The Alsace region is one of the best winter destinations with a real festive atmosphere and Colmar in particular has been considered to own the best Christmas market in Europe and it still is one of the best you will ever visit. Spending a Christmas in Colmar has been on my bucket list for years, so.. last Christmas my boyfriend surprised me with a visit at this fairytale town in France.
This area has a few villages you can visit, Strasbourg, Colmar, Eguisheim and Riquewihr. All of them are very festive, with mesmerising Christmas decorations, that add a magical touch. I didn´t had enough time to visit all of them and spent my time only in Colmar.
In my opinion, it was much more magical and charming. It is so picturesque with all the cute buildings and intimate Christmas Markets. Here’s a little guide to show you all the amazing Christmassy things you can do, along with the best markets to visit, where to find the best spots for pictures and more.
how to get to Colmar
Colmar is just about an hour from the world-famous Strasbourg Christmas markets on one side and the city of Basel on the other. If you are coming to Colmar from Basel, then you can take the French railway company and you can buy your train tickets on their website or at the train station, or if you don´t want to go there by train, there is a direct bus.
COLMAR
Colmar is this medieval gem and with not doubt the most enchanting town I’ve ever visited. This town, renowned as the crown jewel of the Alsace region, is a dream come true for Christmas lovers, exquisite cuisine and jaw-dropping scenery.
Its streets are a kaleidoscope of color, with half-timbered houses, I fell in love with all the Christmas details, the buildings adorned with cute teddy bears, Christmas trees and something else that took me by surprise, here you will see more dogs than any place, I have never imagined that Colmar is so pet friendly. You can see all over people walking their dogs in a leash or a stroller. It feels amazing, specially when you are an animal lover.
MAINSON DITE AU PÈLERIN
Maison dite “au Pèlerin” it’s one of those places that’s all over Instagram and of course it’s the spot that you first want to see when you get here. At this place because is so famous you should get ready for the crowds. I coudn´t take any decent photo the day I arrived, so next morning before sunrise I was the first one at the spot and no one was around. If you are here before 9 AM you can take pictures without people in it.
During the festive season, the building is adorned with absolutely stunning decorations and place a Christmas tree out front, making it the perfect spot for photos.
PETITE VENISE, CHILDREN´S MARKET
Not far away from Maison dite au Pèlerin, there is the Children’s Market in Colmar’s picturesque Little Venice area. But, don’t let the name fool you, you can have just as much fun there as an adult!
We just wondered along the cobblestone streets lining the canals. My favourite spot here was the covered market hall full of vendors selling all kinds of foods and Christmas decorations. It’s a great place to grab some breakfast or a snack while you watch the doggies passing by, people walking and enjoying the beauty of the place. The Petite Venise neighbourhood itself is absolutely breathtaking.
AU VIEUX PIGNON
It’s right in the middle of Colmar, exactly where all the Christmas markets and tourist spots meet. So, as you can guess, it was the busiest place out of all those we visited. It was impossible to take a picture without people in it. So I came here early the next morning to snap some shoots without people in it. And at this place it seems that everyone had the same idea, but I still managed to get some nice shoots.
Located next to the Place de l’Ancienne Douane Christmas Market is the Koifus Christmas Market in Colmar, this market is actually located inside the 15th-century Customs House (or Koifus). What makes this particular market unique, apart from being a great place to warm up on chilly days, is that it is where many local artisans sell their crafts.
Whether you need to buy you can find it in here, you want mug, or piece of artwork, or hand-made ornament, you’ll be able to find that and more at this market.
where to eat
You better come hungry to the Colmar Christmas market, because here you will have a taste of traditional Alsatian cuisine that consists of a blend of heavy french and german food which is fun to try. Here are a few fantastic restaurants that are serious must-try’s when in Colmar.
Restaurant L’Epicurien:
This is an essential holiday treat in the Alsace, especially at the Colmar Alsace Christmas markets! They have a mid sized menu with many traditional options, but with tasty vegetarian dishes too, like the delicious asparagus salad, which is a must try.
Boulangerie L’artisan:
This might look like a cliche, but you must try a good patisserie while in France, so I recommend getting your morning baguette or croissant. Then buy a hot coffee with milk and enjoy your French lifestyle.
Brasserie de Tanneurs:
This one at first look will impress you with the precious decor. Everyone here is particularly welcoming and I felt like my waiter went out of his way to be friendly. Yes, you can actually find foie gras for sale in the middle of the market as well as other pates.
is Colmar worth visiting for Christmas?
You want to know what my honest opinion is? Well.. Colmar is a dream destination for anyone who loves Christmas. It’s a place that captures the essence of the holidays, where every corner is a postcard scene. This definitely was a Christmas experience. Christmas in Colmar feels like stepping into a fairytale. I loved everything there, the cute decorated houses, cobblestone streets, cozy cafés and the Christmas Markets.
However, this magical town has the Christmas atmosphere we all are looking for, it can get quite busy the more Christmas Day approach. The crowds may lessen the charm for many travellers. As much as I adored my days in Colmar, I wouldn’t necessarily visit every year.
Madeleine 𓇼 