A Detailed Guide to Colmar’s Christmas Markets

I’ve always been a fan of Christmas markets, mostly thanks to the effects of mulled wine and raclette sandwiches on my overall well-being during the holidays. 

On our first trip to the Alsace region of France and Colmar’s Christmas markets, I realized that the markets in the United States just didn’t cut it.

Did you know you don’t have to drop $10 on a mug of gluhwein? I’m looking at you, Chicago.

Whether you’re planning a Christmas in Colmar this year or plotting future travel, I’ve got a detailed guide for you on one of the most popular holiday markets in Europe.

Colmar’s Christmas markets are definitely worth visiting.

Colmar’s Christmas markets are worth the trip for anyone who loves whimsy, delicious treats, and an authentic Christmas market experience.

Better yet, the event consists of six different markets, all with their own purpose, Christmas decorations, and vibe.

The markets are all free to attend, by the way, but expect to drop some cash on some of the best eats and treats in the region along the way.

If you love holidays with a side of history, Colmar is also known as the hometown of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor responsible for the Statue of Liberty.

That’s why you’ll see markers all over town with a cartoon icon of the statue and “Colmar” underneath.

Colmar Christmas Market Start Dates

The opening dates of the Colmar Christmas markets are a little different each year, but you can expect them to run from the end of November through the end of December. 

For 2025, the Colmar Christmas market dates are Nov. 25-Dec. 29.

The Colmar markets have one of the longest durations on the continent. Many markets across France and Germany — they’re weihnachtsmarkts there — don’t start their festivities until December and end by the Christmas holiday.

Opening hours at the Colmar Christmas market are:

• Monday-Thursday: 11am-7pm
• Friday-Sunday: 10am-8pm
• Dec. 24: 10am-5pm
• Dec. 25-26: 11am-7pm

Market hours are strict. Don’t expect to linger at the end of the night, even if you feel like you need to after all of those warm-up drinks.

READ MORE: Visiting Germany, too? Check out my guide to a magical Christmas in Frankfurt.

Where to Find the Colmar Christmas Markets

The Colmar Christmas markets are in Colmar, the third-largest commune in the Alsace region of France.

They take place across six different sites across the city, but it’s all walkable once you’re in Colmar. 

These are some of the most popular markets in the region. Expect to have to share the whimsy with other holiday revelers on your trip to Colmar at Christmas.

A Guide to Colmar’s Six Christmas Markets

When I say Colmar is next-level when it comes to Christmas markets, the number of offerings in a relatively small surface area is what I’m talking about.

There are six unique Christmas markets for you to add to your agenda as you discover Christmas markets in Colmar.

They’re all very doable in one day, or even in one afternoon if you’re pacing yourself on that vin chaud. Let’s dive into all of your options for a very jolly Colmar Noël.

Marché Gourmand (Rue de la Montagne Verte)

We arrived at the markets right after they opened, which meant we were ready for lunch.

The Marché Gourmand offers your best bet for a complete meal at the market, not that I’d ever fault you for making do with raclette sandwiches and bretzels. 

Fun fact: A bretzel is a pretzel in Alsace. In German, the word is actually brezel, but I’m telling you things get extra around here.

I’d still urge you to leave substantial room for this market. Choose from nine different vendors serving up a variety of delectable eats to warm and fill your bellies.

We split a platter of Alsacian treats from one vendor and a bouchée à la reine from another.

A bouchée à la reine translates to “a queen’s morsel,” and the name definitely suits this situation. It was like a pot pie if a pot pie was made out of a flakey croissant and then stuffed with fresh mushrooms in a meaty gravy. 

OK, it was definitely better than a pot pie.

Note: The gourmet Christmas tent was in a new location during our visit. Visit the main website to get an idea of the main markets, but then make sure you scan the QR codes around the markets for the updated map. The gourmet market was supposed to be at the Place de la Cathédrale during our trip, and it was definitely not!

This market is also where you’ll find cooking demonstrations and food competitions on select evenings at the market.

You can ride the Ferris wheel while you’re here and get your first nip of vin chaud, or mulled Alsatian wine. There’s a bit of a markup on the wine here, but it’s all gourmet, after all. 

Bring those plastic cups with you wherever you stop as you’ll save some euros on refills for being eco-friendly.

Place de l’Ancienne Douane

This is the second-largest market out of the six options. We had already overpaid for vin chaud at the gourmet market, so decided to lick our wounds here with a second cheaper cup at one of the friendly vendors. 

We also grabbed some sweets at one of the chocolate shops on the way to the interior market.

We were surprised to find so much marzipan involved in what we bought, but it was all consumed anyway.

Marzipan is fine. It’s just not my favorite. Don’t come at me. I still ate it.

Koïfhus — Marché Intérieur

Koïfhus, which runs out of Colmar’s old customs house, is the only indoor market at the Colmar Christmas Markets. This is where the local artisans are stationed. 

If you’re at all in need of a T-shirt that reads Obi Wine Pinot Gris, this is where you’d get it. Leaving that shirt where I found it was my only regret of my time in Colmar.

Peruse the kitchen goods, jewelry, ornaments, and adorable gift ideas. Before you head down, snap a photo from the balcony at the exit. It’s a great view of the holiday scene below.

Petite Venise (Place des Six Montagnes Noires)

Petite Venise, or Little Venice, is one of the most picturesque destinations in the city in the off-season, but it really comes alive during the winter holidays.

READ MORE: Want to read my thoughts about BIG Venice? Check out this guide!

If it’s not too chilly when you visit, you can explore the canals below by boat. On Wednesdays and Saturdays during the market, this is also where you’d set up shop to hear the floating children’s choirs.

You’ll know you’re there by the kiddie rides, but this one definitely isn’t just for children. You’ll find the expected vin chaud at this one, too. 

Fun fact: That all said, the kids will definitely love this spot if you’re traveling with the whole family. This is where you may see Santa set up shop if you’re lucky, but I don’t know the details of his comings and going. He’s mysterious that way.

The market’s largest nativity scene is typically set up at this one, too.

Place Jeanne d’Arc

We visited this one twice, not because it was our favorite, but because they had these savory bretzels and tartines we wanted to grab for evening consumption. 

This is one of the smaller markets and often a quick stopover on your way to the larger Place des Dominicains, but I really liked this one. It’s modeled after an Alsace village, so everything here is hyper-local. 

The Christmas lights at this one are stellar, too, if you’re planning a trip in the evening.

Place des Dominicains

This was our last market of the day. Many holiday travelers start at this one as it’s near some of the main parking lots, but we bucked that trend to hightail it to the gourmet tents and work our way up.

You do you. The shops will be there for you when you’re ready.

This is the largest market available. In any given season, expect up to 60 different chalets selling sweet treats and holiday tchotchkes.

We had to get ourselves raclette sandwiches at some point, and this market seemed to have the most options to fill that need.

You’ll be spoiled for choice at this one.

What to Buy at the Colmar Christmas Markets

Giving you tips here is super subjective, as I don’t know your budget or how much room you have in your luggage.

That all said, I do have a few suggestions from our own visit that won’t result in buyer’s remorse.

• Bretzels: They’re not pretzels. They’re bretzels. More importantly, they’re the perfect portable snack when you’re walking between markets.
• Christmas cookies: Grab a bag of bredele, essentially butter cookies in a variety of shapes and sizes, for noshing on the go.
• Hot drinks: We tried vin chaud in red and white because we don’t discriminate against wine. Hot cider and hot chocolate are both delightful options, too.
• Knack d’Alsace: These pale sausages may not look that appetizing at first glance, but you’ll be singing a different tune once they’re in your hot little hands.
• Ornaments: We didn’t take any home with us as we have limited space in our lives, but I have to admit that some of the ornaments here were stunning.
• Pain d’épices: We didn’t take one of these home as we didn’t think we’d be able to finish a whole gingerbread loaf, but they are everywhere at the Colmar markets.
• Raclette sandwiches: Tartines and sausages may rule the day, but you can’t stop me when there’s bread and melted cheese involved.
• Tarte flambée: It’s basically Alsatian pizza. You’ll see vendors with these all over the market. Go for “natural” for the classic cheese and onion variety.
• Tartines: These are open-faced sandwiches that come with a variety of toppings. Vendors will wrap them up for you for later if you need a nighttime snack. We did.

Extra Tips for Visiting Colmar at Christmas

Some of the advice out there seems outdated at this point, so I wanted to share a few tips from our most recent experience.

• Come on a weekday. I’d highly recommend a weekday visit if you don’t want loads of competition for those hot mugs of wine.
• Wear layers. Winter boots, scarves, and gloves kept us warm in between our mugs of hot drinks. I didn’t need thermals in November, but you might in December.
• Scan the map QR codes upon arrival. Things change from year to year. A lot of the “updated” blogs list ice skating at Place Rapp. It was kiddie rides, instead.
• Keep track of your cup. Your first hot beverage will come with a surcharge to cover your reusable cup. You can get that deposit back at the end of the revelry.
• Return your cup. It does not need to be the same stall where you got your cup, but it does need to be a stall that serves hot drinks.
• Take a mug home. Some stalls also sell hot beverages in collectible mugs if you’d like to go that route, instead. Try Place des Dominicains if you’d like to take one home.
• Bring a little cash. All but one vendor took contactless payments or credit cards. (I realize other bloggers tell you to bring lots of money but it wasn’t our experience.)
• Shop around. There was some varied pricing from shop to shop. Expect to spend anywhere from $4-5 on beverages and around $7-10 on plates of food.
• Make reservations. You can just show up at the holiday markets, but if you want a sit-down meal or wine-tasting in Colmar after, make reservations.

That last bit of advice includes the city’s winstubs. These are eateries that serve typical Alsatian cuisine. Wistub Brenner is a popular option.

How to Get to the Colmar Christmas Markets

The nearest airports to Colmar are EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg and Strasbourg Airport, but most travelers arrive by train or car.

Colmar is a popular base for travel in the Alsace region. We drove to our accommodations in Widensolen. It’s a small town in Alsace, just 15-20 minutes from Colmar, from our home at the time outside of Paris.

The drive took us nearly six hours from Paris, but it was the practical choice for us as we wanted to bring our pup along and have a car at our disposal in Alsace. 

Note: With a car, it’ll be easier to access some of the smaller, even more charming towns in Alsace. That includes Eguisheim, the beautiful town that inspired Beauty and the Beast, and Riquewihr, a bonafide Christmas town.

If you drive, there are several parking lots that offer easy access to the Christmas markets. Get there early for spots in the most popular lots, like Parking Mairie, the Town Hall lot. 

That was our pick, and it was the most convenient option by far. It’s right in the thick of it, within a few minutes’ walk of Place des Dominicains.

Another common mode of transportation to get to Colmar is the high-speed TGV train.

Here’s an idea of train travel times from other transportation hubs in the region:

• Metz/Nancy: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Reims: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Paris: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Lyon: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Lille: 3 hours 50 minutes

If you’re already in the region, a series of Christmas shuttles runs between the Colmar railway station and the surrounding towns in Alsace.

Availability varies by date and time, so check Christmas shuttle timetables before opting for this option.

The city also runs a network of free shuttles and paid Christmas buses during the Christmas market season. Shuttle and bus lines operate more frequently on weekends, but it’s also WAY busier at the markets then.

If you love the idea of someone else taking over the whole experience, we did see quite a few guided tours in and around Colmar.

Colmar is a good spot to explore these types of excursions as part of your activities search, especially the later you get in the winter season.

Here are a few options for Christmas market tours in and around Colmar:

More Things to Do in Colmar

Maybe you’ll get a little Christmas market fatigue. Maybe not.

Here are a few more things for you to check out while you’re galavanting around the Colmar markets:

• Choco-Story Colmar: There are a few of these globally. Each one offers a dedicated exhibit of local traditions. We really liked this one, as long as you don’t have plans to rush it. Upgrade to the hot chocolate at the end if you’re feeling indulgent.
• Domaine Martin JUND: There are a few wineries and wine bars in Colmar that looked pretty great, but this is the only one that comes with 14 generations of winemaking history. Email ahead of time for a wine and cheese tasting.
• Musée Bartholdi: Spend an hour walking through the life and times of French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi, the artist behind the Statue of Liberty. You’ll learn all about that project and his early years in this modest museum.
• Toy Museum: Relive your youth (or learn a little something) at the Musée du Jouet. This one takes you on a journey of kids’ toys from the 1800s on. There are some interactive elements throughout that make this one a fun stop with kids.
• Unterlinden Museum: The draw is the fact that the museum operates out of a 13th-century convent, and European convents are super scenic. The exhibits themselves are focused on religious art, with some more modern pieces.

Colmar vs. Strasbourg

Colmar is the better Christmas market if you prefer something more manageable. The distances between markets are much shorter.

It’s hard to deny the appeal of Strasbourg as the capital of Christmas, though. If you’re able, try to do both on your trip to Alsace.

Love that idea? Check out my guide to Strasbourg’s holiday markets.

That said, there are many smaller markets around the country, particularly in Alsace, that get into the spirit and spark holiday travel inspiration.

We spent an evening in Eguisheim before their market was open, but that one looked like such a cute spot to enjoy a market. The Medieval Christmas Market in Ribeauvillé is another unique option.

Hotels Near the Colmar Christmas Markets

We stayed outside of Colmar in Widensolen, a sleepy town about a 15-20 minute drive to the holiday events. It was more affordable, dog-friendly, and a good base for visiting other towns and villages in Alsace.

If your travel is limited to Colmar, I’d recommend you book something in Colmar’s Old Town or within a short trip of the markets.

It’ll make your life a lot easier, especially after an evening of indulging in Colmar Christmas market food.

Check out the map below for your options:

Colmar is the perfect holiday destination.

Colmar is worth visiting even if you’re not here for the Christmas markets.

Its charming streets, picturesque canal, and delicious food and wine scene make it an excellent destination and ideal base for travel in the Alsace region.

I’m sure we’ll be back, whether that’s at Christmas or to check out the region during other seasons.

Staying in France for a while? Check these out:

• A Guide to Springtime in Giverny, France
• How to Visit an Olympic Golf Course Near Paris
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Planning travel elsewhere? Check out more in and around France:

• A Guide to Vienna’s Top Christmas Markets
• Why Warsaw Should Be on Your Travel List
• Is Versailles Overrated? An Honest Guide
• A Guide to the Perfect Day in Montpellier
• Spend a Weekend in the Loire Valley

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