France Christmas Market Trip Itinerary To Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar
If you have ever dreamed of experiencing the magic of European Christmas markets, this itinerary is for you! Paris, Strasbourg, and Colmar are three of the most spectacular Christmas market destinations in France. Each city has its own unique take on the holiday season, and together they create an unforgettable week of winter wonder.
This itinerary is based around a round-trip flight to and from Paris, France, as it's a massive transportation hub in Europe. This route is designed to maximize your market hopping while still giving you time to explore each city properly. Strasbourg, Colmar, and Paris are very well connected by train, making it easy to go from one destination to another.
Christmas markets in these destinations typically run from late November through late December, with most closing on or before Christmas Eve. The exact dates vary by city and even by individual market, so be sure to check the specific dates for the year you are planning to visit. We recommend going in early December for the best experience, when the markets are in full swing but before the final holiday rush.
6-Day Itinerary Overview:
Day 1: Paris to Strasbourg
Day 2: Strasbourg
Day 3: Strasbourg to Colmar
Day 4: Alsace Villages Day trip
Day 5: Colmar to Paris
Day 6: Paris
Strasbourg, France
Day One: Paris to Strasbourg
Fly into Paris, then head to the dedicated train station with connections throughout France and beyond. It's easy to navigate even if this is your first time there! Purchase a train ticket to Strasbourg directly from the Trainline app, which saves you from standing in line at a ticket counter.
When you arrive at Strasbourg Station, grab a taxi or take an Uber to your hotel. For the best places to stay, check out our Strasbourg Christmas Market Hotels page. It features our top-tier recommendations for hotels that put you right in the heart of the holiday magic during this time of year.
After you check in and drop your bags, take some time to walk around the city center and get your bearings. Strasbourg is gorgeous year-round, but during the Christmas season, it transforms into something truly magical.
The half-timbered houses are draped in lights, the smell of vin chaud (hot wine) wafts through the streets, and there is a sense of anticipation in the air. If you have energy left after your travel day, feel free to pop into one of the nearby markets to get a taste of what is to come. Today is about arrival and settling in.
Day Two: Exploring Strasbourg
Strasbourg is known as the "Capital of Christmas," and once you spend a day here, you will understand why. This city goes all out for the holiday season with almost a dozen different Christmas markets scattered throughout the historic center, each with its own character and specialty.
Start your morning with a classic French breakfast of espresso and fresh croissants. Your first stop should be the market at Place de la Cathédrale, which sits directly in front of the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral. This Gothic masterpiece towers over the square, and the wooden chalets sell everything from handmade ornaments to local Alsatian crafts.
From there, make your way to Place Kléber, which hosts Strasbourg's largest Christmas tree—a massive, elaborately decorated centerpiece of the square. Another market worth visiting is Place Broglie, which has a more local feel. This is where we found some of the best food stalls; you absolutely must try the pork knuckle served with spaetzle.
In the evening, the markets take on a different character as the lights come on. Revisit Place de la Cathédrale to see the cathedral beautifully illuminated against the dark sky. Grab dinner from one of the food stalls, enjoy a final glass of vin chaud, and take it all in before heading back to your hotel.
Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide
Everything you need to know before you go to Strasbourg, France for the holidays!
Get the guide here!
Colmar, France
Day Three: Strasbourg to Colmar
After breakfast, pack up your things and head to Strasbourg Train Station. Take the short train to Colmar where you'll stay for the next two nights. Colmar's train station sits about a 15-minute walk from the Old Town where the Christmas markets are located.
Colmar doesn't just have one Christmas market; it has six distinct markets:
Place des Dominicains: Surrounds a 14th-century church with elegant wooden chalets.
Place de l'Ancienne Douane: A larger market in the heart of the Old Town featuring artisan goods.
Place Jeanne d'Arc: Focuses on regional Alsatian products like schnapps, sausages, and spice cookies.
Place des Six Montagnes Noires (Petite Venise): Located along the Lauch River, this is the most picturesque spot in town.
Marché Couvert: The indoor market where you can find cheese, charcuterie, and fresh produce.
The Gourmet Market: An entire tent dedicated to high-quality food and wine like foie gras and tartiflette.
While it's tempting to eat only at the markets, Colmar is home to over two dozen Michelin-starred restaurants. We highly recommend either L'Atelier du Peintre or Wistub La Petite Venise for a dedicated meal!
Day Four: Day Trip Around the Alsace
On a weekend day, take a day trip using the Christmas Shuttles (Navettes de Noël) to the charming Christmas markets in the smaller nearby Alsatian towns. These villages look like they belong in a storybook, and the shuttles make it incredibly easy to hop between them without the stress of driving or parking.
These smaller towns offer a more intimate look at Alsatian traditions. You'll find unique local crafts and seasonal treats that differ slightly from the larger city markets. After a full day of village hopping, return to Colmar for a street-side crêpe and a final stroll through the illuminated medieval streets.
Colmar Christmas Market Guide
Which markets to visit, where to stay, and how to get around one of the best Christmas market cities in France!
Get the guide here!
Day Five: Colmar to Paris
In the morning, take the train back to Paris where you'll spend the final two nights of your trip. Once you've dropped your bags at your hotel, start your Paris leg in the Montmartre neighborhood. Climb the steps to the Sacré-Cœur for a panoramic view of the city before wandering through the charming Montmartre Christmas Market.
Next, take the metro over to the La Défense Christmas Village. This is one of the largest and most modern Christmas villages in the Paris area, featuring over 150 chalets set against the backdrop of the impressive Grande Arche. To end your night, head to the Eiffel Tower. Seeing the iron lady sparkling with its holiday lights while browsing the nearby market stalls is an essential Parisian winter experience.
Where to Stay in Paris During Christmas Season
From well-appointed boutique properties to well-priced budget stays, we’ve rounded up the best central hotel stays in Paris!
Get the guide here!
Day Six: Paris
Spend your final day soaking in the iconic sights of the city. Start with a morning visit to the Louvre, then walk right outside to the Tuileries Christmas Market. This market is famous for its festive carnival rides, including a giant Ferris wheel, and a huge selection of French holiday treats.
In the afternoon, take the metro to the Hôtel de Ville Christmas Market, where the town hall is often draped in stunning light projections. From there, it's a short walk to see Notre-Dame and the Notre-Dame Christmas Market, which typically features high-quality artisan crafts.
Finally, head to the department store district to visit Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. Every year, they install a massive, themed hanging Christmas tree under their stunning stained-glass dome—it is a true showstopper. End your journey with a traditional French dinner to toast to a week of holiday magic.
This itinerary is designed to give you the ultimate Christmas market experience without being overwhelming. By basing yourself in three cities and spending a couple of days in each, you get to experience the highlights without constantly rushing to the next destination. The train connections between these cities are excellent, which makes travel days relatively stress free.
A few final tips for making the most of this trip: dress warmly in layers, as you will be spending a lot of time outside. Bring comfortable walking shoes because you will be covering a lot of ground each day. Consider bringing a small backpack or crossbody bag to carry your purchases from the markets. Check out this guide for more tips on what to pack for your Christmas markets trip!
And most importantly, be present and enjoy the experience. Christmas markets are as much about the atmosphere and the feeling as they are about the actual shopping and eating.
This trip works well for couples, groups of friends, or even families with older children who can handle the walking and travel. The magic of European Christmas markets is something that truly has to be experienced to be believed, and this itinerary gives you the perfect sampling of what France and Germany have to offer during the most wonderful time of the year.