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Usually, the festive markets, ambiance, and thrill begin on the finish of November and stay till the final week of December. This whole month, not solely the locals however even the travellers take pleasure in their time right here. While this place may be small relating to celebrating Christmas, you’re absolutely going to take pleasure in it right here. If this has infused a little bit of curiosity inside you, then this weblog goes that will help you in your planning for the Colmar Christmas Market. Keep studying for extra!
Is Colmar good for Christmas markets?
Yes, Colmar is a perfect vacation spot for Christmas markets! Known for its picturesque medieval allure, the city turns into a magical vacation paradise from late November to December. Its cobblestone streets, half-timbered homes, and scenic canals are superbly illuminated, creating a fascinating ambiance excellent for a festive getaway.
Colmar’s Christmas market is exclusive as a result of it options 5 distinct markets scattered all through the city, every providing native crafts, artisanal merchandise, and conventional Alsatian treats like mulled wine, pretzels, and gingerbread. Highlights embrace the Little Venice space with boat rides alongside fairy-lit canals and a devoted kids’s market. With stay performances, choirs, and a comfortable atmosphere, Colmar’s Christmas market captures the spirit of the season in a fairytale setting.
Colmar Christmas Market Opening Dates
The Colmar Christmas Market sometimes opens in late November and runs by way of the top of December. In 2024, it’s anticipated to start on November twenty sixth and proceed till December twenty ninth. These festive markets function day by day, providing guests an opportunity to expertise the magic of Colmar in the course of the vacation season.
The enchanting shows, handmade crafts, native treats, and superbly lit streets make the market a must-see throughout this era. Be certain to examine for any updates on precise instances and particular occasions nearer to your go to, as dates and hours can sometimes fluctuate.
Best 5 Christmas Markets in Colmar
Colmar’s Christmas markets are a complete winter wonderland! Each market has its personal vibe, from festive cheer to charming native crafts, making it a pleasant place to absorb vacation magic! Here are a few of the finest marketplaces the place you’ll be able to head for enjoyment.
1. Colmar Christmas Market at Place des Dominicains
| Location | Place des Dominicains, Northern Colmar |
| Timings | Monday to Thursday- 11 am to 7 pm Friday to Sunday- 10 am to eight pm |
Set in opposition to the backdrop of the beautiful Dominican Church, its gothic structure all lit up at night time makes it additional particular. You’ll discover tons of handcrafted goodies, art-related objects, ornaments, and festive trinkets right here, excellent for distinctive vacation presents. The ambiance feels magical with twinkling lights and the church’s towering presence including a dramatic contact. There are roughly 60 picket chalets from the place you should purchase handmade crafts, dishes, drinks, and rather more.
2. Colmar’s Artisans’ Christmas Market within the Heart of the Koïfhus
| Location | Grand Rue, Colmar, Grand Est, 68000 |
| Timings | Monday to Thursday- 11 am to 7 pm Friday to Sunday- 10 am to eight pm |
It’s all about high quality craftsmanship, with native artisans showcasing handmade, one-of-a-kind creations. From pottery and jewellery to textiles, all the things right here has that genuine, private contact. The Koïfhus itself, a historic constructing, provides an old-world allure to the entire vibe. You get to fulfill the makers, hear their tales, and take house one thing actually particular. It’s not simply procuring, it’s a cool, hands-on cultural expertise in a brilliant cosy setting!
3. Joan of Arc Square Christmas market
| Location | Joan of Arc Square |
| Dates | Monday to Thursday- 11 am to 7 pm Friday to Sunday- 10 am to eight pm |
The Joan of Arc Square Christmas Market in Colmar has such a comfortable, native vibe that you’d wish to keep right here eternally! Tucked away in a captivating little sq., it’s all about celebrating the magic of Christmas with native flavours and crafts.
You’ll discover stalls full of mouthwatering Alsatian goodies like pastries, gingerbread, and wine. It feels much less touristy, extra like a hidden gem the place locals collect for some vacation cheer. The sq.’s intimate setting, surrounded by old-timbered homes, makes it excellent for a relaxed, festive stroll.
4. Old Customs House Christmas Market
| Location | Place de l’Ancienne Douane |
| Timings | Monday to Thursday- 11 am to 7 pm Friday to Sunday- 10 am to eight pm |
The Old Customs House Christmas Market in Colmar is a must-visit for anybody who loves genuine, handcrafted treasures! It is superbly positioned inside one of many city’s most historic buildings, it’s the place native artisans come collectively to showcase their distinctive creations. From delicate ceramics to handmade jewelry, all the things feels particular and real.
The vibe is tremendous relaxed and artsy, making it an awesome spot to seek out these one-of-a-kind presents. Also, shopping in such a lovely, centuries-old constructing provides a complete different stage of allure to the expertise!
5. Colmar’s Children’s Christmas Market in Little Venice
| Location | Place des 6 Montagnes Noires |
| Timings | Monday to Thursday- 11 am to 7 pm Friday to Sunday- 10 am to eight pm |
As the title suggests, Colmar’s Children’s Christmas Market in Little Venice is pure magic for youths! Set in probably the most picturesque a part of city, it’s designed only for them, with enjoyable actions, toy stalls, and festive treats. The little picket chalets appear to be one thing out of a fairytale, and there’s even a merry-go-round to maintain the vacation spirit alive. Parents like it too as a result of it’s all about family-friendly vibes in a brilliant cosy, stunning setting. It’s the proper spot for little ones to absorb the festive cheer and create vacation reminiscences!
What to Expect in Colmar Christmas Market?
The city transforms right into a magical winter village, with cobblestone streets lined with twinkling lights and charming picket stalls. You’ll discover all the things from handcrafted presents and ornaments to native treats like mulled wine and gingerbread. Each market has its personal character, unfold throughout totally different squares, every extra enchanting than the final. There’s stay music, festive performances, and even boat rides by way of the illuminated canals, making it an unforgettable vacation expertise! You are certain to have a good time exploring, procuring, and having fun with the streets of Colmar.
1. Festive Decorations
The festive decorations in Colmar’s Christmas markets are next-level! The twinkling lights draped over half-timbered homes, big Christmas bushes glowing in each sq., and streets lined with garlands and ornaments; look stunning. Every nook of the city is decked out, from store home windows bursting with vacation shows to charming picket chalets dressed up with lights.
Even the canals in Little Venice get a festive makeover, with glowing reflections within the water. It’s like strolling by way of a real-life Christmas postcard that immediately places you within the vacation spirit!
2. Unique Gifts
If you’re trying to find distinctive presents, Colmar’s Christmas markets are a goldmine! Why do we are saying that? Here you go! From superbly handcrafted ornaments to delicate pottery, you’ll discover one-of-a-kind items made by native artisans. There’s additionally a great deal of quirky jewelry, hand-painted glassware, and cosy knitwear that scream “excellent reward!” The better part?
Everything has that genuine, handmade contact, so no two objects are the identical. And don’t overlook the edible goodies, Alsatian specialities like gingerbread, jams, and native wines make nice presents for foodies. It’s vacation procuring with severe allure!
3. Entertainment
You’ve obtained stay music filling the air, from choirs singing carols to instrumental performances that may absolutely make you are feeling thrilled. There’s at all times one thing occurring; whether or not it’s road performers, Christmas-themed performs, and even mild exhibits that mild up the city’s medieval buildings.
For households, there are actions like ice skating and merry-go-rounds to maintain the kiddos entertained. It’s the proper mixture of cosy, festive enjoyable that retains everybody within the vacation spirit!
4. Food and Drink
The meals and drinks at Colmar’s Christmas markets are a complete deal with to your style buds! You can’t miss the Alsatian specialities like flammekueche (a scrumptious thin-crust pizza), hearty sausages, and heat pretzels. For candy lovers, gingerbread, kougelhopf (a yummy Alsatian cake), and all types of pastries are in all places.
Of course, it’s not Christmas with out some vin chaud (mulled wine) to maintain you heat, there’s even a white wine model since Alsace is known for its wines! Don’t overlook to strive some native cheese and charcuterie too. It’s festive feasting at its most interesting!
Festive Activities in Colmar Christmas Market
The Colmar Christmas Market is bursting with festive power, creating a fascinating ambiance that captivates guests. Lively music fills the air, and the cheerful buzz of laughter and chatter provides to the allure. The superbly adorned stalls, twinkling lights, and a soothing atmosphere make it a very magical vacation expertise. Take a fast take a look at a few of the actions largely loved right here!
| Things to do at Colmar Christmas Market | |
| Stroll by way of superbly adorned stalls showcasing handcrafted presents. | Savour scrumptious Alsatian specialities, together with flammekueche and gingerbread. |
| Enjoy heat mugs of mulled wine and native wines. | Take half in festive actions and workshops for households. |
| Listen to stay music performances and carolers. | Visit the enchanting Little Venice space for scenic views. |
| Admire the beautiful lights and decorations all through the city. | Snap photographs with the Christmas tree and festive shows. |
| Experience native artisans demonstrating their crafts. | Join in on conventional vacation celebrations and occasions. |
Best Places to Stay in Colmar
Colmar affords a spread of charming lodging excellent for each traveller. You can discover any of the boutique inns nestled within the coronary heart of the outdated city, offering easy accessibility to the Christmas markets. For a extra conventional expertise, go for pretty guesthouses with genuine Alsatian decor. There are additionally comfy flats for these searching for a homey ambiance throughout their keep.
| Best Places to Stay in Colmar close to Christmas Markets | |
| Hotel Le Colombier | Hotel Saint-Martin |
| La Maison des Têtes | Hotel Turenne |
| Hotel Restaurant Vauban | Maison Martin Jund |
| Les Remparts | Hotel Quatorze |
| Ibis Styles Colmar Centre | Auberge du Parc |
Tips for Visiting Colmar Christmas Market
To make your journey even higher there are some ideas that may be useful, hold them in thoughts:
- Dress warmly to benefit from the out of doors festivities comfortably.
- Arrive early to keep away from crowds and get the very best procuring.
- Try native delicacies to completely expertise Alsatian delicacies.
- Bring money, as some distributors might not settle for playing cards.
- Plan your path to discover all of the totally different market areas.
- Take benefit of the night hours for a magical ambiance.
- Don’t overlook to pattern the mulled wine—it’s a should!
- Keep your digital camera useful for beautiful picture alternatives.
- Join in on festive actions for a enjoyable expertise.
- Be conscious of your belongings in crowded areas.
How to get to Colmar for Christmas?
Getting to Colmar for Christmas is straightforward! You can take a prepare from main cities like Strasbourg or Basel, which affords a scenic journey. If you’re driving, the city is accessible through the A35 freeway. For worldwide travellers, close by airports in Strasbourg and Basel present handy choices, with rental automobiles or shuttles out there for a easy journey to this festive vacation spot.
Conclusion
Visiting the Colmar Christmas Market is like moving into a vacation dream! With its enchanting ambiance, scrumptious meals, and distinctive presents, it’s a festive journey you received’t wish to miss. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine by the twinkling lights or exploring the charming stalls, Colmar wraps you in heat and pleasure. This magical expertise is ideal for mates, {couples}, and households alike, making it a must-see vacation vacation spot. So bundle up, seize your family members, and prepare for unforgettable reminiscences on this picturesque winter wonderland!
Read Also: Visit Christmas markets in France | Best Christmas Holiday Destinations
