I visited Colmar as part of my Alsace Christmas Market blitz.
Before I arrived, I was pretty sure I wanted to spend more time in Colmar.
Why?
Because compared with Strasbourg, I assumed Colmar would have a smaller, more intimate Christmas market.
But I was wrong.
Colmar’s Christmas market is actually much bigger than I expected.
Colmar doesn’t really have one Christmas market. It has several market areas spread throughout the historic center.
That’s what surprised me.
How Big Is the Colmar Christmas Market?
Colmar has six Christmas market areas, each with its own personality.
They’re all within the historic center, so you can walk between them.
And this is where I think it’s important to understand the difference between seeing and actually experiencing Colmar.
You can walk through the different market areas in a day.
But that doesn’t mean you’ll have time to stop, eat, shop, take photographs, enjoy the atmosphere and actually slow down.
And for me, that’s the whole point of coming to Alsace for Christmas.
Place Rapp: The Family Favorite
If you’re traveling with children, Place Rapp is one area you’ll want to know about.
This is where the experience becomes less about browsing Christmas stalls and more about giving kids something to do.
You’ll find festive activities and rides, including a roller coaster, making this a good place to let children burn off some energy after walking through the busier market areas.
My take: If you’re traveling with kids, don’t try to make the entire day about shopping and food. Build in time for them to simply have fun.
Place de la Cathédrale: A Step Back in Time
Then you have the area around Collégiale Saint-Martin, where the atmosphere changes again.
Here, you’ll find Christmas booths, vendors selling handmade ornaments and other goods, and plenty of opportunities to browse and shop.
But what I really enjoyed was the setting.
With the historic buildings surrounding you, there’s something about walking through this part of Colmar that makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.
You’re experiencing Christmas in a medieval setting.
Petite Venise: The Postcard Colmar
This is the Colmar you’ve probably seen in photographs.
Canals.
Colorful half-timbered buildings.
Christmas lights reflecting on the water.
It’s beautiful during the day, but I particularly enjoyed seeing the area as the lights came on.
This is the part of Colmar where I put my camera away for a few minutes and allowed myself to simply be there — to take it all in, wander without a plan, and immerse myself in the moment.
That’s the beauty of a place like Colmar.
Colmar’s Gourmet Food Market
This is really my favorite spot to try food.
Come hungry.
You’ll find plenty of Alsatian food and festive treats, and this is one of the reasons I enjoyed the Christmas markets in this region so much.
If you’re interested in experiencing Alsace through food, come to this booth …
How Many Days Do You Really Need in Colmar?
My answer depends on how you travel.
If you’re traveling with children: 2–3 days
There is more to do than simply walk from one Christmas stall to another. You have the children’s activities and rides at Place Rapp, plenty of food to try, shopping, sightseeing and all those little moments when everyone needs a break.
Having a few days means you don’t have to turn your Christmas market visit into a race.
You can explore in the morning, stop for lunch, head back to the hotel for a rest and come out again later when the Christmas lights are glowing.
That’s how I would want to experience Colmar with a family.
If you want to experience Alsace: stay for about a week
Now, if you’re thinking beyond Colmar and want to experience the Christmas markets of Alsace, I would give yourself closer to a week.
Colmar makes a wonderful base for exploring the region, or you can build a larger itinerary that takes you to other Christmas markets and villages nearby.
Watch my Alsace Christmas Market video on YouTube
And if you’re traveling solo… my recommendation is different.
I would highly recommend considering a European river cruise.
Not because you can’t explore Colmar on your own.
You absolutely can.
In fact, that’s one of the things I love about solo travel — you can wander where you want, stop when you want, eat what you want and spend as much time as you like browsing the Christmas markets.
But there’s another side to solo travel that doesn’t always show up in the beautiful Instagram photos.
The evenings.
Once the Christmas markets close, the crowds thin out. The streets get quieter and dimmer.
Was I unsafe?
No.
But those dimly lit, narrow streets made me feel differently.
As the evening went on and everything started to close, I became much more aware that I was traveling alone.
The streets were quiet. The markets were closed. And there wasn’t much happening anymore.
That’s when I started thinking:
Would I want to spend an entire Christmas holiday this way if I were traveling alone?
For me, the answer is probably no.
And that’s why I think a river cruise can be such a good option for a solo traveler.
Why I Like the River Cruise Option for Solo Travelers
A river cruise gives you something I think is particularly valuable for a first solo Christmas trip:
You can be independent without being completely on your own.
During the day, you can get off the ship and explore the Christmas markets at your own pace.
You can wander through Colmar, stop for food, shop, take photographs and enjoy the experience on your own terms.
Then you return to the ship.
You have other travelers around you if you feel like chatting, having a drink or sharing stories about your day.
And if you want solitude, you can retreat to your cabin.
You get to travel solo without having to feel alone.
And for me, that’s a very different experience.
So, Is Colmar Worth Visiting for Christmas?
Yes. Absolutely.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat visitor, Colmar is definitely worth experiencing at Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colmar at Christmas
Does it snow in Colmar during the Christmas season?
It can, but don’t plan your trip around snow. December is one of Colmar’s snowier months, but a white Christmas isn’t guaranteed. Come for the Christmas markets; consider the snow a bonus
How much does it cost to eat at the Colmar Christmas Market?
A typical market meal can cost around €8–€15, while snacks, crêpes and waffles are usually less. Add about €4 for a vin chaud. If you’re planning to eat your way through the market, I’d budget around €20–€30 per person.
Can I use credit cards at the Christmas markets?
Yes, many vendors accept credit cards, but I recommend carrying some euros in cash, especially for smaller stalls. Keep a few small notes and coins handy.
How much money should I budget for a day in Colmar?
For food, drinks and small purchases, I’d budget around €50–€75 per person per day, excluding your hotel and transportation. If you plan to do serious Christmas shopping, bring more.
How many days do I need in Colmar for Christmas?
You can see the main Christmas markets in one day, but I recommend 2–3 days if you want to slow down and enjoy them. If you want to explore other Christmas markets in Alsace, I’d allow about a week.
Is Colmar a good destination for a solo female traveler?
Yes, absolutely. Colmar is easy to explore on your own. The only thing to keep in mind is that once the markets close, unplanned evenings can feel a little isolated and dull, with fewer things to do. For that reason, I’d plan your evenings ahead — or consider a river cruise if you want more options for socializing after the markets close.
Ready to Plan Your Christmas in Alsace?
If you’re dreaming about your first solo Christmas market holiday in France but don’t want to spend weeks researching hotels, transportation, Christmas market locations and the logistics of traveling alone, I can help.
I’ll help you compare the options, look at the itinerary and figure out what makes the most sense for the way you want to travel.
Because my job isn’t simply to get you to Colmar.
It’s to help you have the right Christmas trip for you.
Let’s Plan Your Christmas in Alsace
