Colmar Christmas: A Fairytale Escape in Alsace (Your Detailed 3-Day Itinerary!)
Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets, lined with half-timbered houses adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations. The aroma of gingerbread and vin chaud fills the crisp December air. Colmar's Christmas market isn't just a market; it's a living fairytale. After a recent three-day trip to this enchanting Alsatian town, I'm here to share my detailed itinerary, packed with insider tips, must-see sights, and delectable treats, perfect for couples and families seeking a magical Christmas getaway. Get ready to be transported to a world of festive cheer!
Day 1: Little Venice and Alsatian Delights
Morning (9:00 AM): Arrival and Check-in
Our journey began with a scenic 2.5-hour train ride from Paris to Colmar (tickets can range from €60 to €100 via SNCF Connect, so book in advance!). Upon arrival, we headed straight to Hotel Le Colombier Suites. Its central location and charming ambiance make it an ideal base for exploring the Christmas markets. Expect to pay around €200-€300 per night.
Mid-morning (11:00 AM): Gondola Glide Through Little Venice
No trip to Colmar is complete without a canal tour of "Little Venice" (La Petite Venise). For approximately €10 per person, you can glide along the tranquil waters on a flat-bottomed boat. The reflection of the Christmas lights on the ochre yellows, deep reds, and cobalt blues of the half-timbered houses is simply mesmerizing. Even in winter, many houses proudly display flower-filled window boxes, adding a splash of color to the festive scene. The air is crisp, the views are breathtaking.
Lunch (1:00 PM): A Taste of Tradition
For an authentic Alsatian lunch, we highly recommend Winstub S'Klammele (expect to spend around €25-€40). The Choucroute Garnie is a must-try – a hearty dish of sauerkraut with various meats. The rich, savory flavors are perfect for warming up on a cold day. The restaurant itself is incredibly cozy, with rustic wooden beams adding to its charm.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Market Hopping
Colmar boasts several Christmas markets, each with its own unique character. We started at Place des Dominicains, with its magnificent backdrop of the Dominican Church, and then moved on to Place Jeanne d'Arc. Here, we browsed through stalls selling handmade crafts and traditional Christmas ornaments. I picked up some beautiful hand-painted wooden stars and delicate blown-glass baubles for our Christmas tree back home.
Evening (7:00 PM): Tarte Flambée Feast
Dinner at Restaurant Au Koïfhus (€40-€60) was a delightful experience. We indulged in Tarte Flambée (flame-baked tart) with Munster cheese and bacon. The crispy crust combined with the tangy flavor of the Munster cheese was a taste sensation!
Night (9:00 PM): Illuminated Canals
Before calling it a night, we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the illuminated canals. Strings of warm white lights cascaded from the rooftops, reflecting in the canals, creating a magical glow. The soft glow of the Christmas lights casting long shadows on the cobblestone streets is a sight you won't soon forget. Remember to bring your camera!
Day 2: Wine Tasting and Baking Delights
Morning (9:00 AM): A Sweet Start
We started our day with fresh Bretzels (pretzels) from Boulangerie Jacques (€2 per pretzel). The golden-brown color and the slightly salty, chewy texture made them the perfect morning treat.
Mid-morning (10:30 AM): Alsatian Wine Adventure
A visit to the Alsace region isn't complete without a wine tasting tour. We opted for a guided tour at Domaine Martin Jund, a local Alsatian vineyard (€30/person). The rolling hills of the vineyard provide a stunning backdrop, and the quaint tasting room is incredibly welcoming. We sampled both Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. I highly recommend pairing the Riesling with seafood and the Gewürztraminer with spicy Asian dishes.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Vineyard Picnic
We enjoyed a picnic lunch amidst the vineyards, featuring local cheeses, sausages, and crusty bread sourced from a Colmar market (€15-€25). This was a relaxing way to soak in the beauty of the Alsatian countryside.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Kougelhopf Creations
For a truly unique experience, we participated in a traditional Kougelhopf baking class at L'Atelier des Saveurs (€50/person). We learned the steps involved in making this traditional Alsatian cake and experienced the satisfaction of baking our own Kougelhopf. Now we can recreate this taste of Colmar at home!
Evening (7:00 PM): Michelin-Starred Magic
We treated ourselves to a fine dining experience at JY'S, a Michelin-starred restaurant (€80-€120). The elegant ambiance and the innovative Alsatian cuisine made for an unforgettable evening.
Night (9:00 PM): Christmas Concert Serenity
We ended the day by attending a Christmas concert at the Église Saint-Martin. The beautiful music in the stunning setting was the perfect way to soak in the Christmas spirit.
Day 3: Artistic Exploration and Farewell Dinner
Morning (10:00 AM): Art Immersion
Our final day began with a visit to the Unterlinden Museum, home to the Isenheim Altarpiece (€13 per person). The altarpiece's intricate details and its powerful religious imagery left us speechless. Even if you're not an art aficionado, this is a must-see.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Bistro Bites
We enjoyed a casual lunch at a local bistro near the museum before diving back into the Christmas markets.
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Last-Minute Souvenirs
We spent the afternoon doing some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Christmas markets. We also visited the Marché de Noël des Enfants (Children's Christmas Market) for some unique gifts.
Evening (7:00 PM): Farewell Feast
Our farewell dinner was at Brasserie des Tanneurs (€30-€50). We enjoyed a final taste of Alsatian cuisine with a stunning view of Little Venice.
Night (9:00 PM): Au Revoir, Colmar!
Sadly, it was time to depart from Colmar by train, filled with incredible memories.
Colmar: A Town That Charms
Colmar's charm lies in its perfectly preserved half-timbered houses. The intricate woodwork, the vibrant colors, and the flower-filled window boxes create a visual feast. During Christmas, the entire town transforms into a magical wonderland. The crisp December air, the aroma of gingerbread and vin chaud, and the snow-dusted rooftops create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Ready to Experience the Magic?
Ready to experience the magic of Colmar's Christmas market? This 3-day itinerary is just a starting point for your fairytale escape. Book your flights and accommodation now! Don't miss out on this unforgettable adventure.