The first time I visited Colmar at Christmas was in 2018.
I remember wandering around without much of a plan, stopping whenever something looked pretty, finding somewhere to eat when we got hungry. It was easy, really.
When I got back in 2024, I expected it to be the same. In some ways, it was. The magic was still there and it got even better.
But there was one big difference: everyone else, the entire Europe and not only, had discovered it too.
Colmas has become incredibly popular at Cristmas, and sadly, just showing up and improvising… it’s not enough anymore.
Where you park, when you arrive, where you eat but more important, WHEN you visit, cand make a huge difference to your day.
So is it still worth visiting in 2026? Ofcourse! It’s still one of my favourite Christmas destinations in France. It just needs a bit of planning.
This article will help you do just that! We will talk parking hacks, the best photo spots, places to eat…. and even where to pee! Here we go!
Why Colmar is One of the Best Christmas Markets in France
Colmar isn’t just beautiful and it’s consistently ranked among the top Christmas markets in France, and for good reason.
The entire old town transforms into a festive labyrinth of chalets, twinkling windows, and fairy lights that follow you through cobbled alleys and canals.
Located in Alsace, northeastern France, Colmar is right between Strasbourg and Mulhouse, and just a short drive from the German border.
I love that blend of French and German traditions because it makes it possbile to taste both types of food and see it in the decor.
If you’re doing a Christmas market road trip, here are a few nearby ones to pair with Colmar:
- Eguisheim – just 15 minutes away, smaller and cozier (you can visit both in one day)
- Riquewihr and Kaysersberg – two postcard villages with dreamy markets
- Strasbourg – the “Capital of Christmas,” less than an hour away
When is the Christmas market in Colmar opening in 2026?
Dates: November 26 / 28 for some stalls – December 30, 2026
- Monday to Thursday: 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
- Friday to Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, 24 December: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday, 25 December: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, 26 December: 1110:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Gourmet Market + Ferris Wheel
📍 Plateau sportif de la Montagne Verte
🕒 Open every day until early January: 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
🚨 Exception on 31 December: closes at 5:00 p.m.
This section is perfect if you’re craving a late-night snack or want to squeeze in one more ride above the rooftops before calling it a night.
Keep in mind that the markets close exactly at the scheduled time for security reasons. The french are not flexible about that! Check out the times on the official website.
When to Visit: Daylight vs. Evening
Do both if you can. Trust me.
During the day, you’ll actually see the colorful details on the timbered houses — especially around Rue Turenne and La Petite Venise, which is that ultra-famous corner with the reflections on the canal (La Lauch is the name of that little river, by the way).
Then stay until evening, because when the lights switch on, it feels like someone waved a magic wand. The whole town glows !
Is Colmar Christmas market crowded?
But also? It’s busy. Really busy.
There’s a reason this place is famous.
So if you’re thinking of popping by for just an hour or two, scrap that plan.
Give yourself 5–6 hours to see it properly — and to stop every 10 steps for a photo. You’ll need it.
How to come and where to park in Colmar
The essiest way to come here is with your own car. Use DiscoverCars or RentalCar to compare prices. (We always use one of these websites for our trips).
BUT leave the car outside the town if possible!
If you are travelling without one, there are tour options from Strasbourg. I recommend this one.
To find a parking spot, the eassiest way to try is to go to Parc des Expositions and use the Park&ride option. It is connected to the town centre by shuttle buses. This way you’ll avoid all the crowds in the historical center town.
Side note: Other lots exist, but they’re smaller and fill up quickly. This one’s central, reliable, and walkable.
Where to take That Insta-Worthy Shot
Here are the most photogenic corners that you shouldn’t miss (click on the names for the Google Maps location):
- Place de l’Ancienne Douane – Look for the pink house! Super cute from all angles.
- La Petite Venise – The one everyone wants. Head to the bridge over Rue Turenne for the iconic view.
- Rue des Marchands – Charming during the day, pure magic at night with the string lights.
- Place Jeanne d’Arc – Often less crowded and full of market chalets with Alsatian charm.
Tip: Go early in the day if you want emptier streets in your photos. Otherwise, embrace the cozy chaos.
What to Eat Without Sitting Down
Honestly? Don’t waste time on a sit-down restaurant if you’re only here for the market.
There are food stalls everywhere and it all smells amazing.
Some things to grab on the go:
- Tartes flambées (like pizza, but Alsatian)
- Choucroute sandwiches (trust me on this one)
- Raclette and fondue of course!
- Roasted chestnuts
- Bretzels (the big, salty kind)
- Local pastries and spiced biscuits
If you’re craving something sweet and special, head to La Cure Gourmande. They make those fluffy marshmallow-filled cookies in all kinds of flavors — yes, they’re pricey, but worth it.
Where to stay
My top choice is always the Hotel Le Colombier, just because it’s beautiful, has that french vibe and it’s so well located within the town. If someone asks, I always give them this one! You can check out their photos here.
What you need to know about Colmar is that it books out really, really fast. That’s because it’s a small town and one of the most popular Christmas markets in all of France.
If you want to stay here, you need to book in advance. I didn’t stay in all the hotels here to help you choose. That’s impossible !
But you can use my map to compare the prices. Just click on it and it will show you all the best prices, comparing multiple websites out there. Let me know how it went!
What Souvenirs to Buy at the Colmar Christmas Market
If you’re like me and love to bring home a little piece of each place you visit, Colmar’s market is perfect for souvenir hunting.
The chalets are packed with locally made goodies — a lot less “mass-produced Eiffel Tower keychain” (even though I’d buy one if I visited Paris for Christmas for the first time!!) and more “hand-painted ornaments and cinnamon-scented memories.”
Here are a few things worth looking out for:
- Hand-carved wooden decorations (especially those in Alsatian folk style)
- Local honey and artisanal jams
- Spiced biscuits and pain d’épices in festive tins
- Christmas tree ornaments (each one prettier than the last)
- Pottery and ceramics from nearby Soufflenheim
- Small bottles of Alsace wine or liqueurs like eau-de-vie
But my favorite souvenir of all is the reusable plastic mulled wine cup!
I now have 3 of them : one from my first-ever visit back in 2018, another from 2024 and a third from 2025.
They change the design every year, which makes them kind of collectible. Super practical, super cute, and every time I open my kitchen drawer and see them, I get an instant Christmas mood boost.
Tip: Buy your vin chaud, keep the cup, and take it home — it’s the easiest souvenir ever (and it’s already in your hand).
So… Is Colmar’s Market Worth the Hype?
Yes, but please come prepared.
It’s not one of those quiet, under-the-radar markets. It’s full-on Christmas central and just as famous as the Strasbourg one. I even compared the both of them, if you’re still in doubt about them.
People come from all over Europe, and it can feel overwhelming at times. But if you give yourself time, dress warm, and go in with the right expectations, it’s the kind of place you’ll remember forever.
Add Eguisheim into the mix if you want a calmer contrast (we did both in one day and it worked beautifully). And remember: comfy shoes and patience are your best travel accessories here.
