Strasbourg to Colmar by train: a 3-day Christmas markets plan

The three days at a glance

This plan runs Friday 27 November to Sunday 29 November 2026, the opening weekend in Strasbourg. Strasbourg's market is open 11:00-21:00 daily, but opening day starts at 14:00. Colmar's markets run 23 November to 29 December.

Day 1 is Strasbourg's central markets, Day 2 is Colmar by train, and Day 3 is the cathedral, the astronomical clock and an evening by the big tree. You stay in one hotel the whole time and carry nothing heavier than a day bag.

Day 1: Strasbourg opening afternoon and Petite France

Start with pastries and hot chocolate in the morning, then walk around the cathedral square from the outside. The markets open at 14:00 on the 27th, so arrive then to see them at their calmest, beginning at

Later, drift toward Petite France as the lights come on, and finish with tarte flambée. Keep bags small, since there are security checks at the bridges.

• Patisserie Christian StrasbourgBredele and hot chocolate before the markets open.
• Place BroglieThe original market, calm at the 14:00 opening.
• Place des MeuniersMunster cheese and gingerbread away from the Kléber crowds.
• Ponts CouvertsCanal views as the lights switch on at dusk.
• Binchstub GayotWood-fired tarte flambée with Alsatian wine or beer.

Day 2: Strasbourg to Colmar by train

The regional TER between Strasbourg and Colmar takes about 30 minutes. The plan catches the 09:15 from Strasbourg-Ville, so you reach Colmar as the markets open (10:00 on Friday to Sunday, 11:00 Monday to Thursday). Check the current timetable on the SNCF site before you go, as Christmas schedules can change.

Begin at the Ancienne Douane square, the center of the markets, then walk to the Dominican church square for a smaller crafts market. Book lunch ahead at a winstub, because they fill up in December.

After lunch, walk the Lauch canal in Little Venice, where the timbered houses line the water. The plan has you on the 16:15 train back, which returns you to Strasbourg before the afternoon peak builds.

• Place de l'Ancienne DouaneColmar's market heart; go before day-trip groups arrive after 1 PM.
• Place des DominicainsCozy craft market with a church backdrop.
• WISTUB BRENNERSmall winstub near Little Venice; reserve ahead.
• La Petite VeniseThe canal walk Colmar is known for.

Day 3: Cathedral, clock and the big tree

Spend the morning indoors at the cathedral museum, which is warm and quiet. The astronomical clock performs at 12:30; arrive around 11:30 to buy tickets at the desk, and enter by the south portal. Check current ticket prices on the day.

In the evening, head to Place Kléber for the 30-meter Great Christmas Tree and its light show, then end at a calmer market square for a last mulled wine.

• Musée de l'Œuvre-Notre-DameOriginal cathedral statues, quiet before the markets fill.
• Chez YvonneClassic tavern for braised pork knuckle; reserve.
• Place KléberThe Great Christmas Tree and its light show.
• Place du Marché GayotCalmer evening stalls for a farewell vin chaud.

Weekend crowds

Strasbourg keeps the same hours on weekends as on weekdays, closing at 21:00 each night. The city recommends visiting in the morning from 11:00, or on a weekday, for a smoother visit.

If Place Kléber or Place Broglie is packed, walk to Place Saint-Thomas, which is a smaller crafts market. In Colmar, arrive at opening and be on your way out by early afternoon, when day-trip crowds build.

Drivers can use the park-and-ride lots at €4.20 a day, which includes a return tram ticket for everyone in the car.

What to eat and drink

Vin chaud blanc, a mulled white wine, is the local twist on mulled wine. Each drink comes in a mug with a €1 deposit in Strasbourg. You can return it at any drinks stall for the euro, or drop it in a collection point to give the euro to charity.

For food, look for tarte flambée, braised pork knuckle (waedele), Munster cheese, gingerbread and bredele, the small Christmas cookies. Anis bredele and zimtsterne make a good mixed box to take home.

Our day-by-day plan lays out the same route with times, and the Strasbourg market page covers each square.