Top Things to do at Christmas in Colmar Alsace

Top things to do at Christmas in Colmar, Alsace, include wandering through fairytale-like streets, visiting festive Christmas markets, and experiencing magical light displays. This picturesque town in the heart of Alsace transforms into a winter wonderland during the holidays, with charming half-timbered houses decorated in holiday lights, local crafts, and delicious seasonal treats. Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend getaway or a longer holiday trip, Colmar’s unique mix of tradition and celebration makes it a magical destination for Christmas.

Colmar at Christmas, illuminated with festive lights against a nighttime backdrop, showcasing decorated medieval buildings and holiday market stalls. — Christmas in Colmar France

Watch this ⬇️ Top Places to enjoy Christmas in Europe!

How to get to Colmar

Here’s how to get to Colmar from major cities like Paris & Lyon:

Paris to Colmar

By Train: The journey from Gare de l’Est in Paris to Colmar Gare takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes on the TGV high-speed train.
By Car: This journey from Paris to Colmar takes approximately 6 hours, covering a distance of 555 km via the A4 motorway, which does have tolls.

Lyon to Colmar

By Car: This journey from Paris to Colmar takes approximately 6 hours, covering a distance of 408 km via the A39 and A36 motorway, which does have tolls.

Be sure to check schedules in advance, especially during busy holiday seasons.

Medieval buildings in Colmar decorated for Christmas during the day, with festive ornaments over the canal. — Colmar Alsace Christmas

Best Christmas Markets in Colmar

Here’s a list of some of Colmar’s best Christmas markets for 2024, open daily from 11 am to 7 pm between 26th November and 29th December. The gourmet market will remain open until 5th January 2025.

Close-up of a green Christmas ornament at a Colmar market stall, decorated with a snowy house and the word 'Colmar. — Colmar Christmas Market

Place des Dominicains: Set against the beautiful Dominican Church, this market features artisanal stalls offering handmade gifts, local crafts, and festive decorations. Its nighttime lighting adds a magical touch to the holiday experience.
Place Jeanne d’Arc: Known for capturing the local traditions of Alsace, this market has stalls selling regional specialties like foie gras, Alsatian wines, and gingerbread. It’s a great spot to taste authentic Alsatian treats.
Koïfhus (Ancienne Douane): The Koïfhus Craft Market is ideal for artisan lovers. Located in Colmar’s historic customs house, it offers handcrafted items like ceramics, woodwork, and soaps, along with a cozy toy museum on the upper floor.
Place de l’Ancienne Douane: Positioned along Colmar’s canal, this market has beautiful views and a mix of food and gift stalls, including Christmas ornaments, pastries, and mulled wine. Its festive ambiance by the water makes it a must-visit spot.
Petite Venise (Little Venice): Perfect for families, this smaller market has a focus on children with rides, puppet shows, and a festive carousel. The picturesque location, with its colorful buildings along the canal, enhances its charm.

Best Christmas Market Food in Colmar

Mulled Wine (Vin Chaud): This classic warm drink is popular throughout Alsace, often made with red or white wine spiced with cinnamon, cloves, and citrus—ideal for warming up as you explore.
Bretzel (Alsatian Pretzel): A staple in Alsatian markets, Bretzels are soft, salted pretzels, sometimes available in sweet varieties. Though Strasbourg is known for them, they’re also popular in Colmar.
Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée): An Alsatian specialty resembling a thin pizza, traditionally topped with crème fraîche, onions, and lardons (bacon), baked until crispy.
Bredle: A beloved holiday treat, these small Alsatian biscuits come in various flavors, like butter and anise, and make perfect holiday gifts or snacks.
Crepes: Both sweet and savoury varieties are available, with toppings like Nutella, ham, and cheese.
Roasted Chestnuts: A holiday classic, these warm chestnuts are commonly found across the markets.

Close-up of a gingerbread man Christmas ornament with 'Alsace' written on it, capturing festive charm in Colmar's Christmas market. — Gingerbread Man Christmas Ornament, Christmas in Colmar

Top things to see in Colmar, France

Alsatian Half-Timbered Houses

Alsatian Half-Timbered Houses are a hallmark of Colmar’s architectural charm, blending medieval design with a warm, inviting character. These distinctive structures feature exposed wooden beams and often come in vibrant colours, creating a picturesque backdrop, especially during the festive Christmas season.

A charming timber house in Colmar showcasing its traditional architecture surrounded by festive Christmas decorations. — Alsatian Half-Timbered Houses

Alsatian Pottery

Colmar is also famous for its traditional Alsatian pottery, particularly its cooking pots. These ceramics are renowned for their functionality and aesthetic appeal, making them a staple in Alsatian kitchens. Here’s an overview of these typical pottery items:

Traditional Design: Alsatian cooking pots, often made from earthenware, feature distinctive shapes and vibrant glazes. They usually feature traditional motifs, like floral patterns and regional symbols. These designs reflect the area’s heritage.
Durability and Versatility: The pots serve both cooking and serving purposes. They can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for various cooking methods, including baking and slow cooking. Their ability to retain heat well enhances the flavours of the dishes prepared in them.
Culinary Uses: Alsatian pottery is ideal for preparing regional dishes such as choucroute (sauerkraut), stews, and casseroles. The earthenware evenly distributes heat, so food cooks thoroughly and stays moist.
Cultural Significance: Local traditions and family heritage often influence the craftsmanship behind these pottery pieces. Many artisans still use time-honoured techniques, and people celebrate their work at markets and festivals throughout the region.

Exterior view of a restaurant window in Colmar, beautifully decorated for Christmas, featuring festive lights, ornaments, and seasonal greenery, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. — Bistrot in Colmar, France at Christmas

Colmar Christmas Lights 2024

In Colmar during Christmas 2024, visitors can expect to see stunning light displays and festive decorations throughout the town.

Nighttime view of a charming Christmas market stall in Colmar, adorned with festive lights and decorations, showcasing a variety of handmade crafts and seasonal treats, creating a warm and inviting holiday atmosphere. — Christmas Market Stall in Colmar at Christmas

Christmas Tree: A magnificent Christmas tree will be centrally located at Place des Dominicains, adorned with lights and ornaments, creating a festive focal point for the market and surrounding areas.
Illuminated Streets: Colmar’s streets transform into a winter wonderland, with twinkling lights draped over buildings and strung across the roads, adding to the town’s magical atmosphere.
Canal Lighting: The canals in Little Venice will glow with beautiful lights, creating a picturesque scene that highlights the town’s charm and romantic ambiance.

Saint Martin Collegiate Church

The Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar is known in English as the Saint Martin Collegiate Church. This beautiful Gothic church, built mainly in the 13th century, is often mistaken for a cathedral because of its grand architecture and central role in Colmar’s history. Its detailed sandstone facade, tall spire, and vibrant stained glass windows make it a highlight in Colmar’s old town. Inside, the vaulted ceilings and intricate carvings offer a glimpse into medieval artistry, making it a serene and impressive place to visit year-round.

Day Trips from Colmar

Colmar to Strasbourg at Christmas

If you have time, Strasbourg, known as the capital of Christmas, is approximately 67 km (about 42 miles) from Colmar and has some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations in the region. To find out more read: Top things to do in Strasbourg at Christmas 2024.

Strasbourg Cathedral illuminated at night during Christmas, showcasing its stunning Gothic architecture adorned with festive lights and decorations, creating a breathtaking winter atmosphere in the heart of the city. — Strasbourg Cathedral at Christmas

Colmar to Egusheim at Christmas

Colmar to Egusheim is only 14 minutes (7.3 km) by car. We highly suggest you visit this enchanting village of because it is seriously like stepping into a fairy tale. Read more about it here: Top things to do in Egusheim France at Christmas.

An orange-brown half-timbered building in Eguisheim, Alsace, France, showcasing the charming architectural style typical of the region. — Egusheim, Alsace, France

Colmar to Kaysersberg at Christmas

Kaysersberg is a charming village in Alsace, just a short 22-minute drive (13 km) from Colmar. This picturesque destination is renowned for its stunning half-timbered houses, all beautifully adorned for the Christmas season. We’re certain you’ll fall in love with its festive atmosphere, just as we did.

Colmar to Riquewihr at Christmas

Riquewihr is another beautiful village, just a 23-minute drive (15 km) from Colmar. It´s known for its charming half-timbered houses and beautiful vineyards. During the Christmas season, Riquewihr transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations illuminating its quaint streets and creating a magical atmosphere. Don’t miss the incredible Christmas market, which adds to the village’s seasonal charm!

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