December 16, 2023
Wonders of the Colmar France Christmas Markets
Colmar, France Christmas markets are nestled amidst a fairytale town that transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. With half-timbered houses framed by frosted rooftops and colourful shutters, Colmar looks like it’s out of a children’s storybook at any time of the year. At Christmas though, flickering lights line the cobblestone streets and cozy market stalls fill the air with the aromas of spiced mulled wine, roasted nuts and freshly baked gingerbread.
Colmar’s postcard-perfect setting paired with its lively Christmas markets make it the epitome of the classic French small town holiday experience. Wander through the market’s wooden chalets, take in nativity scenes displayed throughout the town, wander the picturesque canals, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Colmar offers visitors a magical glimpse into old-world Alsace traditions and the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the romance of a Christmas in France.
Ultimate destination for a quintessential cozy European Christmas
As an Aussie who had always dreamed of experiencing a traditional European Christmas market, Alsace was high on my list. I chose Colmar in particular because in addition to hosting vibrant holiday pop-ups throughout its streets, the town itself is overflowing with postcard-pretty views around every turn, making it the ideal destination to immerse myself in an old-world Yuletide atmosphere. Colmar is honestly the perfect size, there is so much to see but it’s all quite compact and can be explored on foot from a central location very quickly.
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In this article
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What to see and do in ColmarWhat to see and do in Colmar
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What to eat and drinkWhat to eat and drink
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How much time to spend in ColmarHow much time to spend in Colmar
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Accommodation options in ColmarAccommodation options in Colmar
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Getting to and around ColmarGetting to and around Colmar
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Christmas Day / EveChristmas Day / Eve
What to see and do - Colmar France Christmas Markets
Below we have included some popular Christmas events and traditions in Colmar that would be great to include in your itinerary. Be sure however to leave some flexible time to soak up Colmar’s magic at a relaxed pace over the festive season.
Wander through Colmar, France Christmas Markets
The most obvious highlight of a visit to Colmar during the holidays is indulging in its vibrant Christmas markets. Stretching down cobblestone streets and filling grand plazas from late November through to the end of December, the markets are aglow with twinkling lights at literally every angle.
Dozens of wooden chalets sell unique gifts like nutcrackers, ornaments, and figurines crafted by local artisans. The air is scented with the aromas of mulled wine, candied almonds, roasted chestnuts and glistening gingerbread. You’ll also find stalls selling traditional Alsatian snacks like flammekueche thin-crust pizzas, warmed cheeses and charcuterie. Wander through the bustling, festive atmosphere, listening to carollers and sipping a steaming mug of mulled wine (vin chaud in French, glühwein in German).
If you prefer to explore the markets without large groups, we recommend visiting during the day. While day-trippers are present, the atmosphere is much less crowded than evenings. That said, in our view, it’s the lively energy of the bustling crowds after dark that truly enhances the experience. Jostling amongst the crowds seeking that perfect last minute Christmas gift find, while you try the various local delicacies and marvel at the pretty lights dotting the canals is a truly magical Christmas experience. So while mornings may offer easier navigating, we feel the full festive magic of Colmar’s Christmas season is best appreciated during the evening’s busy, holiday excitement.
Colmar France Christmas Markets schedule
The Colmar France Christmas markets take place from November 23rd through to December 29th (dates subject to change slightly each year). You can find the full schedule and programming details on their website here. During the week, the charming wooden stalls are open daily from 11am to 7pm. On Fridays through Sundays, hours are extended to 10am to 8pm. Those visiting over the holidays itself can enjoy the following market hours:
- December 24 (Christmas Eve): 10am to 5pm
- December 25 (Christmas Day): 11am to 7pm
- December 26 (Boxing Day): 11am to 7pm
This ensures ample time for last-minute shopping or soaking in the seasonal atmosphere with family even on the holidays, perfect for those using Christmas as an opportunity for travel or a family holiday!
While you’re in Colmar, you can also take advantage of the Christmas Shuttles to the Christmas Markets of Turckheim, Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Munster or Neuf-Brisach. You can find more information on tickets and schedules on their website here. You’ll get a ticket for €8 per person on weekdays and €15 per person on weekends and they will be valid for a full day with an unlimited number of journeys.
Visit the Christmas tree and decorations in the Grand-Place square
The heart of Colmar’s Christmas celebrations can be found in the magnificent Grand-Place square. Towering above its half-timbered buildings is a gigantic pine tree decked with shimmering lights and ornaments. You’ll find carousels and an ice rink to entertain you as live music drifts through the air. You can take a seat on one of the surrounding terraces that provides perfect views of the towering tree and colourful decorations adorning the nearby buildings. Make sure to take a photo in front of the large nativity scene placed before the iconic Mannekin statue. This magical centrepiece is not to be missed!
Outdoor concerts and nativity Scenes
Colmar transforms into a winter wonderland not just within the bounds of its charming Christmas markets, but all around town as well. Be sure to keep an eye and ear out for live musical performances taking place in the city’s scenic squares. You may stumble upon carollers, brass bands playing hymns, or even full orchestral concerts filling the crisp evening air with holiday cheer.
Another time-honoured tradition are the elaborate nativity scenes displayed all around Colmar, like the one at Eglise Saint-Matthieu church. Intricately crafted crèches can be admired in shop windows, on church steps, and set amongst winter foliage in parks. Some feature hand-carved figurines and miniature villages meticulously brought to life-size scale. A perfect evening in Colmar includes an evening stroll switching between catching snippets of song or pausing to appreciate the nativity scene installations.
See the Colmar France Christmas markets illuminated at night on an evening walk
Taking an evening stroll through Colmar after dark during the holidays is a magical experience. The historic buildings and half-timbered homes are widely decorated with twinkling white lights. Shops, cafes and churches display elaborate illuminations creating a fairy tale scene. Strings of lights glow from the trees lining the grand Place de la Cathédrale square. Wandering without a specific destination allows you to fully immerse yourself in the illuminated atmosphere and appreciate Colmar’s old-world Christmas charm after the daytime bustle fades to a twinkling glow.
Explore Colmar France Christmas Markets at dusk for the most magical experience
Wine tasting
Colmar offers the perfect setting for wine tastings during the festive Christmas period. Many local vineyards like Domaine Karcher stay open late into the evening to accommodate wine lovers exploring the tasting rooms after browsing the market stalls. Domaine Karcher is a local cellar located just 500m from Colmar’s magnificent Gothic cathedral. Here, you can sample different vintages of Alsace’s distinctive varietals like Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir, often accompanied by local cheeses, charcuterie or bread. While sampling wines, you’ll learn about the terroir, winemaking traditions and family histories from the knowledgeable vintners. After dark, it’s especially charming to sip bottles by candlelight, taking in the carols drifting from the squares below.
There are several wine cellars open during the Christmas season other than Domaine Karcher, including Domaine Martin Jund and Domaine Viticole de Colmar, all of which you’ll find on the Colmar Christmas brochure here.
Tour Colmar’s half-timbered buildings decorated for the holidays
Nothing encapsulates Colmar’s storybook charm quite like its abundance of timber-framed homes. Throughout the old quarter surrounded by canals, you can spend hours exploring the medieval architecture adorned for the season. Wreaths, lights, and holly twinkle from every nook as if straight from a greeting card. Be sure to stop inside the famed Pfister House, dating to 1537 and featuring elaborately carved wooden structures. During the holidays, the facade of this large timbered building transforms into an extravagant yuletide display. Take time to admire other half-timbered gems lining Rue des Têtes and Rue des Marchands, some sporting Santa cut-outs, stars and tinsel, or trees covered in fairy lights in the upper-level windows.
Left: La Petite Venise, Right: Maison dite ‘Au Pelerin’
Christmas Eve Mass
One of the highlights of celebrating Christmas in Colmar is attending the midnight Mass on December 24th at Cathédrale Saint-Martin de Colmar. This gorgeous 13th-century Gothic cathedral comes alive for the special service. As night falls and thousands of lights illuminate the ancient stone walls decorated with poinsettias, candles, and wreaths, locals and visitors filter into the pews. At midnight, the solemn yet joyful Christmas music swells as the priest commences the mass, reciting the familiar Christmas story in both French and German (the official languages of Alsace). Basking in the candlelit glow with the full congregation singing Silent Night in hushed tones makes for an unforgettable way to usher in Christmas Day even if you’re not religious.
Stroll through La Petite Venise
Some of the best streets to explore in Colmar’s canal district include Rue de Tourtel, Rue des Ecoles, and Rue du Dr Zimmer. For the best views, stop at the Pont Saint-Pierre bridge near Place de l’Ancienne Douane customs house to take in the scenery. Each half-timbered house along Rue des Blés will glow with white Christmas lights, their reflections shimmering in the narrow canal. End at the charming La Terrasse du Marche to enjoy mulled wine overlooking this idyllic winter scene.
Every corner in La Petite Venise is beautiful!
Photo spots
Colmar is filled with dreamy corners waiting to be captured at any time of the year. But this is especially true during the festive season when the town comes alive. Wherever you point your camera, you’ll find half-timbered brightly coloured facades, etched against blue skies or illuminated by soft evening glows and twinkling Christmas lights.
Colmar is a very popular day trip destination, especially during peak times like Christmas. For the best chance at photos, we suggest heading out early in the morning or at twilight. There will be far fewer crowds in the morning, meaning you will be able to capture the charming streets a little easier. Although there will be crowds at twilight, the throngs of people strolling through the Christmas Markets add to the atmosphere and you’ll find that it won’t have an impact on the beautiful photos you can capture at this time of the day. Some of our favourite spots to capture photos in Colmar were:
Maison dite ‘Au Pelerin’
This pretty pink building is beautifully decorated with baubles, stars and other Christmas decorations.
The bridge at Rue des Tanneurs
Head here for the iconic shot of Colmar overlooking the wide canal with a clear view towards the pastel timber-framed houses lining the streets.
Quai de la Poissonnerie (especially #9, 10, 11, & 13)
This is the street you’ll overlook from the bridge at Rue des Tanneurs, however a stroll along the canal here offers a few different spots to capture some nice angles of the coloured buildings.
The bridge on Rue des Ecoles
Another pretty bridge offering a nice viewpoint over the canals.
Left: Quai de la Poissonnerie, Right: Ru des Ecoles bridge
Au Vieux Pignon
Grab a photo in front of the highly decorated facade of this souvenir shop, one of the prettiest views in town.
Pont St Pierre
This was one of our favourite views in Colmar. This bridge looks upstream, overlooking a quaint restaurant on the water and traditional-style buildings built right into the waters edge.
Brasserie des tanneurs
This charming building is always adorned with gorgeous, bright red Christmas decorations, making it stand out against the buildings surrounding it.
Where Rue des Marchands and Grand Rue meet
There are stone steps to gain a vantage point in this square giving you a gorgeous perspective of this busy, central meeting place.
View from Pont St Pierre
Ice skating (Place Rapp)
Another fun winter activity in Colmar is ice skating at Place Rapp. In the heart of the old town, this central square is turned into a magical outdoor ice rink each Christmas season. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with your family and just with some friends, this is a great way to spend a few hours, twirling across the smooth surface under twinkling lights suspended between the surrounding half-timbered buildings. At only a few euros entry fee, plus a small charge to rent skates, it’s extremely affordable entertainment. With its festive atmosphere and stunning medieval backdrop, ice skating in Place Rapp is a memorable way to spend a winter evening and embrace the Christmas wonderland spirit that takes over the city.
Day Trip to Strasbourg
For cultural sights and more Christmas magic, we suggest that you plan a day trip from Colmar to Strasbourg between December 17th and 31st. Only a 90 minute train ride away, Strasbourg is another famous Alsace destination to experience charming Christmas markets. In Strasbourg, you can wander through the historic Petite France district lined with painted houses while you browse 300 wooden chalet stalls selling ornaments, food and gifts.
Be sure to visit the colossal Strasbourg Cathedral, a stunning Gothic structure, where you’ll also find an enormous spruce tree adorned with lights and decorations in Place Kleber. If you visit the Cathedral between 2pm-5.15pm you’ll be able to go inside to see the impressive nativity scene! Other recommendations include exploring museums like the Local History Museum to learn about Alsatian traditions and heading to Barrage Vauban for a photo across to Ponts Couverts.
Strolling through the beautiful Petite France district in Strasbourg
What to eat and drink
The food and drink in Colmar is a serious drawcard. While strolling the Colmar France Christmas markets you won’t be short of options to sample mulled wine and specialty snacks including biscuits and chocolates. We seriously recommend that you check out the gourmet market at Place de la Cathédrale. It was one of our absolute favourites! Otherwise, try a Christmas meal at a local restaurant or winstub (a German style pub). You can try roestis, flammkuchen, choucroute garnie, tarte aux poires, and backeoffe. Don’t forget to wash it all down with a local riesling! There are plenty of famous winstubs like Restaurant Schwendi, but unless you book ahead you might struggle to get in. We would suggest that you just stroll around and find a spot that’s convenient. You really won’t be disappointed no matter where you end up.
Left: Quai de la Poissonnerie, Right: Brasserie des tanneurs
How much time to spend in Colmar
The compact size of Colmar’s historic centre allows you to experience its charms in just a day visit, but there’s enough to keep you occupied for several days, especially during the bustling Christmas market period. We found 2-3 days to be the perfect amount of time. One day enables you to leisurely explore the main sights like La Petite Venise, tasting local wines and visiting museums. With an extra day or two, you can better savour the atmosphere and fit in activities like a bike or boat ride, a day trip to neighbouring towns or simply spending time at relaxing cafes. However you choose to spend your time, Colmar offers plenty to admire without feeling rushed.
Overlooking the decorated Au Vieux Pignon
Accommodation options in Colmar
Colmar offers a variety of accommodation types to suit different travellers near the historic city centre. During peak seasons like Christmas, it’s best to book well in advance especially if you’re on a budget.
You have two choices when it comes to accommodation in Colmar. You can either stay in the old town, or out near the train station. For the most immersive experience, hotels, B&Bs and hostels in the old town put you steps away from top attractions and immerse you in the overall atmosphere of the town. We decided to stay in the old town so that we were right in the middle of the action and absolutely loved the convenience. However, the narrow, cobblestone streets might bother you if you’re carrying rolling luggage.
An alternative is staying near the train station, only a brief walk outside the old town gates. In this area you’ll find slightly more modern rooms with elevators and you’ll avoid the crowded medieval passages. Whatever you choose, you won’t be far from the Colmar France Christmas markets as all locations are within walking distance.
Transport to and around Colmar
We would highly recommend travelling to Colmar by train. France’s rail system is comfortable and reliable, offering an easy and sustainable way to reach this charming town from multiple destinations. Direct trains run frequently from Paris, while indirect routes involving a single transfer in Strasbourg are also convenient. We flew into Basel in Switzerland which was much cheaper than alternatives like Paris at Christmas, and from there it’s only a 1.5 hour train.
From Gare de Colmar station, it’s a short 15-minute walk into the historic city centre near the La Petite Venise district. Colmar during Christmas is geared towards pedestrians, and this is the easiest way to get around town and see the highlights. However you may be planning on taking day trips to other towns in the region. If renting a car, the rental agencies are all located right at the train station for hassle-free pickup. Check with your hotel whether they offer parking or if they can suggest nearby public parking for your stay.
We really recommend spending the night in Colmar to experience the town in its full glory, however if you’re tight on time and are planning on taking a day trip there are tour options such as this one from Strasbourg which will set you back around €100 per person.
Christmas Eve/Day
Colmar is a wonderful destination to visit during the Christmas to New Year period. From December 24th to the 26th, the city truly embraces the festive spirit and you will find that most things are open. The lively Colmar France Christmas markets are open even on Christmas Eve and Day, as well as Boxing Day, allowing visitors and locals alike to savour the holiday atmosphere.
On the 25th, you can wander the cobblestone streets from 11am to 7pm, taking in the sights of the decorated buildings and listening to carols as the markets bustle. You will still be able to enjoy dining out at one of the many restaurants serving special holiday menus. Late afternoon English-language Christmas services are also an option worth considering.
Thanks for stopping by!
Visiting Colmar during the holiday season was a magical experience. The storybook town transforms into a winter wonderland under twinkling lights and decorations. Wandering its cobbled streets makes it easy to slip back in time among the historic half-timbered buildings and wooden stalls.
This intimate French destination offers a delightful change of pace from busier cities during the festive season. I left Colmar with a deep appreciation for Alsace’s rich heritage and impressive attention to the Christmas spirit. Colmar’s ability to perfectly balance historical wonder and festive joy makes it an ideal holiday destination that I would happily return to year after year. We hope that we’ve inspired you to plan a visit to this gorgeous town next Christmas!
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