Colmar in Winter: 17 Fairytale & Festive Things to Do
Colmar is possibly, just possibly, the most picturesque town in Alsace — a high distinction in a region that counts Riquewihr, Strasbourg, Kayserberg, and Eguisheim amongst its neighbors.
Between its half-timbered colorful houses, its labyrinthine alleyways set along a canal, artisan shops — not to mention its cute cafés and rustic eateries — Colmar really is a Disney-style village come to life.
| ⌛ Planning your Colmar trip in a hurry? Here are my quick picks. ❄️ Best Colmar Winter Experiences 1. Colmar Half-Day Winter Wine Tour (with Hunawihr & Riquewihr) 2. 3-Country Christmas Market Tour (with Germany & Switzerland) 3. 45-Minute Chocolate Making Workshop at Choco Story 🛏️ Best Colmar Hotels 1. Hotel Le Maréchal (4-star hotel in Little Venice, part of the city walls) 2. Mercure Colmar (boutique design hotel near Unterlinden Museum) 3. Hôtel Turenne (conveniently located budget option) Not sure how to get to Colmar? Fly into Strasbourg and then take a train or an airport taxi with Welcome Pickups to avoid any headaches. Alternately, renting a car may be helpful if you want to visit smaller villages in Alsace — I always use Discover Cars for the best prices and search functionality. |
However, there is just something about Colmar that feels like a warm embrace. I got to say, they’ve got the concept of hygge down, the same way Nordic capitals like Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Helsinki do.
And don’t underestimate this town! There are actually a lot of things to do in Colmar in the winter, beyond just its Christmas market. Sophisticated art galleries, delicious cuisine, culture, history, shopping, the Statue of Liberty… Wait, what?
Let me explain. Read on to discover all the best activities to do in Colmar in winter!
Colmar in Winter: 17 of the Coziest Things to Do!
Explore the unique architecture (and its story) in the Old Town.
Colmar (and Alsace in general) looks so different to the rest of France due to the territorial disputes on it between France and Germany (and low-key, I get it — I’d fight over a region so beautifiul too).
The history of Alsace is a tumultuous one, marked by an ever-changing ruling and a struggle for identity… which makes sense why Alsatian people are particularly proud of the culture that has emerged from their region.
The Alsatian culture is a unique fusion of German and French influences — most locals are bilingual in both tongues — and visibly, while Colmar remains very French, the German influence has had prominent impact on the town’s architecture, the cuisine, and the culture.
As you’ll explore the Old Town of Colmar, La Vieille Ville in French, the German influence is evident in the timber-framed houses; yet on the other hand, the squares and the overall layout of the town carry that distinctive French je ne sais quoi.
A few of the most prominent historical areas in the old town are the Place de l’Ancienne Douane and Place de la Cathédrale, which you can’t miss while you’re walking the downtown area.
Try the best of Alsatian cuisine.
Time to idulge in some delicious Alsatian cuisine… all in the name of research, of course. Like its architecture, the cuisine in Alsace fuses its many influences: a mixture of refined French flavors and hearty German warmth.
Flammkuchen or Tarte Flambée is the most famous dish in Alsace, and definitely worth a try when you’re visiting Colmar. This flatbread is a bit similar to a pizza — hold the tomato — with a thin, crispy dough and crust. It’s topped with bacon, onions, and crème fraîche in its original version, and sometimes mushrooms.
Sauerkraut, or Choucroute in French, is widely used in Alsatian cuisine. Its sourness pairs perfectly to break down the heartiness of meat and ham, and it’s typically served with potatoes.
Want a lesser-known dish? Try Baeckeoffe, a casserole with slow-roasted meat with onions and potatoes. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out.
Eat some tasty Alsatian sweets.
We’ve covered savory; now let’s go sweet. Kugelhupf is a typical Alsatian cake, baked in a special bundt-like mold which gives the cake its name.
Similar to French brioche, it has a soft texture, sometimes prepared hearty with raisins, and sometimes spiced up a little with some lemon zest and dusted in sugar.
Another treat, Bredele, are specifically made for the festive season in Alsace, similar to traditions in Germany, where they’re called ‘Plätzchen’. Bredele are sweet biscuits or cookies, shaped in various forms, usually involving a lot of butter and sugar (like all the best cookies do!).
For even more sweet action, you can visit Choco Story Colmar, where you can visit the chocolate museum or even take a 45-minute chocolate-making class!
Go shopping at the Colmar Covered Market.
The Covered Market or Le Marché Couvert de Colmar is the heart and soul of Colmar’s food scene. If you are a foodie, this is your paradise; this market should be high on your list when visiting Colmar.
The endless variety of vendors assembled here sell the best authentic Alsatian products, all locally sourced. Curated by the artisanal traditions and expertise of the local farmers, this market is a great emblem of Colmar’s heritage and culture.
Whatever the weather is like, you can shop here all year round since the market is entirely covered from the outside elements. Soak in the lively atmosphere, watch the locals go about their day, enjoy a coffee, do some shopping, try some new food — honestly, Colmar’s market is always worth the visit.
Explore other towns of the Alsatian Wine Route.
As mentioned above, Colmar isn’t the only scenic town that’s part of the Alsatian Wine Route — which also doubles as an epic list of Christmas markets worth visiting in December!
You could rent a car and explore parts of the Alsatian wine route independently,but then you can’t sample the famous wines of the region so freely!
This excellent wine tour brings you to two of the most beautiful towns in Alsace — Riquewihr and Hunawihr — as well as straight to a winemakers’ cellar, when you can taste some of the best wines of the region.
With the option to taste up to six wines and visit two unique towns, this small group tour capped at eight people offers a great value for those who want to see a bit outside of Colmar but are limited on time, don’t want to rent a car, or want to imbibe to their heart’s content!
Visit the stunning St. Martin’s Church.
The stunning La Cathédrale Saint-Martin was originally built throughout both the 13th/14th century, done in what was the typical Gothic architecture of the time…
… But in the 16th century, a fire destroyed parts of its structure, forcing decades of restoration — creating a unique hybrid situation, and parts of the original build are still apparent today.
This cathedral is well worth a quick visit, and lucky for your wallet, entry is free!
Wander around picture-perfect Little Venice
If you’ve ever searched Colmar before, Little Venice is usually the top search result when it comes to images. All the typical features of Colmar’s architecture are prominent here. It’s what makes the town feature so high on many people’s list of the top French towns and villages!
Crisscrossing canals, colorful houses, Little Venice is easily the most photogenic part of Colmar… so keep that camera out and ready.
To take a break, you can find an array of cozy cafés, bistrots and restaurants in this area, though prices are a little higher here than elsewhere in the region.
Get in the festive spirit at the Christmas Market.
Colmar loves Christmas. It’s a serious affair! The Old Town is positively beaming (almost blinding) with festive lights and Christmas decorations, while a seemingly-infinite stream of vendors and chalets selling their wares line the streets.
One of the perks of the German influence in Alsace is the amazing Christmas Markets. You’ve probably heard of Strasbourg’s Christmas Market (or read about in our guide to Strasbourg in winter), which is amongst the oldest and most important in Europe.
Colmar actually has several Christmas markets, spread across mainly the Old Town and Little Venice areas.
No matter the market, delicious Alsatian street food specialities await. Don’t miss the cookies, aromatic roasted almonds, and, of course, mulled wine (vin chaud in French, glühwein in German).
There is also usually an ice skating rink set up on Place Rapp at the end of November, where you can rent skates and enjoy the rink for just a few euros per hour.
Explore more Christmas markets on a day tour (of three countries!).
Not enough Christmas market action? This international Christmas market tour will bring you to three different Christmas markets… in three different countries (great for country counters — I see you, I am you!)
Start by visiting the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach in France, also part of the Alsace region. It’s a UNESCO site, plus its Christmas market is adorable! Then, you’ll cross your first border of the day to head into Germany, where you’ll visit the excellent Christmas market of Freiburg, a sight definitely worth seeing.
And then there’s one final border to hop — Basel in Switzerland, where you’ll see its dazzling Christmas market all lit up at night when it’s at its most festive. Three countries and three Christmas markets all in one easy day — that’s what I call convenience!
Learn about the origins of the Statue of Liberty.
Did you know that New York’s Statue of Liberty has its roots in Colmar? Yes, Colmar is the birthplace of French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, where he grew up before moving to Paris to study art.
He traveled to Egypt and Yemen, notably to pitch ideas for grand monuments at Port Said, all of which were declined — but that would later lead to his greater feats of architecture later in his life. Eventually, in 1871, Bartholdi arrived in America and was quickly inspired.
The idea for the now-iconic New York monument was allegedly presented by a French historian (whose identity isn’t really clear) as a celebration of the first 100 years of American Independence. This was partly to serve as a symbol of French-American friendship (and let’s be honest, probably partly a thumbing of the nose at England!).
Finally, in 1886, the copper statue was properly gifted to the United States by France. It was the joint effort of two icons: Bartholdi created the design of the statue, while Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame, naturally) built the structure.
To learn more, visit the Bartholdi Museum, a place that retraces the life and work of the sculptor, including his famous work Les grands Soutiens du monde which remains one of his more enduring legacies.
Tip: Note that the museum is closed in January, so if you’re visiting Colmar in January, it’s a no-go. That said, It’s open from 1st February to 31st December. Entry is around €5.
Check out the Quartier des Tanneurs.
Throughout history, the town of Colmar was once an important hub for leather production and refinement. So naturally it follows that the Quartier des Tanneurs is named after the leather artisans (aka tanners — see the connection now?) who worked and lived here.
To stroll the area, here’s a rough route: Le Quartier des Tanneurs spreads from Rue des Tanneurs to Place de l’Ancienne Douane and makes a lovely winter walk.
Stop at Koïfhus on Place de l’Ancienne Douane.
As you’ll reach the very lively Place de l’Ancienne Douane, one landmark is bound to catch your eye: the Koïfhus, otherwise known as l’Ancienne Douane. This area used to be the business center of Colmar, with this particular building serving as the Chamber of Commerce and Industry — well, up until 1930.
It’s had various lifetimes: prior to that, it was a meeting point for the deputies of Alsace, a warehouse, a bank, and home to the Magistrate.
Amongst its many purposes, Koïfhus was also used to handle customs (hence the word ‘douane‘, which you may have noticed means ‘customs’ from visiting French airports!) — particularly as it enjoyed an ideal location at the junction of two main commerce streets.
Hide from the cold at Unterlinden Museum.
The Unterlinden Fine Art Museum is built within a beautiful Dominican convent in the heart of Colmar.
Important recent renovation words have included the addition of a secondary building, connected to the main entrance via a submarine gallery, that runs underneath the canal – which is pretty cool if I do say so myself!
Architecture geeks, you won’t be disappointed. The museum combines Gothic and Renaissance styles, a combination of its 13th-century roots and subsequent modernization works.
The Unterlinden showcases a span of work, though its most known piece is the Altarpiece of the Dominicans, by the German artist Matthias Grünewald from the 15th century.
Entry is €13 or €15 with an audio guide — it’s definitely worth the extra two euros to have an understanding of what you’re seeing, I believe.
Visit the Dominican Church of Colmar.
While the 15th century Altarpiece of the Dominicans is on display at the Unterlinden Museum, there’s more to the history of this church than just that!
Other works of Grünewald are also exhibited in the Dominican Church of Colmar, another place worth a visit.
Besides that, it’s also just a charming historic church that has a very different vibe than the other churches in Colmar. And since the entry fee is a mere €2, it’ll hardly put a dent in your holiday spending.
Admire Little Venice from the river.
Little Venice would not be Little Venice without the obligatory canal cruises — after all, can you say you went to Venice if you didn’t ride a gondola? Traditionally called barques, the small boats take you on a short 25-minute cruise of the canal for about €10.
Don’t worry about it being winter; the cruises run all year round. In fact, as a winter traveler, you get to skip the crowds! However, the service is more limited in winter, so you’ll have to check the schedules when you’re there.
Highlights of a canal cruise include the Quai de la Poissonnerie and the gorgeous Turenne Bridge. Rest assured, if it’s too cold for a cruise, you can easily explore Little Venice on foot. However, I’d argue that if it’s warm enough, this short ride is well worth the experience (just bundle up!).
Have fun at the Toy Museum.
How else do we say it? Le Musée du Jouet is pure joy! This museum features an extensive collection of toys dating from the 19th century to modern times. Housed in a former cinema, giving it extra cool points, the museum is a great interlude away from the cold for kids and grown-ups alike.
The collection includes a variety of dolls, trains, battle games, different generations of robotic and mechanical toys — all very well-preserved throughout the ages!
This is a fun, unconventional way to learn about kids’ lives in the past… and reminiscence about your own childhood with just the right amount of nostalgia! Entry is around €6 for adults and free for young children.
Take a day trip to the winter wonderland of Strasbourg.
A mere 1-hour drive away from Colmar, Strasbourg is France’s most European city. The city is home to the European Parliament and an overall mini-cosmos of modern Europe!
With its international institutions, Strasbourg attracts visitors from all corners of the globe and is home to a growing cosmopolitan community. You could easily spend a couple of days here, especially in winter, but it’s also suitable as a day trip!
If you are coming to Strasbourg in December, make sure to check out the famous Christmas Markets. In the heart of Strasbourg, the historic Petite France district is a UNESCO Site and a must-visit for any first-time visitor.
Strasbourg also has several museums, including the Fine Art Museum and the Contemporary Art Museum, which both rank amongst the best in France.
Similar to Colmar, Strasbourg’s districts are crisscrossed by a series of little rivers, and cruises are offered all year round. If your time is limited, such as if you’re visiting from Colmar on a day trip, a river cruise is a great option to see all the major sites from the cozy comfort of the heated boat!
Where to Stay in Colmar in Winter
Luxury: Hotel Le Maréchal
Part of the city’s original fortified walls, the 4-star Hotel Le Maréchal stands the test of time. Right in Little Venice — like, literally set right on the canal — it’s a short walk to the main Colmar Christmas Market in Place des Dominicains.
The tasty on-site restaurant, A l’Echevin, is a big hit for those seeking traditional Alsatian cuisine, too!
Mid-Range: Mercure Colmar Centre Unterlinden
The ultra-trendy Mercure Colmar Centre is a great choice for something design-focused on a budget, located a two-minute walk from the Unterlinden Musuem and a 15-moinute walk from Little Venice.
There’s a daily breakfast available and a bar with Alsatian wines called Les Cepages, plus you can also use their sauna when you want to warm up!
Budget: Hôtel Turenne
Conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the train station on the edge of the Old Town, Hôtel Turenne isn’t a bad option for those on a budget.
Its rooms are pretty spacious given the price and they’re also rather bright, letting in the little winter sunlight there is for a fresh-feeling room. Overall, it’s not the most unique hotel you’ll find, but the combination of price, location, and comfort make it a great budget choice.
Anna is 20-something writer from France, currently living on the beautiful island of Bali. After earning a degree from Sorbonne Université in Paris, she spent a few years working in fashion before embarking on what was supposed to be a 1-year trip through Europe, North Africa and Asia — which ultimately turned into moving to Bali. Aside from traveling and writing, her passions include surfing, film photography, drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee, and reading through the night.
