Colmar's Christmas Markets, known as the Marchés de Noël de Colmar, are a collection of five thematic markets spread across the most picturesque neighbourhoods of this Alsatian town in the Grand Est region of France. Running from late November through January 1, the markets occupy some of the most visually striking settings in all of Alsace: the timber-framed streets of Petite Venise (Little Venice), Place des Dominicains, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, Place des Martyrs, and the area surrounding the Koïfhus (old customs house). Each market carries a distinct theme — artisan gifts, regional foods, children's activities, and a medieval-themed zone — creating a varied and immersive experience across a single walkable town centre.
Colmar's five markets are generally considered more intimate and less crowded than the larger Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik, while still offering a high-quality selection of regional crafts. Goods on offer include hand-dipped beeswax candles, carved nativity figurines, Alsatian textile embroideries, locally produced pottery, and gingerbread in elaborate decorative shapes. Food stalls serve tarte flambée (flammekueche), vin chaud, chestnut roasts, and seasonal Alsatian specialities throughout the day.
The quality of vendors is consistently high, with many stalls run by local artisans rather than commercial importers. The markets attract French and international visitors, particularly German and Swiss tourists crossing from across the Rhine. Prices align with regional norms: handmade ornaments start around €5–15, painted ceramics €10–30, and embroidered linens €20–60. Cash and card payments are both accepted at most stalls, though smaller vendors may prefer cash.
The medieval Koïfhus setting and the canal-lined Petite Venise quarter are the most photographed sections of the market, drawing queues of visitors in the evenings when the illuminations are most striking. Weekday afternoons between 14:00 and 17:00 offer the calmest shopping conditions. The proximity of the five markets means all can be visited in a single half-day walk through Colmar's largely pedestrianised historic centre.
Location
Place des Dominicains, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, 68000 Colmar
48.0794, 7.3558 View on map
Highlights
- Five thematically distinct markets spread across Colmar's most scenic medieval and timber-framed quarters
- Petite Venise canal setting provides one of the most photogenic Christmas market backdrops in France
- High proportion of local Alsatian artisan vendors selling handmade candles, nativity figurines, and embroideries
- Traditional food offer including tarte flambée, vin chaud, chestnut roasts, and decorative gingerbread
- More intimate atmosphere than Strasbourg's market, with lower crowd density on weekdays
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a weekday afternoon between 14:00 and 17:00 for the quietest conditions and most vendor attention
- The evening illuminations from around 17:00 make Petite Venise especially photogenic — visit after dark for the best views
- Comfortable, flat-soled footwear is recommended as cobblestone streets around the Koïfhus can be uneven
- Colmar is easily reached from Strasbourg by TER regional train in around 35 minutes — a straightforward day trip
- All five markets are walkable in a single half-day; combine with a visit to the Unterlinden Museum for a full-day itinerary
Frequently asked questions
How many Christmas markets are there in Colmar?
Colmar hosts five distinct Christmas markets, each with a different theme and location across the historic town centre, including Petite Venise, Place des Dominicains, Place de l'Ancienne Douane, Place des Martyrs, and the Koïfhus area.
Are Colmar's Christmas markets less crowded than Strasbourg's?
Colmar's markets tend to be more manageable in terms of crowd density, particularly on weekdays. However, weekends and the period from mid-December onward can be very busy, especially during evening illumination hours.
What is the entry fee for Colmar's Christmas markets?
Entry to all five Colmar Christmas markets is free of charge. Payment is only required when purchasing goods, food, or drinks at individual stalls.
When do Colmar's Christmas markets run?
The markets typically open in late November and run through January 1, operating daily from approximately 11:00 to 19:00. Exact dates and hours are published on the official Colmar tourism website.