Complete Guide to the Strasbourg & Colmar Christmas Markets (2026)
If visiting a European Christmas market is on your bucket list, Strasbourg and Colmar are two of the best places to start. We combined the Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas markets with several fairytale villages along the Alsace Wine Route, and it was one of our favorite winter trips.
This guide covers the 2026 Christmas market dates, how to get there, where to stay, transportation between the markets, and tips that will make planning your trip much easier.
Why Visit the Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas Markets?
When you picture a traditional European Christmas Market, you’re probably imagining Strasbourg. Known as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg has hosted its markets since 1570, making them the oldest in France. Just one hour away is Colmar, a storybook town with half-timbered houses, canals, and six festive markets spread across its historic center. Together, these destinations make the perfect holiday travel itinerary in France.
Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas Market Dates for 2026
The Christmas markets are free to enter and generally open every day during the season. Opening dates and hours vary by town and market, so always confirm the schedule before your trip. For lowest crowds, plan to visit Monday thru Wednesday.
Planning around market dates is essential! Here are the most up-to-date schedules:
Strasbourg Christmas Market dates for 2026
The official 2026 Strasbourg Christmas market dates and hours have not been released yet. The market traditionally runs from late November through December 24.
Check the official Strasbourg Christmas website for updated dates, hours, maps, and events.
Colmar Christmas Markets dates for 2026
The main Colmar Christmas markets are scheduled for November 23 through December 29, 2026. The Colmar Gourmet Market is scheduled to remain open through January 3, 2027.
Hours and dates can vary by market, so check the official Christmas in Alsace website before visiting.
christmas markets along the Alsace Wine Route
The villages surrounding Colmar, including Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Turckheim, host their own Christmas markets. Dates and operating days vary by village.
Visit the official Alsace Christmas market calendar to check each village’s schedule.
Eguisheim - For a fun experience, take the Round of the Night Watchman Tour.
Stacy’s Tip: Visit Monday–Wednesday for fewer crowds. Weekends are very busy!
how to get to strasbourg and colmar, france
From Paris: Take a high-speed TGV train from Paris Gare de l’Est to Strasbourg. The trip takes approximately two hours. Some trains also travel directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport to Strasbourg.
From Frankfurt: You can take the train from Frankfurt to Strasbourg in approximately two hours, depending on the route.
Strasbourg to Colmar: Direct trains connect Strasbourg and Colmar in approximately 30 minutes.
Visiting the Alsace villages: Renting a car gives you the most flexibility for visiting Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and the other villages along the Alsace Wine Route.
We flew into Paris and took the train directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport. We booked our train for about two to three hours after our scheduled arrival to allow time for possible flight delays, immigration, collecting our luggage, and finding the train station. I highly recommend leaving yourself that buffer so you are not stressed about missing your train.
We took the high-speed train from CDG Airport to Strasbourg
Pay a little extra for a First Class seat on the train to Strasbourg
colmar christmas markets
What to Expect at the Colmar Christmas Markets
Colmar has six Christmas Markets spread across its old town, each with its own theme. From Petite Venice to Place des Dominicains, you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to mulled wine (vin chaud). We parked at one end and just meandered through from stall to stall. In addition to numerous crafts and gift stalls, there are food and drink vendors and rides for the kids and adults. Our favorite time was spent in the Petite Venice area.
Petite Venice in Colmar during Christmas Market season
We visited super early one morning and although most chalets and stalls weren’t open, we had beautiful Colmar to ourselves. I highly recommend walking around Petite Venice in the morning as well as in the early evening.
For the latest Christmas Market information in Colmar and the Alsace region, click here.
WHERE TO STAY in colmar for the christmas markets
Because we were working around work and school schedules, we planned two nights in Colmar, one night in Strasbourg and one night in Paris. It was perfect!
Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal - Teritoria: We stumbled upon this hotel while walking through the Christmas Markets in Petite Venice in Colmar. It backs up to the river, and the Christmas markets are right outside the front entrance. It couldn’t be in a better location.
Hotel Le Colombier: Also located in the Petite Venice area of Colmar and steps from the Christmas Markets.
Grand Hotel Bristol : We’ve stayed here on two different trips.
The view of the Colmar train station from our room at the Grand Hotel Bristol
We stayed two nights in Colmar at the Grand Hotel Bristol. This is our second stay at this property. Rooms are a great size. I recommend paying for the full breakfast. We get our money's worth in cappuccinos when we travel. This hotel is directly in front of the Colmar train station. If you are not renting a car, it couldn’t be easier. Also, the shuttle to the Christmas markets picks up across the street.
I loved our little hotel room in Colmar
how to get around colmar for the christmas markets
The Colmar Christmas Market Shuttle picks up and drops off in front of the Colmar Train Station. If you prefer to walk or the shuttle lines are too long, the markets and historic Colmar are just a 10-minute walk. If you are staying in the historic area, you’ll be able to walk to all of the markets.
If you plan to visit the surrounding medieval villages along the Alsace Wine Route, you can also take a shuttle from the Colmar train station. Check the current schedule because the shuttle does not travel to every village every day. Click here for the most updated information.
CHRISTMAS MARKETS AROUND COLMAR on the alsace wine route
In addition to the markets in Colmar, many of the tiny medieval villages along the Route des Vins, or Alsace Wine Route, host their own beautiful Christmas markets. If you have plenty of time, try to visit as many as you can. Our favorites are Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, and Riquewhir. The drive through the mountains and villages is stunning. We could spend an entire day just driving this route.
One of our favorite towns is Eguisheim on the wine route
As you can imagine, the crowds can be quite heavy, especially on the weekends. The villages along the Alsace wine route are very small and parking lots fill up very quickly. We arrived in Eguisheim about an hour before the market opened, and the parking lots were already full. Cars were lined up and down the surrounding roads. As the day went on and we continued Christmas market hopping, parking became more difficult to find. There are pay stations at every parking lot in each town we visited that take credit cards or euros. Plan to arrive one to two hours before the first market opens for easier parking.
Stacy’s Tip: Take a photo of your license plate, you have to enter it every time you pay for parking.
Although the Christmas shuttle is convenient, we saw very, very long shuttle lines in the villages with people waiting to return to Colmar at the end of the evening. It was very cold and I’m sure the lines in the evening were at least 30-45 minutes long. Keep this in mind if you don’t plan to rent a car.
There is a train from Colmar to Turckheim that could save you time both driving and waiting in shuttle lines as an alternative to visiting one of the villages. Plus, you can take the train one evening to take the Night Watchman Tour!
strasbourg christmas markets - the capital of christmas
With more than 10 markets across the city, Strasbourg truly earns its festive reputation. Some highlights include:
Cathedral Square Market – the heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas magic.
Place Kléber – home to the city’s giant Christmas tree.
Petite France – picture-perfect canals and timbered houses.
The Cathedral makes a stunning backdrop for the Strasbourg Christmas Markets
how to get around strasbourg during christmas market season
Strasbourg is very walkable, and its historic center is pedestrian-only during the Christmas market season. If a market feels too far to walk, the tram makes it easy to get around. You can purchase a 24-hour transit pass when you arrive. Use the official Strasbourg Christmas market map to find the markets and plan your route.
One of the tallest Christmas trees in Europe can be found in Strasbourg
Where to stay in Strasbourg for the christmas markets
In Strasbourg, I recommend staying in or near the historic city center. Cars are restricted during the Christmas market season, so staying within walking distance of the markets or near a tram stop will make getting around much easier.
We stayed just one night in Strasbourg at the Hotel du Corbeau. The hotel is in a great location, just a three-minute walk to the Strasbourg Cathedral and several markets.
Hotel Maison Rouge: Located in city center, close to the tram, only a 5-minute walk to Petite France. This is a Marriott property bookable with points or a free night award.
Hotel and Spa Regent Petite France: Located in the heart of Petite France with gorgeous views. Steps from all the markets
The Kleber Hotel: Located in the pedestrian district. Short walk to Petite France and cathedral.
The Sofitel Strasbourg: You can hop on the Tram from the train station, and it drops you about a 4-minute walk away. It is an eight-minute walk to the cathedral and a 14-minute walk to Petite France, putting you in the heart of the Christmas markets.
Best Western Plus Monopole: Located near the train station and Petite France. Short walk to the cathedral. It is easy to reach from the Strasbourg train station and nearby rental car return centers.
Our cute hotel in Strasbourg was walking distance to the Cathedral
tips for Visiting the Strasbourg & Colmar Christmas Markets
Bring cash – many stalls prefer euros, especially for food and drinks.
Dress warmly: I cannot stress enough how cold it can be in December. We spent hours walking outside in 20 to 30°F weather. Pack a warm coat, comfortable boots, a hat, scarf, and touch-screen gloves. Most locals we saw were wearing knee-length winter coats.
Plan meals ahead – restaurants often close between 3–7 pm. Strasbourg has more options for early dining than Colmar.
Collect the cups – Mulled wine and hot chocolate are served in festive mugs you can keep as souvenirs (or return for a €2 deposit).
Visit early or late – enjoy quiet mornings and magical evenings when the lights come on.
Is Strasbourg or Colmar Better for Christmas Markets?
If you’re short on time, Strasbourg is the must-see. But if you can add Colmar and the Alsace villages, you’ll experience a true holiday fairytale. My advice? Do both! Spend one night in Strasbourg, two nights in Colmar, and leave time for a day along the wine route.
A freezing girl from Texas visiting the European Christmas Markets
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas Markets in 2026 is an unforgettable holiday trip. Between the festive stalls, twinkling lights, mulled wine, and cozy Alsace villages, this is Europe at its most magical. If you’re dreaming of Christmas in Europe, start with this itinerary. You won’t regret it!
Happy Travels!
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