We're heading over to the Alsace region for the Christmas markets. Planning on basing ourselves in one location (Colmar) and driving throughout the area.

Would you take a train to Strasbourg or drive?

Would an afternoon/evening be enough time for the Strasbourg Christmas market?

We based in Strasbourg several years ago and drove to Colmar and surrounds for the day. Strasbourg had several Christmas market areas, all walkable, one to the next. I would think you’d want to spend the better part of an afternoon and evening to see them all and take in the atmosphere as a whole. The cathedral is in the middle of a market street and definitely worth a visit.

As for driving or taking the train, I guess that could depend upon the weather and the train station. We had a car for our 3 nights in Strasbourg and had access to the hotel parking lot. It did snow while we were there (early December); if you’re not comfortable driving in snow then you might want to take the train.

We liked Colmar and Strasbourg both, you’ll have a great time!

The centre of Strasbourg is a tight tram/cycle/pedestrian zone. I'd take the train.

Booze levels are very low for car drivers. Beware.

I'd stick to public transport, the trains in France are great and a lot easier than a car. Seat61 website has fantastic train info.

We had about 5 days over Christmas staying in Strasbourg one year. There were Christmas markets scattered about and one which was larger and busier.

I was underwhelmed by the whole thing, nothing I would buy and OK for a few photos but a couple of hours looking at the markets would be plenty. I wouldn't bother seeing that sort of thing in Europe again unless it was right there in front of me.

Thank you for the replies and suggestions! I truly appreciate the diversity and honesty of the comments. Personally I totally get the "seen one, seen them all" since I've been many years ago but my daughter loves everything Christmas so this will be exciting for her. Plus my ancestry if from the region and I could soak up the ambience of the towns for weeks and not get my fill.
I think we are spending two nights in Freiburg (at the suggestion of another poster and because their market opens a couple days early) and then basing ourselves in Colmar (because I much prefer wandering around all the smaller towns plus accommodations are cheaper than Strasbourg. But I do love the cathedral and have heard the markets in Strasbourg are not to be missed.
We don't drink so driving would not be a problem from that regard but parking, traffic, weather conditions and suggestions here have me leaning toward the train.
Thanks again.