Guide to the Christmas Markets 2024 in Colmar in the Alsace region, France, what to do, what to visit and typical French Christmas foods
The city of Colmar is already considered one of the most beautiful in the Alsace region of France! However, if we evaluate it with the decorations and festivities of its Christmas market, it will probably be the most beautiful.
Voted as one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, the city of Colmar, already known as “little Venice” due to the beauty of its canals, is a very popular destination for those who want to discover the wine route. It’s also an excellent round-trip tour if you’re visiting the city of Strasbourg, capital of the Alsace region, especially during the Christmas advent period.
In 2024, the Colmar Christmas markets, la Magie de Noël, will take place from November 26, 2024 to December 29, 2024 (check the official website for changes).
We have publications detailing Christmas markets in other countries and cities. Be sure to check:
- Christmas Markets 2024 in Germany- Calendar and Guide
- Best Christmas Markets in 2024 in Zurich, Switzerland
- Christmas 2024 at Disneyland Paris – Tips, hotel, itinerary, attractions, costs and meal plan
- Portugal Christmas Market in 2024 including Lisbon, Porto and other cities
- Christmas Markets 2024 in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria – Tips and Guide
How to go to the Christmas market 2024 in Colmar, France
The city of Colmar is located in Alsace close to the border with Germany. The best way to get to the city is by car, as the roads in the region are easy and very beautiful to drive, but there are also options for “round-trip” tours from cities like Strasbourg or even Zurich in Switzerland.
Some tips for guided itineraries and 1-day tours:
- Full-Day Alsace Highlights Tour from Strasbourg
- From Zurich: Full-Day Discover Basel & Colmar Private Tour
The Colmar Christmas market is actually divided into 6 Christmas markets, which take place in different parts of the city. On the official website of the Christmas party, Colmar La magie de Noel , you can find more information (in English), including schedule and details.
Map of Colmar’s six Christmas markets and other important points:
Visit Alsace villages from Colmar
Take advantage of your time in Colmar and travel towards the Alsace countryside to visit some of the most beautiful villages in the area. Discover Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Hunawihr with a guide.
Where to stay in Colmar in the Alsace region of France, including hotel and hostel
The city has some good accommodation options, some of them in restaurants with local food and wine.
See all options on the Booking.com website.
Booking.comWhat to do at the Christmas market 2024 in Colmar
As we wrote at the beginning of the publication, the city of Colmar is already beautiful in itself. Its tourist regions, such as Petit Venice with its canals and gondolas, the famous La Mansion des Têtes with its picturesque facade and its alleys with old half-timbered houses or even the Municipal Market with typical foods from the region, can also be visited during the holding Christmas markets.
Christmas Market in Colmar in the Alsace region of France – Guide 2024
Christmas traditions, celebrated in Alsace from Advent to Epiphany, take on a special dimension in Colmar.
The magic of Christmas in Colmar is first and foremost the atmosphere of its historic city illuminated and decorated like a fairy tale: a setting made magical by the Christmas illuminations which, during this festive period, integrate harmoniously with the exceptional lighting designed to promote heritage and which adorns the center of Colmar with a soft aura of light.
More specifically about Colmar’s Christmas markets, they are:
- Gourmet Market – Place de la Cathédrale : a Christmas market in Colmar for gourmands and gourmets where chefs and restaurant owners have stalls selling Alsatian specialties from starters to desserts.
- Place des Dominicains : market with more than 60 stalls located close to the Eglise des Dominicains , which lights up at night with its spectacular 14th-century stained glass windows, making this remarkable square even more impressive.
- Christmas Market for Children at Petite Venice : specially decorated for children, who can enjoy a hot apple juice, enjoy a horse ride or send their letter in Santa Claus’s giant box.
- Place de l’Ancienne Douane : in the heart of the old town, this square has around fifty stalls arranged around the Schwendi fountain in a Christmas market, which is on both sides of the river Lauch and extends to the balcony of the Koïfhus , has mainly craft stalls and traditional Christmas decorations
- Square Joan of Arc : this market recreates the atmosphere of a traditional Alsace village. Foie gras , cold meats, wine, liqueurs ( schnapps ), biscuits ( bredalas ) and many other temptations that can be tried.
- Indoor Crafts Market at Koïfhus : in this market you will be able to admire the creations of around twenty local artisans and women with specialties from potters, glass masters, cabinetmakers, wood carvers, hatters, jewelry makers and others who will be happy to share their passion with you . On the first floor, you can see the toy museum of the Musée du Jouet during the Christmas market period, including a large-scale electric train.
The official website of the Colmar Christmas Markets is https://noel-colmar.com/fr/marches-de-noel-de-colmar
Christmas tour offers in Colmar and the Alsace region in France
There are some guided tours with a Christmas theme in Colmar and the region, it’s worth researching.
Tips on what to eat at the Colmar Christmas market
Christmas in Europe, unlike Brazil, takes place in winter and is quite cold. A great excuse to indulge in typical foods from the Alsace region, such as Tarte Flambée , a very thin and crispy rectangular pastry normally topped with crème fraîche , thinly sliced onion and small slivers of bacon, Choucroute , the famous German fermented cabbage which can be served with sausage on a plate or on bread.
For dessert, we recommend the Pain de épices , very similar to our honey bread, but with more spices, one of the Bredeles de Noël , the region’s cookies in Christmas formats and recipes.
To accompany it, the tip is to drink a Vin Chaud , the mulled wine of European Christmas celebrations, which can be either white or red. And since you’re in one of the best regions in Europe when it comes to wine, don’t forget to have a glass of Pinot Blanc , Gewürztraminer or Pinot Noir . There is no shortage of good options for the most demanding of winemakers.
General international travel tips
For general travel tips, be sure to check out:
- The best Travel Quotes to motivate your trip on an adventure!
- Tips for using Google Flights and buying the best airfare
Where to travel next?
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