The Unterlinden Museum at opening time, then Place des Dominicains, the Koïfhus and Place de l’Ancienne Douane. Stay for the lights.
Day 2
Little Venice
The Quai de la Poissonnerie and the tanners’ quarter, a boat ride, the children’s market and the big wheel.
Day 3
Wine villages
Riquewihr in the morning and Kaysersberg in the afternoon (on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday), or Eguisheim, five minutes from Colmar by car.
Day 4
Strasbourg
Thirty minutes by train for the cathedral and the oldest Christmas market in France.
Honest thought: Colmar’s old town is small, and one full day covers it. Base yourself here for three or four nights and use it to explore the villages and Strasbourg; it is calmer and often better value.