The Ultimate Colmar Christmas Market Guide (2025)

Theme

Most of the Christmas markets in Alsace have a theme:

• Strasbourg is the Capital of Christmas
• Mulhouse’s Christmas market is a Very Special Christmas
• Sélestat is the Capital of the Christmas Tree
• Turckheim is the Elf Christmas market
• Haguenau is the Cradle of Nativity Scenes
• Riquewihr is the Picturesque Christmas market

Then, there is Colmar, which is La Magie de Noël or the Magic of Christmas.

And that’s exactly what you’ll find here. 

The town is transformed into a winter paradise, with stunning decorations and lights on every corner.

That, combined with the traditional chalets and half-timbered houses, creates a fairy-tale atmosphere. 

Dates and Opening Hours

The dates and hours for the 2025 Christmas market are listed below:

Dates

• From the 25th of November to the 29th of December

Opening Hours: TBD

Key Highlights

The Markets

Colmar’s Christmas market is divided into seven individual markets.

It can be overwhelming trying to navigate them all, especially if you’re visiting for the first time.

Below is a guide to the different markets and what you can expect to find at each one.

• Place des Dominicains

Here you’ll find 60 wooden chalets selling all kinds of goodies, including handmade ornaments, candles, and jewelry.

Each stall is decorated with twinkling lights and festive decor, making it a picturesque place to wander around.

• Place de l’Ancienne Douane

Located in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town, Place de l’Ancienne Douane is where you’ll find wooden chalets selling similar items to those in Place des Dominicains. 

But what sets it apart from the other markets is the surrounding buildings and monuments.

There’s the beautiful Schwendi fountain, the Koïfhus (old customs building), and Maison Au Pelerin. Each one is covered in lights, Christmas ornaments, and wreaths.

• Place Jeanne d’Arc

The Christmas market at Place Jeanne d’Arc is dedicated to local products. It’s where you’ll find Alsatian wine, liqueurs, and treats like bredele. 

And since it’s away from the main area, there are fewer people here.

• La Petite Venise

La Petite Venise is the prettiest neighborhood in Colmar.

Colorful half-timbered houses, especially those along Quai de la Poissonnerie, line the Lauch River, creating a charming backdrop.

During the holiday season, the festive decorations transform the scene into a picture-perfect winter wonderland.

Then, there is the Christmas market at Place des 6 Montagnes Noires. And it’s here you’ll find a nativity scene, wooden chalets, and a Santa’s Mailbox.

• The Koïfhus

The Koïfhus is the old customs house, and during the holiday season, it hosts an indoor craft market.

Local craftsmen from around Alsace come to sell their creations. You’ll find everything from pottery to hand-carved wooden ornaments.

And, if you’ve already been to a few Christmas markets in the region, you’ll notice it’s like the craft market at the Christmas market in Sélestat.

• Place Rapp

Place Rapp is next to Parc du Champ de Mars, and it’s where you’ll find food stalls and rides for kids.

It doesn’t have the same authentic feel as the markets in downtown Colmar, but it’s far less crowded.

• Marché Gourmande

Then, if you’re a foodie, Colmar has the Marché Gourmande (Gourmet Market) on Rue de la Montagne Verte.

It offers a wide selection of local specialties like sausages, pretzels, and mulled wine.

Helpful Tip: The Christmas market in Obernai is also perfect for foodies.

Must-Visit Attractions

In addition to the markets above, there are a few attractions in Colmar that you won’t want to miss.

Below is a list of my favorites:

• The Koïfhus: While there is a craft market here, there’s also a set of stairs that lead to a bird’s eye view over Rue des Marchands. It’s one of the most photogenic spots in town.
• Museums: Colmar has a ton of museums. The Village Hansi & its Museum, the Bartholdi Museum, and the Unterlinden Museum are some of my favorites.
• Marché Couvert: This covered market is where you’ll find vendors selling local cheese, meats, beer, and other tasty treats.
• Boat Tour: This is one of my favorite things to do in Colmar. You’ll ride past the most colorful buildings in town and learn some history along the way. I booked with Sweet Narcisse and highly recommend them.
• Place du Marché aux Fruits: This small square has a few Christmas stalls. It’s away from the hustle and bustle of the main markets and has a charming atmosphere.

Food and Drinks

Traditional dishes from Alsace are known for being hearty, so winter is the best time to try them.

Below are some of the best regional foods to try in Colmar this time of year:

• Choucroute garnie: This is my favorite traditional dish. It’s made of simple ingredients – sauerkraut, pork, and potatoes, but explodes with flavor.
• Bredele: These spiced cookies, available in a variety of shapes and flavors, are a beloved treat only available during the Christmas season.
• Vin chaud: Otherwise known as mulled wine, this warm beverage is made with red wine (or white wine), sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
• Tarte flambée: This pizza-like dish is one of the best snacks to have at the Christmas market. It’s made with a layer of crème fraîche and topped with caramelized onions, savory lardons, and melted cheese.
• Kougelhopf: This classic Alsatian cake that you can enjoy at breakfast or as a dessert. It’s made with raisins and almonds and topped with powdered sugar.
• Baeckeoffe: A rich, slow-cooked casserole combining tender potatoes, onions, and carrots with a trio of meats – beef, pork, and lamb. It’s usually only available during the winter months, so the Christmas market is the perfect place to try it.
• Pain d’épices: This sweet and spicy bread is made with honey and a blend of cinnamon and ginger. It’s the Alsatian version of gingerbread.

Shopping Tips

With so many stalls around Colmar, you might have a hard time deciding what to buy.

Here are a few souvenirs and gifts that you won’t want to miss out on:

• Miniature Half-Timbered Houses: One of the hallmarks of Alsace is its half-timbered houses. You can find miniature replicas of these iconic buildings at various stalls around Colmar.
• Christmas-themed decorations: From handcrafted wooden ornaments to snow globes, there are tons of options to choose from.
• Christmas mugs: Each Christmas market has a unique mug design for festive favorites like mulled wine, hot chocolate, or warm apple cider.

Practical Information

How to Get to Colmar

Getting to Colmar is straightforward. Its main train station is well-served and can be reached from cities like Paris, Strasbourg, and Mulhouse.

It’s also located near the city center and is within walking distance (via signs) of the Christmas market.

Helpful Tip: Colmar also has a free shuttle service that runs from the train station to downtown Colmar.

If you are traveling from abroad, the nearest airports are Strasbourg Airport, EuroAirport, Frankfurt Airport, and Paris (CDG and Orly).

Each one has several options for getting to Colmar.

• Strasbourg Airport: You can rent a car and drive to Colmar or take the train.
• EuroAirport: Near St. Louis, this airport is 58 kilometers (36 miles) from Colmar. At the airport, you can rent a car or take the train (about 1 hour).
• Frankfurt Airport: Although in Germany, this airport offers convenient access to Alsace. You can take the train or rent a car. There’s also the Lufthansa Express Bus that goes directly to Strasbourg, where you can then take a train to Colmar.
• Paris Airports (CDG & Orly): Direct trains run from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport to Strasbourg’s main train station in about two hours. From there, you can change trains to Colmar. If you’re flying into Orly, you’ll first need to transfer to the Gare de l’Est train station and then take a direct train to Colmar.

Helpful Tip: The best website/app to buy your train tickets is SNCF-Connect.

Where to Stay

Colmar gets busy during the holiday season, which means staying downtown can be overwhelming.

Here are a few options that will guarantee an enjoyable stay:

• Coquet Studio Colmar Centre: A modern studio apartment equipped with all the amenities you need. It’s also centrally located.
• Au Grenier à Sel Colmar: A pristine, spacious apartment located in the heart of the city. The host is welcoming, and the space is equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
• Hotel Saint-Martin: Along Grand Rue, this charming hotel occupies a beautifully preserved half-timbered house. The rooms are comfortable, and the staff is dedicated to making your stay memorable.

Where to Eat

Colmar has a large selection of restaurants. Less compared to Strasbourg, but still plenty to choose from.

Below are my favorite places to eat in town:

• Aux Armes de Colmar: Housed in a picturesque half-timbered building, this delightful restaurant offers exceptional traditional Alsatian cuisine.
• La Cocotte de Grand-Mère: This charming bistro offers exceptional service and mouthwatering dishes. It’s the perfect spot to savor a meal while enjoying a selection of local wines.
• Les Bateliers: In the heart of La Petite Venise, this charming restaurant offers a delightful taste of Alsatian cuisine paired with picturesque views. Arrive early to secure a table that looks out onto the canal.

Insider Tips

Since moving to Alsace in 2019, I’ve learned a lot about navigating the Christmas markets.

Here are some insider tips to help you make the most out of your visit:

• Bring cash. Some vendors don’t accept credit or debit cards.
• Check out my personal list of websites and apps that will help make your planning easier.
• Even though Colmar is small, there’s a lot of walking (on cobbled streets). Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
• Winter can be cold and rainy in Colmar. Pack warm clothing, like hats, scarves, gloves, thermal layers, and an umbrella.
• Book accommodations early and make reservations at restaurants.
• To avoid the crowds, visit during early to mid-morning or late evening on weekdays.
• You don’t have to be fluent in French to visit Colmar, but it’s always polite to start with “Bonjour.”
• Shop around for Christmas mugs. There is usually one standard one and a few fancier designs.
• If you want to visit other Christmas markets, the Navettes de Noël and public buses leave from Colmar’s train station.

Conclusion

Visiting Colmar during the holiday season is nothing short of magical. After all, that is the theme of its Christmas market.

I make it a tradition to visit every year, and I have yet to be disappointed.

However, it is a popular destination, so I recommend planning your trip and securing your accommodations well in advance.

It’s the best way to guarantee an unforgettable holiday getaway.

Next, I recommend checking out my guide to Kaysersberg’s Authentic Christmas market, which isn’t far from Colmar.

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Read More Articles

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it helpful. Here are a few other articles that I think you might find interesting.

• A Local’s Guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Market (2025)
• Where to Stay in Alsace: Best Towns and Hotels in 2025
• Alsace Christmas Markets Itinerary (With & Without a Car)

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