Accommodation is the biggest variable in a Christmas market weekend budget. Depending on the destination and the dates, prices can double compared with the rest of the year. How to find your way around, and find a good deal, town by town.
When to book so you do not overpay
For destinations in Alsace, the rule is simple: most town-centre accommodation is fully booked by mid-October for December weekends. Villages such as Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim even sell out in September for the first weekends of Advent.
Three booking windows worth knowing:
- September: hotels open their calendars for the season. You get the pick of the rooms, but early-booking deals are rare.
- Mid-October to mid-November: the period when cancellations put rooms back online. Keep watch with a price alert.
- Three days before departure: last minute, possible but hit and miss. Worth a try for the big destinations (Strasbourg, Paris, Lille) that have volume.
How much to budget by destination
| Destination | 3-star hotel, weekday | 3-star hotel, weekend |
|---|---|---|
| Strasbourg centre | €110 to €150 | €180 to €280 |
| Colmar centre | €90 to €130 | €160 to €240 |
| Alsatian villages (Kaysersberg, Riquewihr) | €120 to €170 | €200 to €320 |
| Reims centre | €90 to €130 | €140 to €220 |
| Metz centre | €80 to €120 | €130 to €200 |
| Lille centre | €100 to €140 | €160 to €250 |
| Paris (1st, 8th arrondissements) | €180 to €280 | €250 to €450 |
| Amiens centre | €70 to €110 | €110 to €170 |
Strasbourg: where to stay without breaking the bank
Pedestrian centre (Grande Île)
The ideal spot if you do not want to waste time on transport. Three- and four-star hotels dominate; expect €200 to €350 a night on a December weekend. Go for the cathedral quarter or Petite France.
Station quarter
More affordable (€120 to €180 a night), a 10-minute walk from the pedestrian centre. A good compromise if you arrive by TGV. The area is fine, if short on charm.
Outer districts on the tram line
Chain hotels (Ibis, B&B, Première Classe) in Hautepierre, Krimmeri or Rotonde. Expect €70 to €110 a night. Direct tram to the centre in 15 minutes. The best budget option when money is tight.
Just over the border in Germany
A little-known trick: Kehl is 5 km from Strasbourg, on the other side of the Rhine, and reachable by tram. Hotels there are 30 to 50% cheaper than in Strasbourg for the same standard. A night in Kehl plus a daily tram ride can halve your accommodation budget.
Colmar and the Alsatian villages: guest houses take over
In Colmar, guest houses in the heart of the old town are the most charming places to stay. Expect €100 to €180 a night for two, breakfast included. Booking 2 to 3 months ahead is a must.
In villages such as Kaysersberg, Riquewihr or Eguisheim, the choice comes down to a few family-run hotels and guest rooms at winegrowers' homes. Prices climb fast (€180 to €300 a night) and availability is very tight.
A smart alternative: stay in Colmar (more rooms) and drive out to the Alsatian villages during the day. One base, several markets visited.
Paris: avoiding the traps
For the Tuileries market in Paris, the capital's advantage is the sheer amount of choice. But watch out:
- Prices rise sharply from mid-December to 31 December
- Hotels in the 1st, 8th and 16th arrondissements are the most convenient but also the dearest
- The 11th, 12th or 14th offer a good balance between price and metro access
Alternatives to hotels
Short-term rentals
Airbnb and similar platforms often give you better value for two nights or more. Expect €80 to €150 a night for a whole flat in the town centre. The upside: a fitted kitchen, more space, perfect for families or groups of friends. The downside: not always well located, and some cities (Strasbourg, Paris) have tightened the rules.
Youth hostels
For solo travellers or very tight budgets, expect €30 to €60 a night in a dormitory and €70 to €100 in a private room. HI Hostels and MIJE have hostels in Strasbourg, Colmar, Reims, Metz and Paris.
Unusual places to stay
Farm inns in Alsace, yurts in Champagne, forest lodges in Lorraine offer something different, at €60 to €120 a night. Ideal if you want to escape the town-centre crowds and combine the market with the countryside.
Tips for spending less
Go midweek
From Sunday to Thursday, hotel rates are 30 to 40% lower than at weekends. If your job allows it, two well-placed days off save you €100 to €200 on accommodation.
Use a loyalty scheme
If you travel several times a year, the Accor Live Limitless, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors programmes let you build up free nights. A free night in Strasbourg in December = €250 saved.
Compare the cashback offers
Booking, Hotels.com and other online travel agencies regularly offer promo codes and Genius/Silver/Gold tiers that unlock 10 to 20% off. A Booking Genius level 2 account (5 nights booked) is already enough.
Where to go next
Our Getting there guide complements this one with a full rundown of transport options. To estimate the total cost of your weekend, the Budget guide gives ballpark figures by destination and by type of traveller.