Colmar does not have one Christmas market but several, each set in a different square of its half-timbered old town, so a December evening here feels like walking through a picture book. The town lies in Alsace, across the border into France and a few hours' drive north of Geneva, and AirportsTransfers.ch can take you there door to door for a festive stay of one or more nights.
- Format: several markets spread across the old town, each with its own character
- Setting: half-timbered houses, canals of Little Venice, illuminated façades
- Specialities: bredele biscuits, gingerbread, mulled wine, tarte flambée
- Nearby: wine villages such as Kaysersberg, Riquewihr and Eguisheim with their own markets
- Getting there: private transfer from Geneva, crossing into France
A town of many markets
Colmar's Christmas markets are scattered through the compact historic centre, so moving from one to another is part of the experience. Markets set up in squares such as Place des Dominicains, beside the Dominican church; Place Jeanne d'Arc; and around the Koïfhus, the old Customs House, whose covered hall hosts craft stalls. In the Little Venice quarter, where colourful houses line the canal, there is a market designed with children in mind. Each market has its own look and selection of stalls, from Christmas decorations and handmade gifts to regional food.
As night falls, Colmar is carefully illuminated. Church façades, bridges and the timbered houses are lit in soft, changing colours, and shop windows are decorated with nativity scenes, teddy bears and Alsatian toys. The overall effect is intimate and warm, and the town's small size means everything is within walking distance.
What to eat and buy
Alsace has a strong Christmas baking tradition. Bredele, small spiced or butter biscuits in many shapes, are sold by the bag; pain d'épices (gingerbread) and kougelhopf, a ring-shaped brioche, are on many stalls. Savoury favourites include tarte flambée, a thin crust topped with cream, onions and bacon, and pretzels. To drink, try vin chaud, often made with Alsace white or red wine, or hot apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
For gifts, look for Alsatian pottery, painted glass baubles, wooden toys, table linen and regional wines such as Riesling or Crémant d'Alsace. Many stalls emphasise local craft, and some markets restrict the type of goods on sale to keep the traditional feel.
- Bredele biscuits and gingerbread
- Tarte flambée and pretzels
- Vin chaud and Crémant d'Alsace
- Alsatian pottery, glass and wooden toys
Beyond the markets: Colmar and the wine villages
Colmar is worth exploring by day too. The Unterlinden Museum, housed partly in a former convent, holds the Isenheim Altarpiece, a masterpiece of late medieval painting. The canals of Little Venice are lovely in daylight, and the old streets around the Maison Pfister and the Maison des Têtes are full of character. The Bartholdi Museum recalls the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, born in the town.
The surrounding wine villages hold their own Christmas markets, often smaller and more rustic. Kaysersberg, with its castle ruin and fortified bridge, Riquewihr within its walls and Eguisheim with its concentric lanes are all close to Colmar. A chauffeur can take you to one or two of them during the day before returning to Colmar for the evening illuminations.
Planning your Colmar trip from Geneva
The drive from Geneva to Colmar heads north across Switzerland or through Franche-Comté and crosses the border into France. It takes a few hours, so we suggest staying at least one night, ideally two. Accommodation in the old town fills quickly in December, so book well in advance. Weekends are busy, while midweek visits are noticeably calmer, especially in the late afternoon before the evening crowds.
Wear warm, comfortable shoes for cobblestones and dress in layers. Markets are crowded at peak times, so keep an eye on bags. Colmar is also easy to combine with Strasbourg or Basel in a broader Christmas markets trip, with each stop a reasonable drive from the next.
Book your festive transfer to Colmar
AirportsTransfers.ch shows a fixed price per vehicle before you pay online by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. If you fly into Geneva, your chauffeur tracks the flight, includes waiting time if it lands late and meets you with a name sign. A Mercedes E-Class takes up to three passengers and three bags, the S-Class adds extra comfort for the longer journey, and the V-Class van carries up to seven, with room for gifts and wine on the way home. Child seats are available on request, and return transfers can be booked together. Call or WhatsApp +41 78 346 56 77 at any time.
