The Colmar Christmas Market runs from November 23 to December 29, 2026, with the gourmet market open until January 3, 2027. Six separate markets fill Colmar's historic old town — from the grand chalets of Place des Dominicains to the children's market in Little Venice — each with its own atmosphere. Below, you'll find opening times, parking, shuttle routes to nearby villages, and everything else you need to plan your visit.
Our complete guide to visiting the Colmar Christmas Market in 2026:
- Colmar's 6 Christmas markets
- Events not to miss at the Colmar Christmas Market
- Christmas markets to see around Colmar
- Christmas market shuttles in Colmar
- Colmar Christmas Market FAQ
Visiting the Colmar Christmas Market: Everything You Need to Know
The magic of Christmas in Colmar can be felt from the end of November onwards. In the heart of the historic setting of the old town, you'll be enchanted by the rows of houses and stores decked out in magnificent decorations, immersing you in the magical world of Santa's village. To make sure you don't miss any important events during your visit to the Colmar Christmas markets, you'll find all our tips on things not to miss at the Colmar Christmas market.
The 6 Christmas Markets in Colmar in 2026
Colmar has a very intimate and authentic atmosphere, ideal for soaking up the Christmas spirit in the run-up to the festive season. Colmar's Christmas Markets feature 6 markets throughout the town. As night falls, you can take advantage of the twinkling lights present throughout the town, which will guide you from one Christmas market to another.
To help you prepare for your visit to the Colmar Christmas market, we've put together all the practical information you need to visit each of the 6 markets. You can also consider planning this trip with Away.ai.
1. Colmar Christmas Market at Place des Dominicains
Colmar's biggest Christmas market is at the Place des Dominicains at the foot of the church. When night falls, this market takes on an incredible dimension, with the church lit up with a thousand lights. More than sixty small chalets are on site, offering visitors mulled wine with Alsatian spices, Christmas specialities, gift ideas and sumptuous Christmas decorations.
- What we love: the medieval atmosphere
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.
- Where: Place des Dominicains.
The gift to bring back: give the gift of a Christmas bauble from the famous Meisenthal crystal works. The glassworks created the very first glass Christmas baubles. Each year, the number of baubles created is limited.
2. Old Customs House Christmas Market
Colmar's Ancienne Douane Christmas Market has a very special charm. With just over 50 chalets set up around the Schwendi Fountain and the medieval architecture of the Koïfhus, this Christmas market has a very special atmosphere.
- What we love: the renaissance staircase of the Koïfhus blends perfectly with the Christmas atmosphere.
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.
- Where: Place de l'Ancienne Douane.
3. Colmar's Artisans' Christmas Market in the Heart of the Koïfhus
Just a stone's throw from the Christmas market on Old Customs Square, you'll find Colmar's only indoor Christmas market. This indoor Christmas market in the heart of the Koïfhus building, is home to many local creators and craftsmen who will be delighted to show you their skills, as well as offering fabulous gift ideas for Christmas.
- What we love: the handcrafted treasures to be found at this market.
- Don't miss: the Décapole hall.
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.
- Where: Koïfhur.
4. Colmar's Children's Christmas Market in Little Venice
Located on the Place des Six Montagnes Noires, the Christmas Market in Colmar's Little Venice is dedicated to children. Here, you'll find a mix of small chalets and attractions such as the famous wooden horse carousel, but also the starting point for discovering this district of Colmar by boat with your children. You can also pay a visit to Saint Nicolas, who has set up his temporary home at the heart of this market.
With its mechanical crib, merry-go-rounds, treats and original activities, this is a not-to-be-missed market in Colmar for young and old alike.
Send your letter to Santa: if you haven't already done so, you can post your Christmas list in Santa's giant letterbox.
- What we love: an ideal place for families.
- Don't miss: take a photo in Saint Nicholas's house.
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.
- Where: Place des 6 Montagnes Noires.
5. Joan of Arc Sqaure Christmas market
On a square surrounded by traditional half-timbered houses, Colmar's Christmas market on Joan of Arc Sqaure will give you the impression of being in the heart of a small Alsatian village. In this intimate atmosphere, you'll be able to sample many authentic products from the region such as Christmas bredele, a tray of Spaetzles and other sauerkraut to be enjoyed in a traditional atmosphere.
- What we love: the Christmas market in Colmar if you're feeling peckish.
- Don't miss: the cookie cutter stands for homemade Bredelas.
- Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 7pm, Friday to Sunday 10am to 8pm.
- Where: Joan of Arc Square
The Colmar Gourmet Christmas Market
This Christmas village in the heart of Colmar is dedicated to gourmet cuisine. At the heart of this Colmar Christmas market, 9 master chefs from the region will scent you with the savory smells of their refined dishes. In this market, you'll find plates to taste or take away to enjoy in the comfort of your hotel.
From Christmas specialities such as oysters and Foie Gras to typical Alsatian dishes, you'll travel through the flavours on offer in each of these chalets.
- What we love: the Ferris wheel to admire the city and the illuminated Christmas markets.
- Don't miss: the cooking shows, with renowned chefs cooking for you in the heart of the gourmet market.
- Opening times: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 10pm.
- Where: Rue de la Montagne Verte.
Events Not to Miss When Visiting the Colmar Christmas Market
The city of Colmar is keen to bring its downtown area to life during the festive season, and to offer visitors unique experiences during their stay in Colmar. If you're still unsure about the dates you'd like to visit the Colmar Christmas market, don't hesitate to consult the Calendar of Colmar events in December.
Colmar's ephemeral ice rink
Located on Place Rapp, Colmar's pop-up ice rink is surrounded by numerous fir trees, giving you the impression of skating in the heart of a forest. With more than 800 m2 of ice and a host of activities including Christmas carols and the visit of Saint Nicolas, this is a unique place to spend a few hours during your visit to the Colmar Christmas market.
-
- When: not yet announced.
- Price: admission €2.50 + skate rentals (€2.50)
- Where: Place Rapp.
Children sing Christmas carols on boats
In the heart of the Petite Venise district, on certain days of the week (usually Wednesdays and Saturdays), children from Colmar's schools sing traditional Christmas carols from illuminated boats. It's a unique, heart-warming experience that will make your visit to the Colmar Christmas Market unforgettable.
- When: not yet announced.
- Price: free
- Where: from Pont Turenne to Quai de la Poissonnerie.
What Christmas Markets to Visit Next to the Colmar Christmas market?
The town of Colmar boasts one of the biggest Christmas markets in France, but it's also surrounded by numerous small villages, which also boast some of the most authentic Christmas markets in an enchanting setting. If you'd like to enjoy a longer stay in Alsace, we recommend visiting several of these little markets during your stay.
Top Christmas Markets Around Colmar
The Alsace region boasts a high concentration of Christmas markets, and among them surely the most beautiful Christmas markets in France. From Colmar, you can easily reach the following Christmas markets:
- Kaysersberg - weekends only, from Nov 27 to Dec 20, 2026 (11km - 22 minutes by car): a Christmas market at the foot of a castle, open Friday to Sunday only.
- Eguisheim - from Nov 20 to Dec 27, 2026 (7km - 15 minutes by car): one of the most authentic Christmas markets around Colmar.
- Riquewihr - from Nov 27 to Dec 20, 2026 (13km - 25 minutes by car): its half-timbered houses and Christmas market will transport you to the heart of a Christmas story.
- Ribeauvillé - weekends only, Dec 5-6 and Dec 12-13, 2026 (16km - 25 minutes by car): an original medieval Christmas market not to be missed.
Shuttles to Christmas Markets around Colmar
The city of Colmar and its surrounding area want to make all the region's Christmas markets accessible to everyone, without having to take your car. So you can take a Christmas shuttle from Colmar to the small villages of Kaysersberg; Riquewhir, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Turckheim, Munster and Neuf-Brisach.
The shuttles run between 9:30am and 9pm for most (times vary depending on the line). Tickets cost €8 from Monday to Thursday and €15 from Friday to Sunday and are valid for the whole day on all Christmas shuttle routes. Tickets can be purchased at tourist offices in the Colmar region, at shuttle stops and on the Christmas shuttle website.
- line 1: Colmar - Kaysersberg - Riquewihr - Ribeauvillé
- line 2: Colmar - Ribeauvillé - Riquewihr - Kaysersberg
- line 3: Colmar - Eguisheim
- line 4: Colmar - Turckheim - Munster
- line 5: Colmar - Neuf-Brisach
FAQ Special Colmar Christmas Market
1. When does the Colmar Christmas Market start in 2026?
The market runs from November 23 to December 29, 2026. The gourmet market on Place de la Cathédrale stays open until January 3, 2027.
2. How many Christmas markets are there in Colmar?
Six, all within walking distance in the historic old town: Place des Dominicains, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, the Koïfhus indoor craft market, the children's market in Little Venice, Place Jeanne d'Arc, and the gourmet market.
3. Where can I park for the Colmar Christmas Market?
Covered parking is available near the old town (Parking de la Mairie, Saint-Josse, Rapp, Montagne Verte), or use the Park & Ride at the Parc des Expositions on weekends, with a shuttle into the centre.
4. Is the Colmar Christmas Market open on Christmas Day?
Yes, stalls are open on December 25 and 26, typically from 11am to 7pm, though hours can vary by market; confirm closer to the date.
5. Can I visit other Alsace Christmas markets from Colmar?
Yes, seasonal shuttle buses run from Colmar to Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, Eguisheim, Turckheim, Munster, and Neuf-Brisach.
Experience Colmar Christmas Markets with Experiencegift
Visiting the Colmar Christmas Market is a unique experience. Giving a loved one the chance to escape into a magical world is one of the best gifts you could give them. With an Experiencegift card, you're not limited to one type of trip, your recipient can choose exactly how they want to experience Colmar and beyond. They can put it toward a:
- Hotel stay — over 750,000 hotels worldwide, including plenty in and around Colmar
- Flight — to get there in the first place
- Train journey — Colmar's own station connects easily via Strasbourg
- Activity — for something to do once they've had their fill of mulled wine
Valid indefinitely, the recipient can redeem their Experiencegift card whenever they're ready to plan their trip. You can personalize the card with a photo and a personal message, and choose from multiple delivery options, the cardboard gift card is by far our favorite if you want to give something that feels like an occasion.