Christmas in France- Alsace?

I think that Christmas in Colmar would be wonderful! We were there for the Christmas markets one year and they were really fun! Not sure how it compares to staying in Strasbourg but Colmar would be my pick! Sounds fun!

You might want to have a look at this website (if you haven't already discovered it):

http://noel.tourisme-alsace.com/en/7-countries-7-atmospheres

Alsace at Christmastime is definitely on my bucket list!

Enjoy!

Kim, My wife and I have visited many European Christmas markets and by far the best that France has to offer is in Strasbourg and Colmar. You'll enjoy both places. They'll both day trips from each other.

Great Website! Thanks!

I am pretty sure we will go there arriving 12/23' departing 12/27... Likely staying in strasbourg and day trip to colmar... I guess trains will run on 12/24? Or shut down early? What about on 12/26?

Looks so cute! I hope I can work it out!

Thanks all!
Kim

For the Xmas markets, I stayed in Colmar and day-tripped to Strasbourg (loved both). Colmar was charming. The town has a website for the Christmas markets, which would give you a good idea of what's happening and what will be open when. http://www.noel-colmar.com/en/colmar-the-magic-of-christmas/five-christmas-markets

Strasbourg also has a similar website: http://noel.tourisme-alsace.com/en/strasbourg-oldest-christmas-market-france

We just got back from Colmar two days ago. We live in Germany and for us it's a three-hour drive but spent two overnights. This was our first trip to Colmar opting for Strasbourg in the past. We fell in love with Colmar! It's foot friendly, and personally I think has more intimate charm than Strasbourg. Don't get me wrong, Strasbourg is a must see and their Christmas Market is spectacular, but it's elbow to elbow crowded. I would probably stay in Colmar and make a day trip to Strasbourg to see their market. The people of Colmar are very friendly and most of the people we met during our stay gave it a real hometown feel. That's if your hometown was in a charming city in Alsace, France. Just got our room reservations made at the hotel we stayed at to attend the Colmar Christmas Market this year. Either way, you will love both places.

Hmmmm... Thinking now maybe I should stay in colmar. I guess trains still run on 12/24 so I could do a day trip then if I wanted to?

My dad said his family was from Mulhouse, which looks just south of colmar, but maybe more industrial... Still if he comes he may want to stop there.

Thanks all!!

Mulhouse is a bigger and grittier place than Colmar, and is industrial. It does have the French national car and railway museums, if either of those interest you.

We stayed in Strasbourg 2 years ago and Colmar last Christmas (our two kids were 12 & 16) and we all preferred Colmar. It is much smaller and more charming and has a very fun ice skating rink as well as other great activities for the kids. We do recommend the day trip to Strasbourg (very easy). We will also be in Colmar this Christmas!

thanks for the advice! do you rent an apt there?

Yes, we rent an apartment from the following:

CLOSERIE SAINT-MARTIN
Charlotte Clog
Cell: +33 (0)6 62 08 27 31
www.colmar-holidays.com

We will be in apartment HANSI, Dec. 21-27. It looks like they have other apartments available during your stay. We had a wonderful experience in our apartment last Christmas and Charlotte was very helpful.

aaah nice, i think i saw these on vrbo too! We aren't going until 2015 - so we have some time to book. :) Those look great, thanks!!
Kim