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The Colmar Christmas Market has to be one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France, and especially in Alsace. To help you make the most of its 6 Christmas markets, our experts have compiled a list of the best hotels near the Colmar Christmas Market. From spa hotels to quaint boutique hotels, you're sure to find something to suit your visit to Colmar. But first, let's dive into the frequently asked questions about visiting Colmar and its famous Christmas markets.
FAQs About Visiting Colmar
Where is Colmar?
Nestled in the heart of the Alsace region in northeastern France, Colmar is a picturesque town famed for its enchanting old quarter, replete with cobblestone streets, charming half-timbered houses, and idyllic canals. Often dubbed the "Capital of Alsatian Wine," Colmar offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and gastronomy.
How do I get to Colmar from the UK?
Travelling from the UK to Colmar is an adventure in itself, with several options at your disposal:
- By Plane: The most convenient airports are EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Strasbourg Airport, and Zurich Airport. From any of these, you can take a train or hire a car for the scenic drive to Colmar.
- By Train: Hop on the Eurostar from London to Paris, and then transfer to a high-speed TGV train to Colmar. The entire journey typically takes around 5-6 hours, offering a seamless and comfortable travel experience.
- By Car: For those who relish a road trip, driving from the UK involves crossing via ferry or the Eurotunnel to France, followed by a picturesque drive through northern France to Alsace. The journey from Calais to Colmar is approximately 6-7 hours.
What’s the weather like in Colmar during the Christmas months?
December in Colmar is a winter wonderland, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 6°C (32°F to 43°F). The air is crisp, and snowfall is a distinct possibility, adding to the festive charm of the town. Make sure to bundle up in warm clothing to fully enjoy the enchanting Christmas atmosphere.
When does the Colmar Christmas Market 2024 start?
The magical Colmar Christmas Market typically begins in late November and continues until the end of December. The exact dates can vary each year, so it’s wise to check the official Colmar tourism website for the latest details on the Colmar Christmas markets 2024.
What are some nice day trips to do around Colmar?
Colmar is an excellent base for exploring the surrounding Alsace region. Here are a few delightful day trips:
- Riquewihr: Just a 20-minute drive away, this medieval village is renowned for its stunning architecture and vineyards.
- Eguisheim: A mere 15-minute drive from Colmar, Eguisheim boasts colourful houses and flower-lined streets, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Strasbourg: The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is about an hour’s drive or a short train ride from Colmar. Its majestic cathedral and charming Petite France district are must-sees.
- Freiburg, Germany: Venture into the Black Forest with a 45-minute drive to Freiburg, a lively university town known for its historic charm and scenic beauty.
- The Alsace Wine Route: Embark on a scenic journey through vineyards and wine cellars along the renowned Alsace Wine Route, sampling some of the finest wines the region has to offer.
Top 5 hotels near the Colmar Christmas Market to stay
The 5 best hotels near the Colmar Christmas Market :
- La Maison des Têtes: close to the Christmas market on Place des Dominicains.
- Esquisse Spa Hôtel: close to the Place des Dominicains Christmas market.
- Le Colombier: close to the children's Christmas market in Colmar.
- Le Maréchal: next to the children's Christmas market.
- Saint Martin: close to the Ancienne Douane Christmas market.
The Colmar Christmas Market is made up of 6 separate Christmas markets in different parts of the city. To help you get as close as possible to the Colmar Christmas markets and enjoy a comfortable hotel, we've rounded up the best hotels in Colmar to enjoy the Christmas markets.
1. La Maison des Têtes
First on our list of the best hotels near the Colmar Christmas markets, La Maison des Têtes. This 5-star Relais et Châteaux hotel stands out in particular for its unique rooms decorated with care marrying modern decor with historic charm.
Rooms are spacious, with king-size beds, elegant bathrooms, and all the amenities you need to relax once your visit to Colmar's Christmas market is over. Some rooms even offer incredible views of the historic French town, adding an extra touch of uniqueness to the experience of your stay in Colmar.
Highlights of this hotel near the Colmar Christmas markets:
- The rooms' decor blends Alsatian tradition with contemporary elegance.
- Private secure parking (perfect if you're driving).
- A small 21-room boutique hotel (with a duplex apartment for families).
- His Girardin Gastronomic Restaurant: to admire and savour the blends of flavour from starred chef Eric Girardin.
Our Hotel La Maison des Têtes Breakdown
- Lodging category: 5 stars - Relais & Châteaux Hotel.
- Where: Rue des Têtes - 200m from the Place des Dominicains Christmas market in Colmar and 300m from the ephemeral ice rink.
- Why we love this Colmar Hotel: the hotel's architecture and historic Brasserie.
- Price: €€
- Google rating: 4,4/5
2. L'Esquisse Hotel & Spa
Located at the entrance to the Champs de Mars park, the l'Esquisse Hotel & Spa is a showcase of real elegance. This hotel with its chic but sober decoration is open onto the Colmar park giving you a spacious and serene feel.
The hotel has 62 rooms and suites, offering unrivalled comfort, most with a view of the park. The hotel's service is beyond reproach. Our attentive staff are always ready to help. The Clarins spa is one of the hotel's highlights. With its indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna and hammam, you can enjoy a morning of wellness before heading off to discover Colmar's Christmas markets in the Alsatian winter atmosphere.
Highlights of this hotel near the Colmar Christmas markets
- Spa with heated indoor pool.
- Sunday brunches overlooking the park.
- Staff attentive to every detail.
Our L'Esquisse Hotel & Spa Breakdown
- Lodging category: 5 stars - MGallery Accor Group Collection
- Where: Parc du Champ-de-Mars - 500m from the Place des Dominicains market and 650m from the children's market in Little Venice.
- Why we love this Colmar Hotel: Clarins Spa.
- Price: €€
- Google rating: 4.7/5
3. Hôtel Le Colombier
At the entrance to the Petite Venise district, Hôtel Le Colombier is located in Colmar's most beautiful neighbourhood. Le Colombier is a Renaissance mansion just a few steps from the canals. Ideal if you want to soak up the atmosphere of Alsace.
As for Le Colombier's rooms, they are contemporarily decorated. Combining Italian design with the authentic charm of the building, they create a luxurious environment for your weekend getaway in Colmar.
The hotel offers several room categories, from standard to suite, so you can enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading off to visit Colmar's Christmas market.
Highlights of this hotel near the Colmar Christmas markets
- Gourmet breakfast featuring local and organic produce.
- Spacious, designer rooms in a historic district.
- Parking if you decide to come by car.
Our Hotel Le Colombier Breakdown
- Lodging category: 4 stars
- Where: rue de Turenne - 450m from the Ancienne Douane Christmas market and 100m from the children's Christmas market.
- Why we love this Colmar hotel: the hotel's location.
- Price: €€
- Google rating: 4,3/5
4. Hôtel Le Maréchal
Right on the Lauch canal in the Petite Venise district, the Hôtel Le Maréchal is our favourite French hotel if you want to immerse yourself in the heart of Alsatian culture. The hotel is housed in a bâtisse dating from 1565, one of the emblematic half-timbered houses of the Petite Venise district.
Its 30 rooms are decorated with care. The exposed wooden beams lend a romantic atmosphere to the space, offering you the perfect setting for a romantic getaway to Colmar's Christmas market. As an added bonus, some of the hotel's rooms boast a breathtaking view of the canal, where you can watch illuminated Christmas boats go by.
Highlights of this hotel near the Colmar Christmas markets
- The perfect location to be at the heart of Christmas magic.
- Romantic suites in a historic building.
- The distinguished A l'Échevin restaurant, which revisits local Alsatian cuisine
Our The Hotel Le Maréchal Breakdown
- Lodging category: 4 stars
- Where: Place des 6 Montagnes Noires - next to the Petite Venise Christmas market and 400m from the Gourmand Christmas market.
- What we love this Colmar hotel: the Christmas decorations on the front and back of this festive Colmar hotel.
- Price: €€
- Google rating: 4,5/5
5. Hôtel Saint-Martin
The last hotel on our list of the best Colmar hotels near the Christmas market is L'hôtel Saint-Martin. In the historic center of Colmar, just a few steps from the Ancienne Douane Christmas market, this 3-star hotel has a rustic charm that adds a touch of authenticity to your visit to Colmar's Christmas markets.
The traditional Alsatian style of each of the rooms, everything has been thought of to ensure you have a good stay. The personnel are extremely pleasant and happy to help if you have any questions.
The hotel is also carefully decorated with many Christmas lights, immersing you in the magic of the festive season. A little extra, the petit déjeuner à volonté (all-you-can-eat breakfast) served from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., is the perfect way to refuel before exploring the Alsatian Christmas markets.
Highlights of this hotel near the Colmar Christmas markets
- Excellent value for money given its location.
- A pet-friendly hotel if you can't part with your furry friend.
- A rustic hotel in the heart of the old town.
Our Hotel Saint Martin Breakdown
- Lodging category: 3 stars
- Where: Grande Rue - 50 m from the Ancienne Douane Christmas market and 100 m from the Gourmand Christmas market.
- What we love about this Colmar hotel: its authentic style.
- Price: €
- Google rating: 4,2/5
How To Plan Your Colmar Christmas Market Trip
If you still have a few questions before booking your favourite hotel near the Christmas markets, our experts have put together in this section, the most asked questions to book a hotel near the Christmas markets in Colmar.
Where to stay in Colmar to see the Christmas markets?
If you want to stay in Colmar itself and enjoy the proximity of the Colmar Christmas markets, the five hotels already mentioned are our favourites for your stay.
- La Maison des Têtes
- L'Esquisse Spa Hotel
- L'hôtel Le Colombier
- L'hôtel Le Marechal
- L'hôtel Saint-Martin
It's also possible to book a hotel on the outskirts of Colmar, in one of the small villages that also offer enchanting Christmas markets, such as Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé or Kaysersberg. Several parking lots are available in Colmar for easy access to the Christmas markets.
How to get to the Colmar Christmas market
If you're staying in downtown Colmar, most of the Colmar Christmas markets are within walking distance of each other. On the other hand, large sections of the centre of Colmar are only accessible to pedestrians. If you've found hotels on the outskirts of Colmar, you can take advantage of the Christmas shuttles to get to Colmar or to visit the other smaller Christmas markets in the region.
Where to park in Colmar to see the Christmas markets?
If unfortunately, your Colmar hotel doesn't have a private parking lot, there are several parking lots in the heart of Colmar where you can park your car. You can choose between the following parking lots:
- Covered parking lots near the Colmar Christmas markets:
Parking de la Mairie,
Parking Saint-Josse,
Parking Rapp,
Parking de la Montagne Verte.
- Relay parking near the Colmar Christmas markets:
Relay Parking at the Parc des expositions on Saturdays and Sundays only. A shuttle bus runs every 10 minutes.
Gift a hotel stay in Colmar for Christmas
If you're celebrating a special occasion on the run-up to Christmas, go the extra mile and surprise them with a hotel gift card.
A hotel gift card for a Colmar getaway is the best Christmas gift for Santa's fans because they can redeem it on over 750,000 hotels all over the world. Whether they want to go on a Christmas market tour of Europe or stay in the UK for a picturesque winter staycation, a hotel gift card gives your lucky recipient the freedom to redeem it within 2 years on a date that suits them.
What's more, is that you can personalise the hotel voucher with your own photo and message. All the more reason to surprise your loved ones with a meaningful Christmas gift that encourages rest, relaxation and exploration!
