Christmas in Strasbourg is an experience everyone should have, with plenty of unique features, excellent food, and a magical festive atmosphere.
There are plenty of great reasons to visit this gorgeous French city at any time of the year, but when Christmas comes to town, Strasbourg becomes even more magical than before.
The Strasbourg Christmas markets, known locally as Christkindelsmärik , are world-famous and feature authentic festive stalls, magical events, and much more to entertain all ages.
Let us show you what’s in store for locals and tourists at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, a city with a reputation as ‘the capital of Christmas’.
The World Bucket List’s top tips for visiting the Christmas markets at Strasbourg:
- Keep an eye out for fantastic and unique gifts and handmade toys that you won’t find anywhere else!
- Bring home some beautiful Christmas decorations to decorate your tree.
- Indulge in some delectable local products, like crepes, Bredele cookies, foie gras, and fresh pretzels.
- Beat the crowds by visiting the OFF Christmas Market at Grimmeisen. Alternatively, you can beat the crowds by visiting the main markets during the week.
- The Petite France area of the city is beautifully bedecked in Christmas decorations and makes for a lovely place for an evening stroll.
Christmas markets in Strasbourg – the capital of Christmas
There are many Christmas markets in and around Strasbourg, but the biggest, best, and most traditional is the one held at Place Broglie, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Here you can expect 300 chalets filled with authentic Alsatian ornaments, handicrafts, and typical food from the region – and we all know how great French food is!
Strasbourg has the reputation of being the capital of Christmas since this is the city where markets were first held. In fact, the tradition of the Christmas market here dates back to the 12th century.
The original markets, which were only held for three days, have expanded over the years. Now, they are held over 36 days, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to experience the magic.
The markets celebrate the crafts of the local people. This is a fantastic place to buy wooden toys, pottery, wreaths and other gift ideas, and indulge in local Alsatian wine, craft beer, French pastries, and many other delicious treats.
If you want to experience the Christmas markets in Strasbourg, at which vendors take great pride in their craftsmanship, read on for all the essential details for planning your visit.
RELATED READ: Our guide to the best Christmas markets in France.
Essential information for your festive visit – everything you need to know
Getting to Strasbourg: Located on the border with Germany, Strasbourg is easily reached by car, train, and plane. The city has an international airport and train station – the second largest in France – making it very accessible for international visitors.
Dates and times: 2 pm on 25 November to 6 pm on 24 December.
Address: Place Broglie 67000 Strasbourg, France
Unmissable events: At Place Kléber you’ll find the city’s Christmas tree and picturesque chalets, and Palais Rohan is the place to discover local food.
Louise Weiss Square will have excellent products lovingly made in Alsace, while the historic Place Broglie boasts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe.
Other Christmas markets: Place de la cathédrale, Place du Chateau, Marche-aux-Poissons, Temple Neuf, Saint-Thomas, rue Gutenberg, and rue des Hallebardes, are some other places to visit stalls and pick up souvenirs.
What to do – the ultimate overview
Things to eat/drink
Some local Alsatian delicacies include Alsatian wine, Bredele cookies, truffles, mushrooms, flammkuchen (a pizza-style dish), choucrout (sauerkraut), sausages, potatoes, tartiflette, bretzel (pretzels), and anything with cheese.
You will notice that Alsatian cuisine is a mix of French and German, given the location, so be prepared for hearty and delicious meals.
Alsatian delicacies market
To indulge in the best local fare, go to the Marche-aux-Poissons, where you can stroll along the river while trying various delicious food options, local wine, and craft beer. A top tip is to arrive at sunset when the atmosphere is even more magical.
International Christmas market
This unique Christmas market is for foodies, especially those who want to try food from a guest country. At Place Gutenberg, the host country changes each year, and previous countries have included Iceland, Finland, and Lebanon.
Local decorations
Almost all decorations you see decorating the city have been carefully hand-crafted. This is one central theme of the Strasbourg Christmas markets, so keep your eyes peeled for some beautiful creations.
Also, don’t miss the teddy bear-topped facades which can be seen on many buildings!
Beat the crowds
While the Strasbourg Christmas markets at Place Broglie are among the oldest in Europe and are a must-see, if you want to go to a quieter, more off-beat market, try the OFF Christmas Market at Grimmeisen.
This small, intimate and quirky market has utilises shipping containers, wooden chalets, and transparent igloos to add to its character. It is undoubtedly worth a visit.
READ: The World Bucket List guide to common Christmas traditions in France.
Notable mentions
The Walk to the Stars: From the Corbeau Bridge to the Saint-Guillaume Bridge, you will find almost 400 stars guiding you along the promenade and presenting a beautiful view of Palais Rohan.
Iconic illuminations: This is one of the highlights of the Strasbourg Christmas Markets since the Vitrines de Strasbourg Association creates these illuminations, and it is a joy to wander around the city discovering each one.
Strasbourg Christmas tree: You’ll find the tree at Place Kléber. The iconic tree is proudly chosen by the city each year and is adorned by thousands of lights and red and white baubles. It reaches a height of 30 m (98 ft).
Colmar Christmas Markets: If time allows, the Colmar Christmas Markets are well worth a visit. Just one hour away from Strasbourg, this is a magical town to stroll through at Christmas time.
Ice skating: Place Kléber also boasts an excellent ice rink for a bit of skating.
Your questions answered about Christmas markets in Strasbourg
In this section, we answer some of our readers’ most frequently asked questions about the Christmas markets in Strasbourg as well as those that appear often in online searches about the topic.
When does Strasbourg Christmas market start?
The markets begin on 25 November.
What to do in Strasbourg at Christmas?
There are many things to do during the festive season in Strasbourg. Highlights include shopping for authentic souvenirs, witnessing the famous illuminating lights, the Walk to the Stars, visiting the big tree, and visiting the Advent village.
How many days do you need in Strasbourg?
Two days or an extended weekend is a reasonable time to visit the Christmas markets. This will allow you to enjoy the events and perhaps travel to Colmar or other nearby Christmas markets.
The Capital of Christmas is a place that cannot be overlooked when searching for the ultimate festive vibes, with a long tradition, incredible craftsmanship, and a magical atmosphere. So consider the Strasbourg Christmas markets this festive season.
OTHER WBL ARTICLES ON CHRISTMAS IN EUROPE:
Top 5 reasons to visit the Christmas markets in Copenhagen
Christmas markets in York: everything you need to know
Top 5 best Christmas markets in Cologne, ranked
BUDAPEST Christmas Market: EVERYTHING you need to know
Top 5 best Christmas markets in Rome, RANKED
CHRISTMAS in BARCELONA: best destinations, traditions, events & more
Top 5 best Christmas markets in Amsterdam, RANKED
