Alsace is famous for its Christmas markets, and two of the most rewarding are in Colmar and Strasbourg. While each city has its own distinct personality, many travelers wonder if visiting both in one weekend is practical. The answer is yes, thanks to a direct train link that takes about 30 minutes between the city centers.
The key is choosing a base and planning your days so you see one city in daylight and the other after dark. This guide lays out two sample schedules—one based in Colmar, the other in Strasbourg—along with practical details on trains, hotels, and crowd management, so you can make the most of your Christmas market weekend.
Why Combine Colmar and Strasbourg for a Christmas Weekend?
Colmar and Strasbourg offer contrasting Christmas market experiences. Colmar is compact and walkable, with several themed markets clustered within about ten minutes of each other. Its half-timbered houses lit with fairy lights around the canals of La Petite Venise create a fairytale atmosphere that photographers love.
Strasbourg, by contrast, calls itself the Capital of Christmas and backs that claim with more than 300 chalets spread across multiple zones. The giant tree on Place Kléber and the illuminated cathedral at night are showstoppers, but the scale means you need more time to cover the ground. These differences make them ideal partners for a weekend trip.
Can You Realistically Do Both in One Weekend?
Yes, if you plan carefully. The train between Colmar and Strasbourg takes about 30 minutes, making it feasible to stay overnight in one city and spend a full day in the other. This time frame is supported by practical guides, which recommend a similar approach to avoid feeling rushed.
Rather than trying to cram both into a single day, which can feel rushed and exhausting, a weekend allows you to see one city by day and the other by night. Most travelers find that Colmar can be appreciated in five to six hours, while Strasbourg rewards a full two days if you have the time.
Choosing Your Home Base: Colmar or Strasbourg?
Your choice of home base shapes the pace of your weekend. Staying in Colmar puts you in the middle of a quieter, more charming setting that’s easier to explore without a map. It’s also a good jumping-off point if you want to visit nearby villages like Eguisheim.
Strasbourg offers more hotel variety and longer evening hours, with many market stalls staying open until 9pm. The trade-off is that you’ll be surrounded by larger crowds, and getting between market zones takes time. Decide based on whether you prefer a calm retreat or a central spot for a bigger city’s energy.
Option 1: Base in Colmar with a Day Trip to Strasbourg
Start your Saturday morning in Colmar, exploring the markets at Place de l’Ancienne Douane and the artisan stalls at Place des Dominicains before the crowds peak. In the afternoon, take the 30-minute train to Strasbourg and spend the evening wandering the illuminated streets around the cathedral and Place Kléber.
Return to Colmar by late evening train so you can enjoy a quieter Sunday morning in La Petite Venise before heading home. This option works best if you prefer to sleep in the less crowded town and are willing to navigate train times for the return.
Option 2: Base in Strasbourg with a Day Trip to Colmar
For a reverse plan, base yourself in Strasbourg and dedicate Sunday to Colmar. Start early to catch Colmar’s markets before they fill up—aim for opening time, often mid-morning. Spend the day browsing the gourmet market, the indoor stalls at Koïfhus, and the children’s market in La Petite Venise.
Take the train back to Strasbourg in the early evening to enjoy its night-time magic without worrying about a late connection. This way you get two distinct atmospheres in one weekend, and you can use a full day in each city if you extend your stay to three nights.
Getting Between the Cities: Train Details
Direct trains run regularly between Gare de Colmar and Gare de Strasbourg, with the journey taking about 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at the station or online via SNCF, and booking in advance can save money, though last-minute fares are generally available.
From Gare de Colmar, the old town is about 15 minutes on foot, while Gare de Strasbourg is roughly a 20-minute walk to Place Kléber, or a short tram ride. Factor in station transfers and walking time when planning your schedule, especially if you have early-morning trains. For more on reaching Colmar, see our guide on Getting to the Colmar Christmas Markets.
Where to Stay: Hotel Advice for Both Cities
In Colmar, prioritize a hotel within the old town so you can reach the markets on foot without navigating the outskirts. Properties near the pedestrian streets are often booked weeks ahead, so reserve as early as possible. In Strasbourg, look for a place near the train station or the cathedral for quick access to the festive zones.
Since you’ll be out in the winter weather, a hotel with a cozy lobby or a good breakfast can be a welcome respite. Costs and availability vary widely, so compare current options on booking platforms and check cancellation policies, as plans can change.
Managing Crowds: Best Times to Visit
Both markets draw huge crowds, but you can reduce stress by timing your visits. In Colmar, arrive early in the morning or later in the evening when day-trippers thin out, giving you breathing room around La Petite Venise for photos. On weekends, expect peak crowds from mid-morning to evening.
In Strasbourg, the most intense congestion is around the cathedral and Place Kléber in the late afternoon. A pre-dinner wander or a late-evening visit can feel more relaxed, but be aware security checks at some entrances create lines even at off-peak hours.
What to Eat and Drink at Both Markets
No Christmas market visit is complete without vin chaud, the spiced mulled wine that appears at nearly every stall. In Colmar, look for a bouchée à la reine—creamy meat in a puff pastry shell with spaetzle—at the gourmet market, a satisfying sit-down meal that beats typical on-the-go snacks. This dish is widely praised in travel guides as a must-try.
Strasbourg’s markets offer a wider variety of Alsatian specialties, from choucroute to bredele cookies, plus the famous bredele Christmas biscuits. Carry cash because some chalets don’t accept cards, and expect to eat standing at high tables—seating is often limited in both cities.
Highlights of Colmar’s Christmas Markets
Colmar’s six market sites are all within a short walk of each other, starting with the main market at Place de l’Ancienne Douane, which hosts more than 50 chalets along the canal. The artisan market at Place des Dominicains showcases local crafts and the small Koïfhus building hosts an indoor market of handmade goods.
For families, the Petite Venise Children’s Christmas Market adds a playful touch with wooden toys and a mailbox to send letters to Santa. The newer gourmet market is a foodie highlight, with a handful of chef-run cabins serving made-to-order dishes under cover.
Highlights of Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets
Strasbourg’s markets are spread across the city, with the most iconic spots being the towering Christmas tree on Place Kléber and the market stalls clustered around the cathedral. The cathedral area glows after dark, making it a prime spot for photos and a festive atmosphere.
Beyond the central spots, smaller markets like the one at Place Broglie add variety with more than 100 chalets. Given the sheer number of stalls, pick a few must-see zones and plan a route to avoid doubling back in the cold.
What to Skip If You’re Short on Time
If your weekend is tight, skip the outlying market zones in Strasbourg that require long walks, such as the one near the Palais des Congrès. Instead, focus on the cathedral area and Place Kléber, which capture the city’s festive essence.
In Colmar, you can easily skip the daily activity program and the Ferris wheel if you’re short on time. The core markets—Ancienne Douane, Dominicans, and Petite Venise—offer the most reward for your hours.
Practical Tips for a Smooth Visit
Dress in warm layers and waterproof boots, as temperatures drop below freezing and snow isn’t uncommon. Keep a small stash of cash for small purchases, and take advantage of public toilets when you see them—they can be scarce and queues form quickly.
In Strasbourg, be prepared for security checks at entrances to main market zones, which can slow your entry. For the latest schedules and any changes, consult the official tourism websites for each city, as dates and hours can vary year to year.
Which City Should Get More of Your Time?
If you prefer calm corners, fairytale architecture, and easy walking, spend more time in Colmar. If you want grand scale, concerts, and a bustling atmosphere, give Strasbourg the extra hours. Many travelers find that starting with Colmar’s relaxed vibe before diving into Strasbourg’s energy creates a natural progression.
For a balanced weekend, allocate one full day to Strasbourg and half a day to Colmar, or vice versa, depending on your base. This ensures you see both without feeling too rushed.
Bonus: Nearby Villages Like Eguisheim
If you can extend your weekend by an extra day, consider visiting Eguisheim, a village near Colmar often called one of France’s prettiest. Its circular layout and colorful half-timbered houses make it a charming addition, though it’s smaller and less crowded than the main cities.
Eguisheim is reachable by bus or car from Colmar, but check timetables in advance. Adding it to a trip already packed with markets might stretch your time, so use it as a relaxed final morning if you have the energy. For more ideas on winter events, explore our guide to festivals in France.
Plan Your Visit
Combining Colmar and Strasbourg in one weekend is an ambitious but rewarding plan. Use the train to stay flexible, choose a base that matches your travel style, and follow crowd-beating tips to enjoy both markets at their best.
Before you finalize dates, check each city’s official tourism site for current market dates and hours, as these change annually. With a little forethought, you’ll return home with memories of two very different, equally magical Christmas experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay in Colmar or Strasbourg for Christmas markets?
Colmar offers a more compact and cozy setting, making it easier to explore on foot and avoid the largest crowds. Strasbourg has a wider range of hotels and longer market hours, but it's busier. Choose Colmar for a quieter escape and Strasbourg for convenience to a larger city's nightlife and amenities.
Which city has better Christmas markets, Colmar or Strasbourg?
The right choice depends on your preferences. Colmar is more intimate and visually charming, perfect for photos and a slower pace. Strasbourg is larger, more famous, and feels grand, but it comes with bigger crowds. Either can be a highlight, so consider what atmosphere you enjoy.
How many days do you need in Strasbourg for Christmas markets?
Strasbourg's markets are extensive, so plan for one to two full days to explore the major zones without rushing. An overnight stay is often recommended, and starting your visit early or staying late helps avoid the most crowded moments.
How many days for Strasbourg and Colmar?
To see both with moderate depth, allow at least three days: two for Strasbourg and one for Colmar. If you can spare only two nights, base yourself in one city and dedicate a full day to the other by train.
