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French Christmas Market Shopping Spree

Join Army Outdoor Recreation for an unforgettable "French Christmas Market Shopping Spree" and discover the enchanting Christmas markets of France's Alsace region and beyond! This festive journey is designed for you to shop 'til you drop, surrounded by the charm and traditions of the holiday season.

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Your adventure begins in Montbéliard, celebrated as "The most beautiful Christmas market in France" by Europeanbestdestinations in 2024. With over 200 stalls nestled around Place Saint-Martin and five additional markets throughout the "City of the Princes," you'll find an incredible array of unique gifts and treats. Later that afternoon, we'll whisk you away to Basel, Switzerland, where your 4-star hotel is just a short stroll from the vibrant city center, which straddles the Rhine River. Basel itself earned the title of "Best Christmas Market in Europe" in 2021, and its Münsterplatz market boasts nearly 150 stands. On Sunday, we'll continue our exploration with stops at two more renowned French markets: Colmar and Strasbourg, both past honorees in various years on multiple Europeanbestdestinations' "Best of" lists. Colmar offers six distinct markets, each with its own unique style and flavors (don't miss the Gourmet Christmas market on Rue de la Montagne Verte!). Strasbourg, proudly known as "The Capital of Christmas," features five markets and a towering 30-meter tree, promising a truly magical experience.

Army Outdoor Recreation makes it incredibly easy to immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of four highly-rated Christmas markets during this French Christmas Market Shopping Spree. Our trips to popular destinations like these sell out quickly, and early hotel booking deadlines apply. Secure your spot today, whether you plan to depart from Pulaski or Smith Barracks, and prepare for a holiday experience you won't soon forget!

Price, on or prior to Friday, October 6:

  • Adults: $299 per person
  • Single Occupancy: $399

Price, on or after Saturday, October 7:

  • Adults: $349 per person
  • Single Occupancy: $449
     
  • Hotel rebooking fees may apply to any registrations made on or after Friday, November 14.
  • Child and family room rates available upon request based on personalized requirements.

Trip Includes:  

  • Round trip tour bus transportation from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
  • One overnight stay at Essential by Dorint Basel City**** or equivalent
  • Sunday breakfast
  • Montbéliard Christmas Market
  • Basel Christmas Market
  • Colmar Christmas Market
  • Strasbourg Christmas Market

What to Bring: 

  • Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
  • Credit/Debit Card or Euro and Swiss Francs
  • Military ID and Passport

Departure: 

  • 4 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
  • 5 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905

Return: Sunday Evening

Registration Information

All reservations must be made through Army Outdoor Recreation. Reserve your space today by filling out the registration paperwork before contacting:

Army Outdoor Recreation, Kaiserslautern Community
Pulaski Barracks, Bldg. 2905

Army Outdoor Recreation, Baumholder Community
Smith Barracks, Bldg. 8167

Cancellation Terms: 

  • 10% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or prior to Thursday, November 13
  • 35% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Friday, November 14
  • 55% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Friday, November 28
  • 70% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Friday, December 5
  • 100% cancellation fee for all cancellations made on or after Friday, December 12
     
  • In the event that a customer cancellation results in a fee charged to Outdoor Recreation, regardless of the date of or reason for that cancellation, the total sum of those fees will be passed along to the customer.