10 souvenirs to bring home from a Christmas market

Beyond the mass-produced baubles

The classic Christmas market trap is coming home with decorations identical to the ones in the supermarket. The best souvenirs are found at the stalls of local artisans, often in the chalets tucked slightly away from the main alleys.

1. Alsatian bredele

Small Christmas biscuits handed down from one generation to the next. On the markets of Strasbourg, Colmar and Kaysersberg: cinnamon stars, almond crescents, butterbredele made with fresh butter. They keep for 2 to 3 weeks in a tin.

2. Meisenthal glass baubles

Every year the International Centre for Glass Art in Meisenthal produces a limited-edition bauble, designed by a different artist each time. A sought-after collector's piece, and stocks are limited.

3. Soufflenheim pottery

Terracotta kougelhopf moulds decorated with traditional patterns. A useful souvenir you will bring out every year.

4. Artisan gingerbread

In Dijon, the house of Mulot et Petitjean has kept its craft alive since 1796. In Strasbourg, Mireille Oster's gingerbread is the benchmark. Look for the stalls that bake on site.

5. Handmade candles

Beeswax or soy candles scented with fir, cinnamon or blood orange. In Metz and Montbéliard, several artisans sell candles poured into pots of local stoneware.

6. Turned-wood decorations

A tradition of the Vosges and the Jura. Nativity figures, stars and angels carved by hand. Untreated wood takes on a lovely patina over the years.

7. Mulled wine spices

Herbalists put together their own blends: cinnamon, star anise, cloves, dried orange zest. One little bag lets you recreate the atmosphere of the market at home.

8. Alsatian tablecloths and fabrics

Checked Kelsch fabrics and printed cloth from Mulhouse. The advantage: they fold, they don't break, and they slip into a suitcase.

9. The market mug

Every big market issues its own annual ceramic mug. Strasbourg, Colmar, Metz, Lille: each has its own design. Deposit €1 to €3. Some older models sell for good money online.

10. Local jams and honeys

Fir honey from the Vosges, quetsche plum jam, mulled wine jelly, chestnut cream. Check that the producer makes it themselves, to avoid the industrial resellers.

The right approach

Do a first lap to get your bearings before you take out your wallet. The chalets on the outskirts often charge more reasonable prices. In the final days of the market, some artisans sell off their stock cheaply.