Best Colmar Christmas Markets You Have to Visit

Planning a trip to the Colmar Christmas markets? You’re in for something really special. Colmar looks like a fairy-tale village year-round, but once the holiday season rolls in, it becomes pure magic.

The half-timbered houses are draped in lights, every street is decorated, and the entire old town turns into one big Christmas celebration.

What makes Colmar extra fun is that there isn’t just one Christmas market: there are six, all spread around the historic center. They’re super easy to explore on foot, and each one has its own vibe, from gourmet food stalls to family-friendly attractions.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, plus a breakdown of each market so you don’t miss a thing.

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Good to Know Before Visiting Colmar at Christmas

Dates and Opening Hours

In 2025, the Colmar Christmas markets will run from 25 November to 29 December. Most stalls open daily around 10 am and close by 7 or 8 pm.

On Fridays and Saturdays, many stay open later into the evening, which is the best time to experience the festive lights.

How Many Markets Are There?

Colmar does not just have one market, it has six, all spread around the historic old town. Each market has its own theme, from gourmet food and regional wines to family-friendly stalls in Petite Venise.

Since they are all just a short walk apart, you can easily explore them all in a single loop.

How Long Do You Need?

If you are pressed for time, you can get a good feel for the markets in half a day, especially if you plan your route.

But staying overnight is definitely worth it! The markets are at their most magical once the sun goes down, and spending the night means you will not feel rushed.

Best Time to Visit

The evenings are when Colmar feels the most magical, with the lights twinkling across the half-timbered houses and the stalls in full swing.

The tradeoff is that evenings, especially on weekends, draw the biggest crowds. If you want the same festive atmosphere without feeling squeezed in, aim for a weekday afternoon and stay after dark.

It also helps to plan your visit earlier in the season if you can. The days leading up to Christmas are extremely busy, and Colmar’s narrow streets can feel very crowded.

Visiting in late November or early December still gives you the full holiday experience, but with a bit more breathing room.

Weather in Colmar at Christmas

December in Colmar is cold, with daytime highs usually around 2-6°C (35-43°F) and nights often dipping close to freezing.

On paper, that might not sound too bad, but in reality, it feels much colder when you are standing outside for hours walking between the markets. We found ourselves struggling a bit to stay warm, and it was a challenge to stay outside for hours, so make sure to bundle up!

Snow is not guaranteed, but if you are lucky, you might get a dusting during your trip. We woke up to a fresh coat of snow one morning, and it made the town look absolutely magical!

Even without snow, the decorations and lights are beautiful, but if you do get it, it feels like stepping straight into a Christmas card.

Best Christmas Markets in Colmar

One of the best things about Colmar at Christmas is that there isn’t just one market to explore. The old town is dotted with six different markets, each with its own atmosphere, stalls, and specialties.

They are all within a short walk of each other, so you can easily make a loop and visit them all in one day.

Some are perfect for picking up local food and wine, others focus on crafts and gifts, and there is even one designed with kids in mind.

No matter which ones you visit, you will find plenty of festive decorations, twinkling lights, and that cozy Christmas feeling around every corner.

Let’s take a look at the best Christmas markets in Colmar in more detail!

1. Place des Dominicains

Set against the backdrop of the 14th-century Dominican Church, this market is one of the most atmospheric in Colmar.

The church itself is beautifully lit up at night, and the stained-glass windows give the whole square a magical glow!

Here you will find around 60 stalls selling a mix of traditional crafts, ornaments, and seasonal treats. It is a great place to pick up unique gifts, from handmade decorations to local specialties you can take home.

Even if you are not shopping, the setting alone makes this market worth a stop, especially in the evening when everything feels extra festive.

2. Place de la Cathedrale

Right in front of Colmar’s impressive Saint Martin’s Church, this market has a cozy feel and a focus on local crafts.

Many of the stalls are run by artisans from the region, so it is a great spot to find handmade gifts, wooden toys, jewelry, and other one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

Since it is set around the church, the atmosphere here is a little quieter and more traditional compared to some of the busier squares.

It is also a good place to take a break from the crowds, stroll through at your own pace, and admire the decorations on the surrounding buildings. If you are looking for authentic Alsatian craftsmanship, this market should definitely be on your list!

3. Place Jeanne D’Arc

This market celebrates Alsatian traditions, with a strong focus on regional food and wine. You will find plenty of stalls selling local specialties like cured meats, cheeses, gingerbread, and bottles of wine from nearby vineyards.

It feels less touristy than some of the other markets and more like a showcase of what makes Alsace unique.

It is a fantastic spot to pick up edible souvenirs or put together a picnic of local flavors to enjoy back at your hotel. Even if you are not buying, it is worth stopping by for the delicious smells alone!

If you want to experience the culinary side of Colmar’s Christmas markets, this is the one you cannot miss.

4. Koifhus

The Koïfhus market is held inside Colmar’s old customs house, one of the city’s most historic buildings.

Being indoors makes it a nice change of pace if the weather is especially cold, and it gives the whole market a warm and cozy atmosphere.

The focus here is on artisan goods and high-quality crafts. You will find local artists selling pottery, glasswork, jewelry, and textiles, many of which make for beautiful and authentic souvenirs.

Because the stalls are all tucked inside the building, it feels a bit more intimate than the outdoor markets, and you have more time to browse without worrying about the cold.

5. Place de l’Ancienne Douane

This is one of the prettiest Christmas markets in Colmar, set around the historic Schwendi Fountain and framed by colorful half-timbered houses.

With around 50 stalls, it has a little bit of everything, from Christmas ornaments and handmade crafts to local snacks and drinks.

Because of its central location, it is usually one of the busiest squares, especially in the evenings when the lights reflect off the fountain and surrounding buildings.

Even with the crowds, it is worth spending some time here since the setting is so picturesque. If you only have time for a couple of markets, make sure this one is on your list!

6. Petite Venise

The Petite Venise market is the most family-friendly in Colmar and feels especially festive if you are traveling with kids.

The stalls here are smaller and focused on children’s gifts, toys, and sweets. You will also find plenty of hot chocolate and treats that little ones will love.

The setting is beautiful too, right along the canals of Petite Venise with the half-timbered houses decorated for the season. It is a charming area to stroll through even without the market, but during Christmas, it feels extra special.

If you are visiting with children, this is the market they will enjoy the most.

What to Eat and Drink at the Colmar Christmas Markets

One of the highlights of visiting Colmar at Christmas is sampling all the seasonal food and drinks. Each market has plenty of options, from hearty Alsatian dishes to sweet treats that pair perfectly with a cup of something warm.

A few things you should definitely try:

• Vin chaud – Mulled wine is a staple at every market, and in Alsace you will often find both red and white versions, flavored with spices and citrus.
• Bredeles – Traditional Christmas cookies that come in all shapes and flavors, often sold by the bag so you can snack as you walk.
• Flammekueche (tarte flambée) – A thin flatbread topped with cream, onions, and bacon, cooked until crisp. It is perfect to share while wandering the stalls.
• Munster cheese – A strong local cheese, sometimes served hot and melty on bread.
• Choucroute – Sauerkraut served with sausages and meats, a hearty option if you want something filling.
• Pretzels – Big and soft, sometimes topped with cheese or ham, and an easy snack to eat on the go.
• Hot chocolate – Especially popular at the Petite Venise market, where you will also find lots of kid-friendly sweets and candies.

Even if you are not planning to sit down for a full meal, eating your way through the markets is part of the experience.

The smells of mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasting cheese drifting through the streets are what make Colmar at Christmas feel so special!

Other Festive Things to Do in Colmar

The Christmas markets are the main highlight, but there are a few other festive things in Colmar that are worth adding to your list.

If you have more time in town, here are some extra ways to soak up the holiday spirit:

• Admire the Christmas lights – The old town looks magical at night with fairy lights, decorated windows, and colorful light projections on the buildings. Even just wandering the streets after dark feels special!
• See the famous pink house – Known as Maison au Pelerin (also called Maison dite), this pink half-timbered house is one of the most photographed spots in Colmar. At Christmas, it is decorated from top to bottom with stars, wreaths, and festive garlands, and it looks especially magical if you catch it after a snowfall.
• Stroll through Petite Venise – This canal-side neighborhood is pretty any time of year, but in December, the half-timbered houses are lit up and reflected in the water, making it extra pretty and photogenic.
• Ride the carousel and go ice skating – Place Rapp usually hosts an outdoor ice rink along with a nostalgic carousel, which is especially fun if you are visiting with kids.
• Visit the Toy Museum – Located inside the Koifhus, this small museum has a charming collection of toys that kids (and adults) will enjoy. It is a nice little break from the cold, too.
• Warm up in a winstub – These traditional Alsatian taverns are cozy spots to enjoy regional dishes like flammekueche, choucroute, or a hearty stew with a glass of local wine. Perfect after a chilly evening at the markets!

Where to Stay in Colmar

If you are visiting Colmar for the Christmas markets, the best place to stay is right in the old town, so you can walk everywhere. Most of the markets are clustered together, and having a hotel nearby means you can easily pop back in to warm up or drop off your shopping before heading out again.

Accommodation in Colmar is not exactly cheap, especially during the Christmas season when demand is high.

It is worth booking as early as possible to lock in a good rate and make sure you get a spot close to the markets.

A few great options to check out:

• Luxury: Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes
• Mid-range: Le Colombier
• Budget: Ibis Styles Colmar Centre

How to Get to Colmar

Colmar is well-connected, but there is no major airport in the city itself. Most visitors arrive by train from nearby cities or fly into one of the larger airports in the region and continue by rail.

• By train – Colmar has a central train station with direct connections to Strasbourg (30 minutes), Basel (45 minutes), and even Paris (a little over 2 hours on the TGV). From the station, it is about a 15-minute walk to the old town where the markets are held.
• By plane – The closest airports are Strasbourg (SXB), Basel-Mulhouse (BSL/MLH), and Zurich (ZRH). All of them have train connections to Colmar, with Basel usually being the most convenient option.
• By car – Renting a car is possible, but not the most practical option since the old town is pedestrianized during the markets. Parking can also be tricky and expensive in December, so the train is usually the easier choice.

If you are planning a longer Christmas trip, Colmar pairs perfectly with Strasbourg, which is less than half an hour away by train and home to one of the biggest Christmas markets in Europe.

Check out my guide to the best Christmas markets in Strasbourg for more info!

Tips for Spending Christmas in Colmar

• Book accommodation early – Colmar is extremely popular in December and hotels fill up fast. Prices also rise the closer you get to Christmas, so reserve as early as you can.
• Visit on a weekday if possible – Weekends get very crowded, especially in mid to late December. Weekday afternoons and evenings are much more comfortable for strolling the markets.
• Go earlier in the season – The days right before Christmas are the busiest of all. Late November and early December still feel festive, but without the crush of people.
• Dress warmly – Even if the temperatures do not look that low on paper, standing outside for hours in the damp air is chilly. Bring layers, a thick coat, a hat, a scarf, and gloves.
• Wear comfortable shoes – The old town is all cobblestones, and you will be walking a lot. Sturdy shoes will make a big difference.
• Bring some cash – While many stalls take cards, small food vendors often prefer cash, so it helps to have a bit on hand.
• Take your time – The best part of Colmar at Christmas is soaking up the atmosphere. Do not rush between the markets. Give yourself time to enjoy the lights, try a few snacks, and wander the side streets!