Where to Stay in Colmar for Christmas Markets (Best Hotels!)
Are you wondering where to stay in Colmar for Christmas market access? Read on for my top recommendations of the best hotels in Colmar close to the Christmas markets for a magical holiday trip!
Colmar is a small city in the Alsace region of France, located close to the border with Germany. Historically, this region has had a strong German influence, and Alsatian cities like Colmar have even changed hands several times between France and Germany, before permanently becoming French again in 1945.
The history of Colmar dates back to the 9th century, and over the centuries it grew into a significant medieval trading town. Today, Colmar is known for its beautiful and well-preserved Old Town, including a canal-filled area known as “La Petite Venise” (Little Venice.) It’s also a stop on the Alsace Wine Route.
Colmar is a great destination to visit year-round, but it’s especially popular in December because of its Christmas markets. With half a dozen different markets spread out through the city, you can enjoy traditional Alsatian food and drinks, and shop for unique handmade gifts at the dozens of wooden stalls.
The decor in Colmar is also unmatched. The city goes all out in decorating for Christmas, and everything has a very whimsical and fairytale-like feel. Combined with the colorful half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and picturesque canals, Colmar truly feels like a magical destination at Christmas.
Should You Stay in Colmar?
Yes, Colmar makes a great base for a Christmas trip to the Alsace region!
The largest city in Alsace is Strasbourg, which is also a must-visit destination at Christmas. Strasbourg is a much larger city than Colmar and has more hotels, but Colmar is actually a more convenient base.
This is because you can easily visit some of the smaller Alsatian villages that also have Christmas markets (Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kayserberg, and Ribeauvillé) from Colmar. These villages don’t have train stations, but you can get to them all by bus or by driving from Colmar in less than 45 minutes.
Colmar is also only 30 minutes by train to Strasbourg, and 45 minutes by train to Basel, Switzerland, which is another great city to visit at Christmas. So you have tons of options for day trips here!
And of course, the Colmar Christmas markets themselves are absolutely incredible!
Best Hotels in Colmar, France
All of the hotels below are located within easy walking distance of the Christmas markets in Colmar. Most of these hotels are in the historic center of Colmar, while some are just outside of it.
The train station in Colmar is conveniently located near the Old Town (it’s just a 15-minute walk) so I have also included a couple of options that will put you close to the train station for day trips.
Most hotels follow suit with the rest of the city in decorating festively for Christmas. Think colorful lights outside, a twinkling Christmas tree in the lobby, and a roaring fire in the lounge.
Note on visiting Colmar at Christmas: Colmar is a very popular destination in December, especially on the weekends leading up to Christmas. You should book your Christmas trip as early as possible, because prices go up closer to Christmas, and many hotels will be fully sold out during December!
Here are my top picks for where to stay in Colmar for Christmas markets:
- Luxurious yet traditional: Relais & Châteaux La Maison des Têtes
- Modern luxury: L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar
- Alsatian charm: Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal
- Best value for money: PAUL & PIA – Welcome Home Hotel
And here’s a full breakdown of the best places to stay in Colmar, France:
Tip: I use and recommend Booking.com for getting the best deal on hotels. If you book directly through a link on this page, I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Stay to Wander!
Relais & Châteaux La Maison des Têtes
Relais & Châteaux La Maison des Têtes is one of the best hotels in Colmar for a Christmas trip. This five-star hotel is located in a historic building in the center of the Old Town, steps away from the markets.
The hotel offers comfortable, elegant rooms that have been fully renovated in a luxurious style, while still retaining traditional Alsatian details like wood-beamed ceilings. This is the perfect place to stay if you are looking to be right in the heart of the action, with all of Colmar’s Christmas markets at your doorstep.
L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar
L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar is a calming oasis in the midst of Colmar, and another great place to stay if you’re looking for a luxury hotel. This five-star hotel overlooks the Champ de Mars Park in Colmar. It’s a ten-minute walk to the train station from here, and a five-minute walk to the historic Old Town.
The rooms at this hotel are sleek, modern, and spacious, and many offer private balconies overlooking the park. Other amenities at this hotel include a small indoor swimming pool and a spa.
Hotel Le Colombier
Hotel Le Colombier is a great place to stay right in the heart of Colmar’s Old Town. This hotel is located in the Petite Venise area, characterized by its canals lined with half-timbered buildings.
Guests staying here will be just minutes from all the Christmas markets. Although the hotel is in a historic building, the interior has been meticulously renovated with comfortable, modern rooms.
Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal
Another hotel that’s dripping with traditional Alsatian charm is Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal. Situated in the Petite Venise area, this hotel offers comfortable rooms full of traditional character and details.
The hotel embraces the Christmas spirit of Colmar, going all out in its decorations, making this the perfect place to stay for a cozy Christmas trip. All of the markets are also within easy walking distance.
James Boutique Hôtel Colmar Centre
James Boutique Hôtel Colmar Centre is a good place to stay if you’re looking for a modern hotel close to the Old Town. It’s right on the edge of the historic center of Colmar, so the Christmas markets are just a short walk away. However, this hotel is a bit further than all the rest from Colmar’s train station.
But the proximity to the Christmas markets makes this a great choice, especially if you’re looking for a hotel with sleek, stylish rooms. A free buffet breakfast is also included each morning during your stay here.
Ibis Styles Colmar Centre
Ibis Styles Colmar Centre is an excellent hotel that is located in the historic center of the city, giving you easy access to all of the Christmas markets. The hotel is situated in a former 18th-century brewery.
However, it has been fully renovated with funky, modern rooms that have all the comforts of home. This is another hotel that offers a free buffet breakfast, which is a nice touch that I always enjoy!
PAUL & PIA – Welcome Home Hotel
Finally, one of the best hotels in Colmar for a Christmas trip is PAUL & PIA – Welcome Home Hotel. This cozy and colorful boutique hotel is convenient to the train station (just a seven-minute walk away.)
It’s also just a ten-minute walk to the Old Town, where all the Christmas markets are. This hotel offers great value for money if you’re on a budget, and a free breakfast buffet is also offered each morning.
Where to Stay in Colmar for Christmas Markets
This guide showed you where to stay in Colmar for Christmas markets.
To recap, my top picks for where to stay are:
- Luxurious yet traditional: Relais & Châteaux La Maison des Têtes
- Modern luxury: L’Esquisse Hotel & Spa Colmar
- Alsatian charm: Hotel Restaurant Le Maréchal
- Best value for money: PAUL & PIA – Welcome Home Hotel
Have a great trip and enjoy your stay in Colmar!
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