Christmas in Colmar is almost indescribable. There aren’t enough superlatives to capture the absolute surreal fairytale beauty of this Alsacian town when it is dressed for the holidays and welcomes visitors from around the world to the Colmar Christmas Market. It is world famous, and there’s a reason for it!
Buildings draped in evergreen boughs and teddy bears, lights shimmering on the canals, the crooked half-tiimbered houses that inspired Beauty and the Beast, and the smell of hot spiced wine, sizzling sausages, and local cheese. It’s a sensual overload of the best possible kind.
I had already visited Colmar during the springtime, and even then it was on my list of most charming spots in France. I knew then I had to come back and experience the legendary Colmar Christmas markets. When I came back for Christmas in Colmar, the city was so transformed I hardly recognized it. I got to experience the magic for the first time – twice!
I’ve visited dozens of Christmas markets across Europe, and I can tell you that Colmar is a one-of-a-kind experience that should be on everyone’s French Christmas market itinerary.
In this article I’ll tell you everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit to the Colmar Christmas Market: where to park, the best time to go, what to look for, what you can expect to find in the stalls, and some of my absolute favorite spots not to miss!
Colmar Christmas Market Dates 2025
Official dates for the 2025 Colmar Christmas market in Alsace, France:
Tuesday, November 25 – Tuesday, December 23
Colmar Christmas Market Hours
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 24 December: 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, 25 December: 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Friday, 26 December: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Gourmet Market: Open every day from 11am to 10pm, and will stay open until January 4. (Closes early at 5pm on New Year’s Eve)
Colmar Christmas Market Locations
The Colmar Christmas market is actually a collection of markets spread across six old town squares – Place des Dominicains, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, Place Jeanne d’Arc, Place des Six Montagnes Noires (Little Venice), and the Square de la Montagne Verte which hosts the Gourmet Market. An indoor market is also located in the Koifhus Building.
Each square has its own character, vendors, and mood, which makes you feel like you’re wandering through distinct little worlds.
Use the map below to find all the Christmas markets (marked with a tree) and some fascinating places of interest you won’t want to miss (marked with deer).
The Six Christmas Markets in Colmar
1. Place des Dominicains, the Arts and Crafts Market
I love Christmas markets that take place in spaces in front of churches or cathedrals, just like markets of the past for hundreds of years. This one is framed by the towering thirteenth century Dominican church.
We parked close to here, so it was our first full on impression of the market. I took an embarrassing number of pictures of store fronts, and Christmas stalls – each more stunning than the last.
What makes it unique:
• Its focus on high-quality handmade crafts, small artisans, and traditional decorations.
• A market that really feels rooted in the town’s medieval past.
If you have a few minutes, it’s worth popping into the church to look at the stunning altarpiece with the famous medieval painting Madonna of the Rose Bower.
2. Place de l’Ancienne Douane (the old customs house), the Historic Centerpiece Market
This square is anchored by the Koïfhus, the old Customs House, which once controlled medieval trade. The building itself is a show-stopper and a small river runs beside it, adding all kinds of atmosphere.
What makes it unique:
• Traditional Alsatian chalets packed closely together, creating great photo ops and a perfect backdrop
• Excellent mix of local foods, pastries, and decorations.
• Light shows on the Koïfhus at night.
3. Petite Venise (Little Venice)
This charming market is right near the canals and half-timbered houses of the “Little Venice” district. There are plenty of spots to pop in for a bite or a drink here too, and watch the boats glide by. And of course, if you want to hop on a boat yourself, just get in line and enjoy your float down the canal while getting some local history from your guide.
This is really the iconic photo spot in Colmar for pure atmosphere.
What makes it unique:
- Incredible photo ops from the bridges over the canal.
- Plenty of stalls geared towards families and kids.
- A festive atmosphere with colorful lights reflected on the water for full fairytale vibes
3. Place Jeanne d’Arc, the Alsatian-Terroir Market
This square specializes in food and wine, celebrating regional products from nearby villages. And of course, you’ll find a statue of Jeanne herself right outside of a restaurant that used to be an inn where she stayed the night. There’s also a church here that’s worth a pop-in even if just to see the stunning glittering gold mosaic.
What makes it unique:
• You’ll find wine direct from the local vineyards around Colmar.
• Sausages, terrines, gingerbread, and Munster cheese are all from local farms.
5. The Gourmet Market
Here’s where to go if you want to try some truly elevated Christmas market food. No sausage and pretzels here – be prepared for champagne, oysters, and some of the best gourmet fare from local restaurants.
There are also competitions that take place here. We happened to catch some of a regional competition that was happening!
And definitely take a ride on the ferris wheel which is right next to the gourmet market. It takes you around three times and lets you get some great birdseye views of the market and the city.
6. Koïfhus Indoor Market, the Artisan Guild Market
Inside the old Customs House, artisans occupy the vaulted rooms and upper halls. This one is definitely worth a visit!
What makes it unique:
• A place for higher quality goods from potters, glassmakers, metalworkers, woodworkers, jewelers, and textile artists. If you’re looking for a truly special Christmas gift, this is your place!
• Rotating artisans, which encourages repeat visits because you constantly find new things
• You get a real sense of stepping into Colmar’s guild era.
I bought a pair of lampwork bead earrings here which are stunning!
Food and Drink at the Colmar Christmas Market
One thing that will not happen at the Colmar Christmas market is leaving hungry! In addition to the market fare you can find at the stalls, there are many specialty food stores, indoor markets, restaurants and cafés to find incredible local food.
My favorite find this time happened to be a sweet treat! Yep, that’s a marzipan pretzel you see in my mittened hand!
Here are some local specialties to keep an eye out for at stalls and on menus throughout the city.
Choucroute Garnie
Colmar’s version uses local Riesling and feels more aromatic than variations north of Strasbourg. I love choucroute (sauerkraut) in Alsace. It isn’t that awfully sour kind I was used to. The homemade stuff is more subtle and flavorful. You can find it with fish (I had salmon), or the traditional “5 meats” version. Don’t miss it!
Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée)
Think of the thinnest flatbread you can imagine, with crispy edges, and just enough toppings to be satisfying without making you feel over-full. It’s common throughout Alsace, but Colmar stalls often add their local signature Munster cheese (which is incredible). The traditional tarte flambée has bacon, onions, and cream.
Gingerbread and Stollen
Gingerbread (pain d’épice) has a large presence at Colmar’s markets because Alsace has a strong gingerbread game. Each is a little different and all are delicious. Also look for traditional fruit stollens with local mirabelle plums for a unique twist!
Munster Cheese
Produced in the nearby Vallée de Munster, this stuff is the real deal. Look for Munster-filled pretzels, warm Munster baguettes, tarte flambée with Munster topping, or cheese-tasting stands. You can buy little wheels of the cheese itself as well. My husband had a pork shoulder with Munster sauce and he was in heaven. However you get it in you, do it!
Alsace Wine Tastings
Of all the things Colmar is famous for, the big one is its title as the capital of Alsace wine. Market stalls often spotlight local Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and late-harvest Vendanges Tardives. If you are a white wine lover, you will have officially died and went to heaven.
Local wines are also available as “vin chaud” (hot spiced wine) which are not to be missed!
The Old Covered Market
Speaking of incredible food, don’t miss the chance to stop into one of the most beautiful buildings in Colmar that has an amazing market history that continues to the present day!
When you walk into Marché Couvert, you are not stepping into a modern supermarket but inside a piece of 19ᵗʰ-century industrial-era architecture that has retained its historic structure – brick walls, iron framework, cast-iron columns – and has served as the focal point of Colmar’s food supply for more than 150 years (minus a pause when it was used for parking).
Inside is an absolutely incredible market where you can find every possible kind of cheese, cured meats, produce, seafood, spices and salt, pastries, and more. We planned ahead and grabbed a baguette, cheese, sausage, and a pistachio pastry and had a late night picnic in our hotel room. Perfection!
Shopping at the Colmar Christmas Market
Colmar is full of traditional Alsace souvenirs, but there is a ton of unique gift items to search out both in the market stalls and in the shops that line the medieval streets. Whether you’re looking for sardines, specialty liquors, cheeses, charcuterie, antiques, and even year-round Christmas stores, you’ll find them.
When is the Best Time to Visit the Colmar Christmas Market?
Christmas in Colmar is such an incredible experience that everyone wants to go, and who can blame them! That means that during busy times it can be really busy!
To minimize crowds, plan to visit on a weekday if you can, and start your market experience right when it opens so you can get plenty of unhurried time to shop and enjoy before the lights go down and the crowds pick up.
You’ll also have more space to truly appreciate how all-out every single vendor in Colmar goes during this time of year. Each shop window is absolutely enchanting and shows creativity, and true French style.
Best Place to Stay in Colmar for the Christmas Market
If you want to stay right in the heart of the magic, click and compare hotels close to the Christmas markets using the map below which is updated in real time!
Staying overnight in Colmar instead of doing a quick day trip allows you to really relax into the surroundings, and enjoy the later and earlier hours when crowds are thinner.
How Far is the Colmar Christmas Market from the Train Station?
It’s an easy and beautiful 15-20 minute walk from the Colmar Train Station (Place de la Gare) to the Christmas market area. [link to Google Map]
How to Get to the Colmar Christmas Market
From Strasbourg
By train: About 30 minutes
By car: About 50 minutes
From Other Points
Use this great website to calculate the best ways to get to Colmar from wherever your journey begins. It will give you times and logistics for train, bus, and car/taxi.
If you are coming from other points in the region and want the freedom and flexibility to explore all the Christmas markets and villages of Alsace on your own schedule, renting a car (or using your own) is the best option. Think of it as your own personal Christmas sleigh. You can compare prices and book confidently with DiscoverCars, which searches all major rental companies to get you the best deal.
We highly recommend DiscoverCars, because the process is fast, affordable, and incredibly smooth. Pickups are easy, selection is huge and reasonably priced, and they have free cancelation, no hidden fees, and 24/7 customer service in English.
👉 Check prices for your Alsace rental car here.
🅿️ Parking
There are quite a few parking locations close to the Christmas market area which is located at the center of the map below.
We parked at the Parking Scheurer Kestner at the top of the map. It was a 6 or 7 minute walk to the Eglise des Dominicains. The outdoor lot was large with easy parking, and a machine that was fairly intuitive to use. You pay in advance so be sure to take way more time than you think you’ll need because time flies!
Tips for Making the Most of Christmas in Colmar
💶 Bring cash Euros. Most vendors are unable to accept credit cards.
🥾 Wear comfortable, warm, waterproof or water-resistant shoes. You may be dealing with snow, rain, slush, or puddles.
🧤 Pack and wear layers, and check the weather right before you go. A scarf (even light weight), a hat, and gloves or mittens are a must. I love my mittens with a flap so I can take pictures and pay for things without having to pull them off!
Is the Christmas Market in Colmar Dog Friendly?
Yes, the market is dog friendly! I saw more dogs at this market than any other I’ve been to. They were in shoulder bags, tucked into jackets, on leashes, and some of the reactive doggos even had muzzles just to be on the safe side.
As long as you are responsible, there should be no issue. Do remember though that evenings and weekends can be crowded and might be overstimulating for some dogs.
Sights to See in Colmar
Colmar is a great place to visit any time of year, and has lots of interesting things to see. While you are enjoying Christmas in Colmar, keep your eyes open for these interesting sights:
- Little Venice
A photogenic quarter defined by canals, half-timbered houses, and former tanners’ and fishmongers’ homes. It feels more intimate than Strasbourg’s Petite France. - Maison Pfister (1537)
A two-story oriel window, octagonal turret, and painted facade make it one of the most recognizable Renaissance houses in Alsace. - Unterlinden Museum
A former convent housing the famous Isenheim Altarpiece by Grünewald. This is one of the most important works of German Renaissance art. - Église Saint-Martin
Colmar’s Gothic church with pink Vosges sandstone, showing the town’s wealth in the fourteenth century. - Bartholdi Museum
Colmar was the birthplace of Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty. His childhood home is now a museum, and several of his sculptures can be found throughout town.
Best Nearby Alsacian Christmas Markets to Combine With Your Trip
Colmar pairs perfectly with Strasbourg, and if you want to add on other smaller towns that pack a ton of charm you can explore Obernai, Requiwihr, Eguisheim, Selestat, Kaysersberg, Haguenau, or Ribeauvillé.
Is Colmar Worth Visiting for Christmas?
Absolutely. Colmar is unique and beautiful any time of year, but at Christmas, hold on to your Santa hat because they really know how to do Christmas right. Christmas in Colmar is just plain magic. There’s no other way to describe it. The food, the wine, the crafts, the shops, the canals, the incredible architecture… it is truly one of my all-time favorite Christmas markets.
