Christmas in Alsace: Experience the Magic of Christmas in Colmar and Strasbourg
Last Christmas, we took a magical road trip from Paris to Alsace—and trust me, Alsace lives up to the hype! From the moment we arrived in Colmar, we were swept away by the magical Christmas vibes and stunning festive decorations. This blog will guide you through the Christmas markets in Colmar and Strasbourg, covering everything you need to plan the perfect trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this region offers a unique holiday experience for everyone.
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How to Reach Alsace: Best Travel Options
Alsace isn’t just a city or town; it’s a charming region in northeastern France known for its rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and magical Christmas destinations. Reaching Alsace is easy with connections through Strasbourg, Colmar, or Mulhouse, or even nearby airports like Basel in Switzerland and Frankfurt in Germany. To dive deeper into the topic, read our full blog here.
Additionally, if you decide to explore Alsace by train or take a scenic road trip, you’ll find so much to enjoy. Don’t miss the famous Alsace Wine Route, which winds through stunning vineyards, picturesque villages, charming canals, and Christmas markets that make the region feel like a winter wonderland.
Where to stay in Alsace
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Where to Stay in Colmar to Enjoy the Christmas Markets
We stayed at the beautiful Hotel Turenne in Colmar, perfectly located just steps away from Colmar’s Little Venice. The hotel’s prime location made it an ideal base for exploring the area. Moreover, we took a scenic, toll-free drive from Paris to Colmar and found Colmar to be the perfect starting point for our trip. For tips on finding toll-free routes and the best scenic paths, check out our separate blog here.
In addition, our two-night stay at Hotel Turenne was fantastic. The stay included a delicious breakfast, and the staff were incredibly friendly, even helping us secure on-site parking. Since parking spaces are limited and available for an additional fee, it’s best to request parking in advance when booking.
Additional Options to Stay in Colmar Near the Christmas Markets
On the other hand, if you’re exploring other options, Colmar has a variety of serviced apartments and hotels near the city centre. Below are a few excellent choices conveniently located close to the heart of the city.
| Hotel Name | Distance from centre |
|---|---|
| Hotel Turenne | 0.5 miles |
| Grand Hôtel Bristol | 0.7 miles |
| PAUL & PIA – Welcome Home Hotel | 0.4 miles |
| Les Gites Du Retable | 150 yards |
| Colmar Suites – Résidence | 0.7 miles |
| B&B HOTEL Colmar Liberté 4 étoiles | 2.4 miles |
| James Boutique Hôtel Colmar centre | 0.3 miles |
| Hotel Le Colombier Suites | 0.4 miles |
| Djokovic’s Apartment | 200 yards |
| Au Bretzel Doré – Centre Historique | 300 yards |
| Paradiso | 300 yards |
| Suite Le splendide du centre historique avec climatisation | 150 yards |
Where to Stay in Strasbourg for the Best Christmas Market Experience
Although we based ourselves in Colmar and visited Strasbourg as a day trip, here’s a list of hotels in Strasbourg for your reference. These well-rated options are conveniently located near key attractions.
| Hotel Name | Distance from centre |
|---|---|
| Hôtel Tandem – Boutique Hôtel | 0.5 miles |
| BOMA easy living hotel | 300 yards |
| HANNONG Hotel & Wine Bar | 250 yards |
| Hôtel Régent Contades | 0.6 miles |
| Hôtel Gutenberg | 350 yards |
| Strasbourg Appart Cosy Hyper Centre | 0.4 miles |
| Mercure Strasbourg Centre Petite France | 0.4 miles |
| Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live | 350 yards |
| voco Strasbourg Centre – The Garden, an IHG Hotel | 0.5 miles |
| Best Western Plus Monopole Métropole | 0.3 miles |
| Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection | 150 yards |
| Hotel & Spa Regent Petite France | 450 yards |
Discover the Popular Villages in Alsace: Colmar and Strasbourg
Indeed Alsace villages are incredibly picturesque, especially at Christmas when they look like something out of a fairy tale. Moreover, if you’re visiting Colmar, Eguisheim, or Riquewihr, each town has its own magical charm, made even more magical by holiday decorations.
Strasbourg: The Heart of the Christmas Markets
Though not a village, Strasbourg is one of the most popular and highly sought-after destinations, thanks to its historic Christmas markets. Undoubtedly, it’s a must-visit location, and you should definitely consider booking a trip at least once in your lifetime.
Must Visit Christmas Markets in Strasbourg
In addition, the Christmas market in Strasbourg begins in the last week of November and runs for four weeks, concluding in the last week of December. Below is a list of Christmas markets and some hidden gems in Strasbourg that you can plan to visit:
| ✨La Petite France |
| ✨Place Broglie |
| ✨Place Kléber |
| ✨Christkindelsmärik |
| ✨Rue de la Mésange |
| ✨Place du Temple Neuf |
| ✨Place de la Cathédrale |
| ✨Place du Marché-aux-Poissons |
| ✨Place Saint Thomas |
| ✨Place Benjamin Zix |
| ✨Advent Village At Square Louise-weiss |
| ✨Reims Christmas Market |
| ✨La Place d’Austerlitz |
Strasbourg Christmas Market Opening Times
This year, Christmas in Strasbourg is set to begin on November 27 and run until December 27, 2024. However, these timings are approximate and sourced from various online resources; therefore, they may not be entirely accurate and are subject to change.
Opening Day: The Christmas market is expected to open from 2 PM to 9 PM.
Remaining Days: The market will be open from 11:30 AM to 9 PM.
Christmas Eve: The market will close at 6 PM.
Christmas Day: The market will be closed.
Is Strasbourg the Christmas Capital of the World?
Of course, Strasbourg is often referred to as the “Capital of Christmas.” The city’s iconic Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, is one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1570. In addition, one of its standout features is the grand Christmas tree in Place Kléber, which stands approximately 30-32 meters (105 feet) tall. This tree is adorned with thousands of sparkling lights, handcrafted decorations inspired by Alsatian traditions, and vibrant red, gold, and silver baubles.
I Wish I Knew This Before Traveling to Strasbourg - Essential Tips
Initially, our road trip to Strasbourg from Colmar presented some unexpected challenges. Upon arrival, we were just a few meters away from the main festive market. Unfortunately, we encountered heavy traffic due to road closures for the Christmas markets, and all parking spaces were full. After an hour’s drive, we spent two hours stuck in traffic without finding parking, forcing us to leave as it was getting late. The next day, we returned, parked 1.5 miles away, and walked 45 minutes to reach the markets.
To avoid this hassle, the best tip is to use Strasbourg’s public transportation. In fact, the tram network is the most convenient option:
- Tram Line A and Tram Line D stop at Homme de Fer, close to the markets.
- Bus Line 10 stops near Place Broglie, one of the main Christmas market locations.
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Colmar: A Gem of the Christmas Markets
Ultimately, Colmar remains our favourite destination among all our options, and we wish we could relive those magical days. After an almost 8-hour drive through scenic routes, we felt a sense of relief as we strolled through the Christmas market. Notably, the highlight was the cobblestone path markings, which guided us through the market and made navigating the routes easy.
Must-Visit Places in Colmar During Christmas Markets
Furthermore, Colmar boasts several themed Christmas markets spread across the city, each with its distinct ambience. Additionally, it’s quite simple to explore the Christmassy places in Colmar. If you’re wondering where to start and want to ensure you don’t miss any key spots, here are some must-visit places to add to your Google Maps.
| ✨Place des Dominicains |
| ✨Little Venice Market (Place de l’Ancienne Gare) |
| ✨Place de l’Ancienne Douane |
| ✨Place Jeanne d’Arc |
| ✨Little Venice (La Petite Venise) |
| ✨Koïfhus (Old Custom House) |
| ✨Tanner’s Quarter (Quartier des Tanneurs) |
| ✨Rue des Clefs |
| ✨Place Rapp |
| ✨Saint Martin’s Cathedral |
| ✨Rue des Têtes |
| ✨Fisherman’s Square (Place des Tanneurs) |
Colmar Christmas Market Opening Times
In summary, the Colmar Christmas Market opens on November 26 and runs until December 29. Please note that these timings may vary and are approximate, based on information from various sources.
Opening Times:
- Mon–Thu: 11 AM–7 PM
- Fri–Sun: 10 AM–8 PM
- Dec 24: 10 AM–5 PM
- Dec 25: Closed
- Dec 26: 11 AM–7 PM
Is Little Venice (La Petite Venise) in Colmar Worth Visiting?
Indeed, a trip to Colmar is incomplete without visiting Little Venice (La Petite Venise). This picturesque area is one of the most famous spots in Colmar, known for its colourful half-timbered houses lining the canals of the River Lauch, narrow streets, vibrant flowers, and stunning canal views. Additionally, it’s one of the most Instagrammable places in Colmar, making it a popular photo spot, especially during Christmas. Overall, this charming area is a true example of preserved Alsatian heritage.
Is Shopping in Colmar Affordable Near the Christmas Markets?
While we found Colmar to be a bit expensive, it offers a mix of affordable and pricey items. For instance, small souvenirs, local food products, and wines are reasonably priced, but Christmas decorations, handcrafted pottery, and artisanal items tend to be more costly. So, be prepared to pay extra if you aim to buy traditional products. Honestly, we splurged on a few traditional items, including a tiny cuckoo clock for 35 euros, which sadly stopped working just a few days after returning home. Now, it hangs as a pretty but expensive souvenir alongside our fridge magnets!
Are Restaurants in Colmar Expensive or Affordable During Christmas?
While traditional restaurants in Colmar can be quite pricey, those offering foreign cuisine—such as Asian, Italian, and Turkish—are generally more affordable. Therefore, instead of recommending a specific spot, we suggest strolling through the village, browsing menus, and choosing the one that appeals to you most. Throughout our trip, we enjoyed a mix of traditional food and budget-friendly restaurants, as we always make it a point to sample the local cuisine.
Colmar vs. Strasbourg: Which Christmas Markets to Choose?
Choosing between Christmas markets in Colmar and Strasbourg can be challenging, especially during the magical festive season. While Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” is a must-visit in Europe during the holidays, staying there is convenient for travellers flying into Strasbourg Airport.
If you’re leaning toward Strasbourg based on your travel route, be sure to check out our separate blog for a detailed comparison of pros and cons, along with helpful travel tips.
In contrast, our personal favorite is Colmar. One reason is its proximity to other stunning Alsatian villages, which are easily reachable by public transport. The scenic drive to Colmar and its closeness to Basel Airport provides a fantastic opportunity to explore both French and Swiss Christmas villages, making it an ideal holiday destination!
Day trips From Colmar and Strasbourg
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In Summary: The Magic of Christmas Markets in Colmar and Strasbourg
In conclusion, whether you decide to visit the Christmas markets in Colmar or Strasbourg, you’re sure to create unforgettable holiday memories. While Colmar is celebrated for its picturesque Christmas markets and Little Venice, Strasbourg, known as the “Capital of Christmas,” features one of Europe’s oldest and most iconic markets. Ultimately, both towns offer delightful experiences, from traditional treats to festive lights. Hopefully, this blog helps you compare these two enchanting destinations and choose the best option for your trip to Alsace during Christmas!
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