FRANCE CHRISTMAS MARKETS: COLMAR

Colmar’s Christmas Market dates have not yet been announced.

Market Hours: TBA

Colmar has amazing Christmas markets that rival those of Strasbourg. The markets here have a magical, fairy-tale-like atmosphere, with the city’s medieval architecture and winding streets providing the perfect backdrop for holiday festivities. The streets are lined with twinkling lights, and you’ll find an abundance of local Alsatian treats and handcrafted gifts. Colmar’s markets are smaller than Strasbourg’s but are just as delightful, offering a cozy and more intimate experience.

Here are the main markets in Colmar:

• Marché de Noel (Main Christmas Market) – This is the largest and most famous Christmas market in Colmar, set in the heart of the city around the Place des Dominicains. With around 50 stalls, it offers a mix of food, decorations, and crafts. You’ll find classic Alsatian specialties like mulled wine, gingerbread, and local sausages. The atmosphere here is magical, with the old town and its timber-framed houses creating a fairytale-like backdrop.

• Marché de Noel de la Place Jeanne d’Arc – Set in the lovely Place Jeanne d’Arc, this market focuses on more artisanal goods, offering handcrafted toys, jewelry, and ornaments. It’s perfect for finding unique gifts and enjoying the festive decorations around the square.

• Marché de Noel de la Petite Venise – This market is located in the picturesque “Little Venice” district of Colmar, which is known for its canals and colorful houses. The market here has a more tranquil feel and focuses on handmade crafts, local food, and traditional Alsatian products. It’s an ideal spot to wander through while enjoying the charm of the neighborhood.

• Marché de Noel des Enfants (Children’s Christmas Market) – This is the perfect spot for families. Located near the Place de la Cathédrale, this market is filled with fun activities for kids, including workshops, games, and a carousel. It’s a festive, family-friendly space where children can enjoy making crafts or visiting Santa.

• Marché de Noel du Koifhus – Held at the historic Koifhus (a former customs house), this market offers a variety of regional specialties and local goods. It’s a great place to explore for local products and to enjoy the festive spirit while surrounded by Colmar’s medieval architecture.

Recommended Accommodations:

• Hotel Le Colombier is a charming hotel just a short walk from the heart of Colmar, perfect for exploring the Christmas markets. It’s set in a lovely area with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.

Restaurant Recommendation:

• Restaurant La Soi is a cozy spot that serves up delicious Alsatian dishes, like choucroute and tartes flambées (they also have a good selection of wines). The atmosphere is warm and rustic, with wooden beams and a friendly vibe.

Here is a list of restaurants open on Christmas: Shared with you – OneDrive

Arrival & Location:

During the Christmas season, downtown Colmar is closed to vehicles to make it easier for visitors to access the Christmas markets. If you’re arriving by train, it’s super convenient—just take a short walk from Colmar’s train station to the city center, which only takes about 10-15 minutes.

For those driving, there are five parking garages around the city where you can park your car. These garages are within walking distance of the Christmas markets and make it easy to explore the town. The garages are:

1. Parking de la Gare (near the train station)
2. Parking Rapp (close to the city center)
3. Parking Poterne
4. Parking Unterlinden
5. Parking Saint-Joseph

Once you’ve parked, just enjoy the stroll through Colmar’s charming streets to the markets! The pedestrian-friendly city center makes it easy to get around.

Accessibility:

Colmar is generally accessible for people with disabilities, but there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting the Christmas markets. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

• Parking: There are accessible parking spaces available in several parking garages around the city, such as Parking de la Gare (near the train station) and Parking Rapp (close to the city center). These are just a short walk away from the Christmas market areas.
• Pedestrian Zones: The Christmas markets are set up in pedestrian-only zones, which makes it easier to get around. However, some of the streets are cobblestone, which can be tricky for wheelchair users or those with limited mobility. The city has made efforts to improve access, but be prepared for a bumpy path in certain spots.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: Most of the main market areas, like around Place des Dominicains and Place Jeanne d’Arc, are accessible, with ramps and wide walkways. Many of the larger stalls are designed to accommodate wheelchairs, though some of the smaller, more tucked-away spots might be harder to access.
• Public Transport: Colmar’s public transportation system is also accessible. The buses are wheelchair-friendly, and if you’re traveling from the train station or a nearby parking garage, public transport is a good option for getting around the city. Keep in mind that Colmar is a relatively small city, so walking is often the easiest way to explore the markets.

Holiday Events:

In addition to the markets, Colmar also features an ice-skating rink, a ferris wheel, and light displays around the city. Kids can visit Santa and take a photo with him. This quaint destination offers an intimate and magical place to enjoy the holiday season!

Website:

La Magie de Noël à Colmar – Colmar…the magic of Christmas