Colmar Christmas Markets 2025: A Fairytale in Alsace

Where half-timbered houses glow with fairy lights, canals reflect the colors of Christmas, and the scent of bredele and vin chaud fills cobblestone streets—welcome to Colmar.

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If a Christmas market could be plucked from the pages of a storybook, it would look like Colmar. This small Alsatian town, with its pastel-colored medieval buildings and flower-draped canals, transforms into something truly magical during the holiday season.

Unlike larger cities with a single central market, Colmar spreads its Christmas magic across six distinct markets, each with its own personality. From artisan crafts in the shadow of Gothic churches to gourmet delights and children's wonderlands, here's your complete guide to experiencing Colmar's enchanting Noël.

The Six Markets of Colmar

Place des Dominicains

Colmar's largest Christmas market, with over 60 stalls, sits in the shadow of the magnificent 13th-century Dominican Church. The Gothic architecture creates an almost sacred atmosphere as you browse artisan crafts from Alsatian painters, glassblowers, and jewelry makers.

What makes it special:

• Stunning Dominican Church backdrop
• Focus on authentic Alsatian artisan crafts
• One of the few spots with boot-shaped vin chaud mugs
• Religious paintings adorning each stall

Place de l'Ancienne Douane (Koïfhus)

Centered around the historic 15th-century customs house, this market combines outdoor stalls with an indoor artisan market inside the Koïfhus building itself.

What makes it special:

• Historic customs house setting
• Indoor market with local artisans
• Central location connecting other markets

Little Venice (Petite Venise)

The crown jewel of Colmar's Christmas experience. The Little Venice district, with its canals reflecting colorful half-timbered houses, becomes absolutely magical after dark.

What makes it special:

• Canals reflecting thousands of Christmas lights
• Giant red mailbox for children's letters to Santa
• Best photo opportunities at blue hour (around 5 PM)
• Boat rides through illuminated canals

Pro tip: This is one of the most photographed spots in all of France during Christmas. Arrive early evening for the best light.

Place Jeanne d'Arc

A reconstruction of a traditional Alsatian village, this market offers a glimpse into Christmas past with authentic regional crafts and decorations.

What makes it special:

• Traditional village atmosphere
• Focus on regional heritage
• Less crowded than central markets

Marché Gourmand (Gourmet Market)

Located at Square de la Montagne Verte, this covered market is paradise for food lovers. High tables let you eat standing while sampling the best of Alsatian cuisine.

What makes it special:

• Covered area (great for rainy days)
• Raclette, tartiflette, and traditional soups
• Extended hours until January 4
• Local wine and cheese specialties

Place des Six Montagnes Noires (Children's Market)

Designed especially for young visitors, this market near Little Venice features a special Santa mailbox where children receive personalized replies.

What to Eat and Drink

Colmar's Christmas markets are a culinary adventure through Alsatian traditions:

Sweet Treats

• Bredele – Traditional Christmas cookies in dozens of varieties (vanilla, almond, cinnamon, chocolate). Buy a mixed bag!
• Mannele – Butter brioche shaped like little people, traditional for St. Nicholas Day (December 6)
• Kouglof – Iconic Alsatian cake with raisins soaked in kirsch
• Pain d'épices – Spiced honey bread

Savory Delights

• Tarte Flambée – Paper-thin crispy pastry with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon
• Choucroute – The famous Alsatian sauerkraut with sausages
• Raclette – Melted cheese over potatoes (at the Gourmet Market)
• Foie Gras – A regional specialty

Drinks

• Vin Chaud – Alsatian mulled wine, often served in collectible mugs
• Crémant d'Alsace – Local sparkling wine

Where to eat: Try bredele at Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie. For a full meal, the Gourmet Market offers the best variety.

Practical Information

2025 Dates

• Main Markets: November 25 – December 29
• Gourmet Market & Ferris Wheel: Until January 4, 2026

Hours

• Monday–Thursday: 11 AM – 7 PM
• Friday–Sunday: 10 AM – 8 PM
• December 24: 10 AM – 5 PM
• Gourmet Market: 11 AM – 10 PM daily

Best Times to Visit

• Weekday mornings: Smallest crowds
• Blue hour (5 PM): Best photos at Little Venice
• Avoid: Weekends, especially Saturdays

Getting There

• From Strasbourg: 30 minutes by train
• From Basel: 45 minutes by car
• From Paris: 2.5 hours by TGV to Strasbourg, then regional train

Beyond the Markets

• Unterlinden Museum – Home to the famous Isenheim Altarpiece
• Maison Pfister – Colmar's most photographed house
• Boat rides – Available through Little Venice even in winter
• Wine tasting – Many caves offer tastings of Alsatian wines

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Colmar isn't just a Christmas market destination—it's a living fairytale where every corner reveals another postcard-perfect scene.

Planning a broader Christmas trip? Check out our complete guide to the Best Christmas Markets in Europe.