Colmar Christmas Market

The Colmar Christmas market runs from late November through late December across 5 separate markets spread through the old town. The market at Place de l'Ancienne Douane (the old customs house) is the largest and has the food stalls: vin chaud (mulled wine, EUR 4-5), bredele (Alsatian Christmas cookies), pain d'epices (gingerbread), and roasted chestnuts. The children's market at Place des Six Montagnes Noires is the most charming: a small square with a carousel, craft stalls, and a nativity scene. Markets also appear at Place de la Cathedrale, Place Jeanne d'Arc, and along the Koifhus. Colmar's markets are smaller than Strasbourg's (which draws over 2 million visitors) but considered by many Alsatians to be better because they retain a local character that Strasbourg's sheer scale has diluted. The illuminated half-timbered houses of Petite Venise reflected in the canal at night, with Christmas lights strung overhead, are the image that justifies the December visit. Book accommodation very early - Colmar is a small city and fills up fast.