The Christmas Market in Colmar Is Like Stepping Into a French Hallmark Movie With It’s Magical Christmas Village

When it comes to Christmas Markets in France, everyone thinks of Strasbourg. After all, it’s the French “Capital of Christmas.” But Colmar packs a big holiday season punch with no less than six markets and a specially designed Christmas village.

The Christmas market in Colmar oozes with yuletide charm with its cobblestone streets, beautiful lights, and the cute combination of teddy bears and stars on some gingerbread-style houses. It really is like stepping into a winter chocolate box scene.

You’re also perfectly positioned to explore the other beautiful Christmas markets in the Alsace region, such as Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, and, of course, Strasbourg. So, let’s dive in and discover what awaits us at Christmas in Colmar.

Where to Stay in Colmar For the Markets

Short on Time? Here are my three winners.

Listen To a Podcast Episode About Colmar Christmas Market

Everything You Need to Know About The Colmar Christmas Market

Just like Strasbourg, Colmar transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, with its markets offering a nostalgic nod to its medieval past. The streets and squares are decked with festive decorations, and the air is rich with the smells of mulled wine, spiced cookies, and regional delicacies that draw on Alsace’s unique gastronomic heritage. 

Look out for Maison des Têtes (House of the Heads). Built in 1609 for the merchant Anton Burger, it has a distinctive German Renaissance style. But it’s the outside of the building that catches your eye.

You’ll see 106 grotesque heads and masks, which gave the building its name. During the Christmas period, it’s lit up at night, giving it an almost eerie feel.

Colmar Christmas Market Dates 2025

In 2025, the market starts on November 25th and concludes on December 29th, with five weeks of Christmas fun. Get all the details from the official website >>>

The Six Colmar Christmas Markets

The Christmas markets in Colmar are a sensory assault. There are decorations everywhere you look and snow-covered trees full of lights. You can’t escape the wonderful smell of Alsatian fayre, and the 180+ stalls are filled with gingerbread, Christmas baubles, and handcrafted gifts.

Place des Dominicains

This market is located next to the striking Dominican Church, renowned for its artisanal crafts and local products. It’s the perfect place to find handcrafted gifts.

Here, you’ll find around sixty stalls featuring traditional decorations, Christmas trees, and seasonal delicacies, all set against the backdrop of the church’s stunning stained-glass art.

Place de l’Ancienne Douane

It is set around the scenic Schwendi Fountain, designed by the famous sculptor Auguste Bartholdi in 1898. It features a statue of Lazare de Schwendi, a notable figure from the 16th century who, according to legend, brought back the Tokay vine from Hungary, contributing to the development of local wine varieties like Pinot Gris in Alsace. 

It’s particularly picturesque, with over 50 chalets. You’ll find everything from handmade chocolates to local wines here, making it a great spot for picking up unique gifts.

Koïfhus Artisan Market

Situated in the medieval Koïfhus building, you’ll find plenty of goods from local artisans, including ceramics, jewelry, and woodcarvings. It has a lovely, cozy ambiance and a chance to warm up away from the cold winter weather.

Petite Venise (Little Venice)

Ideal for families, this market in the Little Venice area of Colmar has a wonderful, whimsical atmosphere. It has canals running through it, fun rides, and a beautifully detailed nativity scene.

It’s particularly great for children, as it features stalls with a variety of toys and festive treats.

Place Jeanne d’Arc

This market recreates the feel of a traditional Alsatian village, emphasizing local products such as charcuterie, bredalas, Alsatian wines, brandy, and seasonal treats. It is my favorite one to spend time in. It’s a more intimate market experience, highlighting regional culinary delights​.

Gourmet Market (Marché Gourmand)

Located at Place de la Cathédrale, this market is all about gourmet food. With nine cabins featuring local chefs, it’s the place to go for a taste of authentic Alsatian cuisine, from oysters to tartiflette.

The Food at the Christmas Markets in the Alsace

At the Christmas markets in Colmar, you’ll find a variety of traditional Alsatian and festive foods that reflect the region’s culinary heritage and seasonal delights:

1. Bretzels (Pretzels) are a staple at many German and Alsatian markets. They can be plain or topped with seeds, cheese, or other flavorings.
2. Vin Chaud (Mulled Wine) – A warm, spiced wine that is a must-have to ward off the chill of winter. Both red and white versions are popular in Colmar.
3. Mannele—These sweet brioche pastries shaped like little men are traditionally eaten on Saint Nicholas’ Day but enjoyed throughout Christmas.
4. Tarte Flambée (also known as Flammekueche) – A thin crust pizza-like dish topped with fromage blanc or crème fraîche, onions, and lardons.
5. Choucroute Garnie – This is a hearty dish of sauerkraut topped with assorted sausages and other salted meats, reflecting the German influence on Alsatian cuisine.
6. Kugelhopf – A traditional cake, often filled with raisins and nuts and flavored with a bit of rum or kirsch, shaped in a distinctive circular bundt mold.
7. Pain d’Epices—Similar to gingerbread, this spiced bread is often sweetened with honey and features spices such as anise, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
8. Foie gras—Although more of a luxury item, this is a popular treat in French markets. It is often served on small toasts or as part of a more elaborate dish.
9. Spätzle – These soft egg noodles are a comforting side dish, sometimes served plain or with cheese.

Two Christmas Legends of the Alsace

You can’t go to a Christmas market in France without knowing some of the Yuletide stories from the region. I’m a history gal, so I look for the historical connection in everything I write about. 

Here are two intriguing tales that I think capture the spirit of Alsace:

The Legend of Hans Trapp 

Hans Trapp is an Alsatian version of the bogeyman, often associated with Christmas. According to legend, Hans Trapp was a rich, cruel man who was excommunicated by the Pope and turned away by the community. 

He resorted to living in the forest, donning a scarecrow-like outfit, and became a sinister figure who would frighten children. His story is sometimes told during Christmas as a cautionary tale to encourage good behavior.

The Legend of the Christmas Tree 

The origins of the Christmas tree tradition have been linked to Alsace in the 16th century. The story goes that Martin Luther, the Protestant reformer, was the first to adorn a tree with candles inspired by the stars shining through the branches of a fir tree.

With its Protestant history, Alsace is said to have played a significant role in spreading this tradition, particularly in Sélestat, where the first documented use of a Christmas tree dates back to 1521.

How to get to Colmar

Flying into either Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (EuroAirport) or Strasbourg Airport, it is recommended to visit Colmar. Both airports are roughly 70 km from Colmar. Conveniently, you can travel to Colmar by train or car from either airport. For example, Strasbourg Airport is about a 35-minute train ride from Colmar​.

The train journey to Colmar takes about 2.5 hours from Paris. You can depart from Paris Gare de l’Est directly to Colmar or Charles de Gaulle Airport with a change in Strasbourg​.

Colmar is also easily accessible by train from other major European cities. For instance, it’s just a 35-minute journey from Strasbourg, making day trips very feasible. The journey is around 50 minutes from Basel, and from Zurich, it’s approximately 2 hours by train.

Experience Christmas in Colmar

So, if you’re looking for an authentic Alsatian Christmas experience, Colmar is one of the best towns to stay in. Plus, you’re not far from Strasbourg, so you can easily take a day trip there too.

All the French Christmas markets are worth visiting, but I think the ones in Alsace are probably the best. They represent a traditional Christmas in France and could be a scene from an old Advent calendar.