Colmar in Winter: 15 Magical Things to Do (Even When It’s Cold!)

Colmar in winter feels like it was made for Christmas postcards.

This little town in the Alsace region of France is all twinkly lights, cobblestone streets, and half-timbered houses that look straight out of a fairytale.

I visited in early December, right at the start of the Christmas market season, and even though I only had one day here, I made the absolute most of it. I arrived early, stayed late, and packed in as much holiday magic as possible.

If you’re wondering what there is to actually do in Colmar during the colder months (besides wandering around in awe), this post is for you.

I’ll share all my favorite winter-friendly things to do—from cozy boat rides and Christmas market snacks to charming side streets that most people miss.

So grab a warm drink, get comfy, and let’s plan your own perfect winter visit to Colmar.

Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Colmar?

Honestly… I think winter is the best time to visit Colmar.

I mean, this place already looks like a storybook village, but add twinkling lights, festive decorations, and cozy little Christmas markets, and it somehow becomes even more magical.

I had seen photos and heard all the hype about how special Colmar is during the holidays, and it totally lived up to it. Maybe I was just tipsy on Christmas cheer and glühwein… but I couldn’t imagine a more romantic place to be in December.

Just know—you’ll be outside a lot. So bundle up!

And come prepared for rain. It was drizzling on and off when I visited (I ended up buying an umbrella at the train station because I didn’t pack one like I should’ve). A warm waterproof coat with a hood is a lifesaver.

But trust me, if you love Christmas, twinkle lights, and fairy-tale towns, winter in Colmar is absolutely worth it.

15 Magical Things You Can Do in Colmar in the Winter

Even though it was cold and a little drizzly when I visited, I was completely swept away by how magical Colmar felt in the winter.

From wandering through twinkling Christmas markets to sipping hot mulled wine by the canals, this little town is packed with fun things to do—even when the weather isn’t perfect.

Here are my favorite things to do in Colmar that’ll warm you right up.

1. Take a Walking Tour

I pretty much always start a new city with a walking tour, and Colmar was no different. I just find that it helps me enjoy the rest of the day so much more.

You get a feel for the layout, hear a few fun stories you’d never know otherwise, and usually walk away with some great local tips too. Besides, Colmar is way too cute not to learn the fascinating details behind it!

The walking tour I did was short and super easy, nothing too intense, and it gave me a much better sense of where everything was for exploring on my own.

If you only have a day like I did, doing a quick walking tour early really helps you make the most of your time in this adorable village.

>> Click to Join The Same Colmar Walking Tour I Did <<

2. Visit The Christmas Markets

Let’s be real, the Christmas markets are the reason I came to Colmar in the first place. I had seen pictures of this little fairytale town decorated to the hilt for the holidays, and I just had to see it for myself.

And honestly? It totally lived up to the hype.

There are six small markets scattered around the old town, but it kind of feels like one big magical maze of twinkling lights, cozy stalls, and holiday cheer. You can walk from one to the next without even realizing you’ve entered a new market.

What I really loved about the Colmar markets was how authentic and charming they felt. Way less touristy and mass-produced than the Strasbourg Christmas Markets.

I found more handmade gifts, unique crafts, and special little souvenirs here. It all felt more relaxed, and more personal… just the way I pictured a European Christmas market would be.

If you’re short on time and can only visit one, either Colmar or Strasbourg, make sure to read my post where I compare both in detail so you can decide which is best for your trip.

3. Indulge in Some of The Best Christmas Market Foods!

Since we’re talking about the Christmas markets, I feel like the food deserves its own spotlight.

By the time I got to Colmar, I was a bit burnt out on traditional market food. There’s only so many sausages, potato pancakes, and fried doughs a person can eat.

But Colmar totally surprised me in the best way. The food here felt a little more elevated, especially at the gourmet market near the giant Ferris wheel. They had at least six chefs whipping up some seriously impressive street food.

I ended up going for this lasagna-style pasta dish that was so warm, cheesy, and satisfying.

And when I spotted the oyster and champagne booth? Well, you know I couldn’t pass that up. I mean… when in France, right?

From hearty dishes to sweet treats, there were so many fun and unique options that made eating at the Colmar markets one of the highlights of my visit.

4. Drink Mulled Wine & Collect The Christmas Mug

Of course, you can’t visit Colmar in winter without sipping on some vin chaud. That’s what the French call mulled wine.

You can literally smell it in the air as you wander through the markets. It’s warm, spicy, and feels like you’re drinking Christmas in a cup.

I’ll admit, I’ve probably had more mulled wine on my Christmas market trips than I should proudly confess… No regrets!

One thing I always look forward to is collecting the cute souvenir mugs they serve it in. Sadly, Colmar seems to be following the trend of using reusable plastic cups (which I totally get… but still I’m not a fan).

That said, I did manage to hunt down one adorable boot-shaped mug at the little carousel bar by the market near the park—just outside the old town on the way to the train station.

You usually pay a deposit (around 5 euros), and if you return the mug, you’ll get your money back. But of course… I absolutely kept mine.

5. Visit Other Alsace Villages

One of the best things about staying in Colmar is how easy it is to visit the nearby villages.

Places like Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg are all super close, and honestly, they’re just as cute (if not cuter!) than Colmar. Each one feels like a little fairytale town, especially with the Christmas lights and decorations up.

They’re much smaller than Colmar, so you don’t need a ton of time in each one, which makes it easy to see a few in a single day. You can definitely do it on your own, but figuring out the buses and train connections can get a little tricky, especially in winter.

If you want to keep things simple, there are some small group tours that will take you to a few villages in one day. I didn’t do one myself, but if I had more time, I would’ve totally gone that route just to skip the hassle.

>> Click Here to Visit Alsace’s picturesque villages <<

6. Stroll Through Little Venice

Little Venice was honestly my favorite spot in all of Colmar.

It’s just so dreamy with pastel-colored houses, tiny bridges, and little canals winding through the neighborhood. It kind of feels like you’ve stepped into a real-life painting.

I probably walked through it three different times during the day and still wasn’t over it.

The reflections on the water, especially when the lights come on in the evening, are just a chef’s kiss. If you’re into photography, this is where you’ll get all your best shots.

7. Take a Boat Ride on The Canals

I know what you’re thinking… a boat ride in winter??

But yes, even in December, you can hop on a little flat-bottomed boat and cruise through the canals of Colmar. And honestly, it ended up being one of my favorite things I did while I was there.

You can’t book ahead, so you just show up and wait your turn. I got in line around 10 a.m. and only waited about 20 minutes. Not bad at all.

If you’re riding solo like I was, try to grab a seat in the back. Most of the boat operators are super friendly and more than happy to snap a photo for you!

The ride is peaceful and gives you such a cool view of Little Venice from the water. Plus, the guide shares a bit of history along the way, so it’s relaxing and interesting.

Totally worth bundling up for.

8. Go on a Wine Tour

If you have a little extra time in your itinerary, a wine tour through the Alsace countryside would be so much fun.

I didn’t get a chance to do this myself, but I honestly wish I had. The Alsace Wine Route is known for its charming villages and crisp white wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer. And even in the winter, the scenery is just beautiful.

If wine is your thing or you’re just curious to see more of the region without having to figure out the logistics, I’d check out this small group tour.

It has hundreds of five-star reviews and seems like an easy, low-stress way to see more of Alsace while staying warm with a glass in hand.

>> Click Here to Discover The Delicious Wines of The Alsace Region <<

9. Admire the Unique Architecture

One of the things that makes Colmar so special is its fairytale architecture.

Everywhere you turn, there are colorful half-timbered houses that look like they were plucked straight out of a storybook. It’s honestly hard to take a bad photo here.

Make sure to keep an eye out for the famous Maison des Têtes (House of Heads) and the pink house near Little Venice. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in town.

I found myself stopping every few minutes just to snap another picture or peek down a quiet alley.

Colmar really is almost too cute to be real. The buildings feel like characters all on their own.

10. See The Pfister House

Since we’re talking about architecture, the Pfister House totally deserves its own little spotlight. This one’s a must-see while you’re exploring the old town.

It’s one of the most iconic buildings in Colmar—and definitely one of the oldest, dating all the way back to the 1500s.

What makes it stand out is the mix of wood and stone, the wraparound balcony, and the hand-painted murals on the outside walls (yes, actual paintings!). It looks so unique, you’ll probably end up snapping a photo even before you realize it’s that house.

You can’t go inside, but it’s right in the middle of everything, so it’s an easy stop while you wander around town. Just look up—you really can’t miss it!

11. Wander the Quiet Side Streets

One of my favorite things I did in Colmar was just… wander. Seriously, once you step off the main tourist path, the vibe totally changes.

Even during the busy Christmas season, I found side streets that were completely empty. No tour groups, no crowds, just peaceful, hidden little corners full of charm.

It almost felt like I’d stepped back in time. It made me wonder what this town must have been like before it became such a popular destination.

So if you’re craving a little break from the buzz of the markets, take a turn down a quiet street. You might stumble on a hidden courtyard, a cute little shop, or just a moment of calm.

12. Go Shopping

Colmar has so many cute little shops, and they’re perfect for wandering in and out of while you’re exploring the town. You’ll find everything from handmade ornaments and gifts to cozy sweaters and fun little souvenirs.

I actually found the softest sweater in a tiny shop here, and I couldn’t leave without it. It’s already packed in my bag for this year’s Christmas market trip.

If you need a break from the crowds or just want to warm up indoors for a bit, pop into the shops.

13. Snap a Photo With The Colmar Sign

Okay, I’ll admit it—it’s totally a touristy thing to do, but I couldn’t help myself!

The big red “Colmar” sign is such a fun photo stop.

You’ll find it in the little park on your way from the train station to the old town, so it’s a super easy stop.

I just had to snap a quick pic with it, because if you didn’t take a photo with the Colmar sign, did you even go?

14. Take a day trip to Basel, Switzerland

Did you know you are super close to Switzerland when you’re in Colmar?

So, if you’ve always dreamed of visiting Switzerland, this is the perfect chance to check it off your list.

Basel is just a quick 45-minute train ride from Colmar, and it’s super easy to get to. I ended up spending the night there and had the best time exploring on my own.

The city was beautiful and festive, and the Christmas markets totally surprised me. They felt really local and authentic, and I found some of the best gifts of my whole trip there!

While I was in town, I also made a point to visit the place where France, Germany, and Switzerland all meet.

It’s called the Dreiländereck.

And even though the real “three countries in one” spot is technically in the river, it still felt pretty cool standing right there knowing I was surrounded by three countries at once.

If figuring out the train and transport feels like too much, there’s also a Christmas Across 3 Borders Tour that looks really fun. It takes you to three countries (Basel, Switzerland, being one of them) in one day without any of the stress of planning it all yourself.

>> Click Here if You Want to Visit 3 Countries in One Day! <<

15. Don’t Miss the Buildings Lit up After Dark!

You really can’t miss Colmar at night.

Once the tour groups head out and the shops start closing, the town feels totally different. The crowds are gone, the streets are quiet, and everything lights up with that warm, magical glow. It’s honestly the most magical time to be in Colmar.

I bundled up, grabbed one last vin chaud, and just wandered around with no plan. It was hands-down one of my favorite memories.

It would’ve been even more perfect if it had started snowing—fingers crossed for you!

How Much Time Do I Need in Colmar?

Honestly, you can see most of Colmar in just one day. It’s a small town, and everything you’ll want to explore is within easy walking distance in the old town.

But if you can swing it, I really recommend spending at least one night.

Once the tour groups clear out and the day trippers head home, the whole village quiets down — and that’s when the real magic happens. The streets are empty, and with the lights glowing, it’s just even more romantic and cozy.

Where to Stay in Colmar in the Winter

If you’re visiting Colmar in the winter, don’t wait to book your hotel. Places fill up fast during the holiday season! As soon as you know your dates, I recommend locking something in.

Colmar is small, and staying in (or close to) the old town makes all the difference when it’s chilly outside and you want everything within easy walking distance.

Here are my top three picks — whether you’re looking to splurge, save, or land somewhere in the middle:

Tips for Visiting Colmar in the Winter

Before you pack your bags, there are a few tips I think you should know.

Winter in Colmar is magical, but it does come with a few quirks. Here are a few pieces of advice to help make your trip better.

Pack warm layers

It gets cold in Colmar in December, and since you’ll be spending most of your time outside, you’ll definitely want to bundle up.

I’d focus more on comfort and functionality than fashion… but if you can do both, even better!

Pack a good base layer, warm sweaters, and a coat that can withstand cold and possibly some rain. That way, you’ll actually enjoy wandering around instead of just counting down until you’re back indoors.

And if you want help nailing that balance of staying warm and still looking cute in photos, check out my post on what to wear to the Christmas markets. It has all my go-to winter picks!

Come Prepared for Rain

It rains a lot in Europe during December, and Colmar is no different.

When I visited in early December, it rained off and on the whole day. I wasn’t totally prepared and ended up buying an umbrella at the train station as soon as I arrived—lesson learned.

Make sure to pack a waterproof coat with a hood and some warm, waterproof boots. You’ll be outside most of the day, and staying dry makes all the difference.

Pro tip: Skip the coats with faux fur around the hood. Once it gets wet, it just clumps up and makes you look like a drowned rat in every photo. Not cute.

Bring Cash and Coins for the Christmas Markets

Most of the market stalls in Colmar take cards these days, but a few still only accept cash, especially the smaller food or craft booths. So it’s always a good idea to have a little cash on hand just in case.

Also, don’t forget: you’ll need coins to use the public toilets in Europe. I recommend bringing a small coin purse too! Europe tends to give you a ton of coins back, and it adds up quickly.

You Don’t Need a Car

If you’re wondering whether you’ll need a car in Colmar, the answer is definitely not.

The train station is just a 10-minute walk from the old town, and once you’re there, everything is super walkable.

Colmar is actually pretty small, and driving around just adds stress. Between one-way streets, limited parking, and crowds, it’s really not worth the hassle.

Train travel is super easy and honestly my favorite way to get around Europe.

Reservations are a must

Don’t wait until you’re hungry to figure out dinner plans.

The restaurants fill up fast, especially in the evenings when all the Christmas market-goers are looking to warm up with a cozy meal.

I learned this the hard way and ended up wandering around for quite a while trying to find a table. So, take my advice: make reservations ahead of time, especially for dinner. It’ll save you time, stress, and hanger.

That’s a Wrap

Colmar in winter is something truly special! Cozy, magical, and full of that fairytale charm you dream about when planning a European Christmas getaway. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine, wandering the markets, or taking a quiet stroll through Little Venice, this little town just knows how to do winter right.

I hope this guide helped you feel a little more prepared and a lot more excited for your trip.

And if you’re still planning out the rest of your festive adventure, don’t forget to grab my free Europe Christmas Market Guide—it’s packed with sample itineraries, packing tips, and everything you need to make the most of your trip.