Colmar Christmas Market
The Magic of Christmas in the Capital of Alsace Wines
About Christmas in Colmar
Six Markets for a Christmas Fairytale
The Colmar Christmas Market is not just one site: it unfolds across six distinct markets, each with its own atmosphere and specialty, spread throughout the city's magnificent historic center. From Place des Dominicains to Place de l'Ancienne Douane, via Place Jeanne d'Arc and the Petite Venise district, every corner of the old town is adorned with enchanting lights and decorations.
Petite Venise, Jewel of the Holidays
The Petite Venise district is undoubtedly the most magical setting for the Colmar Christmas markets. The colorful half-timbered houses are reflected in the waters of the Lauch, while illuminated boats glide gently along the water, accompanied by traditional Alsatian Christmas carols. The Gourmet Market, located nearby on Place des Six Montagnes Noires, offers regional culinary specialties: bredele, gingerbread, mulled wine, and other seasonal delights.
Unique Heritage Magnified by the Holidays
Colmar boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers in Alsace, with its medieval streets, Renaissance houses, and picturesque squares. During the Christmas season, this exceptional heritage is enhanced by magical illuminations that adorn every facade, every alley, and every fountain. The city has been repeatedly voted among the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe by travelers from all over the world.
Craftsmanship, Gastronomy, and Traditions
The six markets host hundreds of chalets offering quality artisanal creations: hand-blown Christmas decorations, wooden toys, Alsatian pottery, jewelry, textiles, and art objects. Place Jeanne d'Arc stands out for its offering of Alsatian local products: charcuterie, cheeses, gingerbread, Alsace wines, and brandies. The indoor market of the Koïfhus, in the Old Customs House, houses art artisans in a remarkable 15th-century architectural setting.
Activities and Events
Throughout the season, Colmar offers a rich program of activities: Advent concerts in churches, children's shows, carriage rides, a Ferris wheel offering a panoramic view of the illuminated city, and the traditional arrival of Saint Nicholas. The Christmas carols sung from the boats in Petite Venise remain one of the most moving moments of the season.
Christmas in Colmar — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the Colmar Christmas Market will be held from November 23 to December 29, 2026 in the historic center of the capital of Alsace wines. Its six thematic markets will offer crafts, Alsatian gastronomy, entertainment, and magical illuminations in the heart of the old town and the enchanted Petite Venise district. The gourmet market and the Ferris wheel extend the festivities until January 3, 2027.
Six Markets Spread Throughout the Historic Center
For 2026, the magic of Christmas unfolds across six distinct markets, each with its own atmosphere and specialty:
- Place des Dominicains — the historic market at the foot of the Gothic Église des Dominicains.
- Place de l'Ancienne Douane (Koïfhus) — crafts and seasonal products in the heart of the old town.
- Place Jeanne d'Arc — Alsatian local products: cold cuts, cheeses, gingerbread, wines, and brandies.
- Artisans' Christmas Market — Au Koïfhus — an indoor market bringing together art artisans in the Renaissance setting of the Ancienne Douane.
- Children's Christmas Market — Petite Venise — along the Lauch, in the city's most magical setting.
- Gourmet Market — Montagne Verte — nine stalls, nine chefs, from oysters to Alsatian specialties (open until January 3, 2027).
A Fairyland of Lights
From November 25 to December 29, the city center is closed to traffic during opening hours to facilitate access to the markets. Half-timbered facades, medieval alleys, and fountains are adorned with magical illuminations, while illuminated boats glide on the Lauch in Petite Venise to the sound of traditional Alsatian Christmas carols.
Advent Entertainment
Throughout the season: Advent concerts in churches, children's shows, horse-drawn carriage rides, a panoramic Ferris wheel, and the arrival of Saint Nicholas. The gourmet market and the Ferris wheel, located on Place Rapp, remain open daily until January 3, 2027.
Highlights Christmas in Colmar 2026
- Six Christmas markets spread throughout the historic center
- The magical Petite Venise district and its illuminated boats
- Gourmet market “9 stalls, 9 chefs” open until January 3, 2027
- Panoramic Ferris wheel on Place Rapp
- Illuminations, Advent concerts, and the arrival of Saint Nicholas
- Free admission to all markets
Prices Christmas in Colmar 2026
Practical information — Christmas in Colmar
Access
Colmar is located in the heart of Alsace, between Strasbourg (70 km) and Mulhouse (45 km). The city is accessible via the A35 motorway, by TGV (Colmar train station) and by plane via Bâle-Mulhouse-Fribourg airport (65 km).
- By car: Paid parking in the city centre (Mairie, Rapp, Gare/Bleylé, St Josse, Lacarre). Park & Ride at the Parc des Expositions (€3, weekends only) with a free shuttle to the centre.
- By train: Colmar SNCF train station is a 15-minute walk from the historic centre.
- Pedestrian zone: From November 25 to December 29, the city centre is closed to traffic during market opening hours.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 11 AM - 7 PM. Friday to Sunday: 10 AM - 8 PM. December 24: 11 AM - 5 PM. December 25: 10 AM - 7 PM. December 26: 10 AM - 8 PM. Gourmet market and Ferris wheel (Place Rapp): daily 11 AM - 10 PM until January 3, 2027 (December 31: closes at 5 PM).
Prices
Free admission to all markets.
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Where does it take place — Christmas in Colmar
Centre historique de Colmar
Place des Dominicains, Colmar, 68000 Colmar