French Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël) run late November to early January. Alsace is the heart of it — Strasbourg is "Capital of Christmas." Each city has its own personality and timing.
Three things confuse travelers: 1) Markets open on different dates — Strasbourg starts the last week of November, some smaller ones only in December. 2) "Authentic" doesn't always mean small — the biggest markets (Strasbourg, Reims) are touristy but still local-run. 3) Most close by December 24 or 26 — Christmas Day is family time.
The other big thing: Alsatian markets cluster geographically. You can visit 3–4 in one day (Strasbourg morning, Colmar afternoon, Kaysersberg evening) with a car or by train.
When it opens and closes for your chosen week. Some run 4 weeks, some 6.
Regional foods and crafts — vin chaud, bredele, pain d'épices, hand-blown glass, wooden toys.
Parking, public transport, and hotel availability (book 2+ months ahead for peak weekends).
Small Alsatian Christmas cookies — buttery, spiced, often almond or hazelnut. Sold in tins at markets. Bredele = plural of "bredle." Peak season November–December.
Yes — mulled red wine with cinnamon, clove, and orange peel. ~€3–€5 per cup. Non-alcoholic "jus de pomme chaud" also widely sold.
Gingerbread — soft, spiced bread, often with honey and rye flour. Alsace/Dijon specialty. Excellent with foie gras or just butter.