Colmar and Eguisheim in winter

Posted by gandy79 on 08/07/25 07:52 AM

We will be in Strasbourg for 4 nights in December (23rd - 27th) and are considering a day trip to Colmar and possibly Eguisheim as well.
I realise that the days will be short and the vineyards bare in mid-winter but I am wondering whether anyone has any thoughts on the value of spending a day checking out Colmar or would it be better to confine our sightseeing to Strasbourg? I am also mindful that our dates include Christmas and I am not sure what sights might be open during this period.

Thanks for your help.

Posted by HappyToBeHere

Boston

08/07/25 11:21 AM

319 posts

In the run up to the 25th, there will be Christmas markets in Colmar as well as the smaller villages. They're all wonderful and I recommend visiting as many as you reasonably can while in Strasbourg.

As for the 25th, most everything will be closed, so depending on whethere you're staying in a hotel or apartment, I'd think about Christmas dinner, and research what your choices are well ahead of time.

Posted by jaimeelsabio

Mid-Atlantic area

08/07/25 11:36 AM

7884 posts

Whether you stay in Strasbourg or go to Colmar for a day isn’t going to matter much. The train ride isn’t that long. Because of the fewer daylight hours it might be difficult to fit in Eguisheim. In Colmar the train station is about a mile from where the main sites are. There is a free electric bus, the navette, you can pick up outside the train station that make a loop of the city center. Think of it as a free hop on, hop off bus. It’s small and only carries about 12 people.

On a good note, you don’t need to decide now. Trains are frequent and the weather may be a determining factor.

Posted by jeanm

Chicagoland

08/07/25 02:23 PM

1039 posts

There is plenty to see and do for a day in Colmar including several museums, other than Christmas day.

You may want to consider a small group day tour to the wine villages with a wine tasting from Strasbourg.

Posted by KGC

Alsenborn, Germany

08/07/25 02:50 PM

2141 posts

I would be very careful as to trying to guess what will be open this far out. The 24th and 25th are major holidays, and the 26th is also in Germany, so plan accordingly. I would not expect the small bus to run in Colmar on those days, all public transport will be on a holiday schedule, even in the big cities. The shops and almost everything but hotels and some places to eat will be closed.

The dates for the markets have not been posted yet. Expect them in October. https://www.brunnvalla.ch/christmasmarkets/france.html

Posted by Judy

Long Beach, Ca, usa

08/07/25 05:11 PM

2335 posts

gandy79,
If I were in Strasbourg on Christmas Eve or Christmas, I would attend mass at the cathedral there, or services at any of the lovely churches. Of course, it is not a sightseeing venue, but if you would attend services at home, then going while in Strasbourg would give you a European experience of Christmas services and some good memories. Even if you don't normally go to church, you might enjoy their music and holiday floral decorations and ambience (in a respectful way, of course). Just be prepared for a somewhat longer service than usual.
Yes, scout out where you will eat dinner on the 24th, 25th and possibly 26th. Plan ahead for this. IMO you might find more options in Strasbourg than Colmar, due to its size.