One Week Christmas Market Trip Itinerary to Switzerland and France
If you have ever dreamed of wandering through European Christmas markets with a cup of warm mulled wine while snow falls on cobblestone streets, this itinerary is for you. We have designed this trip to hit the most enchanting markets in Basel, Colmar, Strasbourg, and Zurich without feeling like you are constantly rushing.
This route is based around a round-trip flight to and from Zurich, Switzerland, as it is a major transportation hub with excellent connections. Everything is connected by an easy train system, so you can relax and watch the scenery instead of worrying about driving in winter conditions. The markets in this region typically run from late November through December 23rd. We recommend going in the first three weeks of December to see the markets in full swing.
Six-Day France & Switzerland Christmas Markets Trip Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Basel
Day 2: Basel to Colmar
Day 3: Alsace Towns Day Trip
Day 4: Strasbourg Day Trip
Day 5: Colmar to Zurich
Day 6: Zurich
Day One: Basel
Fly into Zurich and head straight to the airport train station. Purchase your ticket to Basel through the Trainline app to save time. The journey is a comfortable 90-minute ride. Once you arrive in Basel, grab a taxi to your hotel to drop your bags so you can get straight to the markets.
Basel has two main markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz. Start at Barfüsserplatz, where you will find about 100 wooden chalets and a massive Christmas pyramid . This is where the locals gather, and the atmosphere is wonderfully authentic. For a deep dive into what to expect in Basel and at the markets, check out our full Basel Christmas Market Guide!
You absolutely must try a Chäsbängel for lunch! It is a baguette filled with melted fondue cheese found at the Zihlmann stand, and it is the perfect fuel for a cold day. Afterward, walk five minutes to Münsterplatz to see the markets under the red sandstone cathedral. If you want a break from the crowds, grab a seat at the Holzfäller-Bar for mulled wine with a view of the illuminated church
Click here to find hotel recommendations for accommodations near the Christmas markets in Basel!
Colmar, France
Day Two: Basel to Colmar
Taking the train is the easiest way to get from Basel to Colmar! After breakfast, take the short train ride across the border into France. Colmar looks like it was pulled straight from a storybook, especially when the medieval buildings are draped in lights. After you check into your accommodation, head out for a proper Alsatian lunch.
While it is tempting to eat only at the stalls, Colmar has over two dozen Michelin-starred restaurants! We highly recommend L'Atelier du Peintre or Wistub La Petite Venise for a higher quality meal at a reasonable price . Make sure to book these ahead of time.
After lunch, it’s time to explore Colmar’s Christmas markets! Colmar has multiple distinct Christmas markets, each with its own character and offerings. The markets run from late November through the end of December, staying open a few days longer than most other markets in the region.
Place des Dominicains: This market surrounds the beautiful 14th-century Dominican Church and features elegant wooden chalets selling crafts, decorations, and gifts. The architecture creates a stunning backdrop for the market stalls.
Place de l'Ancienne Douane: Located in the heart of the Old Town, this is one of the larger markets. You'll find a mix of artisan goods, local food products, and Christmas decorations. The Koïfhus (Old Customs House) building dominates one side of the square, its colorful tile roof adding to the picturesque setting.
Place Jeanne d'Arc: This market focuses on regional Alsatian products. Wine, schnapps, sausages, spice cookies, and other local specialties fill the stalls. If you want to bring home authentic Alsatian products, this is your market.
Place des Six Montagnes Noires (Petite Venise): Situated in Colmar's famous "Little Venice" neighborhood along the Lauch River, this market offers incredible photo opportunities. The canal-side location with colorful buildings reflecting in the water creates a magical setting.
Marché Couvert: The covered market operates year-round but takes on special significance during Christmas. Local vendors sell cheese, charcuterie, fresh produce, and baked goods. Stop here for picnic supplies or gifts to bring home.
Place de la Cathédrale: Surrounding the stunning Saint-Martin's Collegiate Church, this market features a beautiful selection of arts and crafts from local artisans.
As the sun sets, the city takes on a soft glow. Grab a fresh Nutella crêpe from a street vendor and just wander through the illuminated streets before heading back for the night.
Click here to find hotel recommendations for accommodations near the Christmas markets in Basel!
Day Three: Day Trip Around the Alsace
On a weekend day, take a day trip using the Christmas Shuttles (Navettes de Noël) to the charming Christmas markets in the smaller nearby Alsatian towns. These villages look like they belong in a storybook, and the shuttles make it incredibly easy to hop between them without the stress of driving or parking. The buses can fill up, especially during peak times. Arrive at the train station early to ensure you get on your preferred departure. If one bus fills up, another typically follows within 30 minutes.
We recommend visiting Riquewihr first. It consistently ranks as one of France's most beautiful villages, and during Christmas, it transforms into something even more special! The shuttle drops you near the village entrance. From there, you'll walk through the medieval town gate and onto the main street (Rue du Général de Gaulle). What hits you first is how perfectly preserved everything feels. Riquewihr has remained within its 13th-century fortification walls, and the half-timbered houses lining the narrow streets look much as they did centuries ago.
The Riquewihr Christmas market itself sets up along the main street and in the town square near the town hall. About 30-40 chalets sell a mix of crafts, decorations, and local products. What makes Riquewihr's market special isn't necessarily what's being sold but where you're experiencing it!
If you’re able visit one one of the few weekends that the Ribeauvillé Medieval Christmas Market is in operation, you absolutely must visit! The entire town transforms during this time. The market features medieval-themed entertainment, craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills, and food vendors selling historical recipes alongside modern Christmas treats.
Even if you're not visiting during the medieval market weekends, Ribeauvillé is worth exploring. The three ruined castles on the hills above the town create a dramatic backdrop. The main street (Grand Rue) is lined with beautiful buildings and shops.
The villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé are only about 2.5 miles apart. If you're feeling adventurous and the weather cooperates, you could even technically walk between them. The route follows a small road through the vineyards with beautiful views. It takes about an hour and offers a different perspective on the region. Just make sure to check shuttle times so you don't miss your return ride to Colmar.
Strasbourg, France
Day Four: Day Trip to Strasbourg
Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas," and once you spend a day here, you will understand why. This city goes all out for the holiday season with almost a dozen different Christmas markets scattered throughout the historic center, each with its own character and specialty.
Start your morning with a short train ride from Colmar to Strasbourg. Once in Strasbourg, your first stop should be the market at Place de la Cathédrale, which sits directly in front of the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece towers over the square, and the wooden chalets sell everything from handmade ornaments to local Alsatian crafts.
From there, make your way to Place Kléber, which hosts Strasbourg's largest Christmas tree—a massive, elaborately decorated centerpiece of the square. Another market worth visiting is Place Broglie, which has a more local feel. This is where we found some of the best food stalls; you absolutely must try the pork knuckle served with spaetzle.
In the evening, the markets take on a different character as the lights come on. Revisit Place de la Cathédrale to see the cathedral beautifully illuminated against the dark sky. Grab dinner from one of the food stalls, enjoy a final glass of vin chaud, and take it all in before heading back to the train station to return to Colmar.
Zurich Christmas tram
Day Five: Colmar to Zurich
Time to head back to Switzerland! Head to the Colmar train station. If you have luggage and don't want to walk 15 minutes through town, book a taxi the night before or use a rideshare app. Trying to hail a taxi on the street in Colmar can be hit or miss. The train from Colmar to Zurich takes about 2-2.5 hours with one connection in Basel.
Upon arrival, you’ll find Zurich's tram system is excellent, and most hotels are accessible by tram. Alternatively, taxis and rideshares are readily available. If you're staying overnight in Zurich, many hotels provide guests with a free Zurich Card, giving you unlimited public transportation during your stay. Ask about this when you check in.
Once you check into your hotel, take a break from the markets to enjoy a quintessential Swiss fondue lunch. We recommend Le Dézaley for a cozy, wood-paneled atmosphere.
After lunch, head to the Lindt Home of Chocolate! It is about 15 minutes from the city center by tram and features an incredible museum and tasting experience. Buy your tickets online in advance, as they often sell out during the holiday season!
If you have extra time and want to explore more of Zurich, there’s plenty to do! Walk along the Limmat River, browse the shops on Bahnhofstrasse (one of the world's most expensive shopping streets), or visit the Fraumünster Church to see its famous Chagall windows.
Looking for the best markets and ways to explore the city during the holidays? Check out our guide to Zurich here!
Day Six: Zürich's Christmas Markets
Your final day is dedicated entirely to experiencing Zurich's distinct market scene. Start your morning at the Christkindlimarkt inside the main train station. It is one of the largest indoor markets in Europe, which makes it perfect for any weather. Visit mid-morning to avoid the rush of local commuters!
Next, walk ten minutes to the Wienachtsdorf at Sechseläutenplatz near the Opera House . This market feels more like a winter festival, complete with an ice skating rink and fire pits . It is the best spot for lunch because the food options are so diverse. Try the raclette—melted cheese scraped onto bread—or a traditional Swiss rösti.
In the afternoon, head into the Old Town for the Dörfli Christmas Market. This is Zurich's oldest market, and the stalls are tucked into narrow streets and historic courtyards. Look for the ski gondolas that have been converted into tiny, heated fondue restaurants. Sharing a meal in a gondola in the middle of a market is a quintessentially Swiss experience.
Make your way to Werdmühleplatz to see the Singing Christmas Tree. Choirs dressed in red and green stand on tiered platforms arranged in a tree shape to perform carols . It is a beloved local tradition and a perfect moment to just stand with a cup of mulled wine and listen. Finish your trip by walking down Bahnhofstrasse to see "Lucy," the canopy of 12,000+ twinkling lights!
Extending Your Trip & Making It Your Own
If you have extra days, consider adding the following stop or stops to your itinerarry:
Lucerne, Switzerland: beautiful lakeside city with excellent markets
Freiburg, Germany: just across the border with a wonderful market
Interlaken, Switzerland: stunning Alpine setting
Mulhouse, France: smaller charming city between Basel and Colmar
Each of these destinations is easily reachable by train from the cities in this itinerary!