Colmar Christmas Markets: fairy-tale Advent in Alsace

Colmar's half-timbered old town turns into a Christmas village with several themed markets spread across its squares. Canals, lights and Alsatian food make it one of the most picturesque Advent destinations in France.

Fun facts

• Colmar has several separate Christmas markets, each with its own theme and setting.
• Alsace has a long tradition of Christmas trees and Advent customs.
• The city lies on the Alsace Wine Route, known for its white wines.

What to see

• Little Venice, the canal quarter with colourful houses.
• The Koïfhus, the old customs house in the centre.
• The Unterlinden Museum with the Isenheim Altarpiece.

What to taste

• Bredele, small Alsatian Christmas biscuits.
• Flammekueche, thin tarte flambée with cream, onions and bacon.
• Vin chaud, mulled wine often made with white Alsace wine.

What to do

• Take a boat ride through Little Venice if running in season.
• Visit nearby wine villages such as Riquewihr and Kaysersberg.
• Shop for Alsatian pottery and handmade decorations.

💡 Tip: The nearest airports are Basel-Mulhouse EuroAirport and Strasbourg; from EuroAirport take the shuttle bus to Saint-Louis station and a train to Colmar, and from Strasbourg the train ride is short. Colmar is small and very busy on December weekends, so book rooms well ahead or base yourself in Strasbourg or Mulhouse.