Colmar Christmas Market (Marché de Noël)
Colmar runs not one but five simultaneous Christmas markets across its old town from late November to 30 December, each themed around a different historic square — and the collective effect, with the timber-framed backdrop, mulled Glühwein steam and smell of bredele biscuits in the cold air, is the most cinematic Christmas scene in France. This is the market that makes the Instagram photos you ass
Five squares, five atmospheres
The main market on Place des Dominicains is the grandest, with a towering fir tree and stalls selling Alsatian Christmas ornaments, hand-blown glass baubles and local foie gras. Place de l'Ancienne Douane is livelier and more food-focused, while the market on Place des Martyrs has a distinctly children's-village feel with a carousel and a nativity scene.
The market on Quai de la Poissonnerie — right on the La Petite Venise canal — is the one to photograph at dusk when the fairy lights reflect in the water and the half-timbered houses glow amber. It's smaller and less crowded than the main squares, making it the locals' favourite for a quiet Glühwein.
What to eat and buy
Bredele are the essential purchase: small spiced shortbread biscuits in dozens of shapes, sold by weight from wooden stalls. Pair them with a cup of Glühwein (hot spiced wine) or, for something stronger, a glass of Alsatian Marc de Gewurztraminer. Savoury snacks run to flammekueche (Alsatian thin-crust tart) and grilled Munster cheese on bread.
For gifts, look for hand-painted faïence pottery from local studios and carved wooden decorations made in the Vosges — far more distinctive than the mass-produced ornaments that dominate larger European markets.
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