The Obernai Christmas market in Alsace France is an absolutely charming destination that deserves a spot on your Alsace Christmas market itinerary. Foodies will particularly love this market for the variety of local and regional gastronomic delights to take home. (Ask me how I know!)
Obernai is a vibrant market town, first mentioned in the year 778AD, with a gorgeous medieval center that feels truly local and authentic. It also has a real touch of elegance – from the stunning vintage carousels to the illuminated towers, fine wines, and top quality eateries surrounding the market area.
This stunning town is overlooked by many in favor of the larger markets like Colmar and Strasbourg. After reading about Obernai, it not only became a must-see for me, but we even chose Obernai to be our hub location for visiting many other Christmas markets in Alsace.
Obernai Christmas Market Dates and Times for 2025
Official dates for the 2025 Obernai Christmas market in Alsace:
Friday, November 28 – Wednesday, December 31.
- Monday–Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday–Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- December 24 and 31: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- December 25: Closed
🥳 Yes, the Obernai Christmas market is open until New Years Eve!
Obernai Christmas Market Locations:
The Obernai market features about 45 Christmas market stalls spread across five different small squares, including Place du Marché, Place de l’Etoile, Place du Beffroi, and Place André Neher. This is an easily walkable market area, and all the Christmas markets are close to each other.
Why Obernai is So Magical at Christmas Time
At the stalls you’ll find local products, handcrafted items, and regional Alsacian specialties. The clusters of stalls are not huge, but walking from one to another will take you on a journey through cobblestone streets, past half-timbered buildings, and Christmas window displays of your dreams.
It also means fewer crowds, leisurely browsing, time to savor your vin chaud (hot spiced wine), and soak in the absolutely gorgeous medieval town center without feeling like you’re in a mosh pit.
I loved its unhurried charm after the hustle and bustle of larger markets. It felt homey and sweet and full of Christmas cheer.
What You’ll Find
- A main market with a beautiful Christmas tree and chalets surrounding the square
- A children’s market with a photo perfect carousel, cute little train ride, and fun photo ops.
- Chalets selling local products like foie gras, gingerbread, and Alsacian wines.
- Gorgeous local handcrafted goods like the signature Alsacian pottery and blown glass.
Food and Drink at the Obernai Christmas Market
You’ll find all the traditional Christmas foods here, and then some! Here are some of the delectable dishes and drinks that stood out to me, after visiting dozens of markets over the years.
• Hot spiced orange juice, and hot grape juice, a local Advent specialty
• Bredele, a local spiced butter cookie, in multiple varieties
• Spätzle dishes enhanced with regional Munster cheese – decadent!
• Local white wines, especially Sylvaner
• Fresh hot roasted chestnuts
• Riesling soup, and Munster cheese soup which I have never seen anywhere else!
Shopping at the Obernai Christmas Market
One thing I particularly enjoyed about this market was the assortment of higher quality gift items and crafts. It’s not a huge selection but what there is – like local honey and beeswax candles, liqueurs and wine from local vineyards, cheeses including local Munster, cured meats and foie gras, and gorgeous hand-blown glass ornaments – really felt like one-of-a-kind purchases. No mass produced trinkets here.
You’ll be able to find some really thoughtful gifts and souvenirs here, easily.
Best Place to Stay in Obernai for the Christmas Market
OneLoft Hotel
We chose to stay at the OneLoft in Obernai because we were going for clean, basic, budget-friendly and centrally located to visit all the other incredible Alsacian village Christmas markets by car.
We knew we wouldn’t be spending much time in our room and we’d rather spend our dollars at the markets. Plus, the free on-site parking lot (not a cramped garage) made it very easy to zip in and out on our multiple mini-road trips. It was about a 15-20 minute walk to the main market area in Obernai’s medieval core.
🥐☕️ Pro Tip: Skip the hotel breakfast and walk next door to the Atelier Boulangerie for coffee and croissants, pain au chocolat, eclairs, raspberry tartlets, baba au rhum, and every other classical french pastry you can think of. Heaven! Book the OneLoft now and thank me later!
Other Great Places to Stay for the Christmas Market in Obernai
Use this map to see other hotels in a variety of price ranges in Obernai that are close to the market. The map updates in real time so you know what’s available for your dates.
🚨 Pro Tip: Book your hotel in Obernai as early as you possibly can for the best selection and price. The closer it gets to Christmas, the higher the prices go.
How to Get to Obernai
From Strasbourg
By train: About 40 minutes
By car: About 25 minutes
From Other Points
If you are coming from other points in the region and want the freedom and flexibility to explore all the Christmas markets and villages of Alsace on your own schedule, renting a car (or using your own) is the best option. Think of it as your own personal Christmas sleigh. You can compare prices and book confidently with DiscoverCars, which searches all major rental companies to get you the best deal.
🚗 We highly recommend DiscoverCars, because the process is fast, affordable, and incredibly smooth. Pickups are easy, selection is huge and reasonably priced, and they have free cancelation, no hidden fees, and 24/7 customer service in English.
👉 Check prices for your Alsace rental car here.
🅿️ Parking
There are five parking locations reasonably close to the Christmas market (located at the center of the map below).
Tips for Visiting the Obernai Christmas Market
💶 Bring cash in Euros. Most vendors are unable to accept credit cards.
🥾 Wear comfortable, warm, waterproof or water-resistant shoes. You may be dealing with snow, rain, slush, or puddles.
🧤Pack and wear layers, and check the weather right before you go. A scarf (even light weight), a hat, and gloves or mittens are a must.
I love my mittens with a flap so I can rummage for cash, or take photos on my phone without pulling gloves on and off.
Is the Obernai Christmas Market Dog Friendly?
Yes! There are lots of dogs that enjoy a trip to the Christmas market as much as their people do! This market is less crowded than others, which is also nice for the four-legged merrymakers. We brought our semi-reactive frenchie with us and she did mostly ok. She barked at a few other dogs, but we were able to see most of them coming and maneuver away before she did!
If your dog is overstimulated easily, or is reactive it might be a good idea to let them sit it out. But for calm well-behaved dogs, it’s perfectly fine.
Sights to See in Obernai
While you are enjoying your market experience in the Old Town of Obernai, keep your eyes open for these historical points of interest!
Place du Marché: You won’t miss this one! This is where the main Christmas market area is, and its Renaissance Town Hall is the perfect backdrop.
Sainte-Odile Fountain: Saint Odile was born in Obernai
Halle aux Blé: An iconic building which used to be a meat market in the 1500s!
The Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall): A charming 16th century building with a turret.
Le Puit à Six Seaux (the well of six buckets): This charming historic well is right near the Hotel de Ville and dates from 1610. It is classified as a Historic Monument. It’s also a great photo op! There are other wells, fountains, and spaces tied to Obernai’s merchant past.
Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul: This monumental church in the heart of the city is one of the largest Catholic churches in Alsace.
Old City Walls and Remnants of Defensive Towers: We loved the old walls – great for photo ops, and the perfect backdrop for one of the little markets.
Best Nearby Alsacian Christmas Markets to Combine With Your Trip
Obernai, situated dead center at the north-south axis of Alsacian Christmas markets pairs well with all of them: Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Requiwihr, Sélestat, Rebeauvillé, and Mulhouse.
Is the Obernai Christmas Market Worth Visiting?
If you’re planning a Christmas market trip through Alsace, I’d highly recommend this market for three reasons:
1. It’s a beautiful respite from the sometimes overstimulating larger markets in the region. Everywhere you go will have some crowds (especially evenings and weekends), but Obernai proved to us to be a beautiful local-feeling Christmas market that checked all our boxes – lots of great regional food, a beautiful historic town with things to see, festive decorations, and cheer without overcrowding.
2. Obernai was our centrally located home base for our Alsacian Christmas market trip and it worked out perfectly. We were able to take a jaunt north or south in an easy day trip to Strasbourg, Mulhouse, Colmar, Eguisheim, Sélestat, and Requiwihr.
3. It’s one of the few Christmas markets open until December 31, which makes it easy to fit into a late Christmas schedule when guests are in town, or if you just need a little more Christmas cheer before facing the rest of the winter.
Whatever your reason for visiting this little hidden gem, you’ll find the magic of an Alsacian Christmas that you won’t forget!
Other Christmas Markets in and Near Alsace You May Enjoy
Christmas in Colmar: Ultimate Guide to France’s Magical Market
Strasbourg Christmas Markets: Guide to the Most Glorious in France
Haguenau Christmas Market: Hidden Gem in Alsace
Sélestat Christmas Market: Tiny but Full of Christmas Tree History
Metz Christmas Market: One of Europe’s Best Hidden Gems!
