In this Colmar Christmas Market 2026 guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your holiday in Alsace. I’ll cover the best markets (because Colmar has six, not just one), their opening times, and a map showing where to find them. I’ll also share the prettiest fairytale spots for photos, plus which nearby towns (Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, or Eguisheim) are worth adding to your holiday trip.
Colmar Christmas Market Review 2026
Colmar has six Christmas markets, with the main ones at Place des Dominicains and Place de l’Ancienne Douane. If you’re short on time, these are the two I’d prioritise. However, all six are just a short walk from each other, so you can easily explore them all, even on a day trip from Strasbourg. And, like many Christmas markets across Europe, the Colmar Christmas Market is completely free to visit.
There’s also an ice rink at Place Rapp if you’re looking for some extra holiday fun. And don’t miss the spectacular 3D mapping display projected onto St. Martin’s Church (more on that later).
I visited the Colmar Christmas Market during a holiday trip that also included Strasbourg and some of the beautiful villages around Alsace. If you’re in the area, I’d definitely recommend combining Colmar and Strasbourg – you get two very different vibes, both full of charm. And if you have a few extra days, add Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and Eguisheim to the list, too. These little postcard-perfect villages are even more charming at Christmas and make great day trips.
My biggest tip is to avoid the Colmar Christmas Market on weekends if you can. It gets really busy, and some of the smaller streets and alleys can become completely packed with people. That said, if you’re also planning to visit the Christmas markets in the nearby villages, check their opening days beforehand, as some are only open on weekends.
💖 My favourite hotel in Colmar: Novotel Suites
Location: just outside the Old Town, a short walk from all the winter markets
What I loved: spacious rooms, a great sauna and a hammam
Check details & availability: Booking.com | Expedia
Also, try not to fly or travel by train on weekends if you can. The roads can be very busy, and regional trains fill up quickly with locals travelling around the region. When I took the train from Basel to Strasbourg, I arrived 40 minutes before departure and still barely managed to get on. It was so packed that there wasn’t even much room on the stairs!
Another thing I’d recommend is booking your hotel as soon as you know your dates. Colmar is incredibly popular during the Christmas season, and there aren’t as many hotels as you might expect. I booked my hotel five months in advance, and by then, almost all the decent options in the Old Town were already fully booked. I was lucky to find a good hotel just outside the Old Town.
Colmar Christmas Market Dates 2026
| Place des Dominicains Christmas Market | 23 November – 29 December 2026 |
| Place de l’Ancienne Douane Christmas Market | 23 November – 29 December 2026 |
These are the official dates for the two main Christmas markets. There are also four smaller ones just steps away, and they open and close on the same dates. All the markets close at the end of December, but the Christmas decorations usually stay up until around January 10. So, if you’re visiting around New Year’s, you can still see Colmar’s gorgeous half-timbered houses dressed up for Christmas.
Colmar Christmas Market Map
Here’s an interactive map with the exact locations of all the markets.
Best Christmas markets in Colmar 2026
Place des Dominicains Christmas Market
With more than 60 stalls, Place des Dominicains hosts Colmar’s largest Christmas market. The market sits in the shadow of the 13th-century Dominican Church, providing a charming backdrop. The stalls, surrounded by lit-up trees, are decorated with religious paintings at their top.
The market at Place des Dominicains is my favourite one because of the picturesque backdrop of the church and trees decorated with sparkling lights.
If it’s your first time in the city, check out my Colmar itinerary, with all the must-see spots plus some of my favourite local wine bars.
Place des Dominicains Opening times
From 23 November to 29 December 2026
From Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Address: Place des Dominicains, 68000 Colmar
Marché de Noël official website
Best hotels near Colmar Christmas Market
Most booked by our readers – James Boutique Hôtel
9.0 | 2,620+ reviews – just outside the Old Town, within walking distance of the winter markets, with underground parking
Best mid-range stay – Hotel Le Colombier
8.9 | 3,050+ reviews – right in Little Venice, one of the prettiest parts of the Old Town, and steps from the winter markets
Best luxury stay – L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa
9.2 | 1,420+ reviews – luxury hotel with a swimming pool, sauna, and a two-Michelin-starred restaurant
Best budget-friendly stay – Hotel Saint-Martin
8.3 | 4,610+ reviews – very central, budget-friendly rooms just steps from the winter markets
Find more recommendations in my guide to the best hotels in Colmar.
Place de l’Ancienne Douane Christmas Market
This market is situated around the beautiful Schwendi Fountain at the Old Customs House Square. Place de l’Ancienne features about 50 chalets, selling everything from traditional Alsatian crafts and handmade gifts to local delicacies.
As night falls, the former Customs House and its tiled roof are beautifully illuminated.
Place de l’Ancienne Douane Opening times
From 23 November to 29 December 2026
From Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Address: Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar
Gourmet Market
If you’re looking to try something different from the typical Christmas market food, then head to the Gourmet Market. Located beneath the Ferris wheel, this small market features 9 gourmet food stalls. You can find black truffle risotto, fresh oysters, spaetzle and mushrooms, foie gras, smoked pork and other delicious Alsatian specialities. There is also plenty of Alsatian wines from producers in Colmar and nearby. I enjoyed the mulled wine here the most!
On Thursdays and Fridays, the market also features live cooking shows starting at 5 PM.
Gourmet Market Opening times
From 23 November to 29 December 2026
Daily from 11 AM to 10 PM
Address: Rue de la Montagne Verte, 68000 Colmar
Koïfhus Christmas Market
The Christmas market at Koïfhus is an indoor market, located in the Old Customs House, dating back to the 15th century. It features local artists, selling handcrafted goods and vintage items. You can find beautiful jewellery pieces, pottery, wooden toys, antiquarian books and even gingerbread houses and cookies. It’s the best market if you’re looking for unique gifts or souvenirs. I bought a lovely French book, published in 1929, at the market.
Koïfhus Indoor Market Opening times
From 23 November to 29 December 2026
From Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Address: Place de l’Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar
Place Jeanne d’Arc Christmas Market
Located at Place Jeanne d’Arc, this market resembles a traditional Alsatian village. It’s a real treasure if you’re after authentic Alsatian specialities. You’ll find all kinds of local products, including homemade jams, foie gras, cheeses, meats, gingerbread and Alsatian wines.
Place Jeanne d’Arc Opening times
From 23 November to 29 December 2026
From Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Address: Place Jeanne d’Arc, 68000 Colmar
Petite Venise Christmas Market
At Place des Six Montagnes Noires, just a few steps away from Petite Venise, is the children’s market. You’ll find Santa’s mailbox, mechanical horse rides and a Nativity Scene. There is also plenty of hot apple juice and tasty local food!
Petite Venise Opening times
From 23 November to 29 December 2026
From Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 7 PM
Friday, Saturday and Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM
Address: Place des Six Montagnes Noires, 68000 Colmar
What to do in Colmar at Christmas
Go ice skating
For more winter activities, make your way to Place Rapp. At this square, you’ll find an 800 square metre open ice rink, a merry-go-round for children and even a rotating carousel bar!
Enjoy the Christmas choirs
If you’re visiting Colmar on Wednesdays or Saturdays, don’t miss the floating children’s choir! Every Wednesday and Saturday at 5 PM, you can listen to traditional Christmas carols sung by children’s choirs. They perform while sailing along the canals in Petite Venise on illuminated boats. It’s a unique performance!
See the Christmas illuminations
During the holiday season, the Old Town of Colmar is transformed into a fairytale with thousands of garlands, toys and twinkling lights. In addition, some of the historic buildings, such as St. Martin’s Church and the Old Customs House, feature stunning 3D mapping displays.
Here are the places you should not miss:
- St. Martin’s Church – a stunning 3D mapping display (don’t miss the view of the church from Rue de l’Église)
- Quai de la Poissonnerie – the half-timbered houses along the river are illuminated with changing colours. While you’re here, take a look at the building of USN (Unité Service Net), also beautifully lit up. For the best views, make your way to Pont Rue des Écoles.
- Petite Venise – head to Rue Turenne for the best views
- Hôtel de Ville de Colmar – a beautiful 3D mapping display at the Town Hall
- Au Vieux Pignon – beautifully decorated and illuminated half-timbered houses. It’s a must-see both during the day and in the evening. For the best views, head to Rue des Marchands.
- Maison dite “au Pèlerin” – this festively decorated pink house is one of the most iconic places in Colmar (see it both during the day and in the evening)
Quai de la Poissonnerie, illuminated at night
Colmar Christmas market food
At the Christmas market in Colmar, you can sample numerous tasty Alsatian delicacies. Here are some of my favourites.
Bretzel
A bretzel is a French version of a German pretzel. It is made of brioche dough and comes in various sweet and savoury variations.
My tip: Try the bretzel with Munster cheese or bretzel gratinée with gruyère cheese.
Les Bouchées à la Reine
This classical French dish consists of puff pastry filled with creamy chicken, served with béchamel sauce with mushrooms and noodles.
Tarte flambée
Tarte flambée is a traditional Alsatian dish similar to thin-crust pizza. It’s topped with cream, onions and bacon, and then baked in a wood-fired oven.
My tip: Try the tarte flambée with Munster cheese (a famous local cheese) at the Gourmet Market.
Pain d’épices
This traditional French spiced bread is similar to gingerbread. It’s flavoured with spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and ginger, giving it a cosy and aromatic flavour.
Nut’Alsace
This chocolate spread is entirely handmade using 45% hazelnuts. It is so much better than Nutella! Nut’Alsace comes in 4 flavours – original with hazelnuts, strong chocolate, fleur de sel caramel and white chocolate.
My tip: You can buy Nut’Alsace from Place de l’Ancienne Douane Christmas Market.
Bredele
These small, sweet Alsatian cookies are traditionally baked during the Christmas season. They come in various shapes and flavours, such as cinnamon stars, gingerbread men, and almond crescents.
My tip: Try the bredeles at Maison Alsacienne de Biscuiterie.
Kugelhopf
Originally from Austria, this cake has become a speciality of the Alsace region in France. Kugelhopf is a sweet yeast bread made with butter, eggs, and raisins, and it’s baked in a unique ring-shaped mould.
Vin chaud
Mulled wine (or vin chaud in French) is the most popular drink at the Colmar Christmas Market. It is made by heating red or white wine with various spices such as cinnamon, cloves and orange zest.
Unlike other Christmas markets in Europe where wine is typically served in mugs, here it comes in reusable plastic cups.
Best Christmas markets near Colmar
If you’re spending the night in Colmar, I highly suggest exploring the quaint towns along the Alsace Wine Route. During the Christmas season, many of these towns are festively decorated, and you can enjoy Christmas markets on the weekends. You can find everything you need to know about the Alsace Christmas markets here.
There is no convenient public transportation to many of the small towns. However, if you’re travelling during the weekends, I wouldn’t recommend renting a car. Traffic is very heavy, and finding parking is impossible. I saw many people parking their cars along the road about 4km (2.5 miles) away from the villages and walking because there were no other options.
The best option for exploring the small villages on weekends is the Christmas shuttle (Navette de Noël). The shuttle bus takes you to the most picturesque towns near Colmar, including Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé and Eguisheim.
There are 5 lines, running exclusively on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, except for line 3, which operates daily. This is because most of the market operates only on weekends, except for the Eguisheim Christmas market, which is open daily.
Line 1 – Colmar • Kaysersberg • Riquewihr • Ribeauvillé (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Line 2 – Colmar • Ribeauvillé • Riquewihr • Kaysersberg (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Line 3 – Colmar • Eguisheim (daily)
Line 4 – Colmar • Turckheim • Munster (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Line 5 – Colmar • Neuf-Brisach (Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
While you can purchase tickets on-site, I highly recommend buying them online in advance
as they could be sold out. You can buy your tickets to the Navette de Noël online here.
While there are two stops in Colmar, I suggest taking the shuttle bus from the train station since it’s the first stop. Also, try to catch the first shuttle bus to avoid longer queues later in the day.
If you’re planning to visit Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, opt for line 1, not line 2. Save the Ribeauvillé Christmas market for last, as it’s the largest one. This way, you can fully enjoy your time there without being in a hurry to see Kaysersberg and Riquewihr.
Eguisheim Christmas Market
Eguisheim is listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France (Plus Beaux Villages de France). It is famous for its picturesque half-timbered houses with floral displays and narrow cobblestone streets.
The Eguisheim Christmas Market is located in the heart of the town, surrounded by the Chapelle Saint-Léon and Château de Saint-Léon-Pfalz. While the chateau is not open to the public, be sure to step inside the chapel and admire the stunning 11th-century frescoes.
Eguisheim market is small but offers a lovely selection of traditional crafts, handmade gifts, and local delicacies. Don’t miss the opening of a new window of the Advent calendar at Place du Château Saint-Léon every evening at 6 PM.
How to get to Eguisheim
Take the Christmas shuttle (line 3) from Colmar train station.
Eguisheim Christmas Market Opening times
From 27 November to 30 December 2026
Daily – from 10 AM to 7 PM
Closed on 24, 25 and 25 December
Address: Place du Château Saint Léon, 68420 Eguisheim, France
Kaysersberg Christmas Market
Kaysersberg is a picturesque village, known for its medieval architecture, colourful half-timbered houses, and beautiful natural scenery.
The Kaysersberg Christmas Market is located behind the Church Sainte-Croix and at Cour de l’Arsenal. More than 30 chalets offer everything from handcrafted ornaments to locally produced wines and gourmet treats. There is also a Christmas farmers’ market on Place de la Mairie, where you’ll find bio wine, local cheese, honey, herbs and spices.
How to get to Kaysersberg
Take the Christmas shuttle (line 1 or 2) from Colmar train station.
Kaysersberg Christmas Market Opening times
Every weekend (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) from 27 November to 20 December 2026
Friday, Saturday & Sunday – from 10 AM to 8 PM
Address: Église Sainte-Croix and Cour de l’Arsenal, 68240 Kaysersberg, France
Riquewihr Christmas Market
Riquewihr is another charming village along the Alsace Wine Route. During December, the colourful half-timbered houses are decorated with thousands of garlands and toys. Walking through its streets feels like stepping into a fairy tale!
The Riquewihr Christmas Market is located right in the heart of the historic town, around Mairie de Riquewihr (the Town Hall).
How to get to Riquewihr
Take the Christmas shuttle (line 1 or 2) from Colmar train station.
Riquewihr Christmas Market Opening times
From 27 November to 20 December 2026
Daily – from 10 AM to 7 PM
Address: around Mairie de Riquewihr, 68340 Riquewihr, France
Ribeauvillé Christmas Market
In December, Ribeauvillé hosts a Medieval Christmas Market. It takes place in the heart of the historic town centre, amidst the cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. You can experience the magic of the Middle Ages with its authentic decorations, traditional crafts, and festive entertainment. There are acrobats, jugglers, fire eaters and other medieval characters, as well as a petting zoo.
If you can only visit one Christmas market near Colmar, choose Ribeauvillé. Not only does the market exceed those in Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Eguisheim, but it also offers a unique experience. Actually, of all the markets I visited near Colmar, I enjoyed the one in Ribeauvillé the most.
How to get to Ribeauvillé
Take the Christmas shuttle (line 1 or 2) from Colmar train station.
Ribeauvillé Christmas Market Opening times
5, 6, 12 and 13 December 2026
Saturday – from 10 AM to 7 PM
Sunday – from 10 AM to 6 PM
Address: 1 Grand Rue, 68150 Ribeauville, France
Mulhouse Christmas Market
Located 20 minutes away by train, Mulhouse is a great day trip from Colmar during the Christmas season. The city hosts a lovely Christmas market, set around the Temple Saint-Étienne and the former City Hall in the heart of the city. Some key attractions in Mulhouse are the Cité de l’Automobile, Cité du Train, Temple Saint-Étienne and Musée Historique de Mulhouse.
Make sure to visit the Neo-Gothic Temple Saint-Étienne and admire its magnificent 12th-century stained-glass windows. The Musée Historique de Mulhouse (free admission) is also worth some of your time. It is housed in the former City Hall, a stunning Renaissance building dating back to 1552.
For coffee and sweets, head to Café Mozart. This lovely tea house offers amazing views of Temple Saint-Étienne. Plus, the cakes are fantastic!
How to get to Mulhouse
Take a train from Colmar train station to Gare de Mulhouse (a 20-minute journey). The city centre is about a 15-minute walk from the train station.
Mulhouse Christmas Market Opening times
From 20 November to 27 December 2026
Daily – from 11 AM to 8 PM
Closed on 25 December
Address: Place de la Réunion, 68100 Mulhouse, France
Marché de Noël de Mulhouse official website
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Known as the capital of Christmas, Strasbourg hosts the largest and most famous Christmas Market in Alsace. There are 9 markets located in the Old Town (on the Grande Île). The most popular ones are the market at Place de la Cathédrale, Place Kléber, Place Broglie and Place du Château.
Find everything you need to know in my complete Strasbourg Christmas Market review.
I strongly suggest staying overnight in Strasbourg because the city is larger than Colmar, and it would be challenging to see everything in just one day.
How to get to Strasbourg
Take a train from Colmar train station to Strasbourg (a 35-minute journey). The Old Town is about a 10-minute walk from the train station.
Colmar Christmas Markets 2026
- Place des Dominicains
- Place de l’Ancienne Douane
- Gourmet Market
- Koïfhus
- Place Jeanne d’Arc
- Petite Venise
FAQs about Colmar Christmas Market
The Colmar Christmas Market is one of Europe’s most famous and festive markets. Its festively decorated half-timbered houses and magical atmosphere make it definitely worth visiting.
The Colmar Christmas Market opens on November 23, 2026, and runs until December 29, 2026. The stalls are open daily between 11 AM and 7 PM.
Yes, unlike the Christmas market in Strasbourg, which closes on December 24th, the market in Colmar remains open after Christmas. It runs until December 29th.
The market is located in the heart of the historic town centre at Place des Dominicains, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, Place Jeanne d’Arc and Petite Venise.
The Colmar Christmas market is moderately sized, and you’ll only need 2-3 hours to see it all. It consists of six markets spread across several key areas in the historic town centre, including Place des Dominicains, Place de l’Ancienne Douane, Place Jeanne d’Arc, and Petite Venise.
Colmar is very busy at Christmas. The crowds can be overwhelming, especially during weekends when lots of people visit to enjoy the festive atmosphere and explore the Christmas market. If possible, visit the town from Monday to Friday.
If you have limited time, opt for the Strasbourg Christmas market. Strasbourg is known as the Capital of Christmas, and its market is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe.
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