy: Hôtel de Guise***. I stayed there several times because it’s conveniently located in the picturesque old town (la ville-vieille).
⭐️ Discover the Christmas Season in Nancy on the blog
7. Metz (France)
Metz boasts one of France’s largest Christmas markets, spread across several sites near its magnificent cathedral. Highlights include an ice rink, a Ferris wheel, and a stunning array of stalls selling everything from handmade toys to regional foods.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Metz: Hôtel de la Cathédrale***, facing the cathedral (if possible, ask for a room with a view of the cathedral - I had one like this and loved it!)
⭐️ Discover the Metz Christmas Market on the blog
8. Basel (Switzerland)
Switzerland’s biggest Christmas market stretches across Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, with over 160 stalls set against the backdrop of Basel’s medieval old town. The atmosphere is elegant and sophisticated, perfect for picking up high-quality crafts and Swiss specialities.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Basel: Hotel Märthof****, located in the bustling city centre, just a few steps away from the Marktplatz!
⭐️ Discover the Basel Christmas Market on the blog
9. Freiburg im Breisgau (Germany)
At the edge of the Black Forest, Freiburg offers a charming Christmas market full of regional crafts, Black Forest delicacies, and a beautiful backdrop of Gothic architecture. It’s smaller than some German giants, but that’s part of its appeal.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Freiburg: Hôtel Am Rathaus****, ideally located in the city centre.
⭐️ Discover the Freiburg Christmas Market on the blog
10. Heidelberg (Germany)
Heidelberg’s old town transforms into a festive playground during Advent, with several small markets, a magical ice rink in front of the castle, and streets filled with light and music. It’s a perfect blend of romance and Christmas cheer.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Heidelberg: Arthotel****, a boutique design hotel located near the university in the Old Town with Schloss Heidelberg castle 800 metres away.
⭐️ Discover the Heidelberg Christmas Market on the blog
11. Frankfurt am Main (Germany)
Frankfurt’s Römerberg square becomes a sea of twinkling lights, with one of Germany’s oldest and most traditional Christmas markets. Here, you’ll find handmade gifts, gingerbread, and one of the tallest Christmas trees in the country.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Frankfurt: Kimpton Main Frankfurt by IHG****, situated between the business district and Römerberg.
⭐️ Discover the Frankfurt Christmas Market on the blog
12. Cologne (Germany)
Cologne is home to seven themed Christmas markets, each with its own atmosphere — from the grand cathedral market to the charming Harbour Market by the Rhine. You could spend days exploring them all.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Cologne: Legend Hotel****, ideally located in the picturesque Altstadt.
⭐️ Discover the Cologne Christmas Market on the blog
13. Munich (Germany)
Munich’s Marienplatz hosts a traditional Bavarian Christmas market, but don’t miss the medieval market, the Tollwood winter festival, and the alpine village near the Chinese Tower. It’s a Christmas lover’s paradise.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Munich: Hôtel Torbräu****, with Marienplatz Square just a 5-minute walk away:
⭐️ Discover the Munich Christmas Market on the blog
14. Nuremberg (Germany)
The Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg is world-famous, drawing visitors from all over. Wooden stalls, spicy gingerbread, and the golden Christkind figure presiding over it all make this a bucket-list Christmas destination.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Nuremberg: Hôtel Victoria Nürnberg****, by the Handwerkerhof and just a few steps away from the railway station.
⭐️ Discover the Nuremberg Christmas Market on the blog
15. Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Germany)
Rothenburg is a medieval gem at any time of year, but during Christmas, it’s simply magical. Its Reiterlesmarkt is steeped in centuries-old traditions, with lantern-lit streets, snow-dusted rooftops, and a fairy-tale atmosphere you’ll never forget.
🎄 My hotel recommendation in Rothenburg: Hôtel BurgGartenpalais****, situated in the old town:
⭐️ Discover the Christmas Season in Rothenburg on the blog
🎁 Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss Out on Christmas
I know Christmas feels a long way off — but trust me, the time to plan is now.
These towns and cities are some of the most magical places in Europe when the festive season arrives. Whether you want to stroll through medieval streets, sip mulled wine under twinkling lights, or shop for handmade ornaments, you need a good base — and the right hotel makes all the difference.
So have a look, dream a little, and if you’re ready, book early. By the time you’re sipping rosé in the summer, you’ll already have your Christmas sorted.
And hey — if you use my affiliate links, you’re helping support my blog and future recommendations. Merci beaucoup! 🎄
Oh, and if you know a friend or relative planning a Christmas trip to Europe, share this with them!
What great information Pierre, thanks for researching and posting. I fear I will not be able to travel to any of these but your post makes for great day-dreaming. Merci encore.
You are so right, Pierre; this is great advice. Hotels fill up so quickly, especially during peak seasons such as Christmas. I can vouch for your hotel suggestion in Mulhouse. It was like staying in a fairy tale, and just steps from the Christmas market. Merci !