There’s nothing I love more than experiencing a true Christmas season. While I miss the palm trees and ocean breeze of California, it just doesn’t quite cut it during the month of December when all I want is to be bundled up, surrounded by Christmas lights, and getting into the holiday spirit.
Now that I’ve moved to Spain, I’ve been taking full advantage of the European Christmas markets scattered throughout the continent. And while I know there are plenty of beautiful cities in the US during December, I still think Europe takes the cake when it comes to going all out for Christmas.
Back when I was studying abroad, I visited the Christmas markets in Prague, and from then on, I was hooked. After that trip, I promised myself I’d be back to experience more of Europe’s festive cities during the month of December.
Which is exactly what eventually brought me to Colmar, France.
The Colmar Christmas markets are some of the most famous in France, and after visiting for myself, it’s easy to see why. The town goes all out with its Christmas decorations, but even without the festive lights, Colmar already feels like it belongs in a storybook. Wooden shutters, pastel-colored buildings, winding canals, and worn cobblestone streets create an idyllic backdrop no matter what time of year you visit.
Add wooden market stalls, twinkling lights, and plenty of vin chaud into the mix, and the Colmar Christmas market feels almost impossibly festive.
In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about visiting the Christmas markets in Colmar, France, including the different markets, Colmar Christmas market dates, what to eat, where to stay, and a few tips I picked up from my own visit.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top 3 Hotels for the Colmar Christmas Markets
- Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes: My top luxury pick in Colmar, with a beautiful historic setting right in the heart of the Old Town.
- Hotel Le Colombier: My pick for location, set right in Colmar’s picturesque Little Venice neighborhood and within easy walking distance of the Christmas markets.
- Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’or: My Strasbourg pick, located in Petite France. Stay here if you’d rather base yourself in the bigger city and take the train to Colmar for the Christmas markets.
Key Takeaways: Colmar Christmas Markets in 2026
- 2026 dates: The main Colmar Christmas markets run from November 23 through December 29, 2026.
- Location: Colmar is in the Alsace region of northeastern France, close to the German border and about 30 minutes from Strasbourg by train.
- Number of markets: Rather than one large Christmas fair, Colmar has several markets spread throughout its historic center.
- Best time to visit: I recommend staying at least one night so you can experience Colmar after the day-trippers leave and see all the Christmas lights after dark.
- Where to stay: Stay in Colmar for the full Christmas experience or base yourself in Strasbourg if you’re planning to visit several destinations throughout Alsace.
Where is Colmar, France?
Colmar is a small city in the Alsace region of northeastern France, close to both Germany and Switzerland. It’s around 70 kilometers south of Strasbourg and sits right along the famous Alsace Wine Route.
If you’ve ever seen photos of colorful half-timbered houses lining canals and wondered whether places like that actually exist, Colmar is pretty much your answer. The Old Town is compact and incredibly walkable, which is one of the reasons I think Colmar works so well as a Christmas market destination. Once you arrive, you can wander between the different markets without worrying about public transportation.
What most people do, and what I did myself, is plan a day trip from Strasbourg, which is a larger town located about 30 minutes away by train. This is definitely another spot worth penciling into your itinerary as the Strasbourg Christmas markets are just as famous.
A Little Background on the Colmar Christmas Market
One thing that’s important to know before visiting is that there isn’t just one Colmar Christmas market. During the festive season, Christmas markets pop up across the historic center, each with its own atmosphere and personality. You’ll find them around some of Colmar’s prettiest squares, including Place des Dominicains, Place de l’Ancienne Douane and Place Jeanne d’Arc.
Place Jeanne d’Arc was one of my favorites for food because it focuses heavily on local products and Alsatian cuisine. Think gingerbread, Christmas cakes, charcuterie, wine and plenty of regional specialties.
Place des Dominicains is another market you won’t want to miss. Around 60 little wooden market stalls fill the square in front of the Dominican Church, selling everything from Christmas decorations to handmade gifts.
There’s also the Marché Gourmand, or gourmet market, which is where you’ll want to head when you’re feeling hungry. For 2026, nine local chefs will have stalls here serving everything from Alsatian specialties to oysters and desserts.
What really sets Colmar apart, though, isn’t necessarily one specific market. It’s the town itself. The beautifully-preserved and historic buildings paired with the cobblestone streets already look like something out of a Christmas movie, and once you add festive lights, elaborate decorations and Christmas trees, the entire Old Town becomes part of the experience.
When Do the Colmar Christmas Markets Start?
The 2026 Colmar Christmas market dates are November 23 through December 29, 2026 for the main traditional markets.
Most markets are open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Thursday and until 8:00 PM Friday through Sunday. There are modified opening hours around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so make sure to double-check the schedule if you’re visiting over Christmas itself.
The Marché Gourmand has a longer Christmas season. It’s scheduled to run from November 23, 2026 through January 3, 2027, staying open until 10:00 PM on most evenings.
Personally, I think early December is the sweet spot for visiting. You get the full festive atmosphere without planning your trip around holiday closures, and the closer you get to Christmas, the busier Colmar tends to become.
However, it’s important to note here that Christmas markets in Europe start at different times. So, you’re definitely going to want to check each city’s schedule before planning a trip.
Where to Stay for the Colmar Christmas Markets
You have two main options here: stay directly in Colmar or make Strasbourg your home base. Most people prefer to stay in Strasbourg since there are more options and it’s a bigger city, however, I would recommend staying one night in Colmar so you can fully enjoy the city once the day-trippers go back home for the night.
Staying in Colmar: Hotels I’d Recommend
- Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes: A beautiful five-star hotel set inside a historic 17th-century building, right in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town.
- Hotel Le Colombier: A stylish boutique hotel in the picturesque Little Venice neighborhood, putting you within easy walking distance of the Colmar Christmas markets.
Staying in Strasbourg: Hotels I’d Recommend
- Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier D’or: A charming four-star hotel and spa tucked into the historic Petite France neighborhood, perfect if you want a romantic stay close to Strasbourg’s Christmas markets.
- Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live By Stay Collection: A chic, contemporary hotel in central Strasbourg with stylish interiors and an easy walk to the city’s main Christmas attractions.
- Hôtel Régent Contades By Stay Collection: An elegant hotel overlooking the river in Strasbourg’s Neustadt district, offering a quieter stay while still being within walking distance of the historic center.
Tips for Visiting the Colmar Christmas Market
Visit on a weekday if possible. Colmar gets extremely busy during the Christmas market season, particularly on weekends. If your itinerary allows it, Tuesday through Thursday will generally give you a more relaxed experience.
Stay after dark. Colmar is beautiful during the day, but the festive lights completely transform the town at night. I wouldn’t leave before seeing it illuminated.
Come hungry. This is Alsace, which means the food here is next level. Make time for local specialties, gingerbread, pastries and vin chaud. The Marché Gourmand is especially worth visiting if food is a big part of your travels.
Don’t rush between markets. They’re all within walking distance of each other. Part of the fun is getting a little lost down Grand Rue and the surrounding streets and seeing what you stumble across.
Explore beyond Colmar. If you have extra time, the smaller villages along the Alsace Wine Route are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Many host their own Christmas markets and are every bit as charming.
FAQ About the Colmar, France Christmas Markets
Is Colmar worth visiting at Christmas?
Absolutely. In fact, I’d argue that Christmas is one of the best times to visit Colmar. The architecture already gives the town a storybook quality, and the Christmas decorations and festive atmosphere take it to another level.
Is Colmar or Strasbourg better for Christmas markets?
I wouldn’t choose between them if you have enough time. Strasbourg has a larger Christmas market scene and more of a big-city atmosphere, while Colmar feels smaller, cozier and arguably more picturesque. They’re only around 30 minutes apart by train, so visiting both is very easy.
How many days do you need in Colmar at Christmas?
One full day is enough to see the main Christmas markets, but I’d recommend staying one night. If you also want to explore nearby Alsatian villages, give yourself two or three days in the region.
Are the Colmar Christmas markets open on Christmas Day?
Yes. The main markets are scheduled to open on Christmas Day in 2026, although holiday hours differ from the regular schedule. If you’re specifically planning to visit on December 24 or 25, always check the official schedule shortly before your trip.
What is the best Christmas market in Colmar?
It’s hard to choose just one because they each offer something slightly different. Place Jeanne d’Arc is particularly good for local food and Alsatian products, while Place des Dominicains is one of the prettiest traditional markets. I recommend walking through all of them rather than choosing just one.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Colmar, France at Christmas
I’ve visited quite a few European Christmas destinations over the years, and Colmar really does live up to the photos.
Yes, it gets crowded. Yes, it’s become incredibly popular. But when you’re walking along a cobblestone street surrounded by those colorful picturesque houses, Christmas lights and little wooden stalls with a steaming cup of vin chaud in your hand, it’s pretty difficult not to get swept up in it.
If you’re planning a Christmas market trip through France, I’d combine Colmar with Strasbourg and, if you have time, a few of the smaller villages along the Alsace Wine Route. Together, they make this little corner of France one of my favorite places to experience the Christmas season.
Looking for more tips to plan the perfect European Christmas market trip? Check out my latest Christmas market guides below for even more inspiration, planning tips, and festive destinations to add to your itinerary:
- A Festive Guide to the Best Munich Christmas Markets in 2026
- When Do Christmas Markets Start in Europe? A 2026 Guide
- 12 Best European Christmas Markets in Europe: A 2026 Guide
- A Guide to the Strasbourg Christmas Markets: The Capital of Christmas
- A Guide to Prague’s Christmas Markets: What to Know Before You Go
- What to Expect at the Nuremberg Christmas Market
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