Colmar Christmas Market 2026: Ultimate Planning Guide & 1-Day Route

Updated for the 2026 Christmas Markets. Originally published July 2023.

Of the many Alsace Christmas Markets, the Colmar Christmas Market feels like a scene out of a fairy-tale book. With 6 incredible markets that are free to enter, with official dates announced from November 23rd to December 29th for 2026, Colmar is the place to visit for Christmas Markets. This is your ultimate planning guide to visiting the Colmar Christmas Markets.

I had the chance to visit Colmar’s Christmas Markets during our week-long trip to the Alsace region of France, where we spent every day scouring out the best “Marché de Nöel.” Colmar comes to the top of the list almost every time, so we opted to take a day trip from Strasbourg to experience the six markets. We had done two days of the Strasbourg Christmas Markets, so we had an idea of what to expect.

Colmar’s Markets are wonderful, with dozens of stalls and all set in a very compact area in Colmar’s charming Old Town. With elaborate Christmas decor, sparkling lights, and a historic town, it adds so much more to the visit than just the markets themselves. It takes a bit of planning, so I’ve shared all of my top tips and what to know for a Christmas Market trip in Colmar.

Short on Time? Here’s My Quick Guide to the 2026 Colmar Christmas Markets:

Quick Facts for 2026

• Dates: Nov 23rd–Dec 29, 2026 (officially announced by noel-colmar.com)
• Official Opening Times: Monday to Thursday: 11 am–7 pm, Friday to Sunday: 10 am–8 pm
• December 24th: 11 am–5 pm
• December 25th and 26th: 10 am–8 pm
• Date Extensions: Gourmet Market, Ferris wheel, Place Rapp will stay open through January 3, 2027
• Cost: Free to enter
• Best Time: Weekdays in early Dec (avoid weekends)
• Getting There: 30 min by train from Strasbourg

Where to Stay

All of these are within walking distance of the markets and perfect for an overnight or multi-day trip.

Hotels

1. Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes ($$$), for the best historic luxury hotel
2. L’Esquisse Hotel and Spa ($$$), for the best modern luxury hotel
3. Le Colombier ($$$), for a great all-around hotel in Little Venise
4. The Colmar Hotel ($), for the best design for dollar hotel
5. Hotel Le Marechal ($$), for the best charming hotel

Airbnbs

1. 2 Bedroom Charming Modern Apartment, for the best calm stay
2. 2 Bedroom Designer Apartment with Parking, for the best luxury stay
3. 2 Bedroom Elegant Apartment Steps from the Market, for the best located stay

Colmar Christmas Markets at a Glance

Here’s a quick summary of the 6 official Colmar Christmas markets. See my one-day walking route later in the post for how I’d spend my day.

Market and location	Best for	Standout
Place des Dominicains	Arts, crafts, and Christmas décor	Traditional stalls beneath the illuminated Dominican Church
Place Jeanne d’Arc	Regional food to take home	Alsatian cookies, gingerbread, wine, and liqueurs in a village-style setting
Place de l’Ancienne Douane	Variety and canalside scenery	Nearly 50 stalls with handmade décor and gifts around the historic customs house
Koïfhus Indoor Market	Unique artisan gifts	Handmade jewelry and ornaments, plus an indoor break from the cold
Petite Venise Children’s Market	Families with young children	MarketCarousel, nativity scene, and a giant Santa letterbox in Little Venise
Marché Gourmand, Montagne Verte	A gourmet meal	Covered dining, regional specialties, and live cooking demonstrations

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

If you’re planning on exploring more Alsace Christmas markets, don’t miss my Strasbourg Christmas Market guide, guide to where to stay in Strasbourg, my 10-day European Christmas Market itinerary, and my guide to the best Christmas Markets in Alsace, France!

Travel Tip: The best way to explore Alsace region of France is by driving yourself. We use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt. Renting a car and driving in France is quite easy. Book your car with Discover Cars here.

Colmar Christmas Market: 2026 Guide

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Where to Stay for Colmar Christmas Markets

There are several ways of going about seeing the markets in Alsace. Picking a single home base is my recommendation, whether it be Strasbourg or Colmar. Colmar would put you close to other renowned markets like Eguisheim and Riquewihr, so it can make for a great home base for exploring. If you’re considering basing yourself in Strasbourg, don’t miss my guide to where to stay in Strasbourg.

Best Hotels in Colmar

1. Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes ($$$)— The hotel to book for an elevated stay with wonderful dining. It’s in a renovated 17th-century building in the center of Colmar, so you will be well situated for exploring.
2. L’Esquisse Hotel and Spa ($$$) — This is the nicest hotel in Colmar for design and amenities. Chic, modern, and set with a spa, you have every amenity you could need. Right on Place Rapp, you’ll be footsteps to all of the markets.
3. The Colmar Hotel ($) — Located just on the city’s edge and steps from all the must-see sights, The Colmar Hotel is a steal. It may have a minimalist style, but it’s clean, comfortable, and offers perks like free parking and included breakfast. Ideal for a quick stay.
4. Hotel Le Marechal ($$) — Perfectly located in Petite Venise, this beautiful, historic hotel has wooden beams and stone walls, with an interior design that transports you back in time. In addition to this, Hotel Le Marechal is perfectly placed right in the heart of the action.
5. Le Colombier ($$$) — Set in the heart of Little Venise, this is one of those great all-around hotel choices for visiting Colmar. The hotel isn’t over the top, but it’s clean and has everything you need for a visit.

Best Airbnbs in Colmar

1. 2 Bedroom Charming Modern Apartment, for the best calm stay
2. 2 Bedroom Designer Apartment with Parking, for the best luxury stay
3. 2 Bedroom Elegant Apartment Steps from the Market, for the best located stay

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The 6 Christmas Markets in Colmar

Editor’s Note: Colmar has 6 official Christmas markets. All are located in the Old Town and are a short walk from each other and you’ll easily be able to see them all in a single day. I’ve also included a one-day walking route below with how I like to spend a day at the markets.

Place des Dominicains (Arts and Crafts)

Located on the north side of town, the Place des Dominicains market is one of the better arts and crafts markets in town. There are a few things for kids, like the rides, here as well. It’s a perfect spot to go for a stroll and look at the decor and timbered buildings that line the street.

Place Jeanne d’Arc

If you’re looking to stock up on food items to bring home, the Place Jeanne d’Arc market is where to go. There are several stalls that offer packaged goods from cookies to liqueurs. The atmosphere is incredibly charming and brings you back in time to a traditional Alsatian village.

Place de l’Ancienne Douane

One of the larger markets in Colmar with nearly 50 stalls, the Place de l’Ancienne Douane market is spread out across both sides of the River Lauch. It was my favorite market for getting to see a variety of things, look at the hand-crafted decor, and more.

Indoor Market Koïfhus

If you’re cold and want to warm up, head to the Koïfhus indoor market. Inside, several artisans have stalls that sell handmade things. Everything from jewelry to ornaments, this is a wonderful artisan market. For me, this was the best selection of unique gifts and things to buy. It didn’t feel overly touristy but very local and artisanal.

Petite Venise

If you’re traveling with a child, you’ll want to carve out time at the market in Petite Venise. Not far from Place des Six Montagnes Noires is the market for children. While you can eat almost anything here, there are also several rides for the kids to enjoy. This was a hit with our daughter!

Family Travel Tip: If you’re visiting with young kids, I would recommend bringing a stroller. It’s a great way to keep them bundled up between markets, as it does get quite cold. While most of the historic area does have cobblestones, you can still navigate easily with the sidewalks.

Marché Gourmand (Gourmet Market) at Plateau Sportif de la Montagne Verte

One of the wonderful foodie markets that makes the Colmar markets unique is the Gourmand Market at Plateau Sportif de la Montagne Verte. The stalls serve gourmet food, and it’s the spot to go eat your way through regional specialties. There are even live cooking demonstrations at this market! You’ll find everything from foie gras to soups, and local wines. One thing that is great is that it’s covered, so if you’re cold, you’ll be protected from the weather here.

Don’t Miss Place Rapp: A Family-Friendly Festive Zone

Set with a Ferris wheel, carousel bar, rides, and all kinds of festive things to do, Place Rapp is its own cheerful spot to explore while there. Place Rapp is not part of the “6 markets” in Colmar, so it’s an additional area to experience while there. It is a very family-friendly area to take the kids, with fairground rides and often an ice rink. There are chalets here that serve mulled wine, hot cider and chocolate, and some small treats. It is usually less crowded than the historic center markets as well.

Travel Tip: While the 2026 Colmar Christmas market dates run from November 23, 2026, through December 29, 2026, the activities at Place Rapp (including the Ferris wheel and fairground rides) feature extended hours and dates and will remain open through January 3, 2027.

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My 1-Day Colmar Christmas Market Walking Route

I’ve put together a timed itinerary for how to spend one day in Colmar to see the Christmas markets along with other gems in the city.

Morning — Coffee, Old Town, and the Quieter Markets

• 9:30 am: Breakfast at MaDam Coffee, Sorbetière et Cafetière — Start in the heart of the old town with coffee and a pastry before the Christmas crowds really build. From here, you can begin exploring the prettiest central streets rather than making a separate journey to the markets.

• 10:15 am: Place des Unterlinden → Rue des Boulangers → Place des Dominicains — Walk south through the historic centre, taking in the medieval streets and decorated shopfronts before reaching the first Christmas market.

• 11 am: Place des Dominicains — Start with the Dominican market. This is one of the markets I’d visit earlier in the day, as the market has around 60 chalets, set beneath the Dominican Church.
  
• 11:45-1 pm: Place Jeanne d’Arc — Continue north through the old town to the smaller, village-like market at Place Jeanne d’Arc. This is the market to focus on if you want Alsatian food products and edible gifts.

Afternoon — Historic Colmar, Petite Venise, and the Main Markets

• 1:15 pm: Koïfhus & Place de l’Ancienne Douane — Head south toward the Koïfhus, then into the market surrounding the Schwendi Fountain. This is one of the most beautiful market settings in Colmar, with nearly 50 chalets. It’s also a good spot to get a bite to eat.

• 2:15 pm: Rue des Marchands → Grand Rue and Petite Venise  — Follow Rue des Marchands and Grand Rue, looking down the smaller side streets and at the decorated half-timbered houses down toward the Lauch. Cross the bridges and walk along the canal rather than simply stopping for the famous viewpoint. This is also a good point for a coffee or something sweet if needed; there are several cafes along the river.

• 3:45 pm: Children’s Christmas Market, Petite Venise — Continue to Place des 6 Montagnes Noires for the Petite Venise Christmas market. Even without children, I’d include this because it’s one of the most charmingly decorated sections. The market has 43 colorful chalets, a nativity scene, a carousel, and a giant Santa letterbox. 

Late Afternoon to Evening — Christmas Lights and Food

• 4:30 pm: Walk back through Petite Venise as daylight fades — Come the end of daylight, Petite Venise becomes so magical as the lights turn on. It’s worth doing another loop to see.

• 5:00 pm: Place de l’Ancienne Douane & Rue des Marchands — Return toward the center through the decorated streets. The Koïfhus and Ancienne Douane are particularly worth seeing again once the lights come on.

• 5:30 pm: Place des Dominicains — Come back through the Dominican market for its evening atmosphere. This is a completely different experience from your morning visit, particularly with the church illuminated behind the chalets. 

• 6:15 pm: Marché Gourmand — Finish the market portion of the day at the Marché Gourmand, rather than trying to squeeze in another traditional market. Unlike the main Christmas markets, this one stays open until 10 pm every day during the 2026 season (one exception: it closes at 5 pm on December 31), with nine food stalls run by chefs/restaurateurs. This is where I would eat my dinner!

• 7:15 pm: Final Christmas-light walk — Head back into the old town and do one final loop through Rue des Marchands → Grand Rue → Place de l’Ancienne Douane → Petite Venise. This is when I’d take the majority of your Christmas-light photos.

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What to Eat and Drink at the Colmar Christmas Markets

Drinks and How the Mug Deposit Works (€2 to €4 per cup):

• Vin Chaud, hot mulled wine that comes in white or red
• Alsatian Wine, several regional options within the market
• Chocolat Chaud, flavored or not; if you can find noisette or hazelnut, it’s a must-try

Travel Tip: When you order a hot drink, it will come in a plastic mug (you can keep it if you like), but you can return it to any vendor, and they will give you €1 to €2 per cup back.

Savory Dishes (€7 to €10 for most savory foods):

• Galette de Pomme de Terre (Grumbeerekiechle), potato pancake
• Tarte or baguette flambée, wood-fired pizza that is covered in crème fraîche, bacon, and onions
• Crepes
• Knack d’Alsace with Choucroute. Knack is a sausage and is often served with choucroute, a pickled cabbage that is heated up

Sweets and Edible Gifts (€3 to €10 for most sweets):

• Gaufres, waffles topped with Nutella or other sauces — my favorite is topped with “crème de marron” or sweet chestnut paste
• Kougelhopf, German/French cake that comes in a variety of flavors
• Manalas, brioche buns in the shape of men
• Bredele, specialty cookies that are traditional staples of the market, come in several shapes and flavors like anise and chocolate
• Pain d’épices, Alsatian honey-spice bread, similar to gingerbread and comes in several flavors

Where to Eat a Sit-Down Meal

• Aux Armes de Colmar, for casseroles, pork knuckle, sauerkraut, and regional wines
• Restaurant Au Koïfhus, for grilled meat platters & tartes flambées
• Restaurant La Soï, for tartes flambées
• Au Croissant Doré, for coffee and croissants

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Must-See Christmas Displays and Streets (With Locations)

While Colmar is famous for its markets, it is also very well-known for its elaborate decorations. One particular spot that you may have seen on social media is the iconic half-timbered pink house in front of Restaurant La Romantica. It draws in so many visitors who want to take a photo of it (I suggest arriving early!). My top spots for the best decorations in Colmar are:

• The Pink Timbered House in front of Restaurant La Romantica
• Petite Venise View at Rue Turenne
• Rue des Marchands (the storefronts!)
• Rue Saint Nicolas

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Other Things to Do in Colmar While Visiting

Consider a Wine Tasting Tour

You are in the heart of the Alsatian wine country! Whether it be a tasting room in town or a nearby winery, there are several ways to experience the local wine. In town, Domaine Karcher et Fils is one of the better historic wine producers. You can stop into the family-run property for a tasting, and it’s recommended to call ahead for a reservation.

With so many nearby wineries that often do seasonal experiences, you could consider jumping on a tour. This half-day wine tour takes you through the heart of Alsace to learn about winemaking.

See One of the Christmas Concerts

During the months of November and December, there are several concerts throughout Colmar on stages. You’ll even see boats with choir groups singing down the canals. As you walk through town, consider stopping by to listen in.

Visit a Nearby Christmas Market with the Navettes de Nöel

One benefit of being in Colmar is that you’re super close to nearby towns that have wonderful Christmas Markets. You’ll be close to towns like Riquewihr, which was one of our favorite Alsatian markets. Another local market nearby is in the town of Eguisheim — great for an hour or two stroll in a quintessential French village with a handful of stalls.

One of the easiest ways to visit these other markets is through the shuttle system called the Navettes de Nöel. The 2026 network runs November 27–December 20, departing from Colmar Train Station and connecting Colmar with Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Turckheim, Munster and Neuf-Brisach.

There are several routes:

• Lines 1 & 2: Colmar ↔ Kaysersberg ↔ Riquewihr ↔ Ribeauvillé ↔ Colmar. These operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, with buses every hour on Fridays and every 30 minutes on Saturdays and Sundays
• Line 3: Colmar ↔ Eguisheim, operating daily. The 2026 fare is €8 Monday–Thursday and €17 Friday–Sunday. 
• Line 4: Colmar ↔ Turckheim ↔ Munster, operating Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 
• Line 5: Colmar ↔ Neuf-Brisach, operating only December 12–13, 2026.

The standard €17 day ticket gives unlimited travel on the network for the day, while a €10 Explorer ticket covers Lines 4 and 5 on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (Note: Line 5 only runs December 12–13). Children under 12 travel free, but still need a ticket. Book this ahead of time as tickets go on sale Thursday, November 12, 2026 at 12 pm CET, and the number of tickets is limited because the service is in high demand. Tickets are online only, and you cannot simply turn up and buy one from the driver.

See the Museums in Colmar

Right in the heart of the city are several wonderful museums. Some of the museums I would consider visiting are:

• Unterlinden Museum, known for its historical art
• Bartholdi Museum, famous for the works of artist Frédéric Bartholdi (known for the Statue of Liberty!)

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What to Know Before You Visit the Colmar Christmas Market

When does the Colmar Christmas Market start in 2026?

The 2026 Colmar Christmas Market will run from November 23rd to December 29th. Know that the Gourmet Market, Ferris wheel, and Place Rapp will stay open through January 3, 2027.

Travel Tip: If you can, I highly recommend visiting before Christmas and avoiding weekends. The atmosphere is just as festive, but with noticeably smaller crowds — especially on weekday mornings.

Is the Colmar Christmas Market open after Christmas / on Christmas Day?

Parts of it are open, with the Gourmet Market and Place Rapp being open until January 3rd.

The Best Way to Get to Colmar

• By Plane: To get to Colmar, France, you can fly into EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, which is the closest international airport, about 60 km away in Basel, Switzerland. From there, you can rent a car or take a bus to Saint-Louis station, then take a direct train to Colmar, which is well connected by the French railway system.

Rental Car Tip: I use Discover Cars for our rental cars in Europe, choose full coverage insurance, and opt for trusted companies like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.

• By Train: If you’re already in the Alsace region, several direct trains are available from Strasbourg (30 mins away for around €15). If coming from Paris, a direct high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Colmar is available, and the fares start at around €50. The train station is near the city center where the markets are and about a 10-15 minute walk.

Where do you park for the Colmar Christmas Market?

During market season, Colmar’s Old Town closes to vehicles and becomes a pedestrian zone. It’s good to know that you’ll need to park on the outskirts of town. There is a park-and-ride available at Parc des Expositions on the weekends with a free shuttle. If you’re visiting on a weekday, Colmar also has several central covered car parks, including Rapp, Lacarre, Saint-Josse, Gare/Bleylé and Montagne Verte.

How Many Christmas Markets Are in Colmar?

There are six different markets throughout Colmar’s Old Town with roughly 180 stalls. All are accessible on foot through the small city, so it is quite easy to see them all on a day trip. To walk the entire circuit of the 6 markets, it takes around 20 minutes.

Which Christmas Market is Better Strasbourg or Colmar?

The two markets are quite hard to compare, as Strasbourg’s markets are nearly triple the size of Colmar’s. I recommend Colmar for a smaller and more compact experience, which does offer different things to eat and purchase. It is perfect for someone who wants something not as big, and feels cozy and intimate.

Can you visit Colmar as a day trip from Strasbourg?

Yes, very easily! We did this ourselves, and it’s a quick drive or a 30-minute train ride. Once there, it’s a 10-15 minute walk into the city center where the markets are.

How much does it cost to go to the Colmar Christmas Market?

Free! All of the markets in Colmar are free to explore and enjoy the Christmas spirit!

How Much Time Do You Need to See the Colmar Markets?

We went for a single day to see the markets and found it enough time to be able to peruse. You can absolutely visit the Colmar Markets in a single day trip. If you can, I’d try to be there early enough to enjoy the quiet mornings, and/or stay later to enjoy the town after dark when it lights up magically. I think 2-3 days in Colmar would give you more time to enjoy it and be able to do more day trips from the area. If you’re set up in Strasbourg, then a day trip is sufficient.

How to Beat the Market Crowds in Colmar?

With the markets becoming very crowded in Colmar, I’m going to give some helpful tips to approach visiting the markets. The best dates to visit are earlier in the season, as close to the start of December before the peak crowds arrive about 1-2 weeks before Christmas. The weekdays are always the quietest in comparison to the weekend, as many regional travelers will come for the day over the weekend.

During the day, the best hours to start exploring the markets are at opening time (11 am Monday–Thursday, 10 am Friday–Sunday) and into the middle of the afternoon. The busiest hours I saw were around 5 pm when everyone got off work and arrived for drinks with friends. I would recommend going for a stroll to experience the charm of Colmar in the morning, as it was nearly empty before the markets opened up.

Practical Tips

• Cash vs. Card — You will want some cash for some of the artisan stalls; however, most do take credit cards. I’d carry around €30–€50 per person in small notes and coins and use a card for larger purchases.
• Bathrooms — They can be tough to find, with some public toilets available near the center. I’d use bathrooms when stopping at a cafe.
• How to Warm Up — It can be very cold depending on the day, so consider how to stay warm. I’d build in a few cafe stops as simply a way to be indoors and get warm.

What to Pack

• Waterproof or water-resistant shoes, with good grip as you’ll be walking on cobblestones for hours
• Warm socks, a second pair is worthwhile if rain is forecast
• Thermal or warm base layer, under your normal clothes
• Warm Coat, ideally with a hood
• Gloves, especially important when you’re stopping to eat or photograph things rather than constantly walking
• Hat and scarf, for the evening
• Small Umbrella or Waterproof Shell, depending on the forecast
• Portable Power Bank, as using maps, taking photos, and navigating all day can drain a phone surprisingly quickly
• Crossbody Bag or Backpack With Room for Purchases, particularly if you’re buying food, decorations, or gifts at the markets

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