Mulhouse Christmas Market, Alsace

Since it began in 1990, Mulhouse Christmas Market has grown to be one of the most popular and authentic Christmas Markets in Alsace. And that’s not easy. Up against Strasbourg and Colmar, Mulhouse had to work at being different in order to stand out – so they made it one of the most colourful markets in France. This town literally puts on its finest festive attire at Christmas. We discover all about the Mulhouse Christmas market and what to see and do in the area…

Mulhouse Christmas Market 2022

At the heart of the textile industry in Alsace, Mulhouse creates a unique Christmas fabric each year in tribute to its proud heritage. The material is hung over the facades of the chalets selling lovely artisan gifts and delicious products at the Christmas market. The streets of the town centre are also decorated with this luxurious material. And the famous Renaissance former town hall is dressed up in it (above).

The Christmas market takes place on the Place de la Réunion, before the enormous neo-Gothic church of Saint-Etienne, the largest protestant building in France. The market, with around 100 chalets, has a reputation for its friendly atmosphere.

There’s a Ferris Wheel, huge Christmas tree – as tall as the one in Strasbourg at 30 metres – and the streets are teeming with twinkling fairy lights.

Mulhouse Christmas market: 24 November to 27 December, 2022

Don’t miss near Mulhouse at Christmas

Whatever you do, make time for the EcoMusée d’Alsace – it’s a great visit, and especially so at Christmas. Around 18km from Mulhouse in the town of Ungersheim this is the largest open-air museum in France. It’s a reproduction of an Alsacian village of the early 20^th century created from old buildings that would otherwise be destroyed. There are ore than 70 buildings – from houses to farms, schools, railway stations and more, and a collection of 40,000 articles is on show.

Throughout December this unusual museum puts up 150 Christmas trees, window decorations and Christmas events. www.ecomusee.alsace/en/

Take a detour to Thann which is classified as a “Plus Beaux Detour” destination. It’s just 20km from Mulhouse and reachable by train. It’s charming and authentic little town, nestled at the base of the Vosges Mountains. This snowy winter destination is truly enchanting and it’s where you’ll find traditional farm-mountain inns for a hearty feast. The town hosts a pretty Christmas market from the last week of November to Christmas Eve.

A little further afield, visit Parc Wesserling in the town of Husseren-Wesseing. A 40 minute drive from Mulhouse, this private manor house hosts a “Christmas in the Garden” show. The beautiful garden twinkles as thousands of lights shine. You need to book in advance for this event, which has a new theme every year. Expect musicians, acrobats and fun – it’s very popular with the locals!

More in Mulhouse at Christmas

Take a break from Christmas cheer and check out the many museums in Mulhouse. You’re seriously spoiled for choice but the two big must-sees are the Cité de l’Automobile car museum (the biggest in the world) and the Train Museum.

Pop to the Café Mozart for a scrumptious cake (opposite the Church of St. Etienne). You can get great snacks here but it’s the cakes they’re really famous for!