Christmas in Colmar is like your childhood dream that has come true. Decorated with wreaths, ornaments, and snow-covered trees, it looks almost not real; it looks like a gingerbread town.
Light garlands, gingerbread, and mulled wine.
Colmar is a picture-perfect place to celebrate Christmas. It’s a beautiful city in the Alsace region of France, known for its charming old town, picturesque canals, and rich cultural heritage. Its medieval buildings with their colorful, tiled roofs and their half-timbered facades make you completely immersed in the fairytale atmosphere. It’s hard to think of any other place that feels more appropriate for the holiday season.
During the holiday season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, with festive decorations, lights, and markets.
“And that, of course, is the message of Christmas. We are never alone. Not when the night is darkest, the wind coldest, the world seemingly most indifferent…” – Taylor Caldwell
Christmas markets in Colmar
Consistently named one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Colmar’s Christmas market becomes an important even of the year. Actually, there are a few different markets that seem to run together, especially when it’s dark. They run for about 5 weeks, from the last week of November through late December.
The biggest Colmar’s Christmas market is located in the city’s central Place de la Cathédrale. The market features over 100 wooden chalets, where vendors sell traditional gifts, decorations, and food, such as gingerbread, mulled wine, and baeckeoffe (a stew made with meat and potatoes).
Fantastic decorations, amazing smells, and jaw-dropping architecture make you completely overwhelmed with Christmas cheer.
Magnificent light displays
Another very special Christmas feature in Colmar is the Illuminations: magnificent light displays are everywhere, on the city’s buildings and streets. Every Christmas, lots of tourists from all over the world come to Colmar to enjoy this stunning festival of lights.
“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow; they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.” – Tom Baker
Christmas food
Christmas Eve is also an important day in Colmar, and is often spent with family and friends, enjoying a traditional Christmas meal and exchanging gifts. Some of the most popular Christmas dishes in Colmar include foie gras, escargots (snails), and choucroute (sauerkraut with meat and potatoes).
“There is nothing that makes me happier than sitting around the dinner table and talking until the candles are burned down.” – Madeleine L’Engle
“Gifts of time and love are surely the basic ingredients of a truly merry Christmas.” – Peg Bracken
