What makes Colmar a perfect winter city‑break destination in France?

Colmar transforms into a fairy‑tale town after the first snowfall, with its timber‑framed houses dusted in white, illuminated streets and a lively Christmas market. The combination of Alpine‑style charm, cosy Alsatian cafés and easy access from major European airports makes it an ideal winter getaway.

Which winter attractions should I not miss in Colmar?

Beyond browsing the Christmas stalls that sell handcrafted ornaments, local cheeses, and gluhwein, you can glide across the Patinoire de Colmar, an outdoor ice‑skating rink set against the backdrop of illuminated half‑timbers. Warm up with a guided wine‑tasting tour of the nearby Alsace vineyards – many cellars host cosy indoor tastings with Gewurztraminer and Riesling that pair perfectly with a slice of Buche de Noel. And don’t miss an evening stroll through Petite Venise, where the reflections of lantern‑lit bridges on the frozen canals create an unforgettable scene.

How cold does Colmar get in winter, and what should I pack?

Average daytime temperatures hover around 2‑5 °C (35‑41 °F), dipping below freezing at night. Pack a thermal base layer, a waterproof parka, insulated boots, a woollen scarf, gloves, and a warm beanie. Don’t forget a compact umbrella – Alsace can be wintry rainy as well as snowy. A stylish yet practical cross‑body bag will keep your hands free for hot drinks and market treasures.

What traditional Alsatian foods should I try during a winter visit to Colmar?

Warm up with choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with sausages), flammekueche (thin crust topped with crème fraiche, onions and bacon), and Baeckeoffe (a hearty casserole). Don’t forget a glass of glühwein (mulled wine) from the market stalls.

Colmar City Breaks, Holidays & Hotels 2026/2027

This pretty town looks as though it’s been plucked from a medieval folk tale, with its higgledy-piggledy, half-timbered houses and quaint canals. We wouldn’t blame you for thinking you’d woken up in the 16th century. You’ll jet into Strasbourg, then it’s less than an hour’s drive or train ride north to reach Colmar. Wander the cobbled streets, cruise the canals of ‘Little Venice’ and linger over long lunches filled with Alsatian wine in cosy winstubs (wine bars). This whimsical wonder is great in all seasons, but at Christmas it really shines. It’s then that the streets adorned with blooming geraniums swap them for twinkling lights and pine garlands. With several markets, you can eat, drink and shop your way across the city, soaking up the festive atmosphere as you go.

Things to do in Colmar

A fairytale old town

In Colmar’s old town, pastel-hued houses lean over flower-lined canals. Stroll the cobbled lanes and you’ll discover hidden courtyards, ornate fountains and postcard-perfect squares, each more enchanting than the last. It’s the kind of place where getting lost feels like the whole point.

Flavours of Alsace

Colmar is a feast for the senses. Get ready to savour tarte flambée, choucroute (sauerkraut) and buttery kougelhopf (brioche), all paired with crisp local Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Here, meals are hearty, homely and deeply rooted in Alsatian tradition.

Little Venice

In the district known as Little Venice, canals glide past candy-coloured houses and trailing blooms. Take a gentle boat ride or wander the waterside paths as reflections shimmer below. It’s Colmar at its most romantic, especially in the golden light of early evening or when the Christmas lights shine.

Grand Hotel Bristol

Colmar City, Colmar

Our rating

Based on 1167 reviews

Iconic historical building
Designer lounge and restaurant
Spacious rooms and suites
50m from the Colmar main train station
900m from the Petit Venice Market

Ibis Styles Colmar Centre

Colmar City, Colmar

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Our rating

Based on 39 reviews

Easy walking distance to the Christmas markets
Modern, colourful design with a relaxed feel
Comfortable, well-equipped rooms
270m from Place Dominicains
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel

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Colmar Christmas markets

Come winter, the fairytale streets of Colmar come alive with festive sparkle. Wander between charming market squares filled with wooden chalets, discover handmade gifts and Alsatian delicacies and sip warming mulled wine by glowing lights. With colourful houses and storybook scenery, it’s a wonderfully magical place to celebrate the season.

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Colmar Christmas Markets

Colmar

Colmar promises a whimsical feeling like no other – straight out of a storybook with timber-framed houses, colourful canals and cobblestone streets, every corner is postcard-worthy. Wander through the charming...

Colmar Old Town

Colmar

Colmar Old Town is a maze of cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and storybook squares. Painted façades, flower-draped windows and historic fountains create a living postcard at every turn. Wander slowly,...

Koifhus market

Colmar

Dating back to the 15th century, the Koïfhus is Colmar’s oldest public building. Once a customs house, it now hosts lively markets selling local crafts and regional produce. With its half-timbered façade and...

Language

French/Alsatian

Currency

Euro (€)

Time difference

+1hr

Cost of a beer

£4.40

One-way local transport ticket

£1.30

Three-course meal for two

£57

Sightseeing

From the Gothic grandeur of Saint Martin’s Church to the colourful Pfister House, Colmar’s landmarks are a real treat. Visit the Unterlinden Museum to see the Isenheim Altarpiece, then wander on, letting the town’s architecture and history reveal themselves at every turn.

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Eating and drinking

In Colmar, your first port of call should be a cosy winstub, AKA, a traditional, home-style Alsatian restaurant. Many serve classics like choucroute garnie (an Alsatian recipe with sauerkraut and various pork parts) and baeckeoffe (meat and potato stew), so be sure to sample them while you’re here! The region’s iconic wine is not to be missed either.

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Shopping

Shopping in Colmar is all about charm. Browse independent boutiques for regional wines, handmade ceramics and Alsatian textiles. In winter, Christmas markets fill the squares with wooden chalets, festive crafts and sweet treats, making souvenir hunting feel wonderfully magical.

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Getting around

Thanks to Colmar’s dinky size, it’s easy to get around on foot here. All the sights are just a hop, skip and a jump away from each other, meaning you can spend less time getting around and more time admiring exactly what matters while you’re away.

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Colmar

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Colmar city breaks

Things to do in Colmar

A fairytale old town

Flavours of Alsace