Alsace Christmas Markets Private Day Tour with Colmar from Strasbourg

If you’re dreaming of a winter fairy tale, this private Alsace Christmas Markets tour from Strasbourg offers a taste of holiday magic across some of France’s most picturesque villages. With a carefully curated itinerary that includes Colmar, charming villages like Kaysersberg and Bergheim, and a relaxing stop along the famed Alsace Wine Route, this experience promises a full day of festive sights and flavors. While some reviews note that the guide’s language expectations could be clearer, overall, this tour provides a cozy, personalized way to explore the region’s holiday highlights.

What truly makes this tour stand out is the chance to see Colmar’s medieval charm decked out in dazzling Christmas lights, and the opportunity for wine tasting amid scenic vineyards. It’s perfect for those who love lively markets, charming streets, and regional wines. The main caveat? The tour’s schedule can be flexible but may undergo modifications in case of weather or unforeseen circumstances — winter travel in Alsace isn’t always predictable. This tour suits travelers who want a personalized, intimate experience with a good mix of sightseeing, culture, and festive cheer.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: As a private tour, it offers tailored attention from your guide.
• Festive villages: Includes visits to Colmar and surrounding villages like Eguisheim or Riquewihr, renowned for their Christmas markets.
• Scenic drives: Enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Alsace Wine Route while sampling local wines.
• Flexible itinerary: The afternoon stops vary depending on the day, offering a curated local experience.
• Comfortable transport: Travel in modern, well-equipped minivans ensuring a relaxed journey.
• Authentic local flavors: Plenty of opportunities to wander markets, explore medieval architecture, and taste regional wines.

Starting in Strasbourg: Your Gateway to Alsace’s Holiday Charm

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Strasbourg around 9:00 AM, which is pretty convenient if you’re staying centrally. We love that the service includes hotel pickup and drop-off, eliminating the hassle of finding meeting points or public transportation in the winter chill. Your guide, usually an English-speaking driver, introduces you to the day’s plan, setting a friendly, relaxed tone for what’s to come.

The drive out of Strasbourg is a scenic one, with views of the countryside and vineyards that look especially enchanting with a dusting of snow. The comfort of the recent, fully equipped minivans makes the journey pleasant, especially if you’re traveling with family or a small group.

Exploring Colmar’s Medieval Beauty and Christmas Lights

Once in Colmar, the highlight is a guided walk through the Old Town, which looks like it’s been pulled straight from a holiday card. Medieval buildings, brightly painted houses, and cobblestone streets are all decorated with twinkling lights. The Lauch River adds to the fairy-tale vibe, reflecting the colorful facades and holiday illuminations.

During our reviewing notes, one traveler mentioned how the twinkling illuminations create a magical atmosphere. We agree — it’s the kind of place where you want to pause and soak in the scene, especially as the Christmas markets start to glow.

You’ll have about 90 minutes here to browse the market stalls — a good chunk of time to pick up unique gifts, sample seasonal treats, and enjoy the festive buzz. The markets feature local crafts, holiday foods, and regional specialties, making it perfect for those wanting a taste of authentic Alsace Christmas traditions.

Lunch on Your Own — Flexibility to Savor Local Flavors

After the market stroll, you’ll have about an hour and a half free for lunch, which you can enjoy at your own pace in a local restaurant. This is a great chance to try Alsace’s famous dishes like tarte flambée (flammekueche) or hearty sausages, paired with a glass of local wine. The flexibility here is appreciated, especially since some travelers might want to indulge in regional specialties or sit down for a proper meal.

Scenic Drive and Wine Tasting Along the Alsace Wine Route

Post-lunch, the journey continues along the renowned Alsace Wine Route. The scenery is spectacular — frosty vineyards stretching across rolling hills, with the occasional charming village appearing in the distance. If you’re a wine lover, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to sample Alsace wines at a local winery. This tasting stops are often highlights, giving you insight into the region’s winemaking traditions.

One reviewer noted that the driver was very punctual and courteous, which is crucial for a tight schedule. The wine tasting experience adds value, especially since it’s included in the tour price — a smart choice for those wanting to combine sightseeing with regional flavors.

Afternoon Village Visits — A Rotation of Festive Charms

The afternoon offers flexibility based on the day of your tour. Typical stops include:

• Kaysersberg: Known for its medieval castle and beautifully decorated streets.
• Bergheim or Riquewihr: Both are picture-perfect villages with impressive Christmas markets that run daily.

One traveler mentioned that their guide was very flexible, adapting the schedule to include Eguisheim, another gorgeous village famous for its concentric streets and holiday displays. These villages are small but packed with charm, offering authentic festive markets, local crafts, and holiday cheer in abundance.

Returning to Strasbourg — A Cozy End to the Day

After a full day of exploring, tasting, and sightseeing, your guide will drop you back at your hotel in Strasbourg. The duration of the return trip allows you to reflect on the day’s highlights and marvel at the beautifully lit scenery as night falls.

The personalized touch of booking a private tour is a significant advantage. With only your group, the guide can tailor stops and provide insights on the region’s history, architecture, and traditions. The tour’s focus on festive markets and scenic villages makes it ideal for lovers of Christmas cheer and picturesque landscapes.

The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off is a real plus, especially during the winter months when walking around in cold weather can be a deterrent. Plus, the comfortable, modern vehicle ensures a relaxed journey, even if weather conditions aren’t perfect.

Sampling wines along the renowned Alsace Wine Route adds a delicious layer to the experience, perfect for those wanting more than just sightseeing. The flexibility in the itinerary allows you to explore different villages, making each trip potentially unique.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

One of the main concerns revealed in reviews is the guide’s language expectations. While most guides are fluent in English, there was an instance where a guest felt the guide was expecting French-speaking travelers, which could lead to some miscommunication. Clarifying language preferences beforehand might help.

Weather during December can be unpredictable, and the itinerary may be subject to modifications or cancellations. This is especially true for outdoor visits and scenic drives, so being prepared for possible changes is wise.

The cost of around $391 per person might seem steep at first glance, but considering the private nature of the tour, private transport, and wine tasting, it offers good value for a full, personalized day out. If you’re traveling with family or friends, the cost can be justified for the intimacy and flexibility it provides.

This tour is perfect for couples, small groups, or families looking for a curated, intimate experience of Alsace’s Christmas festivities. If you’re someone who appreciates scenic drives, authentic villages, and regional wines, this trip hits all those marks. It’s especially suitable if you’re visiting Strasbourg during the holiday season and want a comprehensive yet flexible way to explore beyond the city.

However, if you’re seeking a more guided or structured experience, or prefer self-led exploration, this private tour might feel a bit too tailored for your taste. Also, those sensitive to weather changes in winter should be aware that the itinerary might shift.

This Alsace Christmas Markets private day tour from Strasbourg offers a wonderfully cozy, personalized way to enjoy the holiday magic of the region. The combination of charming villages, lively markets, and scenic wine country makes it an excellent choice for lovers of festive atmospheres, beautiful scenery, and regional flavors. While the guide’s language expectations can sometimes be a surprise, most travelers find the flexibility, comfort, and intimate experience outweigh any slight inconveniences.

The tour’s value lies in its curated approach and ability to show you some of Alsace’s most iconic holiday spots in just one memorable day. If you’re looking for an authentic, relaxed, and picturesque Christmas experience, this tour could be just what you need.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your Strasbourg hotel, making the day hassle-free.

How long do we spend in Colmar?
You’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore the Christmas markets and the town’s festive streets.

Can I choose which villages to visit in the afternoon?
The itinerary varies based on the day, but popular options include Eguisheim, Bergheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewihr, all known for their Christmas markets.

Is wine tasting included in the price?
Yes, wine tasting at a local winery along the Alsace Wine Route is part of the tour, offering regional wines in a scenic setting.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is subject to weather conditions; modifications or cancellations may occur. Your guide will inform you of any changes.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the small group size and flexible schedule make it family-friendly. Just note that the guide’s language might be expected to be in English or other requested languages.

This private tour offers a warm, scenic, and authentic way to experience Alsace’s Christmas spirit. Whether you’re marveling at medieval architecture, browsing festive markets, or sampling local wines, it’s a day packed with charm and joy.