Strasbourg vs Colmar Christmas Markets: Which is Better?
This complete comparison of the Strasbourg vs Colmar Christmas Markets is sure to help you plan your upcoming holiday trip!
After I spent two weeks traveling across 6 countries scouting out the best Christmas markets on the continent during the month of December, Colmar landed in my top 3!
Of course, this is all due to personal preference and you may have varying opinions, but I think it’s safe to say that a visit to either Strasbourg or Colmar would not disappoint.
However, I will say that they are different in quite a few ways, so in this guide, we’ll discuss everything from the festive atmosphere to the delicious treats, and local Alsatian souvenirs to the vin chaud, so you can decide which market is a better fit for you.
Whether you’ve been lucky enough to indulge in the beauty that is the European Christmas markets before or this will be a first for you, I can personally attest to the charm and magic attributed to the markets found on the eastern coast of France. Let’s get started!
Strasbourg vs Colmar Christmas Markets
I want you to have the full rundown on the different markets you’ll find in each city, so I’ve provided a brief description of each market below.
If it seems overwhelming, don’t stress! Both cities are easily walkable and you can take your time exploring each market at your leisure.
Strasbourg
La Petite France
If you’ve ever Googled “Strasbourg”, then the classic photo of the quaint timbered houses perched on the Ill River probably appeared – well, that’s La Petite France! Iconic for its backdrop and vibrant setting, this area charms with its sweet scents of gingerbread and mulled wine.
Here, you’ll find an eclectic mix of local stores (some more touristy than others) selling everything from handmade nougat (my favorite was the simple almond) and savory ham and cheese crepes, to handcrafted wooden ornaments and Alsatian-inspired artwork.
If you’re looking for the Strasbourg Christmas market with the best Instagram photo spots, then head directly to La Petite France!
Christkindelsmärik (Place Broglie)
Next stop, Place Broglie! Best known as the oldest Christmas market in France, this is easily the largest and most popular market in the whole city featuring over 100 stalls of beautiful Alsatian products.
It’s the place to be for traditional Christmas decorations and Alsatian crafts, with busy streets and crowded stalls, and has a massive Christmas tree as well as the Strasbourg Cathedral as its backdrop.
Personally, while it is the most popular market, I actually found it a little overwhelming due to the sheer quantity of people at this market, in particular. But, and it’s kind of a BIG but, this market definitely had the best food options in my opinion.
There was everything from cheesy spaetzle to sweet treats all just a few feet from each other.
Square Louise Weiss
In the area surrounding La Petite France, the Square Louise Weiss market has become more popularly known as the Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace (or the Irreducible Small Producers of Alsace).
As the name suggests, this market is all about locally made and produced goods from the region. Think honey, cheese, jams, foie gras, pretzels and more! Not only does it support local businesses, but you can also find unique gifts and French souvenirs here to take home with you.
It’s also right near the Advent Village, which is a smaller market perfect for those traveling with children who enjoy short plays, converts, and interactive workshops.
Place Kléber
We’ve arrived at Place Kléber, the heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas market scene. It’s smaller in size compared to some other markets on this list and stands near the city’s grand Christmas tree. It’s a hub of festive food, and dare I say, the best vin chaud in town!
There were a ton of options for different flavors (as well as red and white wine options), and is often referred to as Au Pied du Grand Sapin (which means “At the foot of the Grand Fir” referring to an evergreen tree).
Place Kléber isn’t somewhere you necessarily have to plan on stopping in since you’ll likely end up walking right through it without even noticing.
Place de la Cathédrale
And then, there’s Place de la Cathédrale, right at the feet of Strasbourg’s beautiful cathedral. Easily one of the top Christmas markets in Strasbourg, the atmosphere here is unbeatable. You’ll find high-quality artisan goods and crafts, but of course, the location steals the show.
The cathedral simply towers over this market in all its gothic glory, making it an incredibly picturesque setting for enjoying some vin chaud while browsing through unique souvenirs and gifts.
I also found some amazing food here including choucroute (French sauerkraut mixed with meat and spaetzle – my absolute favorite), and the cheesiest of baguettes!
Place du Vieux Marché aux Poissons and the Terrasse Rohan
Last but certainly not least is the Place du Vieux Marché aux Poissons. This market is a foodie paradise, offering everything from traditional Alsatian cuisine to exotic flavors. If you’re a food enthusiast, this should be your last stop to round off your market tour with a gastronomic high note!
From mannele to Knack d’Alsace, the options are endless. I also highly recommend trying some of the local Alsatian wines here, or if you don’t drink then be sure to try the hot chocolate and hot cinnamon apple cider.
And you can’t miss trying the locally made bredele biscuits here, they’re addictive! Needless to say, this is definitely a market you’ll want to save your appetite for.
Map of Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Colmar
Le Marché Gourmand (the gourmet food market)
Le Marché Gourmand transforms into a delightful gourmet food market during the Christmas season. Amid the festive lights and decorations, you’ll come across 9 wooden chalets each equipped with its own chef ready to create delicious Alsatian cuisine for you!
Offering everything from fresh seafood like oysters and escargot to classic Alsatian dishes like choucroute, this market is a must-visit for foodies.
Place Jeanne d’Arc
Located in the heart of Colmar, Place Jeanne d’Arc features a quaint and charming Christmas market with over 30 stalls selling traditional Alsatian crafts and gifts. It’s the perfect place to pick up some unique souvenirs, including handcrafted ornaments and locally made cheese and wine.
The Christmas market at Place Jeanne d’Arc is an enchanting experience, with endless Christmas lights and decorations creating a magical atmosphere.
Place des Dominicains
Place des Dominicains offers a more intimate market experience, draped in stunning Christmas lights reflecting off the beautiful Dominican church. This market is known for local artisan crafts, perfect for unique Christmas gifts, ranging from handmade soaps to beautifully woven scarves.
This was the one market where I actually felt more intrigued to buy some souvenirs since it was less crowded and gave me more of a chance to interact with the vendors. Plus, since there were fewer people, it also made for better photo opportunities (always a bonus!)
Le Marché Intérieur du Koïfhus – Indoor Handmade Crafts Market
Located inside a stunning medieval building, this market shields you from the winter chills. Here, local artists and craftsmen showcase their talents, offering a wide range of handmade items like pottery, blown glass, handpainted ornaments, and intricate woodwork.
It’s only located inside one single room with no more than 15-20 stalls or so, but it’s the perfect place to find a one-of-a-kind gift!
Marché Couvert Colmar
Well known by the locals as Colmar’s primary indoor market, most tourists accidentally stumble upon the Marché Couvert (just like I did!) It’s a great place to wander through and check out the daily offerings of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and wines.
But during the Christmas season (like most other markets in the Alsace region), it turns into a festive market with local vendors selling artisan gifts and crafts as well as hot-and-ready meals including paninis, a variety of sweet and savory breads, crepes, and more.
And even if you’re not necessarily looking to buy anything, it’s still worth popping in for some mulled wine or hot chocolate to warm up from the cold! Plus, it has an indoor bathroom (cost is €4 per person) which is a whole lot cleaner than the bathrooms they have located around the city.
Place des Six Montagnes Noires (Little Venice)
Known as ‘Little Venice’, this market is as picturesque as its Italian namesake. Nestled along a canal, it offers festive food, drinks, and handcrafted items.
The highlight, however, is the ‘Wishing Star’ attraction, where children can post their Christmas wishes for Santa or mail them using the enormous mailbox set just for letters heading to the North Pole around Christmas time! Ideal for families traveling with kids, the Place des Six Montagnes Noires is well worth checking out during your trip to Colmar.
Place de l’Ancienne Douane
The market in Place de l’Ancienne Douane is set against the backdrop of the old customs house and houses more than 50 unique stalls, making it one of the largest Christmas markets in Colmar!
Here, you’ll find a vast array of stalls selling Christmas decorations, candles, and traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies. A large nativity scene and live music add to the festive atmosphere. Be sure to try the homemade pretzels and mulled wine here as well!
Map of Colmar Christmas Markets
Colmar Christmas Market Dates
The Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas Markets usually start the last week of November and continue until December 24-29th (depending on the market). However, markets are typically closed on Christmas Day, December 25th.
The markets generally open at 10am and continue until about 7pm-9pm, but the timings may vary slightly depending on the specific market. It’s always best to consult the France Tourism Board for the most current market dates and times.
For example, the Square Louise Weiss Advent Market in Strasbourg remains open through the first week of January, but this isn’t reason enough to plan your French holiday market travels following the New Year since all of the other markets in the region will be closed.
Strasbourg vs Colmar Christmas Markets Cost
Thanks to these two iconic markets being extremely close to one another and both located in France, they are quite similar in terms of cost.
All of the markets in both cities are free to enter and you can find similar souvenirs and food amongst all of the markets, with everything being priced within a couple euros of each other.
Generally, if you were to visit a few Christmas markets in either city and stop for dinner, two cups of mulled wine, and a small ornament, you could expect to spend between 40-50 euros in either city.
FAQ
In this last section, I’ll be providing answers to some popular questions regarding the Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas markets including when they are open, which ones are better for families with kids, etc.
Which Christmas Market is Better Strasbourg or Colmar?
The Christmas markets in Colmar are far better than the ones in Strasbourg. They feel less touristy (don’t get me wrong, every Christmas market in Europe is touristy), but the markets in Strasbourg had more of a “city feel” than I had hoped for.
Of course, Strasbourg is all decked out with splendid lights, but you can’t help but wish the city had just a bit more small-town feel.
Thanks to its Paris-like architecture, wide city streets, and small Old Town, Strasbourg didn’t provide the intimate experience I was hoping for.
Colmar, on the other hand, was much more charming and picturesque and had all of the magical sensations that I wanted!
There’s something about walking through the small town full of colorful half-timbered houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and meandering canals decorated with festive lights that make you feel like you’re walking in a real-life Christmas village.
Colmar had everything from stunning Instagram-worthy backdrops to small hole-in-the-wall handicraft shops. You could easily spend a whole day exploring the town and its many Christmas markets, whereas in Strasbourg, I felt like I had seen everything in just a few hours.
So if you have to choose between Strasbourg or Colmar for your Christmas market visit, I would personally recommend Colmar. But if you have the time, why not visit both and decide for yourself which one you prefer?
Are the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg or Colmar Bigger?
In terms of geographical size and number of stalls, the main Christmas market in Strasbourg, also known as Christkindelsmärik, is significantly larger than the markets found in Colmar.
Strasbourg has over 300 stalls spread out in different areas throughout the city, whereas Colmar’s largest market only has about 50 stalls.
However, the smaller size of Colmar’s markets adds to their charm and allows for more intimate and authentic experiences.
Are the Strasbourg vs Colmar Christmas Markets Better for Children?
Both Strasbourg and Colmar Christmas markets offer a variety of activities and attractions for children.
However, the Colmar Christmas market is often referred to as more child-friendly due to the ‘Wishing Star’ attraction at Place des Six Montagnes Noires.
Here, children can post their letters to Santa in a special mailbox dedicated to the North Pole. Additionally, the smaller and less crowded atmosphere of Colmar may be more manageable and enjoyable for families with young children.
Nevertheless, Strasbourg also has its charms and offers a variety of child-friendly activities, particularly during the Christmas season.
Ultimately, both markets have their unique offerings that can provide a fun and memorable experience for children and families alike.
Is It Better to Visit Colmar or Strasbourg?
Ultimately, the decision to visit either Colmar or Strasbourg depends on your personal preferences and what you’re hoping to get out of your Christmas market experience.
If you’re searching for a large, bustling market with a city atmosphere, wide variety of stalls, and historical landmarks, Strasbourg might be the better choice.
On the other hand, if you prefer a smaller, more intimate market experience set in a charming, fairytale-like town, Colmar would be the ideal destination.
Both cities offer unique and enchanting Christmas markets, and if time allows, I highly recommend visiting both to truly immerse yourself in the magic of a French Christmas.
How Far is Colmar from Strasbourg?
Colmar is approximately 73 kilometers (46 miles) south of Strasbourg.
The journey by car takes around 1 hour through the A35 highway. If you prefer public transportation, the travel time is typically around 30 minutes by train.
This is what I did and it was a very easy, affordable, and stress-free journey! Both cities are conveniently connected making a day trip quite feasible.
What is the Best French Christmas Market?
Choosing the best French Christmas Market is subjective as it largely depends on personal preferences. However, two markets are often lauded as the ‘best’ due to their size, ambiance, and unique offerings.
The main Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik), one of the oldest in Europe, is renowned for its sheer size, historic setting, and the variety of vendors. It offers a city-like atmosphere combined with a sense of tradition and history.
On the other hand, the Petite Venise Christmas Market in Colmar is cherished for its fairytale-like setting, intimate ambiance, and the quality of its handcrafted goods. It offers a smaller, less crowded but highly picturesque and charming experience.
Is the Christmas Market in Strasbourg Worth It?
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is absolutely worth a visit! As one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, it offers a uniquely immersive and enchanting experience during the festive season.
The market is spread across multiple sites around the city, each with its own distinctive charm and character. It features a vast array of stalls selling everything from traditional Alsatian Christmas decorations and handicrafts to delicious festive food and drink.
The city’s historic buildings in the Old Town and city streets are beautifully lit and decorated, adding to the magical atmosphere.
Whether you’re looking for unique gifts, delicious food, or simply to soak in the festive spirit, the Strasbourg Christmas Market has something to offer everyone.
Is Colmar Christmas Market Worth It?
The Colmar Christmas Markets are truly worth a visit!
The town’s smaller scale compared to Strasbourg’s market shouldn’t be viewed as a disadvantage, but rather as an opportunity for a more intimate experience. But, don’t think that it’ll be less busy than Strasbourg… in fact, it’s quite the opposite!
The market’s magical atmosphere, enhanced by the town’s half-timbered houses and peaceful canals, provides a fairytale-like backdrop that leaves visitors enchanted.
With a range of stalls offering handcrafted items and delectable Alsatian treats, it’s a perfect place for picking up unique holiday gifts and enjoying the festive season.
Moreover, the child-friendly activities make it an excellent choice for families. A trip to the Colmar Christmas Markets can provide a truly memorable and delightful experience for all.
Why is Strasbourg Christmas Market Famous?
Also known as the “Capital of Christmas”, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is famous for being one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe dating back to 1570 and embodying centuries of festive traditions.
Annually, the market transforms the city into a veritable winter wonderland, with dazzling Christmas lights, beautifully decorated stalls, and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread wafting through the air.
The market is also renowned for its impressive variety of vendors, offering a wide array of gifts, decorations, and gourmet delights.
In essence, the Strasbourg Christmas Market’s blend of history, variety, and festive charm has cemented its status as a beloved festive destination.
Can You Do Strasbourg and Colmar in a Day?
While it is possible to visit both Strasbourg and Colmar in a single day, I typically suggest spending one day in each city.
Personally, I spent two nights in Strasbourg at the same hotel, and simply took a day trip to Colmar on the second day! It was easy to do and allowed me to see everything in both cities.
Thankfully, given their close proximity and excellent train system, it’s possible to start your day exploring the vibrant streets of Strasbourg before taking a mid-day train to Colmar if you don’t have time to spend a full day in both.
Keep in mind, however, that this will likely make for a long travel day and you won’t be able to fully explore all that each market has to offer.
If your schedule allows, consider spending at least a full day at each location to truly soak in the festive atmosphere and explore the local sights and attractions.
Whether you choose to visit the lively and bustling Strasbourg Christmas Markets or the charming and magical Colmar Christmas Markets, both cities offer a unique and magical experience during the holiday season.
With their rich history, enchanting atmosphere, and range of stalls offering traditional goods and delicious treats, they are sure to leave you feeling immersed in the magic of a French Christmas.
Overall, comparing the Strasbourg vs Colmar Christmas Markets is a difficult task as both offer something special and memorable for any visitor!
