Christmas in Colmar is a dream. This picture-perfect town nestled in the heart of Alsace, is a hidden gem that truly comes to life during the winter holidays. With lights and decorations everywhere, Colmar transforms into a fairytale destination that seems straight out of a holiday postcard. This travel guide includes everything you need to know to visit Colmar Christmas markets.
When to visit Colmar
Colmar is beautiful all year round but the winter holidays add a special touch. From late November to late December the town transform into a winter wonderland, with Christmas markets and festive decorations adorning every corner. It’s like stepping into a Christmas movie.
How many days to stay in Colmar
Colmar is a small town and can easily be visited in one day; I took an early train from Paris and came back the same day. However, to truly soak in the festive vibes you can stay an extra day. This allows for leisurely exploration, ample time to indulge in local cuisine, and the flexibility to wander the streets at your own pace. If you decide to stay a night in Colmar, check for hotels here.
How to get to Colmar
Even though Colmar doesn’t have an airport, it’s well connected to some major ones ensuring a seamless transition. These are your main options:
From Paris: You can take a train from Paris to Colmar. Make sure you check the route, it normally makes a stop in Strasbourg and in some cases you may have to change trains. If you have time, spend some days in Strasbourg, another magic winter wonderland. Trains are frequent, and the journey takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
From Strasbourg: From here, you can easily catch a train or bus to Colmar; it takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
From Basel: You can take a train from Basel to Colmar, it takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
From Zurich: Zurich offers a wider range of international flights. From here, you can take a train to Basel and then transfer to a train to Colmar. The total journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Christmas markets in Colmar
The Christmas markets in Colmar are consistently named one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. All six markets are free and conveniently located along a single path so you can easily visit all of them by foot. While some may offer similar things such as foods, gifts, souvenirs, and ornaments, each market retains its distinct charm and offerings. Exploring them all is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Colmar. Here is where you can find the Christmas markets:
- Place Jeanne d’Arc
- Petite Venise
- Place de L’Ancienne Douane
- Place des Dominicains
- Rue de la Montagne Verte
- Koifhus Indoor Market
When visiting the Christmas markets you have to try some of Alsace specialties. Some must tries are vin chaud (mulled wine), bretzels (pretzels), flammekueche (tarte flambée), pain d’épices (gingerbread), roasted chestnuts (my favorite ones), and bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies).
Tips to visit Colmar
To make the most of your visit and ensure a memorable time, here are some insider tips:
- Dress warm and be prepared for rain.
- Colmar is popular during Christmas. Book your train tickets and accommodations in advance.
- Try to visit during weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Remember to bring a portable charger, as cold weather can quickly drain your phone battery.
Colmar is definitely worth visiting during the holidays, so if you happen to be in the area, make sure not to let the opportunity pass you by.
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