Christmas Story. Colmar, the Jewel of Alsace.

Colmar, this picturesque corner located in the heart of the Alsace region in France, is the perfect destination for those who wish to step into a fairytale land. For me, it was a dream come true, and the fact that I chose to visit Colmar during the pre-Christmas period made this journey stay in my heart for eternity. I experienced the perfect winter tale, feeling Christmas exactly as I did in my childhood, with fairytale settings, peace, songs, and feelings of fulfillment.

With a heart full of joy and awe in my eyes, I let myself be carried through the streets adorned for the holidays, getting lost in the maze of buildings with typical Alsatian architecture. I tell you with all my heart, this place is a beautiful dream that I recommend you experience for yourself!

The jewel of Alsace has a unique charm that offers visitors a journey into the past, with colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and romantic canals. The “La Petite Venice” district, with its traditional Alsatian houses reflecting in the calm waters of the canals, creates an idyllic atmosphere from which you don’t want to leave anytime soon.

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Colmar is a renowned destination for wine enthusiasts, with numerous wineries and vineyards located nearby. So, if you visit here, you can taste the local wines and learn the secrets of wine production from the locals.

I didn’t choose to visit Colmar for the wines, but for the festive atmosphere during the Christmas season. The iconic images online, the Instagram-worthy landscapes, and the perfect corners for memorable photos had caught my attention for a long time. So, I visited Colmar at the end of November, when the Christmas markets were open.

Since I traveled to France by car, I chose to stay overnight in other cities famous for their Christmas markets. This way, in the evening, we could indulge in the delights of the stalls in Vienna, Munich, and Strasbourg.

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The headquarters in France was established in Strasbourg, in a fairytale location, the most beautiful place I’ve ever stayed during the Christmas season.

Château de Pourtalès, a castle located on the outskirts of Strasbourg, France, is an architectural gem full of history and exceptional elegance. With a history that spans several centuries, this impressive castle was built in the 19th century and served as a summer residence for the noble Bussière family.

The tastefully furnished rooms, the perfectly maintained gardens, and the aristocratic atmosphere convinced us to extend our stay here, even though initially we had only booked one night, with plans to move on to Colmar afterwards. The Christmas atmosphere captivated me instantly, and I couldn’t tear myself away from the rooms decorated in a style I simply adore. Château de Pourtalès is the perfect place to experience the luxury and beauty of a bygone era amid a charming and peaceful setting.

So, the 70 km distance (1 hour) was no issue for us, as the magnificent accommodation was worth the effort, and I’m certain that if I ever think of returning to the area, I would choose to stay at Château de Pourtalès again.

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This small town can be explored in a single day, but if you arrive like I did during the Christmas season, to have time for leisurely walks, two days are more than enough.

Here’s what you can do in 2 days in Colmar:

  1. Explore Little Venice of Alsace on foot: Discover colorful houses and cobblestone streets, with frequent stops at some of the charming cafes and restaurants. The “La Petite Venise” district is a gem. Located along the canal, it is famous for its traditional Alsace houses reflected in the water. A relaxed walk through this scenery will instantly transport you into a fairytale world.
  2. Take a boat ride along the canals: See Colmar from a different perspective with a boat tour along the canals.
  3. Visit the Unterlinden Museum: Housed in a former Dominican monastery, it boasts an impressive collection of art and history. One of its main attractions is the painting “Jesus Among the Doctors” by Matthias Grünewald.
  4. Château de Haut-Koenigsbourg: Located just a short distance from Colmar, this impressive castle perched on a rock offers spectacular views of the Alsace region. Built in the 12th century and restored in the 19th century, the castle takes you on a journey into the medieval history of the area.
  5. The Christmas Markets in Colmar: If you visit during the winter holidays like I did, you mustn’t miss the Christmas markets. With fairy tale lighting, traditional Alsace foods, and handcrafted goods, these markets transform Colmar into one of the must-visit destinations during the Christmas season.
  6. A shopping session at one of its souvenir and traditional product shops: The town offers many options, so you can pick up Christmas gifts or souvenirs to remind you of this wonderful journey from one of Colmar’s charming boutiques.
  7. An evening walk is a must: The town changes completely when night falls. The old town, illuminated by lanterns, architectural lights, and winter decorations, will take you to a completely different setting compared to what you see during the day.
  8. Taste the Alsace cuisine: Choose a traditional restaurant and savor local dishes.
  9. Take photos in the most Instagram-worthy spots in Colmar: The Christmas-decorated house that appears in all the pictures online is highly sought after. There are even moments when you have to wait in line to capture the perfect shot.
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How I got to Colmar – By car, and the route I chose was Sibiu – Vienna – Munich – Strasbourg – Colmar – 1500 km (16 hours). We decided to spend the night in Vienna and Munich on both the way there and back in order to visit the Christmas markets in these cities, as well as to avoid turning this trip into a marathon.

Where we stayedChâteau de Pourtalès, a castle located on the outskirts of Strasbourg, France, is an architectural gem of the past filled with history and unique elegance. We stayed in Strasbourg because we found this wonderful accommodation and visited Colmar (1 hour away) from here.

Where we ate – Street food, food from the Christmas markets, and dinner at Restaurant Schwendi.

Prices: We paid 54 EUR for an onion soup, a glass of wine, a cola, and two main courses (sausages with potatoes, cheese, and ham; pork with fried potatoes and fried eggs).

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Colmar at Christmas is a truly magical and unmistakable experience. The city transforms into a fairytale land during the festive season, and its Christmas markets are among the most beautiful in Europe.

What you’ll find in Colmar at Christmas:

  • Festive Décor – The city is adorned with holiday lights and decorative elements that turn every street into a charming winter painting.
  • Christmas Markets – Colmar hosts several Christmas markets, with the most famous being the market at Place Jeanne d’Arc and the market in La Petite Venise. Here, you can buy gifts, Christmas decorations, and traditional products. Additionally, don’t miss the mulled wine and delicious food.
  • Traditional Gastronomy – During the Christmas markets, you can taste Alsatian specialties such as tarte flambée, choucroute, bratwurst, and many more.
  • Festive Atmosphere at Every Corner – Colmar during the holiday season is full of activities for the entire family, offering street performances, traditional music, and theater shows for children. The street atmosphere is joyful, guiding visitors into a fairytale world.
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Love,

A.C.

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