Colmar Christmas Markets Tour: Eguisheim, Riquewihr & Wine Tasting

Summary

Alsace’s festive villages glow with lights, mulled wine scents and laughter

You’ll travel from Colmar through Alsace’s prettiest Christmas markets with a local guide — tasting mulled wine in Eguisheim, wandering Riquewihr’s festive lanes, watching Kaysersberg light up at night, and ending with a cozy wine tasting before heading back. It’s less about shopping than soaking up that gentle holiday feeling you can’t quite put into words.

What’s the experience like?

I stepped out in Colmar that morning still half-asleep, honestly — but the driver was already waving, grinning like he’d known us for years. We squeezed into the van (it’s not a big group thing, which I liked), and the first thing I noticed was how the air smelled sharp and cold, with a little hint of cinnamon drifting from somewhere. Our guide — Jean? No, Julien — started telling us about Alsace’s history as we rolled past rows of vineyards that looked almost silver in the winter light. He pointed out a stork’s nest on a rooftop; apparently it’s lucky if you spot one. I tried to snap a photo but just got my own reflection in the window.

Eguisheim was our first stop. The market there felt like something out of an old storybook — wooden stalls, twinkling garlands, people bundled up with red cheeks. Someone handed me a tiny cup of vin chaud (mulled wine) and I nearly burned my tongue but it was worth it. There were these little pastries too — bredele? — buttery and spiced. Julien introduced us to a woman selling hand-painted ornaments; she showed me how she paints each one by candlelight at home. My French is terrible but she smiled anyway.

We wandered through Riquewihr after that, then Kaysersberg as dusk settled in. The lights here are different at night — softer somehow, glowing against half-timbered houses. Kids ran past with gingerbread men and someone started singing quietly near the church steps. Before heading back to Colmar we stopped at this family-run wine cellar tucked behind a heavy old door; tasted three kinds of Riesling (I liked the driest one best). I’m not sure if it was the wine or just being surrounded by so much warmth in the cold, but I felt oddly at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Christmas markets and wine tasting

• Depart from Colmar
• Pass through vineyards
• Taste wine at cellar
• Visit Eguisheim Christmas Market
• Visit Riquewihr Christmas Market
• Explore Kaysersberg Christmas Market at night

Top questions

How long is the Christmas market tour from Colmar?

The tour lasts most of the day, including stops at three villages and a wine tasting before returning to Colmar.

Which villages do you visit on this tour?

The day trip visits Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg Christmas markets.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off near Colmar are included in your booking.

Do you get to taste local wines during the tour?

Yes, there is a visit to a wine cellar with tastings included as part of the experience.

Are children allowed on this Christmas market tour?

Children are welcome when accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

Will there be time to explore each village on your own?

You’ll have free time to wander each village at your own pace during the stops.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No full lunch is included but you can try snacks like pastries or mulled wine at the markets.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off near Colmar, all transport by minivan with your driver-guide leading the way through Alsace’s festive villages, bottled water for along the route, plus a stop for local wine tasting before returning in the evening.