The dreamy country-town of Colmar is not only the wine capital of Alsace, France, but a true fairytale destination. Its architecture, traditions, and cultural enthusiasm, makes Colmar a perfect place for a family vacation or romantic getaway.
The Venice-like canal streets are lined with bright medieval half-timbered houses reminiscent of the history with Colmar’s variant neighbor Germany. The picturesque town can be best enjoyed by taking long strolls or aboard the Petit Train. The guided train tour given in 14 languages offers a relaxing means of learning about the rich history and 18th century traditions of this fairytale destination. Another exciting way to enjoy the culture is by attending the town’s Folk Music Evenings.
Photo credit French Moments
On Tuesday nights from May-September at the Old Customs House of the Old Town, locals in period costume sing and dance to traditional Alsatian folk music. This event is a must see and great for all ages as are many other points of interest in Colmar.
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Local museums and neighboring castles offer a variety of art and history to enjoy. Not far from Colmar in Ungersheim is the Alsace Heritage Museum (the Ecomusee’ d’ Alsace). This attraction maintains 70 rural homes relocated and saved from demolition and is one of Europe’s largest heritage museums. However, of all the interesting and cultural things to experience in Alsace, Christmas in Colmar may very well be the main event.
Colmar, Alsace France Photo credit: Nikkodem
Christmas in this middle aged wonderland will make even grown-ups believe that this town was crafted by elves and ruled by Santa Claus himself. The “Land of Christmas Stars” event is a collaboration of Alsatian villages, each with their own unique theme for Christmas decorations and events. Among the most popular is the “Magic of Christmas” in which Colmar hosts 5 Christmas markets, ice skating, village decorations and a light spectacular to transform this storybook town into a Christmas fairytale destination.
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The light show is so popular that it runs throughout the year on Friday and Saturday evenings and nightly during special town events. “The Magic of Christmas” runs annually from late November through December 31.
Colmar is a fairytale destination rich with culture, tradition and overflowing with wine. Alsatians are truly enthusiastic about planning events to share their heritage with visitors. This fairytale destination is perfect choice for a family vacation or romantic getaway any time of the year.
For more information on planning a trip to Colmar, Alsace France please visit Colmar’s Office of Tourism or Tourism Alsace
As always your experience, comments and questions are welcome below. Happy fairytale travels!
Petit Train Photo: Colmar Office de Tourisme
Sources: http://www.tourisme-alsace.com/
http://www.ot-colmar.fr/en/colmar-the-alsatian-wine-capital
http://www.noel-colmar.com/en/
[ Smiles ] Beautiful architecture; I am impressed by its beauty — Beautiful old world French design.
It is a colorful and inviting place indeed. The architecture is German influenced. You will notice that in many places throughout Germany. Alsace was taken over by Germany several times throughout history. If you like this you will love my upcoming destinations on Fairytale Road 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
[ Smiles ] You are welcome, Christa. And thank you for pointing out that the architecture was indeed German influenced!
The wine is very French! The flowers as well. Just a beautiful place all the way around. Something to add to your trip if you ever drive through Germany or Switzerland.
[ Smiles ] Thank you for mentioning that!
You’re welcome! Where is the most magical place you’ve ever visited?
[ Smiles ] Maracas Bay, in Trinidad and Tobago.
Nice! Are you familiar with the local Folklore in that area? I’m always exploring new places 🙂
[ Smiles ] Unfortunately, I do not.
Awesome photos. It so beautiful town that I have not seen such a beautiful town before. What comes to Santa Claus he lives in Finland at
Arctic Circle.
Thank You for this wonderful post!
Beautiful indeed. Photos not mine, but they are a good representation of the town. I would love to visit Santa in Finland 🙂 I love Christmas!
And thank you,.im so glad you enjoyed it!
[…] Fairytale Destination Colmar, France (thefairytaletraveler.com) […]
This place looks magical. I love the timber houses with the flowers and canals. Looking it up for a potential next trip now!! 🙂
I knew you would love it. It is very much influenced by Germany’s half-timbered architecture. Throughout history Germany took over and left their footprint. One can’t complain about it’s charm that is for sure. Alsace deserves a huge shout out. A fairytale destination that is on my top 10 for sure!!
This definitely looks like a fairytale getaway!!
So beautiful and dreamlike. Reminds me almost of a movie set. Great write up!
Thank you! It really is a storybook town. I could go there and write for months!
I think you and I would have a field day together LOLZ
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The colors there are beautiful! Do you get to actually travel to many of these places or have you in the past or hope to in the future? 🙂 Thanks for leaving a comment over on my blog – I tend to get behind on on the blogs I am following! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Many Blessings,
-Jen
Hey Jen, I do all of the traveling for My Weekender. The Fairytale Traveler is pretty new so my first trip for it is not until October however, I lived in England for a semester abroad and did a bit of traveling then. Yes, I do intend to travel to the places I share. Thanks for coming by, I really like your blog.
xo
Gorgeous pictures!!
Thanks Brenda, not mine. When I get here I’ll have waaaaay more to post than this lol.
Can’t wait!
That makes 2 of us!!! xo
Thank you for the link to our blog! That was a great surprise! We enjoyed your blog.
Thank you and you’re welcome!
Love all the colors … the buildings, the water, the lights, and the train!
Tell me about it. Makes me want to turn into a princess…oh wait. lol.
I love your blog! It truly lives up to it’s name as you visit the most stunning places that seem ever so unrealistic however you prove their existence, and well! Amazing work, cheers
[…] fairytale destination of Colmar Alsace, France boasts the “Magic of Christmas” including; five Christmas markets, ice skating, a […]
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[…] always loved the little village of Colmar situated in France’s wine capital Alsace. Its half-timbered buildings and flower-lined canals […]