Christmas in Colmar
A guide to the Christmas holiday in the Alsatian diamond
"Colmar is the whole world in miniature" once said the famous intellectual Victor Hugo, and with this quote we chose to open our guide. There are few destinations in the world that manage to surpass this magical village, located in the heart of the Alsace region, a symbol of eternal French charm.
As the holiday season begins to wrap Europe and paint it white, the tiny village comes to life in a wonderland that looks like it leapt from the pages of a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Twinkling lights adorn the facades of historic buildings and the aroma of roasted chestnuts mingles with the crisp winter air. If there is one place that manages to capture the essence of a European Christmas, Colmar is without a doubt the address.
So if you're coming to Alsace in December or you're looking for a pampering and unforgettable destination to experience the wonders of Christmas, you've come to the right place.
Colmar - Alsace Book of Legends
But just before we dive into the twinkling lights and decorated streets of the picturesque village at Christmas time, let's get to know the setting for the fairy tale, the magical Alsatian town.
In the northeast of France, in the heart of the magical Alsace region, a stone's throw from Switzerland and Germany, stands the town of Colmar, a magical village that began its journey in the 9th century and is now home to about 70,000 happy residents. The town of Colmar is a living mosaic of periods and influences - from German to Gaelic, from the Renaissance to the Romantic. The rich history of the town is engraved in every winding alley and reflected in every pastoral canal, which gave it the honorary title "La Petite Venise", the little Venice.
Strolling through the streets of Colmar is a journey through a book of legends, with the well-preserved architecture for hundreds of years telling stories about eras and peoples, about a combination of cultures. Here, it is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a multi-sensory feast, when the aroma of the local cuisine, which is influenced by the French and German worlds, fills the village streets, and the sounds of the Alsatian dialect mix with French and international languages.
While the city of Colmar is considered a gem of the Alsace region all year round, during winter, as the days grow shorter and the calendar year draws to a close, Colmar begins to take on layers of color and interest, adding to its glorious historical charm.
This guide will take you through the layers of history, culture and festive traditions that make Colmar an unmissable Christmas destination. Prepare to be enchanted by the timeless beauty of the town and be swept away in a celebration that has attracted countless visitors for generations. Welcome to Colmar - the winter wonderland of Alsace.
What makes Christmas in Colmar special?
Christmas in Colmar is not another time of the year, but rather a global event, one that turns the picturesque town into a vibrant and colorful kingdom. The spirit of Christmas is in every corner of the village - in every square and every window of a house, in every alley and every street. Visiting Colmar during Christmas is perhaps the best decision you will make, and here are the reasons why:
Christmas markets (Marchés de Noël)
Colmar's Christmas markets are among the grandest and most loved in Europe. The town boasts several markets every year, ones that turn its historic squares into living museums, filled with stalls of local handicrafts, Alsatian delicacies and mesmerizing decorations. The stalls invite locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy warm interaction, music and laughter.
The most beautiful setting in the world
Colmar is often named 'the most beautiful town in France' due to its old town, picturesque canals, wooden houses and rich history. Now imagine this paradise district lit with thousands of colorful LED lights, decorated with towering Christmas trees and filled with wooden booth cabins that add a warm and captivating atmosphere to the already spectacular setting.
Traditional Alsatian flavors
Gastronomy is a cornerstone of Alsatian culture, and Christmas is when this is on display. The market stalls, the local bistro restaurants, the patisseries and the cafes, all present Christmas editions with the best traditional foods, from authentic meat stews through cakes and cookies to the hot wine that warms and comforts everyone.
La Magie de Noël - the magic of Christmas
The French term 'La Magie de Noël' tells of the spirit of the season, and Colmar embodies that magic in the most wonderful way. The Christmas season brings with it warm and positive energies, ones that make even the most reprimanded Frenchman smile, and this is felt in every store, stall or restaurant that functions. Locals and tourists alike, all happy and smiling, walking through the magical streets despite the cold, when the atmosphere is the warmest and enveloping in the world.
Colmar Christmas Markets
Colmer's Christmas Markets are not only the highlight of the holiday season, they are the vibrant heart of the town, with every market having its own unique atmosphere and offerings. The lively markets turn the village into a vibrant and colorful kingdom, full of everything - works of art alongside culinary delights, twinkling lights alongside street musicians, all of which manage to turn the cold outside into warm and pleasant events. The markets are scattered throughout the old town of Colmar, on a small area that allows you to explore them all within a few wonderful hours.
important dates-
Colmar's Christmas markets (as of 2023) take place between 23.11 and 29.12.
The markets are open every day of the week, from Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 19:00 and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 20:00.
On 24.12, Christmas Eve, the markets are open between 10:00 and 17:00, and on 25.12, the holiday itself, the markets are open between 14:00 and 19:00.
Place des Dominicains
Against the backdrop of the towering Dominican church from the 14th century, Église des Dominicains, this is one of the town's favorite markets. Here, you will find a double digit number of vendors with colorful stalls at the foot of the church. These stalls offer everything from local art through souvenirs and fashion details, alongside a wide number of handmade stalls such as woodwork and ceramics.
Place de l'Ancienne Douane market
This market occupies a place in the heart of the old town of Colmar, surrounded by historical buildings that add to the festive atmosphere. Here, you can find a wide variety of local products, including regional culinary delights and spiced hot wine, all accompanied by live music performances.
Christmas market in the Place de la Cathédrale (Place de la Cathédrale)
Located next to the impressive St. Martin Church, this market is dedicated to the Alsatian traditions of Christmas. Here you will find a variety of stalls that offer local products, those that reflect the history and culture of the region. This is the place where you can find beautiful figurines, religious icons and a variety of authentic works of art.
Petite Venise Children's Market
Colmar's children's market is located in the legendary district of Little Venice, the famous quarter of the town where you can find the picturesque canals and magical bridges. Around the market you will also find a playground with a carousel, and don't be surprised to find Santa Claus wandering among the patrons of the place. Children's sessions are often held throughout the market, all alongside wonderful stalls and a magical winter atmosphere.
Place Jeanne d'Arc Christmas Market
An Alsatian food market that attracts many culinary enthusiasts who come to indulge in regional classics such as flammekueche (the local version of pizza, thin dough with cream, onion and bacon), local cheeses and seasonal treats. Many stalls also offer products perfect for a Christmas meal, such as smoked meats, ginger and local spirits.
The local delicacies you should not miss
The town of Colmar proudly presents the Alsatian culinary scene, and this is evident in every gastronomic establishment - from the market stalls through the cafes and restaurants to the pastry shops and bakeries, all of them release Christmas editions with authentic and wonderful foods. And like ours there are donuts at Hanukkah, the Christian holiday season brings with it a number of Alsatian foods that bring out the locals in droves and make the town's residents and visitors fall in love. Here are some of the recommended ones:
Bredele cookies
Small traditional Christmas cookies, come in different shapes, sizes and flavors. These delightful treats are made from nuts, spices, chocolate or fruit, a staple of Alsatian Christmas.
Where to find: markets, bakeries, patisseries, cafes.
Mannele
On December 6, Christians celebrate St. Nicholas Day, and in the Alsatian tradition, it is customary to eat 'Manelle' pastries, deliciously designed brioche pastries, on this day. The locals love to nibble on the excellent pastries alongside a comforting hot chocolate.
Where to find: mainly bakeries and pastry shops, near Saint Nicholas Day (6.12)
Gingerbread
Soft and spicy French gingerbread. The locals like to enjoy the bread alongside foie gras and a glass of spiced mulled wine.
Where to find: market stalls, local restaurants.
Baeckeoffe
A warming and comforting dish, the baeckeoffe is a slow-cooked stew with marinated meats (usually beef, pork and lamb), potatoes and vegetables, all seasoned with Alsatian white wine.
Where to find: Local restaurants
Foie Gras
Foie Gras stars at the top of French cuisine, and the Alsace region is considered one of the main producers of foie gras. During Christmas many food stalls serve delightful versions of the French dish, with a local Alsatian touch.
Where to find: restaurants, market stalls.
Tarte de Linz
Tart filled with red currant jam, comes with cinnamon seasoning and is considered a traditional Christmas dessert.
Where to find: bakeries, pastry shops, cafes, market stalls.
Kougelhoff
A sweet, brioche-like cake, baked in a unique round mold, usually contains raisins, almonds and rum. Usually served for breakfast or for dessert with coffee. The Alsatian version of the Kugelhof dish is considered a favorite among the locals, especially at Christmas time.
Where to find: bakeries, pastry shops, cafes, market stalls.
Vin Chaud (hot wine)
A visit to Colmar's Christmas markets is incomplete without trying the vin chaud, a warm and spiced wine, a perfect and warming solution to chilly evenings. Alsatian mulled wine comes in several flavors and aromas, the most popular of which will be red wine spiced with cinnamon.
Where to find: mainly market stalls, but also in restaurants, cafes and any culinary establishment during the Christmas season.
What to see and do in Colmar during the Christmas season
Celebrating Christmas in Colmar is a delightful and wonderful experience, one that extends far beyond the Christmas markets that fill the town's streets. Apart from its marvelous architecture and mesmerizing location, Colmar during the Christmas season offers countless experiences and adventures that turn it into a winter wonderland.
cultural experiences
Attend a concert - many churches and cultural institutions host Christmas concerts and choirs, these present traditional carols and wonderful local music. As you get closer to the day of the holiday itself, the number of shows and concerts increases, and it is recommended to reserve a place in advance because it is an immersive and sought-after experience.
Visit a museum - the city of Colmar offers several world-class museums, many of which offer unique exhibitions during the Christmas season. Don't miss the Unterlinden Museum, a 13th-century Dominican monastery that now displays magnificent works of art.
Culinary adventures
Gourmet Dining: Book a meal at a local restaurant to savor traditional Alsatian Christmas dishes.
Cooking classes: Join a cooking class to learn how to prepare local foods in the spirit of Christmas.
Wine tasting: Visit wine cellars and wineries to taste local wines from the Alsace region, which is considered one of the leading wine producers in the world. Such tasting tours are held all year round, and in the winter months you often get a colorful twist in the spirit of Christmas.
outdoor activities
Ice skating: Every year in the winter season, a skating rink is opened in the town's beautiful park, Parc du Champ de Mars. Whether you are skating for the first time or whether you are a professional in the field, it is a fun, entertaining and unforgettable experience, even if you fall.
Boat Cruise: Tour the canals of Little Venice for a peaceful view of the city's Christmas lights.
family fun
Children's markets: Little Venice in Colmar turns into a children's wonderland in December with games, workshops and performances by Santa Claus.
Carriage Rides: Take a horse-drawn carriage around Colmar to see the town's decorations and lights.
Wander the ornate city
Colmar is known for its magical Christmas decorations that light up its streets, canals and squares. Don't miss the Rue des Marchands, one of the town's most iconic streets, home to historic buildings such as Maison Pfister and Koïfhus, all beautifully lit and decorated during the Christmas season. Also a square Place de l'Ancienne Douane Well worth a visit, where you'll find the town's Christmas tree, alongside one of the top markets in Colmar. The surrounding buildings and cobblestone streets make for a picturesque backdrop, especially when covered in Christmas splendor. Also, don't skip over The Little Venice District (La Petite Venise) About the canals and its charming architecture, which turns into a fairytale display with lights, decorations and even displays on the water of the canal itself.
Colmar during Christmas - everything you need to know
The small town of Colmar is a popular destination all year round, but the peak tourist season is around Christmas. The town is prepared for a high number of visitors, but to avoid exorbitant prices and overloads it is recommended to plan several things in advance. Here is practical information that is important to know before arriving at the picturesque village:
Weather
Winter in Colmar is cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 7°C at Christmas time. Snow is common this season, which adds to the atmosphere but makes it difficult to conduct yourself outside due to the extreme cold.
Equip yourself with warm clothing including a heavy coat, thermal layers, a warming woolen hat, gloves and a scarf. It is recommended to walk around in waterproof boots and also have an umbrella and a raincoat.
How do you get to Colmar?
Colmar is a tiny town in European terms, with 70,000 inhabitants, and it does not have its own airport and certainly no direct flights from Tbilisi. Despite this, getting to the magical town is not complicated at all.
Most Israeli travelers land at the airport of the Swiss city of Basel, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg EuroAirport (BSL), from where they depart for about 45 minutes by car or an hour by train or bus. You can also land at Frankfurt Airport in Germany, from where you can reach by train in a two-hour journey.
If you are coming from the city of Paris, there are TGV trains (high speed trains) directly from the Gare de l'Est station in the city to Colmar, trips that take about 2.5 hours. If you are coming from the nearby city of Strasbourg, you can take a train line that will bring you within 30 minutes.
And if you decide to drive, renting a car gives you flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the Alsace Wine Route or the Vosges Mountains.
How much time to spend in Colmar?
2-3 days- For a short visit, 2-3 days are enough to see the highlights of Colmar - the Christmas markets, the old town and some of the main sites such as Little Venice and Unterlinden Museum. This period of time allows you to soak up the festive atmosphere and explore the town without rushing. Even if you decide to come only for one day in the city, dedicate at least a whole day, so that you can experience the town both in the morning and in the evening.
4-5 days- With 4-5 days, you can enjoy all that Colmar has to offer more leisurely and also take day trips to nearby Alsace villages such as Eguisheim, Riquewihr and Kaysersberg, also beautifully decorated at Christmas time. This will allow you a deeper exploration of the delights of the area, wine tasting and perhaps some hiking in the Vosges if the weather permits.
a week or more If you have a week or more, you can immerse yourself in the full splendor of the Alsace region. Visit the Strasbourg Christmas market (one of the oldest in Europe), explore the Chateau du Haute-Königsberg, and even cross the border to visit Freiburg in Germany or Basel in Switzerland.
Getting around in the town
The town is small enough to explore on foot, but there is a local bus service for longer distances and nearby towns.
sleeping places
Book early: Hotels and guesthouses can fill up quickly during the Christmas season, so booking well in advance is highly recommended.
Location: staying in or near the old city will keep you close to the markets and the main sites.
Christmas markets
Dates: The markets usually operate from the end of November to the end of December, while in 2023 the updated dates are 23.11 to 29.12
Opening hours: The markets are usually open from late morning until around 19pm, although they may stay open later on weekends and as Christmas approaches.
Food
Reservations: Restaurants can be very busy during this period, so it is recommended to make a reservation in advance, especially for dinner.
Shopping
Local Crafts: Christmas markets are great for finding local crafts, Christmas decorations and regional products.
Sundays: Remember that in France, many shops are closed on Sundays, although during the Christmas period, some may be open.
Bottom line, as we finish our festive frolic through Colmar's Christmas charms, remember: if you leave without trying some vin shu (mulled wine) or purchasing a local Christmas trinket, have you even been to Colmar? So whether you're off to explore all the colorful Christmas markets or you're more into glittering historical monuments, the Alsatian Wonderland offers a picturesque winter adventure you'll never forget. So stock up on warm warm clothing, practice your bonjours and au revoirs, and prepare for a festive encounter with Christmas itself.
