The best things to do at Christmas in Colmar go far beyond one market: this Alsatian fairytale town spreads its Marché de Noël (Christmas market) across six themed squares, from a gourmet market to a children's market on the canals of Petite Venise. Half-timbered houses glow under kilometres of light garlands, children's choirs drift past on illuminated boats, and the scent of vin chaud (mulled wine) and pain d'épices (gingerbread) fills every lane. Markets typically run late November to late December — confirm exact 2026 dates on the official site. Joyeux Noël!
Last updated: September 25, 2026
Jump to: Christmas Markets & Festive Lights · Old Town & Canals · Culture & Concerts · Alsatian Food & Wine-Route Day Trips · FAQ
Christmas Markets & Festive Lights
Colmar has no single market — six small ones, each with its own personality, all within a few minutes' walk.
1. Walk all six themed markets
Six markets, all free and walkable: Place Jeanne d'Arc's village market, artisans in the medieval Koïfhus, 60 huts under the Dominican church, the fountain square, Petite Venise's children's market, and the gourmet market by the cathedral.
2. The Gourmet Market
Nine chefs in nine cabins serve elevated Alsatian plates: tarte flambée, foie gras, oysters with Crémant d'Alsace. Open latest, it is the tastiest evening stop in town.
3. The indoor Koïfhus artisan market
Twenty artisans sell ceramics, woodcarvings, and blown glass inside a 15th-century customs building. The warmest market in Colmar — a welcome break from the canal wind.
4. The Petite Venise children's market
A merry-go-round, Santa's giant mailbox (Père Noël replies to addressed letters!), and rides beside the canals. Best at dusk, when houses reflect in the water.
5. The Ferris wheel after dark
Beside the Gourmet Market, the wheel lifts you over glowing rooftops — the most romantic minute of the trip. Ride it at night.
For families
Petite Venise was built for you: rides, Santa, hot chocolate, and the choir boats. Flat and compact for small legs, with a free weekend bus.
Old Town & Canals
Between markets, Colmar's old town is the attraction: canals, fisherman's lanes, and the prettiest timber-framed streets in France.
6. Canal cruise through Petite Venise
Flat-bottomed boats glide the River Lauch past storybook facades. About €8 for 25 minutes — queue before 4pm on weekends.
7. The Rue Turenne bridge at dusk
Colmar's signature shot: glowing housefronts reflected in the canal, boats drifting underneath. Arrive 20 minutes before sunset.
8. The Christmas treasure hunt
Collect the free riddle booklet from the Tourist Office, decode clues through the old town, and return the mystery word for a reward. Perfect for ages 6–12.
9. The "Soul of Christmas" walk
A one-hour tour beyond the chalets into Alsatian traditions — why the stork, the bretzel, the evergreens. Book online; places are limited.
For couples
Gourmet market dinner, Ferris wheel at dark, then a slow loop from Rue Turenne to Quai de la Poissonnerie with vin chaud in hand.
Culture & Concerts
Colmar is an art town, not just a market town. Its museums and churches run their richest programs in December.
10. The Unterlinden Museum
In a 13th-century Dominican convent, Grünewald's breathtaking Isenheim Altarpiece — one of Europe's great religious artworks. A perfect one-hour warm-up between market squares.
11. Choir boats in Petite Venise
On select Wednesdays and Saturdays, choirs float through Petite Venise singing carols to the houses above. Free from Turenne bridge, 5–6pm, weather permitting.
12. Carol concerts in Gothic churches
St-Martin and St-Matthieu host Advent and Christmas concerts — many free. Grab the program at the Tourist Office, and see the mechanical Christmas crib at Sainte-Marie church.
Alsatian Food & Wine-Route Day Trips
The markets feed you snacks; Colmar's real food culture needs a proper appetite. The Alsace Wine Route starts at the town's doorstep.
13. The Alsatian Christmas canon
Bretzel (salty pretzel) with Munster cheese, flammekueche, baeckeoffe stew, kouglof cake, and bredele — spiced biscuits baked in every Alsatian home. Try vin chaud blanc (white mulled wine).
14. Alsace wine tasting
The Museum of Alsace Wines introduces Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Crémant d'Alsace before you buy. Half-day winery visits leave from Colmar — book ahead; December tastings sell out.
15. Wine-village shuttles
Seasonal shuttles run to Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauvillé — storybook villages with tiny markets. One ticket covers the whole day; Riquewihr is the one to pick.
For budget travellers
All markets, churches, the crib, and the treasure hunt are free. Eat flammekueche and bredele from stalls, and visit mid-week to dodge peak hotel prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Colmar Christmas market in 2026?
Late November to late December; exact 2026 dates are announced yearly — confirm on the official Colmar Christmas markets site. Typical hours: 11am–7pm weekdays, 10am–8pm weekends.
How many days do you need in Colmar at Christmas?
Two full days cover the six markets, a canal cruise, and the Unterlinden Museum. Add a third for a wine-route village trip.
Colmar or Strasbourg for Christmas markets?
Colmar is smaller and prettier — ideal for families; Strasbourg is bigger and historically deeper. Thirty minutes apart by train, so many do both.
Is Colmar Christmas market expensive?
€4–6 for vin chaud, €10–15 for market meals, €25–50 for sit-down dinners. Old-town hotels run €180–350 per night in December — book early.
Is Colmar at Christmas good for kids?
One of Europe's best family Christmas destinations: rides and Santa's mailbox in Petite Venise, free choir boats, the treasure hunt, and a flat old town. Visit on a weekday.
How do I get to Colmar?
TGV Paris to Strasbourg (under 2 hours), then a 30-minute TER train; the old town is a 10-minute walk from the station. Nearest airport: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse, 45 minutes away.


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