Colmar is a fairy-tale town that shines even brighter during the holiday season. Known for its beautifully preserved old town, colorful half-timbered houses, and lively Christmas markets, it’s a natural magnet for shoppers and culture lovers alike. What makes Colmar particularly appealing for shopping and market tours is the way the city combines authentic local crafts, seasonal treats, and picturesque scenery. Whether you’re wandering through Colmar’s Christmas Market or exploring nearby villages, each experience offers a glimpse into Alsace’s festive spirit and local traditions. We especially love the Christmas Market Tour from Colmar, which combines charming villages, wine tasting, and holiday magic all in one day.
If you’re after a variety of experiences, this list has you covered. From quick city strolls to full-day excursions into Alsace’s scenic villages, these tours highlight the best ways to enjoy Colmar’s holiday markets and shopping scenes. All are designed to give you a genuine taste of local culture, with options suitable for different schedules and interests. Keep reading to find your perfect match.
1. Christmas Market Tour from Colmar
At number 1, the Christmas Market Tour from Colmar offers an immersive day exploring Christmas traditions in Alsace’s most enchanting villages. This small-group guided tour is perfect if you want to experience the magic of Christmas while enjoying the comfort of organized transport and expert commentary. The tour includes Colmar hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don’t have to worry about navigating busy streets or parking, and features visits to Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, and Ribeauville.
The journey begins with a drive through vineyards and scenic countryside, where you’ll get to taste local wines in a traditional wine cellar. The towns are decked out in Christmas lights and decorations that make each village feel like a holiday postcard. Eguisheim and Riquewihr are both free to explore during the day, their streets lined with artisan stalls, gingerbread houses, and festive ornaments. Kaysersberg gets special at night, when its streets glow with holiday lighting. The tour wraps up with a visit to a wine cellar for a tasting that’s both delicious and educational.
Guests consistently praise the guide’s local knowledge and friendliness, with one reviewer noting, “Christian was very responsive before the tour and shared tons of local info.” The value lies in the combination of scenery, local wine, and the relaxed pace—ideal for families or anyone seeking a comprehensive holiday experience. The tour is about 9 hours long, making it a full but manageable day trip.
Bottom Line: This tour is perfect if you want a guided, all-inclusive day of Christmas markets, wine tasting, and charming villages without the hassle. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and culture.
2. Colmar: Christmas Market Magic Walking Tour with a Local
For a shorter, more intimate experience, the Colmar: Christmas Market Magic Walking Tour with a Local is hard to beat. Costing just $116 per person and lasting about an hour, it’s ideal if you want a quick but authentic taste of Colmar’s holiday spirit. This tour is limited to a small group of up to 8 travelers, ensuring plenty of time for questions and personalized tips.
Led by a local guide, this tour takes you through the heart of Colmar’s Christmas markets, where you’ll learn about local holiday traditions and sample seasonal treats like mulled wine, gingerbread, and regional specialties. The guide reveals hidden corners of the city and shares stories behind the decorations and crafts, making it more than just a walk. It’s an excellent choice if you’re short on time but want to absorb the city’s festive atmosphere and get top recommendations for bars, cafes, or shops afterward.
While this tour doesn’t include visits to nearby villages, it’s perfect for those who want an insider’s view of Colmar during Christmas. Reviewers mention how the guide’s local insights made the experience special and memorable.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers who value personalized attention and want to explore Colmar’s Christmas markets with a local’s perspective in a short time.
$116 per person
3. Colmar: Christmas Market and City Highlights Walking Tour
If you prefer a more comprehensive look at Colmar’s attractions along with its festive markets, the Colmar: Christmas Market and City Highlights Walking Tour is a solid choice. Although the price is higher at $726 per person, it offers a full 3-hour deep dive into the town’s most iconic sites.
This guided tour takes you from the Collégiale Saint-Martin de Colmar to La Petite Venise, passing by the Unterlinden Museum, the Pfister House, and the Maison des Têtes. You’ll see some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in the region and hear stories behind each building. The Christmas market itself is included, allowing you to soak in the festive atmosphere while discovering the history behind the decorations and local crafts.
Guests appreciate how the guide combines cultural highlights with holiday magic, providing a well-rounded experience. It’s particularly suited for travelers wanting a mix of history, architecture, and Christmas cheer in a manageable timeframe.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for those who want a guided tour of Colmar’s main sights incorporated with the Christmas market, especially if you’re interested in learning about the city’s history and architecture.
$726 per person
How to Choose
Choosing between these tours depends on your schedule, interests, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you want a full-day journey into Alsace’s fairy-tale villages with wine tasting, the Christmas Market Tour from Colmar is unbeatable. It’s great for families, couples, or anyone wanting a relaxed, guided adventure.
For a quick, personalized taste of Colmar’s holiday magic, the Walking Tour with a Local offers a more intimate experience, perfect if you’re pressed for time but crave local insights.
If your focus is on enjoying Colmar’s main sights along with the festive markets, then the City Highlights Walking Tour provides a deeper understanding of the town’s architecture and history, which can enrich your holiday visit.
Practical considerations include budget (the city tour is more expensive), time (short vs. full day), and interests (villages vs. city sights). Booking early is recommended, especially during peak Christmas season.
Final Thoughts
Colmar offers a wonderful range of shopping and market tours that suit different tastes and schedules. Whether you prefer a full-day tour through picturesque villages, a quick intimate city experience, or a guided walk through the city’s highlights, there’s an option for you. The Christmas Market Tour from Colmar stands out for its comprehensive itinerary and wine tasting, making it an excellent choice for those who want the full Alsace holiday experience. The local walking tour is perfect for a shorter, more personal exploration, while the city highlights tour is best for those interested in history along with festive cheer.
No matter which you choose, booking early—especially during the busy Christmas season—will ensure you don’t miss out on these delightful experiences. Prepare your camera, put on your warm coat, and get ready for a truly magical holiday visit to Colmar.