The small towns, on the days they are actually open

A small town is a poor place to arrive on the wrong day. Several of the prettiest markets are not open all week.

Monschau publishes four weekends only: 27–29 November, 4–6 December, 11–13 December and 18–20 December 2026. Quedlinburg’s Advent in the Courtyards is three weekends: 28–29 November, 5–6 December and 12–13 December. Kaysersberg is Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 27 November to 20 December.

Rothenburg is the exception that still feels like a village. The Reiterlesmarkt is daily from 20 November to 23 December 2026, except 22 November. Eguisheim is listed daily from 27 November to 30 December, and Riquewihr from 27 November to 20 December. Colmar, with six markets, runs 23 November to 29 December.

Go on a weekday morning where the market is daily, and on the published weekend where it is not.