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Colmar Christmas Market is among the most beautiful in Europe attracting thousands of visitors each year. But there are many other things to do in Colmar, France in Winter, from a fairy-tale old town to world-class museums.
Located in the French region of Alsace, close to Germany and Switzerland, Colmar is the perfect winter getaway for architecture, art, food, and wine lovers alike. It’s even possible to visit it on a day trip from Paris if you’re planning a trip to the French capital.
One of the most popular times to visit is, of course, during the holidays, when the magic of Christmas in Colmar takes over the city (as well as the tourists). But then again, if you prefer to travel off-season and avoid the crowds, Colmar will also not disappoint you.
Just a couple of hours from Zurich, Colmar was on my bucket list for so long. In 2019, I finally got to visit it. I’ve fallen in love with all the cute Christmas decorations, lovely pastel buildings, and delicious Alsatian food and wine!
If you’re planning to visit Colmar in winter, this list of what to do in Colmar covers everything you need to see and do in this picture-perfect town.
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Best things to do in Colmar, France in Winter:
#1 Visit Colmar Christmas Market
Colmar has actually not one, but six Christmas markets spread around the old town.
A total of 180 wooden stalls display Alsatian products and crafts, from traditional handicrafts to local delicacies, mulled wine, and season entertainment.
Not only that, but the whole town comes together to receive the festive season with Christmas decorations and lights on every façade, tree, or everywhere you look, really.
The result is a giant open-air Christmas Market that delights both children and adults.
Colmar Christmas markets run for six weeks, from the middle of November to the end of December.
#2 Take a boat ride through Colmar Little Venice
Along the Lauch River, you’ll find one of Colmar’s most picturesque districts, the Little Venice, lined with small colorful houses once inhabited by winemakers, market gardeners, and boatmen.
A great and romantic way to see this area is to take a boat ride and admire the timbered houses and peaceful scenery from the water.
The tour in a flat-bottomed boat, originally used by the market gardeners to transport their products, takes around 30 minutes and includes a guided explanation of the history of Colmar.
#3 Stroll around Colmar old town
Although relatively small, Colmar old town hides a surprise around every corner.
Walking around the historic center, which is mostly pedestrian, you’ll find pretty half-timbered medieval houses side by side with impressive renaissance buildings and remarkable churches.
The hard thing in Colmar is to put down your camera, I guarantee you!
One of my favorite areas of the old town was the Fishmonger’s district along the Lauch River, with its adorable pastel houses that were once home to fishermen and boatmen.
Another unique area is the Tanner’s district, a picturesque neighborhood of tall and narrow buildings that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.
#4 Admire the gorgeous architecture
Colmar old town is home to several gorgeous and significant works of architecture that tell the history of the city over the centuries.
If you’re into art and architecture, I suggest taking a self-guided walking tour through some of Colmar’s most extraordinary buildings, including:
Pfister House
One of the most famous buildings in Colmar, the Pfister House was built in 1537.
It was the first Renaissance-style building in Colmar with beautiful frescos representing biblical and historical figures and scenes.
The Koifhüs
Built in 1480 in Gothic and Renaissance style, the Koifhüs is the oldest public building in Colmar.
Over the centuries it was used as a warehouse, market, customs house, and school.
The House of Heads
The House of Heads was one of my favorite buildings in Colmar.
The façade of this unique house is decorated with more than 100 heads, some grotesque and scary, others almost friendly and smiling.
Former Guardhouse
Built in 1575, the Former Guardhouse is considered a gem of the Renaissance architecture in the Upper Rhine.
Saint-Martin Church
This huge and exquisite cathedral is a fine example of Gothic architecture in the Alsace region.
#5 Marvel at Colmar Christmas decorations
If you’re visiting during the holidays, you can’t possibly miss the wonderful Christmas decorations that adorn every public building and house and turn the already beautiful Colmar into a land of enchantment.
Prepare to be infected by the Christmas spirit as you stroll through Colmar at this time of the year!
#6 Discover the life and work of Bartholdi
Did you know that the creator of the Statue of Liberty was born and raised in Colmar?
Auguste Bartholdi was born on Rue des Merchands, in 1834.
His childhood home is now a museum where you can see one of the best collections of sculptures, sketches, and paintings by this famous French sculptor, as well as family furniture, personal objects, and photos.
This is a museum not to be missed if you’d like to learn more about the man behind one of the most iconic works of art in the world.
In the pleasant Water Tower Garden, one of Colmar’s public parks, you can also find a monument to Bartholdi: a statue of the artist standing next to a small replica of the Statue of Liberty.
#7 Visit Colmar’s museums
If you’re a museum lover, Colmar has them for all tastes and interests.
The best way to explore Colmar’s museums is with the Colmar City Pass, which gives you free access to all museums, as well as to boat tours and the tourist train.
Some recommended museums in Colmar are:
Hansi Museum
I absolutely loved visiting the Hansi Village and Museum and highly recommend it!
This delightful museum is dedicated to Jean-Jacques Waltz, a famous artist from Colmar, also known as Hansi.
Hansi was a pro-French activist during the German annexation of Alsace and a prominent painter and drawer. He’s best known for his children books like “My Village”, which reflect his love for Colmar and the region.
The Hansi Museum allows you to enter Waltz’s fascinating art world through interactive scenes of his books, watercolors, drawings, posters, and much more.
I also found it to be an interesting opportunity to learn more about the history of Alsace.
On the ground floor, you can find a very cute souvenir shop inspired on his work.
Unterlinden Museum
The Unterlinden Museum is the most important museum in Colmar and the most visited in Alsace.
It features a significant art collection from prehistory to contemporary times, including works by Monet and Picasso, and the famous Isenheim Altarpiece by Matthias Grünewald.
Natural History Museum
Located in the heart of Little Venice, the Natural History Museum has an impressive zoological, geological and ethnographic collection.
Toy Museum
A museum for all ages where you can discover the history of toys from the 19th century to the present day.
#8 Explore Colmar by night and enjoy “the magic of lights”
Fallen in love with Colmar by day? Wait and see what happens after the sun goes down.
At night, Colmar old town turns into a show of light and color as I’ve never seen before!
“The magic of lights” is the name of the illuminations that lend even more beauty to an already extraordinary place.
Consisting of 1150 computer-driven light sources, this amazing light show was originally conceived for Christmas.
But due to its success, it’s now actually possible to enjoy it every Friday and Saturday all year round, as well as every night during the holidays and other festivities.
Definitely something you have to see with your own eyes!
#9 Shop at Colmar Covered Market
For fresh and delicious local products, head to Colmar Covered Market.
This historic market was built in 1865 and completely renovated in 2010.
Today, it features more than 20 stalls with high-quality products and a lively atmosphere worth checking, even if you’re not planning to shop.
There’s also a bar with a nice terrace literally on the Lauch River.
#10 Eat and drink
Alsace is famous for its tasty food and fine wine, and Colmar is no exception.
Alsatian cuisine has a strong Germanic influence, which makes it quite different from what you can find in other parts of France.
Local specialties include the baeckaoffe (a meat-based dish cooked with potatoes in white wine), sauerkraut (fermented cabbage, sometimes served with potatoes and a variety of meats), tarte flambée (the Alsatian pizza), le coq au Riesling (chicken in wine), pretzel, and Munster cheese.
My favorite restaurant in Colmar was the Brasserie des Tanneurs. I loved the traditional decoration and atmosphere, and the tarte flambée.
Colmar is also considered the capital of the Alsatian wine.
If you have the time, I recommend taking a tour along the Alsatian Wine Route, famous for its Rieslings and Gewürztraminer wines.
Where to stay in Colmar
Hotel Turenne
I’ve spent only 1 night in Colmar so I wanted to be close to all the action.
Hotel Turenne is conveniently located just a short 5-minute walk from Little Venice and the old town, so it was the perfect base for our trip.
This is a 3-star hotel with modern and comfortable rooms, bar, and a wellness area.
The breakfast buffet was good, although not included in our room rate.
We had a very pleasant stay and I would definitely recommend this place, or even stay here again myself.
Click here for more info and booking.
Colmar is a magic town any time of the year, but Christmas in Colmar is certainly something special. Whether you’re planning to visit for Christmas or out of the holiday season, this list of the best things to do in Colmar, France in winter has got you covered.
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Have you visited Colmar in winter? What would you add to this list of what to do in Colmar? Share in the comments section below!
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Heather says
Great place! I used to live near Strasbourg sick a lovely area thanks for sharing!
Lisa says
It’s like something out of a fairy tale. Your photos are stunning. And thanks for the tips for our planning.
GGeorgina says
Really like this! I was just this week speaking with my daughter about Christmas Markets and where to go this year. We have been to many in Europe but not Colmar! Pinned this to read later. Great tips too.
Gabby says
What a delightfully picturesque town!