Colmar's half-timbered lanes and canals host a lively calendar of markets, concerts, and seasonal festivities throughout the year. From springtime blossoms to the world-famous Christmas Markets, each season brings its own reason to wander the Petite Venise district. Below are the key recurring events to plan a 2026 visit around.
Colmar's five interconnected Christmas markets transform the city into one of Europe's most photographed holiday destinations, with wooden chalets spread across Place des Dominicains, Petite Venise, and the Koifhus. The 2026 edition is expected to run from November 27 to December 30, with lights, mulled wine, and local crafts filling the canalside lanes nightly. Each market has its own theme, from Alsatian gastronomy to children's crafts near the Musée Unterlinden. Evenings after 6pm are busiest, so early afternoon visits offer a calmer stroll among the stalls. Warm clothing is essential, and many vendors accept cash only for smaller purchases.
Held each spring in the Parc des Expositions, this regional wine fair gathers hundreds of Alsatian and French producers for tastings, cellar talks, and food pairings. In 2026 it is expected to run from April 24 to May 3, spanning ten days with live music and gourmet stalls each evening. Visitors can sample Riesling, Gewurztraminer, and Pinot Gris directly from winemakers while browsing regional cheeses and charcuterie. Entry is ticketed at the gate, and weekends draw the largest crowds, so weekday mornings are best for unhurried tastings. It is one of the largest wine fairs in eastern France and a highlight for oenophiles visiting Alsace in spring.
Founded by violinist Vladimir Spivakov, this classical music festival brings world-class orchestras and soloists to churches and concert halls across the city. The 2026 edition is anticipated to run from June 28 to July 8, featuring symphonic concerts, chamber recitals, and free outdoor performances in the Place de la Cathedrale. Past programs have included tributes to major composers alongside young-talent showcases. Advance booking is strongly recommended for evening concerts at the Théâtre Municipal, as premium seats sell out weeks ahead. Daytime events in public squares remain free and open to all visitors, making it easy to enjoy the festival atmosphere even without a ticket.
Celebrating the end of the grape harvest, this autumn event fills the old town with parades, folk costumes, and street vendors pouring the year's new wine. In 2026 it is expected to take place over the second weekend of October, roughly October 9 to October 11, with a costumed procession through the historic center and live accordion music in the squares. Local restaurants serve seasonal specialties like flammekueche and choucroute alongside the new vintage. Free to attend, though food and wine tastings are paid separately at individual stalls. It is a favorite for visitors wanting an authentic taste of Alsatian harvest tradition away from the bigger Christmas crowds.
As the Christmas markets wind down, Colmar rings in the new year with a festive gathering in Place Rapp and along the canals of Petite Venise. Expected for the night of December 31, 2026 to January 1, 2027, the evening typically includes street food stalls, mulled wine stands, and a midnight fireworks or light display over the old town. Many restaurants offer special reveillon menus requiring advance reservation, while the public square celebration remains free. Dress warmly, as temperatures often drop below freezing, and arrive early to secure a good vantage point near the canal bridges. It is a quieter, more intimate alternative to New Year's Eve in larger French cities.