The tree
Decorated with apples, paper roses and then candles, it occupies an ancient place in Alsatian Christmas customs.
A living legacy
Advent is told, tasted and shared
In Alsace, Christmas begins well before New Year's Eve. From the end of November, towns and villages are adorned with fir trees, wreaths and lights. The markets bring together artisans, producers and families around a heritage passed down for centuries.
Sélestat keeps a written mention of the tree dating from 1521, while the Christkindelsmärik of Strasbourg dates back to 1570. Alongside these great landmarks, each valley cultivates its own stories, recipes and meetings.
Choose your getaway
The map of Eastern Christmas markets
Click on a destination to locate it, find out its distance from La Datcha and join its official program.
Indicative driving distances from Husseren-Wesserling. Programs may change: always check the official website before departure.
The signs of Christmas
Four traditions to recognize
A little cultural compass before exploring the illuminated markets and villages.
The bredeles
These little Advent cookies come in dozens of recipes: cinnamon stars, spritz, shortbread and gingerbread.
Saint Nicholas
Celebrated around December 6, it brings sweets and mannalas, often accompanied in stories by the formidable Hans Trapp.
The Christkindel
This luminous figure of the child Jesus belongs to Rhineland folklore and gives its name to the historic Strasbourg market.
A few steps from the cottage
Christmas in the Wesserling Garden
The first experience on the map is the closest: a narrated walk of around an hour through the illuminated gardens of Wesserling Park, with decorations, characters and a hot drink at the end of the journey.
2026From November 28
as of December 30
Official information ↗as of December 30
Advent Calendar
2026 dates for Christmas markets in Alsace
Here are the main dates already published by the organizers and tourist offices. The map below adds the distances from La Datcha du Parc.
| Christmas market | Dates 2026 | From the Datcha | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wesserling — Christmas in the Garden | November 28 to December 30 | On site | Official website ↗ |
| Saint-Amarin | December 11 to 13 | About 4 km | Official agenda ↗ |
| Mulhouse | November 20 to December 27 | About 37 km | Christmas in Alsace ↗ |
| Munster | November 20 to December 30 | About 42 km | Tourist office ↗ |
| Colmar | November 23 to December 29 | About 57 km | Tourist office ↗ |
| Eguisheim | November 27 to December 30 | About 58 km | Christmas in Alsace ↗ |
| Riquewihr | November 27 to December 20 | About 75 km | Visit Alsace ↗ |
| Ribeauvillé — medieval market | December 5, 6, 12 and 13 | About 78 km | Christmas in Alsace ↗ |
| Selestat | November 20 to December 27 | About 97 km | Tourist office ↗ |
| Obernai | November 27 to December 31 | About 110 km | Christmas in Alsace ↗ |
| Strasbourg | November 26 to December 24 | About 135 km | Official website ↗ |
Dates checked on September 18, 2026. The organizers may modify times or access conditions: consult the official program before your departure.
From Husseren-Wesserling
Three itineraries to visit the Christmas markets
La Datcha is located in the Thur valley, between the markets of southern Alsace and the villages of the Wine Route.
Wesserling and Saint-Amarin
Start with Noël au Jardin, accessible on foot from the gîte, then discover the Saint-Amarin market at CAP and on the town hall square.
See nearby marketsMulhouse and Colmar
Combine the Mulhouse Christmas fabric with the six markets in the historic center of Colmar. The train helps avoid parking difficulties.
Compare datesWine Route and Strasbourg
Travel through Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Ribeauvillé, then dedicate a full day to the Strasbourg markets.
Prepare a stay at La DatchaPrepare for the day
Our advice from La Datcha
Enjoy the light
The villages are calmer in the morning. Save the end of the afternoon for the illuminations and plan for park and ride facilities in large cities.
Choose the train
Colmar, Mulhouse and Strasbourg are accessible by train from the valley. During Advent, road access to historic centers may be limited.
Consult the same day
Times, reservations and weather conditions are subject to change. Each card entry links to an official tourist source.
Practical questions
Preparing for a Christmas stay in Alsace
Distances, dates, transport and choice of accommodation: the essential answers before leaving.
What are the closest Christmas markets to La Datcha du Parc?
Noël au Jardin is located directly in Wesserling Park. The Saint-Amarin market is approximately 4 km away, Thann 18 km away, Guebwiller 31 km away, Mulhouse 37 km away and Munster 42 km away.
What are the dates for Christmas at the Wesserling Garden in 2026?
Christmas in the Garden is announced from November 28 to December 30, 2026. This is a story-driven stroll through the illuminated gardens of Wesserling Park; check the opening days and book on the official website.
Which Alsatian Christmas markets are open during the week?
Colmar, Mulhouse, Munster, Eguisheim, Obernai and Strasbourg offer openings during the week for all or part of the period. The Kaysersberg and Ribeauvillé markets are more concentrated on certain weekends.
Can you visit the Christmas markets in Alsace without a car?
Yes. Mulhouse, Colmar and Strasbourg are well served by train. From the Thur valley, combine TER and walking, then use the shuttles or park and ride when the towns offer them.
How many days should you plan for a Christmas market trip in Alsace?
Two to three nights allow you to enjoy Christmas at the Garden, a day around Colmar and the Wine Route, then a big city like Mulhouse or Strasbourg without having to make multiple trips.
Where to stay to visit the Christmas markets in southern Alsace?
La Datcha du Parc is a gîte for four to seven people located in Husseren-Wesserling, at the foot of the Vosges. Its position allows you to reach Wesserling on foot and to reach Thann, Mulhouse, Munster, Colmar and the wine-growing villages.
Sources: Visit Alsace, Strasbourg Capital of Christmas, Wesserling Park, local tourist offices and OpenStreetMap. Information verified on September 18, 2026.
Make La Datcha your home for Advent
A cottage in the heart of the Wesserling Park, ideal for traveling between Alsace and the Vosges.