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Colmar’s Christmas Markets are among the best known in the Alsace region, and perhaps one of the most photographed Christmas markets in all of Europe.
The reason for that is simple of course – the Christmas markets in Colmar are absolutely stunning.
Framed by fairytale half-timbered houses and richly decorated canals, Colmar’s six Christmas markets have something to offer everyone, whether they’re looking for unique handmade gifts or a gourmet bite to eat.
We first visited Colmar’s Christmas markets in 2019 and fell in love with the magical atmosphere and wide selection of excellent shopping opportunities.
Looking to learn more about Colmar’s Christmas market scene, or perhaps need some guidance on planning your own trip there?
In this post, we’ll be covering…
- Practical Info for Colmar’s Christmas Markets
- Why Visit Colmar’s Christmas Market?
- Christmas Markets in Colmar to Visit
- More Photos of Colmar’s Christmas Markets
We hope you find it helpful and interesting!
Practical Info for Colmar’s Christmas Markets
Here are some quick must-knows for Colmar’s Christmas Market this year:
- 2024 Dates: Nov 26 – Dec 29, 2024
- Official website: Click here
In need of a place to stay? Here are some quick hotel recommendations:
- Budget: Check prices and availability
- Mid-Range: Check prices and availability
- Luxury: Check prices and availability
Why Visit Colmar’s Christmas Markets?
Wondering whether or not Colmar’s Christmas market scene is worth visiting? Here are a few reasons to add it to your list!
The decor is unreal
The Christmas markets in Alsace are known for their impressive decorations and attention to detail, but Colmar may well win 1st place where decorations are concerned.
From festive scenes arranged along its canals to whimsical white Christmas trees scattered around town, every corner of Colmar is a photogenic dream at Christmas time. Trust us – you’ll be snapping photos every two seconds.
Colmar is a fairytale
Besides the Christmas decor, we have to say that Colmar is already one of the most magical places to visit in the world, with fairytale architecture ripped straight from the pages of a storybook.
The proof is in the photos:
A wide variety of markets
Lastly, while Colmar’s city center is quite small, it packs a powerful punch where variety is concerned.
Colmar takes its Christmas celebrations seriously, which means you’ll find six Christmas markets to visit, all with different themes and focuses.
This is more than enough to keep you occupied during your trip, and you’re guaranteed to find plenty of unique gifts to bring home.
Christmas Markets in Colmar to Visit
Colmar is a compact city so it’s easy to visit all its Christmas market locations in a day. Here are some highlights:
The Artisan Arts Market at Place des Dominicains
Located right by Colmar’s Église des Dominicains, this Christmas Market is devoted to artisan arts from the local Alsace region.
From painters to jewelry makers, you’ll find plenty of great options for handmade and unique gifts here, along with an excellent selection of classic Christmas market food and drink.
You’ll also find some kids’ activities and rides here, including a fun mini ferris wheel.
The Gourmet Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale
A very unique Colmar Christmas market to visit is the city’s Gourmet Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale, home to tasty food offerings that are significantly more gourmet than typical Christmas market foods.
The year we visited, there were 9 different cabins with specialty dishes ranging from Bouchée à la Reine to black truffle risotto.
This is also one of Colmar’s newest Christmas markets, with a practical canopy making it a great market to visit rain or shine.
The Indoor Market at Koïfhus
Colmar’s medieval Koïfhus building is another great Christmas market where you can buy gifts from local artisans.
From lovely jewelry pieces and cute felt hats to elegant ceramic bowls, this market was packed with unique gifts, all in an indoor market hall setting which made it great for escaping the cold.
The Place de l’Ancienne Douane Christmas Market
At Place de l’Ancienne Douane, you’ll find one of Colmar’s largest Christmas markets, with 50+ chalets offering everything from touristy souvenirs and unique handicrafts to tasty treats and local wines.
NOTE: This is definitely one of the busier Christmas markets in Colmar, but its beautiful setting and atmosphere make it well worth a visit.
The Petite Venise Children’s Christmas Market
For another beautiful Christmas market to visit in Colmar, make sure you head to Petite Venise (which is one of the city’s prettiest areas).
Here you’ll find tons of stalls selling Christmas market gifts, along with a special children’s area with fun activities and vendors selling various kinds of toys.
NOTE: If you’re travelling with little ones in tow, make sure you head to the giant yellow mailbox where they can send off their letters to Santa.
The Place Jeanne d’Arc Alsatian Specialties Market
Last but not least, there’s an excellent Christmas market for foodies at Place Jeanne d’Arc which focuses on local Alsatian specialties like wine, jam, honey and foie gras.
More Photos of Colmar’s Christmas Markets
Looking to see more of Colmar’s scenic Christmas markets? Here are some extra photos we took during our trip!
Alsace Christmas Market Road Trip Video
Curious to see what it’s like to do a road trip in Alsace exploring Christmas markets? Check out this video:
We hope you enjoyed this Colmar Christmas Market Guide!
Let us know in the comments if you have any more questions about your trip – we’re always happy to help.
Hi there, thank you for this info, really helpful.
We’re travelling to Colmar this year, early December, flying into Basle – and not sure whether to opt for the bus to Colmar from the airport, or to hire a car. Not sure how easy parking will be in Colmar, and how costly? We’re staying at an AirBnB so it doesn’t come with free parking. Any ideas/suggestions on what is the best approach?
Hi Janice, that’s great! Colmar is gorgeous. If you plan to visit other Christmas markets in the Alsace (there are many lovely ones nearby), then a car is definitely ideal. Otherwise, if you are just staying in Colmar, then a car won’t be necessary as the city is super small and you can easily get between markets on foot. Parking is a tricky one and depends on where your AirBNB is located. Here is a website we found that has a list of parking spots/prices. Hope it’s helpful: https://www.parkopedia.fr/parking/colmar/
Are there any public transport to do a day-trip from Strasbourg?
Yes, take a train. The regionals run every couple of hours between Mulhouse, Colmar, and Strasbourg. http://Www.SNCF.com
Hi!
Will there be shuttle buses and or taxi available to go to the other Christmas markets in neighbouring towns?
If so, may I have schedules and prices
Hi Nadia, there is indeed a Christmas Shuttle that runs between Colmar and Christmas markets nearby. Here is a page with more info: https://www.christmas.alsace/getting-around-alsace-during-the-festive-season/ Safe travels!