Christmas Market Tour from Colmar

A Cozy Guide to the Christmas Market Tour from Colmar

If you’re considering a trip to Alsace during the holiday season, this Christmas Market Tour from Colmar might catch your eye. Designed to take you through some of the region’s most enchanting villages, it promises a blend of festive cheer, scenic views, and a touch of local wine magic. While I haven’t personally done this tour, reviews and details paint a clear picture of what you can expect.

What appeals most are the small-group atmosphere and the inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off, which really takes the hassle out of exploring. Plus, the chance to visit several charming villages, each decked out differently for Christmas, makes it feel like a holiday storybook come to life. However, one noteworthy aspect is the price point—at around $157 per person, it’s a solid value for the experience, especially with the wine tastings and guided insights included.

That said, the tour isn’t without its caveats. A few guests mentioned organizational hiccups—like waiting around longer than expected or last-minute schedule adjustments—so patience might be needed. It’s a good fit for those who love scenic drives, festive atmospheres, and wine, and who appreciate having a knowledgeable guide to bring context and background to the towns visited.

If you’re after an easy, well-organized way to experience the Alsace Christmas villages without the stress of planning each stop, this tour could suit you well. It’s especially recommended for travelers who want a relaxed, insightful day out and are open to a small-group setting.

Key Points

• Small-group comfort: With a maximum of 7 travelers, this tour offers a more intimate experience.
• Hassle-free logistics: Hotel pickup, drop-off, and transfers included mean less planning for you.
• Festive villages: You’ll visit several towns, each uniquely decorated for Christmas, with evenings lighting up beautifully.
• Wine tasting: An authentic touch—visiting a wine cave and sampling local wines adds to the holiday charm.
• Flexible itinerary: The villages visited can vary slightly depending on opening dates, making each tour a little different.
• Age considerations: While family-friendly isn’t explicitly stated, children are allowed when accompanied by an adult, so consider this if traveling with kids.

Exploring the Tour Lineup in Detail

Starting Point and Timing

The tour kicks off at 10:00 am from 76A Grand Rue in Colmar. The day runs roughly 9 hours, ending back at the starting point. The inclusion of hotel pickup near Colmar means you can start your day comfortably without worrying about public transportation or parking hassles, a real plus during the busy holiday season.

What the Itinerary Looks Like

Stop 1: Eguisheim
This charming village is the first stop, and it’s a highlight for many. Known for its quaint streets and old-world charm, Eguisheim transforms during Christmas with twinkling lights and beautifully decorated houses. Visitors have hours to explore at their own pace, soaking in the festive atmosphere. Reviewers echo this sentiment, describing how they “fell in love with its charm” and appreciated the evening illuminations that make everything feel even more magical.

Stop 2: Riquewihr
Next, you’ll visit Riquewihr, another picture-perfect town. During the day, the market here offers a variety of local crafts and holiday treats, but it’s the village’s overall ambiance that steals the show. Guests often mention that these towns are smaller and less crowded than Strasbourg or Colmar, giving a more intimate Christmas experience. One reviewer calls it “a storybook village,” and many highlight the helpful guide who shares interesting local tidbits.

Stop 3: Kaysersberg
This is the third stop, but it’s notable because the market is at night. Seeing a village lit up for Christmas after sunset really amplifies the fairy-tale feel. According to reviews, the lighting and decorations here are especially stunning, perfect for taking photos or simply soaking in the festive glow. The guided commentary helps you understand the history and traditions behind the beautiful lighting displays.

Stop 4: Ribeauville
The tour wraps up with a visit to a wine cellar and, of course, a tasting session. This adds a delightful local twist—learning about Alsace wines while sampling some of the region’s best. Reviewers mention that the wine tasting is very enjoyable, with some calling it a highlight of their day. The opportunity to visit a cave and sample wines gives this trip a uniquely Alsatian flavor that complements the Christmas markets perfectly.

The Value and What You Get

For $156.99, the experience is quite comprehensive. You’re not just sightseeing—you get guided commentary, transportation, wine tasting, and hotel transfers. This combination offers great value, especially considering the small group size, which means more personalized attention and flexibility.

Guests rave about their guides, with many mentioning how knowledgeable and friendly they are. Christian, in particular, earns praise for responsiveness and local insights—something that adds depth to the tour. The inclusion of bottled water and the opportunity to explore at your own pace provide comfort and flexibility.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Relaxed, stress-free logistics
– Intimate group size for a more personal experience
– Beautiful villages with authentic decorations and lighting
– Wine tasting with a visit to a cellar—adds a genuine local touch
– Insightful guides with good local knowledge

Cons:
– Some reviews highlight organizational issues, such as waiting times or last-minute changes. These seem to stem from last-minute guide absences or scheduling challenges.
– Weather can be unpredictable, especially in December, so warm clothes are a must.
– Limited lunch options; lunch isn’t included, but stops are available.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re someone who appreciates scenic small towns, festive holiday atmospheres, and local wines. It’s a solid pick for travelers who want an easy and comfortable way to see multiple villages without the hassle of planning individual transport or navigating unfamiliar public transit. Given the small group size and guided approach, it’s especially suited for those who enjoy a more personalized experience.

While children are allowed when accompanied by an adult, keep in mind that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and outdoor viewing, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with moderate outdoor activity. It’s also perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a relaxed, friendly day exploring Alsace’s holiday charm.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off near Colmar, making it easy to start your day without worrying about transportation.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts approximately 9 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore the villages and enjoy the wine tasting without feeling rushed.

Are the Christmas markets open during the day or at night?
You’ll visit Eguisheim and Riquewihr during the day, with the market at Kaysersberg happening at night, allowing for beautiful evening lighting.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are allowed when sharing with an adult. However, keep in mind the walking involved and outdoor elements, so it’s best for children who can handle that.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance, making it flexible in case of illness or schedule shifts.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but stops are available for you to purchase food along the way.

How many people are on the tour?
The maximum group size is 7 travelers, offering a more intimate experience.

What if the markets are not open on the day I book?
The itinerary might change slightly depending on market opening dates, but the main towns are typically included regardless.

Does the tour operate in all weather conditions?
Yes, unless there are severe weather issues. Dress warmly, especially in winter months.

What makes this tour stand out compared to doing it alone?
Having a knowledgeable guide, included transportation, and wine tasting makes this more convenient and enriching than self-guided visits.

In short, this Christmas Market Tour from Colmar offers a cozy, guided way to experience the festive spirit of Alsace. With its small group size, charming villages, and local wine, it’s particularly suited for travelers who want a relaxed yet enriching holiday outing. While it might be subject to some organizational hiccups, the overall experience seems to win over most guests with its scenic views and heartfelt local touches. Perfect for lovers of Christmas magic and Alsatian culture alike.