Colmar Christmas Markets 2026: Dates and Practical Guide

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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At a glance: Colmar’s main Christmas markets run from 23 November to 29 December 2026. The Gourmet Market has a separate extension into January. Strasbourg–Colmar TER trains offer journeys of around 32 minutes; check the timetable for your date.

Dates and practical information checked on 8 September 2026.

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: where to go

The official market directory distinguishes these six locations. Use it to plan a walking circuit; Petite Venise and Place des Six Montagnes Noires should not be counted twice.

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.

Place de l’Ancienne Douane

Outdoor stalls around the Schwendi fountain.

Koïfhus

Indoor crafts in the old customs building: a separate market from the square outside.

Place Jeanne d’Arc

Regional food and Alsatian products.

Petite Venise / Place des Six Montagnes Noires

The children’s market at Place des Six Montagnes Noires, in Petite Venise; these are the same location. 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.

Marché Gourmand

Food stalls at the Plateau sportif de la Montagne Verte, with a separate timetable.

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

The official 2026 calendar gives 23 November–29 December 2026 for the main markets.

Day	Hours
Monday–Thursday	11:00–19:00
Friday–Sunday	10:00–20:00
24 December	11:00–17:00
25–26 December	10:00–20:00

The tourist office lists the Gourmet Market and Ferris wheel until 3 January 2027, with daily hours of 11:00–22:00 and closure at 17:00 on 31 December. This extension does not apply to all six markets. Recheck the separate attraction schedule before a January visit: some supporting maps and transport documents still concern the previous season.

Getting there without a car

TER Grand Est advertises direct Strasbourg–Colmar journeys in 32 minutes. Actual departures, journey times and fares depend on the date and service. Select the right discount card when buying: Carte Fluo fares are not standard fares for every visitor. From Paris or Basel, search your complete journey in the operator’s planner rather than relying on a fixed connection time.

Plan the visit

Start near opening time on a weekday, walk between the central squares and finish in Petite Venise near dusk. This is a suggested order, not a guarantee of quiet streets. For nearby villages, check the market’s opening days and the current shuttle timetable; do not reuse a 2025 shuttle PDF. Boat trips also depend on the operator and weather.

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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.

Related

• Strasbourg: Capital of Christmas