Colmar Christmas Market: A Magical Winter Escape in Alsace, France

The French town of Colmar—which is located in the Alsace region of France—is a dreamy village full of peaked roofs and placid canals. Starting in late November, Colmar hosts one of Europe’s most beloved Christmas markets. The Colmar market is divided into 6 distinct Christmas markets where visitors can sip on mulled wine, view a nativity scene with live animals, and gaze at Christmas lights from atop a Ferris wheel.

When to Visit

The Colmar Christmas Market is open daily through December 29th. The best time to visit is early in the day (10 am on weekends, and 11 am on weekdays) to avoid large crowds. The Colmar Christmas Market is smaller than other beloved Christmas markets, but it is still best to spend a few days exploring the market so that you can enjoy all that it has to offer.

Food and Seasonal Treats

Aside from lavish Christmas decorations, one of the grand highlights of the Colmar Christmas Market is the food. The Marche Gourmand Place de la Cathedrale features gourmet food and cooking demonstrations. Visitors can sample regional dishes such as potato pancakes, crepes, and delectable fresh sausage. You can choose between a cup of hazelnut hot chocolate or a glass of Champagne, depending on your mood.

Indoor and Outdoor Markets

If you visit Colmar on a particularly cold day, you can explore the indoor Koifhus market, where artisans sell handmade goods such as jewelry, ornaments, and dolls. The outdoor Petite Venise market features plenty of sweet treats and toys for children, in addition to rides that cater to little ones.

What to Buy

The Place de l’Ancienne Douane, the Place Jeanne d’Arc, and the Place des Dominicains markets feature a wide variety of cookies, ceramic items, and handmade candles that make great Christmas gifts. Visitors can walk through the snow-dusted cobblestone streets of Colmar and listen as Christmas carolers float by on a boat sailing on the canal that winds around the village.

Highlights

No trip to the Colmar Christmas Market is complete without a spin on the bright Ferris wheel that overlooks the market. You will feel as though you are in a snow globe as you gently ascend over one of Europe’s most festive Christmas markets. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the bunnies, goats, and horses in the live-action nativity scene.

A stroll through the cozy streets of the Colmar Christmas Market is the ideal way to infuse your holiday season with some old-world magic.