My husband and I will
be attending the 2024 Colmar Christmas Markets. Also possibly the Strasborg markets. Would you suggest staying close in to the Town Center or farther out of town and driving in? Since we have a car, parking is also a big consideration. Any suggestions for hotels/Bed and Breakfasts would be appreciated. Many thanks to our fellow travelirs.
Posted by
Alsenborn, Germany
1300 posts
I have never stayed in Colmar, so I can't comment on that, but I've spent about a week in Strasbourg over the past 6 months. Parking in Strasbourg is expensive, and can cost 40-50 Euro/day depending on where you stay. For the Christmas markets I highly recommend you stay as close to the center of the old town as possible, and try to find a place that will guarantee you a parking spot. You must have a valid Crit'Air to drive in Strasbourg or risk a hefty fine. You can get that online. I use Marriott properties when I can (a holdover from when I traveled for work) and can recommend the Maison Rouge. A bit further out the iLoft is nice too, but they don't have parking and you'll have to walk several blocks from where you leave your car.
Another thing to consider is this, Colmar's Christmas market is nice, but the Strasbourg is much larger. You would have to walk miles to see all of the Strasbourg sections in one day and trust me when I say that's quite difficult.
Last, make sure you check the dates for your trip, with Christmas falling mid-week most of the markets will close earlier than normal.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15768 posts
I liked the Colmar markets better than those in Strasbourg. I was there briefly and traveled by train. On a summer visit I had a car and stayed at a B&B in Eguisheim which was much easier with a car and much more convenient for visiting the other Alsace villages - all of which have Christmas markets. For all the information, see Noel en Alsace
How long is your visit? I'd recommend 1 or 2 full days in Colmar, a full day in Strasbourg, and several days in the villages.