Colmar Christmas Markets 2024 in France

Colmar is often described as a fairytale town, especially during the Christmas season, when its markets are among the best in Europe. Located in Alsace, Colmar features six enchanting Christmas markets that showcase stunning decorations throughout its historic old town. Visitors can enjoy picturesque canals adorned with holiday lights, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic half-timbered houses. The markets offer a variety of local gourmet foods and unique handmade gifts, catering to all tastes and making it a magical destination for holiday festivities.

Artisan Market at Place des Dominicains

Set against the backdrop of the stunning 14th-century Eglise des Dominicains, this Christmas market celebrates the arts and crafts of the Alsace region. With around 60 wooden chalets, visitors can explore unique jewelry, decorations, paintings, and more. The market is family-friendly, offering rides and entertainment for children, along with festive treats. At night, the church's stained glass windows illuminate the square, creating a magical atmosphere that enhances the charm of this delightful holiday market.

Place de la Cathédrale

This Christmas market in Colmar is a culinary paradise for food enthusiasts. The newest addition to the city’s festive offerings features nine cabins, each helmed by a master chef crafting unique dishes that highlight gourmet flavors. Visitors can indulge in a range of delights, from fresh oysters to traditional Alsatian specialties, with options for on-site dining or takeout. To enhance the experience, renowned chefs will host culinary shows, making this market a delightful destination for gourmands and gourmets alike.

Place de l’Ancienne Douane

Colmar's largest Christmas market, nestled in the heart of the old city, features around 50 wooden chalets surrounding the iconic Schwendi fountain. This vibrant market, set against a backdrop of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, attracts crowds eager to find unique gifts or enjoy local delicacies. As night falls, the historic Koïfhus building lights up, enhancing the market's enchanting atmosphere. The market extends along the Lauch River, offering a delightful mix of contemporary creations and traditional Christmas decorations, making it the perfect spot for memorable gifts.

Indoor Market at Koïfhus

If it’s chilly outside, shoppers can explore Colmar’s medieval Koïfhus building, where local artisans showcase an impressive selection of ceramics, pottery, glass, wood sculptures, handmade hats, jewelry, and apparel. This warm and inviting venue allows visitors to enjoy the Christmas market atmosphere while escaping the cold. The market, featuring around fifty chalets arranged around the stunning Schwendi fountain, stretches along the Lauch River, seamlessly blending contemporary creations with traditional decorations. Here, unique gifts await, perfect for cherished memories.

Place Jeanne d’Arc

This versatile market captures the essence of a traditional Alsace village, nestled among historic half-timbered buildings. It offers a delightful array of local delicacies, including foie gras, bredalas (biscuits), cold meats, and regional wines and schnapps. Visitors can savor these tasty treats while soaking in the rich history of Alsace, reflected in its unique architectural features that tell the story of the region's tumultuous past. The market provides a wonderful opportunity to indulge in local flavors and celebrate the area's cultural heritage.

Children's Christmas Market

The Petite Venise market in Colmar, surrounded by charming half-timbered houses along the River Lauch, transforms into a delightful haven for families during Christmas. This enchanting market features dozens of stalls offering toys and gifts, along with various activities for children, including real rabbits and sheep, a mechanical nativity scene, and Santa's Giant Letter Box. Kids can enjoy mulled apple juice, ride horses, and post their letters to Santa, making it a magical experience filled with wonder and joy.

Schedule

The Colmar Christmas Markets have varying hours throughout the holiday season. From Monday to Thursday, they are open from 11 am to 7 pm, while on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, visitors can enjoy the markets from 10 am to 8 pm. Special hours apply on December 24th, when the markets operate from 10 am to 5 pm, and on December 25th and 26th, when they open from 11 am to 7 pm. The Gourmet Market is available daily from 11 am to 10 pm, with no exceptions for public holidays.

Activities & Guided Tours around Colmar

The magic of Christmas in Colmar unfolds in its enchanting Old Town, beautifully illuminated and adorned for the season. The festive lights harmonize with the town’s heritage, casting a warm glow over the center. Throughout the holiday season, a variety of events, including exhibitions, concerts, and outdoor activities, enhance the festive spirit. Visitors can admire the stunning illuminations during weekends and special events, including the International Festival and the Alsace Wine Fair. Guided tours are available, priced at €7 for adults and €5 for ages 12-18, while children under 12 enter for free.

Visitor Reviews

Rove.me interviewed Oana Gheltu from Bucharest and Caroline, a lifelong resident of Colmar, to hear about their memorable experiences at the Colmar Christmas Markets. Both women, though from different backgrounds, shared their love for this enchanting holiday event.

Oana visited the Colmar Christmas Markets in the winter of 2019, just before the pandemic, with a group of friends. For her, it was an unforgettable experience. She described it as “the perfect Christmas market” and ranked it as her favorite holiday destination. “It felt like stepping into a fairytale, with all the houses beautifully decorated and the air filled with the sweet smell of gingerbread and mulled wine,” Oana explained. Staying in the heart of the city added to the magic, allowing her to immerse herself in the festive atmosphere fully. While she acknowledged that the markets can get crowded near Christmas, her advice to future visitors is simple: “Visit in late November to avoid the rush.” She wholeheartedly recommended the market as a must-visit for anyone looking to capture the true magic of the holidays.

Caroline, a native of Colmar, has been attending the Christmas markets for as long as she can remember. For her and her family, the markets are an essential part of the holiday season in Alsace. Every year, she joins friends and relatives to explore not only the markets in Colmar but also those in surrounding towns and villages. “There’s no such thing as Christmas without a Christmas market in Alsace,” she said, emphasizing how central the markets are to the local culture. Caroline praised the flawless organization and the magical experience that each visit brings, from the beautifully decorated stalls to the twinkling lights. When asked if she would recommend it to others, her response was enthusiastic: “Of course! Come and visit Alsace, come and visit Colmar, and if it’s Christmas time, let yourself be enchanted by this completely magical experience.”