The Christmas markets 2018 will start officially in Colmar Nov. 23, 2018 and will welcome you every day until late December, 31.
Colmar is located in the very center of Alsace, a mere 10 kilometers away from the Alsace wine hills.
Colmar and its surroundings has a sunny microclimate and is the second driest city in France, with an annual precipitation of just 550 mm, making it ideal for Alsace wine. It is considered the capital of the Alsatian wine region.
Colmar has also the second largest Christmas market in Alsace after Strasbourg. Here are some new pictures taken last year.
Looking for a beautiful accommodation? Colmar is only a 20 minutes drive from our holiday apartments at les Remparts de Riquewihr.
Every year I pay several visits to this charming city of Colmar for the Christmas markets. Year after year, the romantic atmosphere of its Christmas markets never fades away.
First of all Colmar is a wonderful city for shopping and deserves a long visit during the Christmas period.
The city organises several Christmas villages within its historical center. A large number of Christmas related events (concerts and exhibitions) take place every year.
5 Christmas markets in 5 different locations in the historical city.
Ideally placed in a very romantic setting, the five Christmas markets of Colmar allow you to enjoy a unique atmosphere and discover at the same time the magnificent architectural heritage of the city of Colmar.
Like a magic brush, light highlights and magnifies the city, bringing a wealth of architectural detail enhancement
Alongside the Christmas decorations, more than 1,150 light spots, computer-controlled through the optical fiber cable network are cleverly scattered throughout the city and thus allow (all year round and not just during the Christmas festivities), an original focus on the architectural treasures of the city and its heritage, ranging in intensity and color. Like a magic brush, light highlights and magnifies the city, bringing a wealth of architectural detail enhancement.
Colmar was the first city in France to set up a lighting plan of this scale, originally designed for the Christmas markets but finally implemented throughout the year, due to its huge success.
Going for a stroll at the Christmas markets.
In the end, there are 5 traditional Christmas markets located in the heart of Old Colmar. Each site has a different setting that gives each market identity and atmosphere of its own, full of history and romance. The houses were designed by architects and designers in an effort to perfect integration of the various places and by respecting the heritage that surrounds them.
The little houses were designed by architects and designers.
These little cottages – which are no log cabins – give each small market the appearance of a mini-village where it is pleasant to stroll with family or friends.
Christmas market at the Dominicans square
I love this place and its Christmas market. The tall figure of the Church of the Dominicans led by the illuminated stained glass gives it a particular solemnity. The cottages that are nestled along the church form with those on the opposite side, a pretty square where you really get the feeling of being in a small town straight out of a fairy tale. And some years, when snow covers the roofs, it’s simply magical!
At the Old Customs
The market square with its magnificent Old Customs Building (Koïfhus in Alsatian language) is vast and varied. Inside the Koïfhus, the rooms (including the prestigious Hall of the Decapolis) present crafts of ancient or contemporary Alsatian art.
Christmas market at the Jeanne d’Arc’s Square
The Christmas market at the Jeanne d’Arc’s square is the meeting place for gourmets of all ages. It is especially offering products of Alsace.
You have to taste this traditional drink. It will warm you up!
And for the younger ones…
Practical Info
Colmar christmas markets from November 20, 2015 to 31st December
Opening hours:
from Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 7pm
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 9pm
24.12: 10am to 5pm
25.12: 2pm to 7pm.
31.12: 10am to 5pm
On weekends, use the P+R service to the city center
During the Christmas Markets, the city center of Colmar is closed to all vehicles on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 to 20:00.
In this context, parking and free shuttles are available from the Exhibition Park (location of the parking) to the city center.
Parking opening hours : From Saturday 8:00 am to Sunday 10:00 pm
Shuttles information :
Saturday : from 9:30 am to 11:30 pm
Last shuttle from the city to the exhibition park : 11:30 pm
From the Parc des Expositions (Avenue de la Foire aux Vins), shuttle drop off every 10 minutes, 5 minutes walk from the first Christmas market (Place Scheurer Kestner).
Days and times of the Park and Ride service:
Saturdays from 9:30 am. to 11 pm.: Departure every 10 minutes – every 20 minutes from 21:30
Sundays from 9:30 am. to 8:30 pm.: Departure every 10 minutes
Warning: the parking closes on Sunday at 21:00 pm
The official website of Christmas in Colmar, In English, with a lot of info, beautiful pictures and a calendar for all coming Christmas events.
This page is an initiative of Les Remparts de Riquewihr – luxury and romantic holiday homes in the heart of Alsace, France – ideal base to visit all of Alsace as well as nearby Germany and Switzerland.
Riquewihr and our holiday apartments are only 14 kilometers (9 miles) away from Colmar.
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