Colmar Christmas Market: A 3‑Day Guide to Magical Alsace

Introduction

We’ve been living in Alsace for a few years now, and one of our favorite December traditions is exploring the many Christmas markets in the region. There are plenty to choose from, but this article focuses on the Colmar Christmas Market.

The Colmar Christmas Market is one of the most magical in France. This picturesque town, with its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and winding canals, turns into a winter wonderland each holiday season. Several smaller markets are scattered across the old town, and the entire area glows with festive lights and decorations.

If you’re coming through Strasbourg, it’s worth spending a couple of days there too. The Strasbourg Christmas Market is called the “Christmas Capital” for a reason—it’s every bit as magical as its reputation suggests.

But Colmar is just the beginning. The Alsace region is filled with medieval villages that host their own smaller, cozy markets. Visiting them alongside the Colmar Christmas Market makes for an unforgettable holiday trip.

This year, we explored the Colmar Christmas Market ourselves, and this guide shares exactly how to experience it and plan your own festive adventure.

Here are all your accommodation options in Colmar

How to get to Colmar

Getting to the Colmar Christmas Market is easy, whether you’re coming from France or nearby countries.

The closest major airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (about 50 minutes away by car or 1 hour by train). From there, you can rent a car or take a direct train connection to Colmar. Another option is Strasbourg Airport, which is about 45 minutes away by train or car.

If you’re already in France, the train is the easiest way. Colmar has a well-connected train station, with regular TGV services from Paris (around 2h30) and frequent regional trains from Strasbourg (just 30 minutes).

Driving is another great option, especially if you plan to visit other Christmas markets in Alsace. Colmar is right on the A35 motorway, making it easy to combine with stops in villages like Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, or Riquewihr.

Tip: If you’re visiting the Christmas market, parking can fill up fast in December. Arrive early or park in one of the larger lots on the edge of town and walk in.

Where to Stay in Colmar

Here are some of the accommodations we recommend to visit the Colmar Christmas Market. All of them are near the heart of the city:

• (€): Le Cathedral View Colmar
• (€€): Reflets Sur La Lauch appartements
• (€€€): L’esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar – MGallery

But if you prefer to stay in Strasbourg and make a day trip to the Colmar Christmas Market, you can also, in that case, here are our favorite hotels in Strasbourg:

• (€): Hôtel Tandem – Boutique Hôtel 
• (€€): Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’or
• (€€€): Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – MGallery 

Here are all your accommodation options in Colmar

Colmar Christmas Market Introduction

Let’s start by mentioning that there are 3 types of activities in Colmar during December:

1. The first one is the Colmar Christmas markets, which are those cute little wooden houses selling souvenirs, gifts, foods, etc This takes place from 26 November to 29 December for 2024. The opening hours are as follows: Monday to Thursday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, December 24th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday, December 25th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Thursday, December 26th from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
2. The second one is the food Christmas market “Marché Gourmand” which is from the 26th November to the 5 January
3. The last one is the illuminations of Colmar. The lights are typically turned on at dusk (around 4:30 PM) and remain illuminated until around 11:00 PM each night

We usually travel with Airalo eSIMs, but when we need unlimited data for work, we go with Holafly.

Tips on visiting the Colmar Christmas market

We have visited many Christmas markets in Alsace, including the Colmar Christmas Market, and after all of these, here is what we learned:

1. The best days to visit the Colmar Christmas Market are Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday, when the streets are calmer, and you can actually enjoy wandering the stalls. Weekends are packed—if that’s the only time you can go, brace yourself for the crowds. Wednesdays are also busier, since schools are off and families flock to the markets.
2. Book your restaurants ahead. Tables fill up fast during the Christmas market season. Without a reservation, you might spend more time hunting for dinner than enjoying the evening.
3. Eating at the market? Head to the smaller, tucked‑away markets or even nearby local shops just off the main squares. The food is often cheaper and better. One of our favorites is La Fleur de Seul on Quai de la Poissenneries—their mulled wine and pretzels hit the spot on a cold night.
4. For a quieter, more intimate experience, stay late. The Christmas lights stay on until 11 PM, but after 10 PM, most visitors have cleared out. That’s when the magic really sinks in—you can stroll the streets almost alone, soaking in the twinkling lights and festive atmosphere.

Here are all your accommodation options in Colmar

Colmar Christmas market Photography

Most of the photos in this article were taken by our good friend and talented photographer, Nadia. If you’d love to have professional photos of your own time in Colmar—whether it’s wandering the Colmar Christmas market, strolling along the canals, or just capturing the festive vibe—she’s the one to contact.

Colmar Christmas shuttle

The Christmas Shuttle from Colmar is one of the easiest ways to hop between the region’s most magical markets. It connects Colmar with the nearby villages of Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Turckheim, and Munster — all of which are worth visiting if you have the time.

The shuttle runs from November 29 to December 22, and tickets must be purchased online in advance. It departs from Colmar train station and drops you right by the Christmas markets in each village, making it a stress-free way to explore without a car.

For schedules and the latest updates, check the official Colmar Christmas website.

Read: 7 Best Christmas Markets in Alsace

Colmar Christmas market

Place des Dominicains

Place des Dominicains is one of the most atmospheric spots at the Colmar Christmas Market. The square is watched over by the Church of the Dominicans, its 14th‑century stained glass glowing beautifully as the evening lights come on. The whole place feels almost magical at dusk.

Around sixty wooden stalls fill the square, selling everything from hand‑crafted ornaments to little gifts you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the kind of market corner where you end up lingering longer than planned, just soaking up the scene and maybe picking up a few extra decorations for your tree.

Place de l’Ancienne Douane

Right in the middle of Colmar’s old town, Place de l’Ancienne Douane is one of those squares that feels like it was made for Christmas. Nearly fifty stalls circle the Schwendi fountain — topped with a statue by Auguste Bartholdi — and line the edge of one of the prettiest canals in the city.

When night falls, the scene turns magical. The Koïfhus, Colmar’s old customs house, glows under shimmering lights, giving the whole square a warm, festive feel. It’s a beautiful mix of old and new — traditional Christmas decorations alongside more contemporary creations — and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the atmosphere.

Place Jeanne d’Arc

Tucked between half-timbered houses and elegant French-style buildings, Place Jeanne d’Arc feels like stepping into a storybook version of Alsace. This Christmas market has the charm of a small village, complete with wooden cottages, a little church, and even a few goats wandering around for that extra touch of authenticity.

The focus here is on local flavors — stalls are filled with Alsatian specialties, foie gras, charcuterie, gingerbread, Christmas cookies, and bottles of regional wines and brandies. It’s the perfect stop if you want to taste Alsace at Christmas and bring home something truly traditional.

Place des Six Montagnes Noires à la Petite Venise

The row of half-timbered houses along the Lauch River is what gave this neighborhood its name — Petite Venise. At Christmas, it turns into a magical corner of Colmar, especially for kids. There’s something about seeing real rabbits and sheep by the wooden chalets, or watching the little mechanical nativity scene, that feels like stepping into a fairytale.

Children sip hot apple juice with wide eyes, ride the carousel again and again, and drop their wish lists into Santa’s oversized red mailbox — because yes, during the holidays, this is where Santa “lives.” It’s one of the most charming and heartwarming stops at the Colmar Christmas Market, even if you’re just there to soak up the joy.

Here are all your accommodation options in Colmar

Le Marché Intérieur du Koïfhus

The majestic medieval Koïfhus building offers exceptional moments, all while keeping you warm. Inside, you’ll have the chance to admire and purchase a wide range of creations from local artisans. Ceramicists, potters, glassmakers, wood sculptors, carpenters, hatters, jewelers, and other craftsmen, heirs to the region’s rich traditions, will be delighted to share their passion.

On the first floor, let your imagination wander as you explore the prestigious Decapole Hall, where books and art meet the fine work of skilled artisans, creating a truly unique experience

Le Marché Gourmand

New for 2024, Colmar added its sixth market — and it’s all about food. Le Marché Gourmand is basically a little village for your taste buds, with nine stalls run by nine renowned chefs, each serving up something special. You’ll find everything here, from oysters and festive starters to hearty Alsatian dishes and indulgent desserts.

You can grab a plate to enjoy on the spot or pack it up to share later, making it perfect for a casual lunch or a festive dinner snack. And the best part? Throughout the season, the chefs do live cooking demos right in the middle of the market — the kind of thing that makes you stop, watch, and suddenly feel like you need whatever they’re making. It’s one of the tastiest (and most fun) additions to the Colmar Christmas Market.

Colmar Christmas Market Itinerary

Day 1:
Arrive in Colmar and settle in. Spend the afternoon wandering the cobbled streets, soaking up the festive atmosphere, and getting your first glimpse of the Christmas markets. After dark, watch the city light up — the markets are even more magical under the glow of the Christmas lights.

Day 2:
Dedicate this day to the smaller Alsatian Christmas markets around Colmar. Rent a car or hop on the Christmas shuttle (if it’s running). Start in Ribeauvillé to experience its medieval‑themed market, then continue to Riquewihr and wrap up in Kaysersberg, one of the most authentic and charming stops. Leave early — some markets are only open on weekends, so you might need to swap days depending on when you’re visiting.

Day 3:
Spend your final morning visiting Eguisheim, a picture‑perfect village just outside Colmar. Take the shuttle if you don’t have a car. Return to Colmar for a last stroll through the markets, one more mulled wine or bredele, and a slow farewell to the Christmas magic before heading home.

Here are all your accommodation options in Colmar