Photo: Jametlene Reskp / Unsplash
Originally called Christkindelsmärik in Alsatian, Christmas market in Colmar is more than ever a must-see event for all festive enthusiasts in the Grand-Est! Open every day in December, the market features over 300 exhibitors scattered throughout the town’s historic center.
For the occasion, you’ll discover magnificent half-timbered houses decked out in their finest garlands, as well as a host of free events. So, for a successful Christmas in Alsace, don’t miss a single detail about this legendary event!
The “Marché de l’enfant Jésus” was inaugurated in Strasbourg in 1570. Historically, this event is one of Alsace’s oldest traditions for celebrating St. Nicholas. Thanks to its success, this custom has since spread to other French and German cities.
Colmar’s Christmas market, which has also been held every year for several decades, plunges you right into the heart of the festive spirit of the time. And it’s largely thanks to its unique charm and Christmas entertainment that the market has become a favorite of French and foreign visitors alike.
Colmar’s Christmas markets are full of Alsatian delights. On the sweet side, you can try Kougelhopf, for example, as well as all kinds of cookies, chocolates and other delicacies.
You can also try rich dishes such as sauerkraut, Baeckeoffe or coq au riesling. Finally, how about a glass of mulled wine to wash down your munster or foie gras toast?
Celebrating Christmas in Colmar is therefore an opportunity to sample the region’s culinary specialties, as well as its most typical product: Alsace wine. You’re bound to find what you’re looking for as you stroll around the chalets!
Although we talk about the medieval city’s Christmas market, there are actually 6 different markets. Each offers its own unique atmosphere and experience. Here’s a list of Colmar’s Christmas markets by location:
This is undoubtedly the city’s most impressive Christmas market, thanks to the incredible illuminations of the Eglise des Dominicains. You’ll find around 60 stalls of all kinds.
Your eyes will sparkle at the countless Christmas decorations at Colmar’s second-largest market. There are around 50 stalls each year.
A sort of historical re-enactment, this Christmas village showcases the region’s finest local produce. The little houses and the church are specially decorated as they were in the past.
As its name suggests, this is THE place to be for gourmands during the festive season. You’ll find the stallholders at this little market on Rue Verte.
This indoor market celebrates Alsatian craftsmanship. You’ll find everything from ceramics and glass to wooden furniture and handmade jewelry.
This market, which resembles a giant Santa Claus toy factory, is specially designed for children.
Now that you know all about the city’s activities and markets, let’s take a look at how to get there.
We’ve compiled all the practical information you need to make the most of Colmar’s Christmas markets.
Wondering when to visit the Colmar Christmas Market? It usually runs from late November to late December. That means you’ll have almost a full month to enjoy the festivities!
The opening dates and times of the current edition are published on the Colmar Tourist Office website.
As every year, a great many visitors are expected in Colmar for the festive season. The town hall has therefore organized itself to facilitate access for the many visitors in December.
That’s why, in addition to the usual free and paid private parking lots, you’ll also have the opportunity to park in the park-and-ride facilities created for the occasion. Available every weekend over the winter period, they offer a flat rate per vehicle. These parking lots are located:
In the Hinteralspach industrial zone in Mauffrey; At the DS Smith factory, 77 route de Lapoutroie; Carrefour Contact parking lot, 63 route de Lapoutroie.
In addition, a large number of buses and coaches have been requisitioned to cope with the influx. So if you’re close to Colmar, in towns such as Kaysersberg, Eguisheim or Ribeauvillé, we advise you to use public transport as much as possible.
In keeping with Colmar tradition, you can visit the Musée des Vins d’Alsace! This museum welcomes you all year round to immerse yourself in the epic story of the Alsace wine route.
So, if you want to learn more about Colmar’s past and taste the region’s best grape varieties, discover this modern and unusual museum. With themed rooms and an audioguide retracing the history of Alsace’s vineyards and winegrowers, it’s the perfect activity whether you’re alone, a couple, a family or a group of friends!
Alsace Wine Museum
Interactive tour, audio guide and Alsace wine tasting, a stone's throw from the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin.
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