Colmar is one of those places that almost doesn't look real, especially at Christmas. Its colorful half-timbered houses, canals, and festive decorations make it one of the most picturesque Christmas market destinations in Europe, and I absolutely loved visiting.
If you're planning a visit for the 2026 Christmas market season, I've put together everything you need to know, including important dates, how to get there, what to expect at each of Colmar's Christmas markets, where to stay, and more.
Let's get started!
Colmar Christmas Market: Important 2026 Dates & Info
For the 2026 Christmas season, the Colmar Christmas markets run from November 23 through December 29, 2026.
One important thing to know is that Colmar has several separate Christmas markets, and their individual schedules can vary. I'd check the official Colmar Christmas markets website before your trip, particularly if you're visiting around Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.
If you want to avoid the biggest crowds, I'd recommend visiting on a weekday, particularly Monday or Tuesday. Mornings and early afternoons are generally good times to explore before the busiest part of the day.
Weekends and evenings tend to be the busiest, especially as Christmas approaches. If you're visiting during a weekend, try to arrive early and leave plenty of time to wander between the different markets. (For the record, I visited over a weekend and while it was busy, it was manageable!)
How to Get to Colmar from Paris
If you're visiting Colmar as part of a trip to France, I recommend traveling through Strasbourg as your home base in the Alsace region.
High-speed TGV trains depart from Paris Gare de l'Est and reach Strasbourg in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes on the fastest services. From Strasbourg, you can take a regional train to Colmar, with the journey generally taking around 30 minutes.
This is a particularly convenient option if you're planning to visit both Christmas markets. I'd spend a few nights in Strasbourg, take a day trip to Colmar, and return to Strasbourg in the evening. (If you go this route, you might want to check out my full guide to the Strasbourg Christmas market.)
The train station in Colmar is within walking distance of the historic center, although you may prefer a taxi if you're carrying luggage. Once you're in the old town, the Christmas markets are easy to explore on foot.
You can also reach Colmar by car, which is helpful if you're planning to visit some of the smaller Alsatian villages during your trip. This is what I did, and I stopped in two smaller (and equally charming!) villages, Eguisheim and Riquewihr, along the way.
About the Colmar Christmas Markets
One of the things that makes Colmar so special is that the Christmas market isn't confined to one central square. Instead, several markets are spread throughout the historic center, each with its own setting and atmosphere.
There are six main Christmas markets to explore, including markets dedicated to local crafts, Alsatian food, and families with children. Here is more information on each.
Place des Dominicains
The Christmas market at Place des Dominicains is set beside the impressive Dominican church and surrounded by traditional Alsatian architecture. You'll find stalls selling Christmas decorations, gifts, local crafts, and seasonal treats.
It's a lovely place to browse for something to take home, especially if you're interested in handmade decorations or traditional regional products.
Place de l'Ancienne Douane
Place de l'Ancienne Douane, also known as Koïfhus, is one of the most picturesque areas of Colmar. The square is surrounded by colorful half-timbered buildings, and the Christmas market adds even more festive atmosphere to an already beautiful setting.
This is one of the places I'd prioritize if you're hoping to photograph Colmar at Christmas. Take your time wandering through the square and the nearby streets, where you'll find more decorated buildings and market stalls.
The Koïfhus Christmas Market
For something a little different, visit the Christmas market inside the historic Koïfhus building, a former customs house dating to the Renaissance period.
This market focuses on traditional crafts and handmade items, including jewelry, glasswork, and wooden objects. It's a good place to look for gifts that feel a little more distinctive than the usual Christmas market souvenirs.
The historic interior also makes this market a nice change of pace from browsing outdoor stalls.
Petite Venise
Petite Venise, or Little Venice, is probably the most recognizable part of Colmar. With its canals, small bridges, and colorful houses, it already looks like something from a fairytale, and the Christmas decorations make it even more special.
The market here is particularly geared toward families and children, with festive attractions and seasonal treats. Even if you're not traveling with children, I'd make time to walk through Petite Venise.
It's one of the prettiest parts of Colmar and a wonderful place to take photographs. Be sure to explore the surrounding streets, too, rather than simply stopping at the market itself.
Place Jeanne d'Arc
If you'd like to experience a market with a more traditional Alsatian feel, head to Place Jeanne d'Arc. This market is centered around regional food and products, with stalls selling local specialties, wines, cheeses, and Christmas treats.
It's a good place to learn a little more about the food traditions of Alsace while sampling some of the region's specialties.
The Gourmet Christmas Market
Colmar also has a gourmet Christmas market, where local chefs prepare dishes using regional ingredients.
If you're interested in trying more than the usual Christmas market snacks, this is worth adding to your itinerary. You'll find a range of savory dishes and desserts, making it a good stop for lunch or an early dinner while exploring the town.
Where to Stay for the Colmar Christmas Markets
Although I absolutely loved Colmar, I recommend staying in Strasbourg and visiting Colmar as a day trip.
Colmar is a smaller town, and accommodation options are more limited, particularly during the Christmas market season. Strasbourg has a much larger selection of hotels and restaurants, along with excellent train connections to Paris and easy access to Colmar.
I also think Strasbourg makes a better base if you're planning to visit several Christmas markets in Alsace. You can spend your evenings exploring Strasbourg's own markets, then take the train to Colmar for a full day of sightseeing.
In Strasbourg, I recommend LÉONOR Hôtel, Cour du Corbeau Hotel Strasbourg and Hôtel & Spa Régent Petite France.
If you prefer to stay in Colmar, I've heard wonderful things about Hotel Le Maréchal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, the Strasbourg or Colmar Christmas Market?
Both are worth visiting, but they offer slightly different experiences. I absolutely loved Colmar and found it to be one of the most enchanting, fairytale-like places I've visited. Its colorful houses, canals, and storybook setting make it particularly special.
Strasbourg, on the other hand, has a larger Christmas market spread throughout the city, with more stalls, a wider variety of food and gifts, and plenty of festive areas to explore. The city itself also has more hotels and restaurants to choose from, making it a convenient base for your trip. It's easy to reach Strasbourg by high-speed train from Paris, and you can take a day trip to Colmar to experience its smaller, storybook-style markets. That way, you can enjoy the best of both destinations.
How many nights should I stay in Colmar?
You can see the main Christmas markets in Colmar in one full day, making it an easy day trip from Strasbourg. If you'd like to explore at a slower pace or visit nearby villages, you could spend a night or two in Colmar itself.
Personally, I'd stay in Strasbourg for two or three nights and dedicate one full day to Colmar. This is what I did, and it was a great itinerary.
Is the Colmar Christmas Market worth visiting?
Absolutely! Colmar is one of my favorite Christmas market destinations, and the combination of colorful half-timbered houses, canals, cobblestone streets, and festive decorations makes it feel like stepping into a fairytale.
If you're planning a Christmas market trip to Alsace, I'd make Colmar a priority.
Can you visit Colmar and Strasbourg on the same trip?
Yes, and I'd highly recommend it. The two cities are connected by regional trains, making it easy to stay in Strasbourg and visit Colmar for the day.
You'll get to experience Strasbourg's larger collection of Christmas markets and Colmar's storybook atmosphere without needing to change hotels.
Where can I find more information on the Colmar Christmas Market?
The official Colmar Christmas market website is the best place to check current dates, opening hours, and event information before your visit.
Final Thoughts
If you're planning a Christmas market trip to Alsace, I'd absolutely make time for Colmar. It's one of the most picturesque places I've visited, and wandering through its colorful streets, sipping vin chaud and exploring the different markets was a highlight of my trip.
I hope this guide helps you plan a wonderful trip to one of Europe's most special Christmas market destinations!
