Ultimate Guide to Christmas Markets in Colmar, France 2026
Christmas Markets in Colmar, France: November 23 – December 29, 2026
‘Tis the season to be jolly! What better way to get into the holiday spirit than strolling through the charming Christmas markets in Colmar, France?
With twinkling lights, festive decorations, delicious food, and unique crafts, these markets will transport you to a winter wonderland and make you feel like a kid again.
So pack your warmest clothes, grab a cup of mulled wine, and explore Colmar’s magical Christmas markets.
Our European Christmas Market Itinerary at a Glance
In 2022, we embarked on a dream adventure, checking off our bucket list by visiting the Christmas Markets in Zurich, Strasbourg, Colmar, and Basel. Another couple joined us, and we were on an unforgettable journey together. Below is our 7-day itinerary. The only change we would make is to eliminate Basel, Switzerland, and spend two nights in Colmar, France, to visit other Alsace towns in the region. I hope this helps as you plan your Bucket List Christmas Market trip!
- ORD-ZRH red-eye flight
- Zurich, Switzerland – One Night
- Strasbourg, France – Two Nights
- Colmar, France – One Night
- Basel, Switzerland- One Night
- Zurich, Switzerland – One Night
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Colmar Christmas Markets
Discover the enchanting charm of Colmar’s festive Christmas markets! This idyllic small town offers the perfect setting for a magical holiday experience.
With all six markets within easy walking distance, you can easily explore them all in just one day. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere and indulge in delicious treats, charming crafts, and delightful winter scenery.
To fully savor the holiday magic, I recommend taking two days to wander through the markets at a leisurely pace and soak up the festive spirit.
The markets are busiest on weekends. For fewer crowds, visit on weekdays. All markets are open to entry.
Step into the magical world of French Christmas Markets and discover the delightful tradition of Vin Chaud, also known as Glühwein. Unlike the German Christmas markets we’ve seen before, French markets serve their vin chaud in reusable, durable plastic cups rather than ceramic ones.
Christmas Markets in Colmar run from November 23 to December 29, 2026
In the heart of Alsace, Colmar is often called the capital of Christmas. Its quaint streets and pastel-colored, half-timbered houses provide a picturesque backdrop for the town’s many markets.
Gourmet market – Place de la Cathédrale
Located near the Cathedral, this gourmet Christmas market focuses on gourmet food. Local chefs highlight Alsace specialties, making it a foodie delight!
This market celebrates local gastronomy, offering artisanal products such as foie gras, cured meats, cheeses, and fine wines. It’s the perfect place to stock up on treats for your Christmas dinner or to find unique gifts for your foodie friends.
It is not a large market, with nine stalls featuring nine different chefs, but you shouldn’t miss it.
Dates: November 23, 2026, to January 3, 2027
Times: 11 am-10 pm daily
Except for December 31, 2026. It will close at 6 pm.
Place des Dominicains
This is one of the few places to find a ceramic mug. The oldest and most famous is the Marché de Noël, held in the Place des Dominicains. Here, over 60 wooden chalets sell handmade crafts, regional delicacies, hot beverages, and the famous Alsatian Christmas cookies known as bridle.
Dates: November 23, 2026, to January 3, 2027
Times: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm.
Weekends: Friday – Sunday, 10 am-8 pm
December 24th, 11 am-5 pm
December 25th, 10 am-8 pm
December 26th, 11 am-5 pm
Place de l’Ancienne Douane
This market sits in the heart of Old Town, around the Schwendi fountain. Over 50 stalls line both sides of the Lauch River and extend to Colmar’s Medieval Koifhus building.
Times: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm
Weekends: Friday – Sunday, 10 am-8 pm
December 24th, 10 am-5 pm
December 25th, 11 am-7 pm
December 26th, 11 am-7 pm
Place Jeanne d’Arc
For a more traditional Christmas atmosphere, head to the Place Jeanne d’Arc, where you’ll find a beautifully decorated Ferris wheel and a charming carousel. The wooden stalls offer handmade gifts, including toys, candles, clothing, jewelry, and gourmet treats like chocolates, honey, and gingerbread.
Times: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm
Weekends: Friday – Sunday, 10 am-8 pm
December 24th, 10 am-5 pm
December 25th, 11 am-7 pm
December 26th, 11 am-7 pm
Place des Six Montagnes noires
Located in Petite Venise, this market is designed for kids with a horse carousel and a large mailbox post that invites children to write a letter to Santa.
Times: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm
Weekends: Friday – Sunday, 10 am-8 pm
December 24th, 10 am-5 pm
December 25th, 11 am-7 pm
December 26th, 11 am-7 pm
Indoor Craft Market at Koifhus
Don’t miss the Village des Artisans for a more intimate experience. This small market features only 20 stalls and offers an authentic, cozy atmosphere. Watch the artisans at work, enjoy hot wine, and browse a selection of unique crafts, including pottery, woodwork, and handmade soap. The first floor features a toy museum.
Times: Weekdays, Monday to Thursday, 11 am to 7 pm
Weekends: Friday – Sunday, 10 am-8 pm
December 24th, 10 am-5 pm
December 25th, 11 am-7 pm
December 26th, 11 am-7 pm
Our Trusted Resources
Booking.com: for booking accommodations
Viator or Get Your Guide: for all my activities
Discover Cars: for car rentals
Airalo: for eSIM card
Omio for booking train tickets
Columbia: great outdoor clothing and accessories.
AXA: for Travel Insurance
More activities to do in Colmar beyond the Christmas Markets
On Wednesday and Saturday evenings at 5 pm, children from the Colmar region sing on the picturesque “Petite Venise” in illuminated boats.
Christmas Cellar – Martin Jund’s Domaine: Christmas concert located at 12 rue de l’Ange, Domaine Martin Jund. Christmas carols will be performed by the Croq’Notes de la Manécanterie de l’école Saint Jean de Colmar.
The Manécanterie de Saint-Jean and the Aachen Girls’ Choir (Germany) perform an Advent Concert at Place du 2 Février.
Ice Skate at Place Rapp and enjoy a hot drink on a beautifully decorated 1900s carousel.
Take a flat-bottom boat ride along Petite Venise (Little Venice) to view the half-timbered houses from the water.
Explore local vineyards along the Alsace Wine Route, where famous Alsace white wines are produced.
Visit nearby towns to Colmar that also host Christmas Markets. Such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauvillé
What to Wear to the Christmas Markets
Late November and December in Colmar are between 30 and 40 degrees F. It does snow in Colmar, but usually only a few inches. Rain is also possible; pack a waterproof coat and/or an umbrella.
Packing during cold weather can be difficult because of the bulk of warm items. Since we would be gone for two weeks and moving to a new city every one to two days, we wanted to limit ourselves in baggage. We packed one 24-inch suitcase and one 21-inch carry-on. I also packed a foldable, expandable bag for souvenirs. This worked well for us as we traveled from each city by train.
Pack layers. In 2022, we got lucky, as it wasn’t too cold. Some days I was comfortable in a puffer vest, sweater, and base-layer shirt. Below is a list of what I packed for two weeks in Zurich, Strasbourg, Colmar, Basel, and London.
- Two merino wool thermal shirts
- Two long-sleeve T-shirts
- Two long-sleeve blouses
- Pullover
- Three sweaters
- Packable down jacket
- Black puffer vest
- Long maxi dress
- Two jeans (black and blue)
- Two pants
- Two fleece-lined leggings
- Scarf
- Gloves, not mittens
- Beanie or stocking hat
- Waterproof Boots
- Walking shoes
- Thermal merino wool leggings
- Socks, merino wool
- Thick black tights
- Small cross-body bag
- Reusable, foldable grocery bag
What to eat & drink at the Christmas Markets in Colmar
Spätzle, a traditional German dish, is a popular comfort food best described as soft, chewy egg noodles. This delicious dish is often a side dish accompanying meat, poultry, or fish, or as the main course when served with rich, creamy sauces and toppings.
Tartines
If you’re looking for a delicious, quick bite while exploring the Colmar Christmas Markets, add Tartines to your radar. Tartines are French open-faced sandwiches made with dense, crusty bread and generously topped with savory spreads, meats, vegetables, and cheese. Options range from classic combinations like ham and cheese to elevated toppings like smoked salmon and cream cheese.
Vin chaud
Also known as mulled wine, it is a traditional warm beverage that originated in European countries during winter. You make it by simmering red wine with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and sometimes adding fruit like oranges or apples. So, there’s no better way to experience the Christmas Markets than with a glass of warm Vin Chaud.
Bretzel
Also known as pretzels, bretzels are a trendy and beloved snack from Germany. Their distinctive twisted knot shape and coarse salt-sprinkled surface make them a distinct and recognizable delicacy. You can enjoy them in various ways, from eating them on their own as a quick snack to serving them with a variety of dipping sauces or even using them as a bun for sandwiches.
Knack d’Alsace
Knack d’Alsace is an authentic French sausage that reigns supreme in Alsace. Made with a blend of pork, spices, and a dash of white wine, this sausage has a delightful aroma and flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Choucroute
If you plan to visit Strasbourg’s famous Christmas markets, you cannot miss out on the traditional Alsatian dish, Choucroute. This hearty, savory dish features slow-cooked sauerkraut with meats such as smoked sausages, pork knuckles, and bacon. The dish is usually served with boiled potatoes, giving you a taste of traditional French cuisine.
The Choucroute originated in Alsace-Lorraine, a region bordering France and Germany, and is now considered one of the country’s ultimate comfort foods. It is incredibly flavorful and will warm you up on even the coldest winter day. Try this delicious dish and experience one of the region’s hallmark culinary delights!
Tarte Flambee
Tarte Flambee, also known as Flammekueche, is a traditional Alsatian dish that is a must-try for any foodie visiting the Christmas markets in France. It is a thin, crispy pizza-like pastry topped with crème fraîche, onions, lardons (bacon cubes), and sometimes cheese. The base is made with a soft mixture of flour, water, and salt rolled out thinly and baked in a wood-fired oven, giving it a truly authentic taste and a delightful crunch.
Local wines of the Alsace region of France
To pair with your Spätzle, look no further than the Alsace region of France. Nestled along France’s eastern border, the Alsace region is renowned for crisp, dry white wines that balance the natural sweetness of local grapes with a mineral edge from the region’s unique soil. With over 50 grape varieties grown in Alsace, the region offers a fascinating range of wines, from rich, complex Gewürztraminer to crisp, refreshing Pinot Blanc.
Pain d’épices
Pain d’épices, or French gingerbread, is a delicious baked treat from Alsace, France. This aromatic cake is made with honey, spices, and rye flour. Its deep brown color and rich, moist texture reflect the skill and patience required to make such a complex pastry. The sweet, spicy flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg make it the perfect winter treat. Traditionally, people serve Pain d’épices with a hot cup of tea or mulled wine, and it’s a staple at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg and other cities in the Alsace region.
Capture Your Adventure: Book a Vacation Photo Session!
Whenever I’m traveling, I love to book a photo session with Flytographer. It’s become a bit of a travel tradition for me, especially on family vacations. The process is incredibly simple and surprisingly budget-friendly. Plus, it’s a stress-free experience that leaves us with beautiful memories captured by a professional, which is priceless.
Souvenirs to buy at the Christmas Markets in Colmar
- Alsace wine
- Alsatian linens and textiles
- Handcrafted Christmas Ornaments
- Gingerbread molds
Where we stayed in Colmar
Colmar is very popular during the Christmas season. I recommend booking your accommodations well in advance. I started planning our 2022 trip in June of 2022.
Hotel Turenne
Hotel Turenne is conveniently located near the entrance of Old Town Colmar—just 10 minutes from the Colmar Train Station. The location is rated 9.3 on booking.com. It is great for solo travelers. There is a hotel bar, breakfast is offered, and many dining options are nearby.
Getting around Colmar
We walked around Colmar easily and took a cab from the train station to our hotel. Wear comfortable walking shoes or waterproof boots for cobblestone streets.
Getting to Colmar
Train—The best way to get to Colmar is by train. If you plan to visit Paris, a high-speed train from Paris to Colmar takes approximately 2.5 hours. You can reach most European cities by train from Colmar.
We traveled from Strasbourg to Colmar by train. Trains were readily available, and we bought tickets for approximately $17 at the train station. It was a 30-minute train ride.
Air: Fly into Basel Mulhouse Airport (BSL) or Zurich (ZRH), as Colmar is on the German, French, and Swiss borders.
Basel Airport has no train station; take the #50 bus to Basel SBB train station. The train takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Colmar train station. Thirty-one direct trains run daily from Basel SBB to Colmar.
It takes almost 2.5 hours to reach Colmar from the Zurich airport by train.
CT Tip: Keep some Euro coins available if you plan to use the train station bathrooms. We didn’t find many places outside the train stations that charged for bathroom use otherwise. However, most people use the bathroom when they are waiting to board the train. They will not accept foreign currency or credit cards.
French phrases to use at the Christmas Markets in Colmar
- Bonjour – Good Morning, Hello
- Au revoir – Goodbye
- Pardon, excusez-moi – Pardon, excuse me
- Merci – Thank you
- Merci beaucoup – Thank you very much
- Parlez -vous anglais – Do you speak English?
- Merry Christmas – Joyeux Noël
- Happy Holidays – Joyeuses fêtes
Travel Insurance for visiting the Christmas Markets
Travel insurance is essential for protecting yourself against unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage. It provides peace of mind, ensuring you’re financially covered in case plans go awry, letting you focus on enjoying your trip.
We recommend using AXA Partners or Safety Wing for travel insurance.
How to Stay Connected while traveling to the Christmas Markets
FAQ Colmar’s Christmas Markets
Are the Colmar Christmas markets worth visiting?
Yes, Colmar is magical at Christmas time. It should be on your bucket list if you enjoy visiting Christmas markets.
What are the dates of the Colmar Christmas markets?
In 2026, November 23-December 29, 2026
How many Christmas markets are there in Colmar?
Colmar has six Christmas markets. Many of them are close together.
Are Christmas markets in Strasbourg or Colmar?
Strasbourg and Colmar have Christmas markets. Of the markets we visited on this trip, Strasbourg and Colmar were our favorites. The two cities are close and can be visited on the same trip. If you want accommodations in one town and to see the other, this is quickly done since they are just a 30-minute train ride from each other for less than $20 one way.
Final Thoughts on Christmas Markets in Colmar, France
Colmar is truly a Christmas lover’s dream come true. Its picturesque setting and unique markets make it the perfect destination to get into the holiday spirit. But the Christmas magic doesn’t end here. Explore our other posts on the best Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France; the Best Christmas Markets in Munich, Germany – Top Guide 2026; and the Best Christmas Markets in Basel, Switzerland 2026 Guide. Grab your travel guides and start planning your holiday adventure! Also, check out Best Day Trip By Train from London Under 3 hours- 2026