Christmas Markets in Colmar

Colmar's origins date to the ninth century, though it flourished during the Middle Ages as a free imperial city within the Holy Roman Empire. Its strategic position along trade routes brought prosperity, reflected in the magnificent merchant houses and public buildings that still define its character. The city's Alsatian identity has been shaped by centuries of cultural exchange between French and Germanic traditions, creating a unique blend visible in its architecture, dialect, and customs. This heritage survived remarkably intact through various conflicts, leaving Colmar with one of the best-preserved old towns in the region.

Colmar's Christmas market tradition stretches back several centuries, rooted in medieval winter fairs that brought merchants and craftspeople together during Advent. The modern markets revived these traditions in the late twentieth century, deliberately spreading across multiple historic squares to showcase different aspects of Alsatian Christmas culture. Today the city hosts several themed markets reflecting particular facets of local heritage, from traditional crafts to regional gastronomy.