Why the Colmar & Strasbourg Christmas Markets Are Pure Magic — And Why They’re Even Better With a Women‑Only Group

Oct 7

4 min read

When people see our outdoor national park adventures or my personal escapades — hiking boots strapped on, climbing mountains, or traveling on a motorcycle with the wind in my hair — the first thing that pops into their head isn’t exactly Christmas market magic.

Oh, but boy… do we deliver on the magic!

One word describes the Christmas Markets of Europe: Magical.

I get giddy like a child just thinking about walking through artisanal chalets, each decorated with its own personality. Streets glow under thousands of twinkling lights. The scent of spiced wine and roasted chestnuts drifts through the air. And then, the Christmas tree light show begins, and suddenly you’re standing in the middle of a real‑life holiday fairytale!

I’ve traveled these markets solo during our scouting our trips. I’ve been there with incredible groups of festive women. And while yes, you can absolutely do this trip solo or with a large tour group… you won’t fall in love with it the way you will when you’re strolling with newfound friends, sharing new experiences, and laughing together until your cheeks hurt.

Because the markets are magical — but it’s the women beside you who make every moment feel special. Just this week, we had not one, not two, but three past travelers sign up for another Christmas Market trip this year. That’s the kind of joy that keeps me doing what I do.

🎄 Strasbourg: The Capital of Christmas — And It Definitely Earns That Title

Strasbourg doesn’t just host Christmas. It becomes Christmas.

The entire historic center transforms into a glowing holiday village. More than 300 chalets line the squares, each offering handcrafted treasures, regional treats, ornaments, candles, and gifts you’ll never find in a store back home.

At night, the cathedral glows over the market, giving everything that warm, festive feeling you can only get in Europe at Christmas.

What makes Strasbourg the Capital of Christmas?

Centuries of tradition — this market dates back to 1570
Strasbourg’s Great Christmas Tree - one of the tallest in Europe, and when it lights up, the whole square feels alive.
Themed markets — each neighborhood has its own vibe and specialty
Music everywhere — choirs, carolers, and street musicians fill the air
A citywide celebration — every window, every street, every corner participates

It’s impossible not to feel joy here. Strasbourg doesn’t just decorate for Christmas — it breathes Christmas.

🧸 Colmar: Teddy Bears, Timber Homes & a Real‑Life Fairytale

If Strasbourg is the queen of Christmas, Colmar is the charming little sister who steals the show.

Colmar is straight out of a storybook — literally. Its historic timber homes inspired the village in Beauty and the Beast. And during Christmas, those homes are decorated with giant teddy bears, garlands, lanterns, and whimsical touches that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a Disney movie.

The markets here are smaller, more intimate, and incredibly photogenic. Every corner is a postcard. Every alleyway is a moment you’ll want to remember forever.

It’s cozy, it’s charming, and it’s the kind of place where you slow down, sip something warm, and let yourself be swept away.

💙 Mulhouse: The Underrated Gem With a Heart of Blue

Mulhouse is the market most travelers don’t know about — and that’s exactly why I love it.

The central square comes alive at night as the locals come out and the cathedral lights up in a breathtaking hue of blue. I never imagined a cathedral could be even more beautiful in the evening, but here it is, glowing like a sapphire in the winter darkness.

Mulhouse also has one of the neatest traditions: every year, the city unveils a brand‑new Christmas fabric design.

This fabric becomes the theme of the market — used in decorations, crafts, textiles, and ornaments. It’s a celebration of the city’s textile heritage, and it changes annually, making each year’s market completely unique.

On our last trip, one of our crafters was in absolute heaven — sorting through all the fabrics, talking to the crafters of the products, admiring patterns, and buying pieces she still talks about today.

✨ And Then There’s Paris — Because Christmas in Paris Is Always a Good Idea

Paris is stunning any time of year, but Paris at Christmas? It’s a whole different kind of magic.

We stroll past the department store windows, each one transformed into a full holiday scene with animated characters, twinkling lights, and intricate designs that draw crowds every year. We watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle in all its glory. We stroll through festive neighborhoods, sip hot chocolate in cozy cafés, and enjoy some of the most incredible food France has to offer.

💛 Why Women Love Traveling With Roam With Me

You can do this trip solo. You can do it with a big tour group. But traveling with a small group of women? That’s where the real magic happens.

Women join us for different reasons — confidence, connection, adventure, or simply wanting a holiday escape without the stress of planning. But they all leave with the same feeling:

“I didn’t just see Christmas markets. I made memories with women who immediately feel like lifelong friends.”

Our trips are small, up to 12 women, which is exactly why they feel so personal. You’re not lost in a crowd or following a guide holding a flag. You’re exploring with a group of women who quickly start to feel familiar, comfortable, and easy to be around.