Discover Colmar’s Hidden Christmas Markets: 7 Secret Courtyards Locals Love

Every December, thousands of visitors descend on Colmar’s famous Christmas markets. The grand squares fill with the scent of mulled wine and the sound of Christmas music. The ambiance descends you into some mix between a fairy tale, a real-life Christmas village, and a crowded festival?! When I first visited, the “crowded festival” part was what I wasn’t expecting. Therefore, I’ve created this guide for you to help you get the most out of your time while visiting Colmar’s Christmas markets.

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Nestled in the Alsace region, Colmar is renowned for its stunning architecture, charming canals, and festive atmosphere, making it a must-see destination during the Christmas season. However, it’s the lesser-known hidden markets and magical courtyards that offer the most unique and enchanting holiday experiences. These spots are where locals go to enjoy true Alsatian traditions, away from the crowds.

7 Hidden Christmas Markets and Courtyards in Colmar You Must Visit

Colmar’s Christmas markets are world-renowned, but beyond the famous squares, you’ll find secret courtyards filled with local traditions. Here are seven hidden Christmas markets and courtyards in Colmar you can’t miss:

1. Cour du Koïfhus (Behind the Old Customs House)

📍 Where to find it: Adjacent to the Koïfhus (Old Customs House) at the corner of Rue des Marchands and Rue des Têtes.

This tucked-away courtyard is easy to miss if you don’t know to look for the archway. Once inside, you’ll inf a small mico-market run by local artisans. you’ll find glass blowers crafting delicate ornaments on the spot, woodworkers selling hand-carved nativity figures, and a stall piled high with beeswax candles in vintage molds.

Come around dusk and the atmosphere shifts entirely. You will often find a local flute trio playing carols as well as plenty of white mulled wine with cinnamon and star anise (Vin chaud blanc). I found it to be richer but less sweet than the red version.

2. Cour d’Adventus (Artists’ Secret Courtyard)

📍 Where to find it: Behind the Maison des Têtes (House of Heads), accessible via a narrow alley on Rue des Têtes.

Almost no one knows this one exists unless you’re local or very well-connected. It’s run entirely by a collective of local artists and students from the École Supérieure d’Art de Mulhouse, which gives it an energy that’s completely different from any other market in Colmar. It’s creatively chaotic in the best way.

On any given evening you might find someone live-painting a winter scene of the Lauch canal, a storyteller switching between French and old Alsatian dialect, or someone mixing what they cheekily call Lait de Mère Noël (Mother Christmas’s Milk), which is a boozy eggnog-style drink that tastes far better than it sounds.

🎄When we last visited Colmar at Christmastime, we found that this market wasn’t open all of the time, but when it was, it was definitely worth a quick stop!

3. Le Jardin de l’Apothicaire (The Herbalist’s Garden)

📍Where to find it: Behind the historic pharmacy at 6 Rue des Boulangers.
🕯️Best times to go: Friday and Saturday nights from 6-9PM. The courtyard is lit only by candles, and you can often hear live accordion music.

Of all the hidden spots in Colmar, this one feels the most like stepping into a fairy tale. The courtyard is decorated with dried oranges, bundles of mistletoe, cinnamon bar, and sprigs of lavender. A local herbalist named Hélène runs the space and gives short workshops on ancient Alsatian remedies. This is genuinely fascinating even if you don’t speak French.

Her signature blend, Noël Infusé, is a calming tisane made with apple peel, hops, thyme, and lavender harvested from her grandmother’s garden. It’s warming without being sweet, and she packages it to take home. This is one of the best gifts you can buy in all of Colmar.

4. Children’s Christmas Market – Petite Venise (Little Venice)

📍Location: Along the Lauch canal in the Krutenau district, behind the Koïfhus.

Petite Venise is one of Colmar’s most photographed spots year-round, but near the end of November through December, it becomes something truly special. Forty-three colorful canal-side cottages are lit with fairy lights, and their reflections shimmer on the dark water of the Lauch.

On Wednesday and Saturday evenings, children from Colmar’s local schools sing traditional Christmas carols from illuminated boats drifting slowly along the canal. IF you time your visit right, it’s one of the most genuinely moving holiday experiences in all of Alsace. Arrive early for a good spot along the bank.

5. Place Rapp Christmas Corner (The Local Family Spot)

📍Where to find it: Next to Champ de Mars Park, a 10-minute walk from Colmar train station.

While not officially a Christmas market in the traditional sense, Place Rapp is unmissable when in Colmar. Place Rapp is where Colmar families actually spend their Christmas evenings, and that alone makes it worth including. There’s a giant slide, food stalls serving local specialties, and a relaxed atmosphere that’s a welcome contrast to busier tourist squares.

It’s also an ideal starting point for the day if you’re visiting with children, since it’s close to the train station and easy to navigate.

6. Les Halles Covered Market Courtyard

📍Where to find it: Between the Collegiate Church of Saint Martin and Little Venice, in the historic city center

This 19th-century traditional market hall transforms during Christmas season into one of the town’s most initiate covered markets. Because it’s sheltered from the weather; it’s a perfect stop for a cold or rainy afternoon. In my experience, the Alsatian food vendors here, are some of the best in town.

Look for tarte flambée (the Alsatian flatbread), local cheeses, and handmade bredele cookies in shapes specific to this region. This is one of the best places to load up on edible gifts to bring back to your hotel (or home, if you are heading home soon).

7. Krutenau District Hidden Corners

📍Where to find it: Historic Krutenau district near Rue de Turenne, formerly inhabited by winegrowers and market gardeners.

The Krutenau district is where we spent some time just wandering around and getting lost. It was the perfect place for that. Again, there is no official Christmas installations here, but residents create their own. Doorways are draped in fresh-cut fir, windows are lit with handmade advent stars and small courtyards are set up with lanterns.

If you walk slowly and make eye contact, locals have been known to wave and say hello!

What to Eat & Drink at Colmar’s Hidden Markets

One of the best parts of exploring these off-the-beaten-path courtyards is the food and drink you won’t find at the main tourist markets. Here’s what to look for:

• Vin chaud blanc – White mulled wine spiced with cinnamon and star anise. Found at Cour du Koïfhus.
• Lait de Mère Noël – A boozy eggnog-style drink made by the art students at Cour d’Adventus.
• Noël Infusé tisane – Apple peel, hops, thyme, and lavender. Le Jardin de l’Apothicaire. Fully plant-based.
• Bredele cookies – Traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies in regional shapes. Best found at Les Halles.
• Roasted chestnuts – A constant presence throughout the hidden courtyards, especially on cold evenings.

Suggested Itinerary for Exploring Colmar’s Hidden Christmas Markets

Morning:

Start at Place Rapp Christmas Corner to ease into the day. The family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to the train station make it ideal for orienting yourself. From there, head to Les Halles Covered Market Courtyards for a breakfast of local pastries and Alsatian specialties. This is also the best time to pick up food gifts before the best items sell out.

Afternoon:

Make your way to Cour d’Adventus for live art and storytelling by local students. Then walk over to Le Jardin de I’Apothicaire. This is a good time to pick up Hélène’s Noël Infusé blend to take home. Make sure to stop by some of Colmar’s main Christmas markets, even though they will likely be more crowded.

Evening:

As darkness falls, head to Cour du Koïfhus for artisan crafts and vin chaud blanc. The candlelit atmosphere here is at its best after 5 PM. End your night at Petite Venise along the Lauch canal. If it’s a Wednesday or Saturday, you may catch the schoolchildren singing carols from the boats.

Related Attractions to Visit in Colmar during Christmas

La Petite Venise (Little Venice):

Even outside of the canal-side Christmas market, Petite Venise is worth a dedicated slow walk. The colorful half-timbered houses reflected in the Lauch canal are the defining image of Colmar, and at Christmas, strung with lights, they’re even more striking.

The Unterlinden Museum

Colmar’s premier art museum often hosts special Christmas-themed exhibitions and is a welcome warm indoor option on a cold afternoon. The permanent collection includes the Isenheim Altarpiece, one of the most important works of Renaissance art in Europe.

Colmar’s Christmas Light Walk

Save time on at least one evening for a dedicated walk through the lit streets of the old town. The main pedestrian streets and the area around the Dominican Church are particularly beautiful after dark, and the crowds thin out considerably after 9 PM.

Where to Stay in Colmar for a Magical Christmas Experience

Hôtel Le Colombier – Best for Atmosphere

Right in the heart of the old town, Hôtel Le Colombier is just minutes from the Christmas markets. Traditional Alsatian décor, attentive service, and a location that means you can step out the door and be in the thick of the holiday magic immediately.

Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes– Best Luxury Option

A stunning 17th-century building that happens to be a 5-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant. If you want to treat yourself, Relais & Châteaux La Maison Des Têtes is the one. It’s steps from the main Christmas markets and several of the hidden courtyards in this guide.

Colmar Hotel – Best Budget Option

Located at 14 Route de Rouffach, slightly outside the historic center but with easy access to both the main sights and the hidden courtyards. Hotel Colmar is comfortable, well-priced, and a solid choice for travelers who want to explore without overspending on accommodation.

How to Get to Colmar for the Best Christmas Market Experience

By Train: Direct trains from Strasbourg take about 30 minutes. From Paris, it’s roughly 2.5 hours via TGV to Colmar or with one change.
By Car: Colmar is connected by the A35 autoroute. Parking available on the outskirts of the historic center, so plan to walk in, as the old town is largely pedestrianized during the market season.
By Plane: EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburgis the closest airport, about 1 hour by car. Strasbourg Airport is about 1.5 hours.

Essential Tips for Visiting Colmar’s Secret Christmas Markets

When to Visit:

• Best times: December 1-23 for full Christmas atmosphere.
• Avoid crowds: Visit on weekday mornings or afternoons, before 5PM.
• Best atmosphere: After dark, especially on cold, clear nights when the frost makes everything sparkle.

What to Bring:

• Cash: Many artisan vendors don’t accept cards. Budget €20–€40 for food, drinks, and small purchases across the hidden markets.
• Warm layers: The courtyards are sheltered from wind but not from cold. Hand warmers are a genuine lifesaver.
• French phrases: “Excusez-moi, y a-t-il un petit marché caché par ici?” – Is there a small hidden market around here? “Combien ça coûte?” – How much does it cost?”C’est magnifique!” – It’s magnificent!

Why Choose Hidden Christmas Markets Over Tourist Spots?

The main Colmar Christmas markets are undeniably beautiful, and we will not tell you to skip them. But if all you do is follow the signs to the official markets, you’ll leave with the same photos and the same experiences as every other visitor.

If you’ve booked enough time, we suggest you take the train and check out Strasbourg’s Hidden Christmas Markets. Of course, Strasbourg is a town filled with wonderful Christmas decorations and markets. You can spend a few hours, to a few weeks exploring Strasbourg as well as Colmar!

Frequently Asked Questions About Colmar’s Hidden Christmas Markets

When do Colmar’s hidden Christmas markets open?

Most hidden courtyards operate from late November through December 23rd, with peak activity from December 1-20. Unlike main tourist markets that follow strict schedules, these intimate spaces often open spontaneously when local artisans are available. Le Jardin de l’Apothicaire specifically operates Friday-Saturday evenings 6-9 PM.

Are Colmar’s secret Christmas markets free to enter?

Yes, all hidden courtyards are completely free to explore. You’ll only pay for food, drinks, or artisan goods you choose to purchase. This differs from some European Christmas markets that charge entrance fees.

Do vendors at hidden Christmas markets speak English?

Most local artisans speak basic English, especially younger vendors and art students at Cour d’Adventus. However, learning simple French phrases enhances your experience. Try “Combien ça coûte?” (How much does it cost?) and “C’est très beau” (It’s very beautiful).

What’s the difference between Colmar’s main Christmas markets and hidden ones?

Main markets feature professional vendors, international foods, and tourist-focused souvenirs with guaranteed opening hours. Hidden courtyards offer authentic local experiences, family recipes, handmade crafts, and intimate atmospheres, but with less predictable schedules and cash-only transactions.

Can I find vegetarian/vegan options at secret Christmas markets?

Absolutely. Le Jardin de l’Apothicaire is almost entirely plant based. You can also frequently find herbal teas, botanical preparations, and dried goods, just to name a few. Most courtyards also offer roasted chestnuts, spiced breads, and fruit-based treats. If you have specific dietary needs, the French phrase to know is: ‘Je suis végétarien/végétarienne’ (I’m vegetarian) or ‘Je suis végétalien/végétalienne’ (I’m vegan).

Wrapping Things Up: Discover Real Colmar Christmas Magic

Colmar may be famous for its picture-perfect Christmas markets, but it’s true heart beats quietly behind ivy-covered archways and tucked-away courtyards glowing with fairy lights. These seven hidden Christmas markets offer a glimpse into the town’s most intimate and enchanting holiday traditions.

So, as you wander the cobbled streets, let curiosity be your compass. Turn down the quiet alley, peek behind the wooden gate, and you just might stumble upon your own secret corner of Christmas magic. Because in Colmar, the most unforgettable moments are the ones you weren’t looking for.

While in France, check out:

Best Places for Melted Cheese in Paris: Raclette, Fondue & Tartiflette Locals Love

Where to Drink Mulled Wine in Paris This Winter Like a Local

Expert Guide to Paris in December: Lights, Views & Christmas Magic