Alsace - Local Festivals and Events
Strasbourg Christmas Market (Marché de Noël)
The Strasbourg Christmas Market, known as the Marché de Noël, is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. Dating back to 1570, it is a magical event that transforms Strasbourg into a winter wonderland. The market features hundreds of wooden chalets selling crafts, ornaments, and regional delicacies, all set against the backdrop of the city’s historic architecture. Visitors can enjoy mulled wine, gingerbread, and traditional Alsatian treats while exploring the festive atmosphere. The market’s centerpiece is the giant Christmas tree in Place Kléber, symbolizing the heart of the city’s holiday spirit.
Fête des Vins d’Alsace in Colmar
The Fête des Vins d’Alsace in Colmar is one of the region’s most celebrated wine festivals, taking place every summer. The event showcases the best wines of Alsace, with tastings from numerous local producers, live music, and cultural performances. The festival is held in the heart of Colmar, a picturesque town known for its medieval architecture and vibrant canals. Visitors can sample a wide range of wines, from dry Rieslings to aromatic Gewürztraminers, while enjoying the lively ambiance of this popular event.
Foire aux Vins d’Alsace in Colmar
The Foire aux Vins d’Alsace is an annual wine fair in Colmar that combines wine tastings with live entertainment, concerts, and exhibitions. The event attracts both wine professionals and enthusiasts, offering an opportunity to discover new vintages and meet local winemakers. In addition to wine, the fair includes food stalls, craft vendors, and an amusement park, making it a family-friendly event. The Foire aux Vins is one of the largest and most important wine fairs in the region, drawing visitors from across France and beyond.
Pfifferdaj (Festival of the Minstrels) in Ribeauvillé
Pfifferdaj, or the Festival of the Minstrels, is a unique medieval festival held in the town of Ribeauvillé. Dating back to the Middle Ages, the festival celebrates the town’s historical association with minstrels and musicians. The event features a grand parade with colorful costumes, medieval reenactments, and live performances. The entire town is transformed into a medieval village, with market stalls, food vendors, and entertainment reflecting the period. Pfifferdaj is one of the oldest festivals in Alsace and offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and traditions.
Strasbourg International Music Festival
The Strasbourg International Music Festival is a prestigious event that brings together world-class musicians, orchestras, and conductors for a series of concerts and performances. The festival covers a wide range of musical genres, including classical, jazz, and contemporary music. Held in various venues across the city, including the Strasbourg Cathedral and the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, the festival is a cultural highlight for music lovers. The event attracts both local and international audiences, making it one of the most important music festivals in France.
Fête du Vin Nouveau in Eguisheim
The Fête du Vin Nouveau in Eguisheim is a charming festival celebrating the arrival of the new wine, or ‘vin nouveau.’ Held in the picturesque village of Eguisheim, the event includes wine tastings, guided vineyard tours, and live music. Visitors can sample the freshly fermented wines and enjoy traditional Alsatian dishes like tarte flambée and choucroute. The festival also features craft stalls, regional products, and family-friendly activities. The Fête du Vin Nouveau is a beloved local tradition that marks the start of the wine harvest season in Alsace.
Fête des Vendanges in Barr
The Fête des Vendanges in Barr is one of Alsace’s largest and oldest wine harvest festivals. Taking place every October, the event celebrates the grape harvest with parades, music, dancing, and, of course, wine tastings. The festival’s highlight is the grand parade featuring decorated floats, traditional costumes, and performances by local folk groups. Visitors can explore the town’s wine cellars, sample freshly pressed grape juice, and enjoy a festive atmosphere that brings the community together. The Fête des Vendanges is a vibrant celebration of Alsace’s winemaking heritage.
Festival Musica in Strasbourg
Festival Musica in Strasbourg is a contemporary music festival that showcases cutting-edge compositions and performances from around the world. The festival features orchestral concerts, chamber music, and experimental works, highlighting innovative and avant-garde music. Held in various venues across Strasbourg, including theaters, concert halls, and public spaces, Festival Musica attracts music enthusiasts and professionals alike. The event is known for its adventurous programming and its commitment to promoting new musical expressions.
Festival International de Colmar
The Festival International de Colmar is a renowned classical music festival that takes place every summer in the heart of Colmar. The festival is dedicated to showcasing the works of a specific composer or musical theme each year, attracting some of the world’s finest musicians and ensembles. Concerts are held in historic venues such as the Église Saint-Matthieu and the Théâtre Municipal, adding to the festival’s intimate and artistic atmosphere. The Festival International de Colmar is a key cultural event in Alsace, drawing music lovers from across the globe.
Riquewihr Wine Harvest Festival
The Riquewihr Wine Harvest Festival is a lively event that takes place in one of Alsace’s most beautiful wine villages. Held in October, the festival celebrates the end of the grape harvest with wine tastings, vineyard tours, and traditional festivities. Visitors can enjoy live music, folk dancing, and parades featuring floats decorated with grapevines and flowers. The event also includes local food stalls offering Alsatian specialties such as bretzels, sausages, and tarte flambée. The Riquewihr Wine Harvest Festival is a perfect way to experience Alsace’s rich wine culture and community spirit.
Wine and Gastronomy Fair in Obernai
The Wine and Gastronomy Fair in Obernai is a celebration of Alsace’s culinary and vinous heritage. The event features wine tastings from local producers, cooking demonstrations by top chefs, and a wide selection of regional specialties. Visitors can explore the vibrant market stalls, sample gourmet products, and participate in food and wine pairings. The fair also includes cultural activities, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. The Wine and Gastronomy Fair in Obernai is a must-visit for food lovers looking to discover the best of Alsace’s flavors.
Alsace Wine Marathon in Molsheim
The Alsace Wine Marathon in Molsheim is a unique event that combines sport with wine culture. Participants run a marathon or half-marathon through the scenic vineyards of the Alsace Wine Route, with wine tastings and local delicacies offered at refreshment stations along the way. Runners and spectators alike enjoy a festive atmosphere, with many participants dressing in costumes related to the wine theme. The event also includes shorter runs, walking tours, and family activities, making it a fun and inclusive celebration of Alsace’s wine traditions.
Pottery Market in Soufflenheim
The Pottery Market in Soufflenheim is an annual event that highlights the region’s long tradition of pottery making. Soufflenheim is famous for its colorful ceramic cookware, including the traditional kougelhopf molds and terrine dishes. The market features stalls from local artisans, offering a wide range of handmade pottery, from decorative pieces to functional kitchenware. Visitors can watch demonstrations, participate in workshops, and learn about the craft’s history. The Pottery Market in Soufflenheim is a unique opportunity to experience Alsace’s artisanal heritage and take home a piece of local craftsmanship.
Fête de la Choucroute in Krautergersheim
The Fête de la Choucroute in Krautergersheim is a celebration of Alsace’s most famous dish: choucroute garnie. Held every September in the ‘Choucroute Capital’ of Alsace, the festival features choucroute tastings, traditional music, and folk dancing. Visitors can sample different variations of the dish, accompanied by local wines and beer, while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this rural village. The event also includes a parade, craft stalls, and family-friendly activities. The Fête de la Choucroute is a delicious and fun way to experience Alsace’s culinary traditions.
Festival des Vins de Strasbourg
The Festival des Vins de Strasbourg is a wine fair that brings together producers from across Alsace to showcase their best wines. The event is held in the prestigious Palais de la Musique et des Congrès and offers wine tastings, masterclasses, and workshops for both novices and connoisseurs. Visitors can discover the diversity of Alsace wines, from crisp Rieslings to aromatic Gewürztraminers, and purchase bottles directly from the producers. The festival also includes food pairings, with regional specialties designed to complement the wines. The Festival des Vins de Strasbourg is a must-attend event for wine enthusiasts in the region.