Strasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg, the 'Capital of Christmas,' transforms into a dazzling wonderland with one of Europe's oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, festive start
Strasbourg Christmas Market
Best Time
Fewer crowds, festive start
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Strasbourg, the 'Capital of Christmas,' transforms into a dazzling wonderland with one of Europe's oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets.
"Strasbourg is a must-visit at least once in a lifetime for its magical Christmas markets!"
Book Accommodation Early
Hotels fill up fast! Secure your stay well in advance, especially if visiting in December.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the many market locations.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Christmas Tree
Place Kléber
A colossal, magnificently decorated tree that serves as the heart of the festive celebrations. Truly a sight to behold!
Teddy Bear House
Rue du Maroquin
A charming and whimsical spot that brings a touch of childlike wonder to the market, a favorite for many visitors.
Cathedral of Notre-Dame
Place de la Cathédrale
This stunning Gothic cathedral provides a breathtaking backdrop to the surrounding Christmas market stalls.
Alsatian Delicacies
Various market stalls
Indulge in regional treats like vin chaud (mulled wine), bretzels, and pain d'épices. A true taste of Alsace!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Festive Spirit Early
Plan Your Market Hopping
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Accommodation Early
Hotels fill up fast! Secure your stay well in advance, especially if visiting in December.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the many market locations.
Embrace the Local Flavors
Don't miss out on vin chaud, tartes flambées, and other Alsatian Christmas treats.
Explore Beyond the Main Markets
Discover smaller, themed markets for a more intimate experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Accommodation Early
Hotels fill up fast! Secure your stay well in advance, especially if visiting in December.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking between the many market locations.
Embrace the Local Flavors
Don't miss out on vin chaud, tartes flambées, and other Alsatian Christmas treats.
Explore Beyond the Main Markets
Discover smaller, themed markets for a more intimate experience.
Check Market Dates
Dates can vary slightly year to year; confirm before your trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about Strasbourg's unparalleled Christmas magic, dubbing it the 'Capital of Christmas.' The sheer scale of decorations, the historic charm, and the variety of markets create an unforgettable festive experience. While the crowds can be intense, especially on weekends, the enchanting atmosphere and delicious local treats make it a highly recommended destination.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Strasbourg is well-connected by TGV high-speed trains from Paris and other major French cities. The city center, where the markets are located, is easily walkable. For international travelers, flying into Strasbourg Airport (SXB) or nearby airports like Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL) and then taking a train or bus is common. +1
Yes, the main market areas are pedestrianized and best explored on foot. Public transport, including trams and buses, is efficient for reaching different parts of the city. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends.
Driving into the city center during the market season is not recommended due to heavy traffic and limited parking. It's best to park in designated outer car parks and use public transport or walk.
Strasbourg Airport (SXB) is the closest. Alternatively, Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL) in France, and Baden Airpark (FKB) in Germany are good options, with train connections to Strasbourg.
Strasbourg is approximately a 30-minute train ride from Colmar, making it easy to visit both cities during your trip. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is free to enter. You only pay for the food, drinks, and souvenirs you purchase.
The market typically runs from late November to late December. For 2024, it's scheduled from November 24th to December 24th. Always check the official dates for the current year.
Market hours generally vary slightly by location, but most are open daily from around 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Some may close earlier on Christmas Eve.
Entry to all the Christmas markets in Strasbourg is free. The magic of the decorations and the festive atmosphere is accessible to everyone.
The market typically opens its doors around the last weekend of November and closes on December 24th or 27th, depending on the year.
🎫 🎄 Onsite Experience
Strasbourg boasts over ten markets! Key ones include the 'Christkindelsmärik' on Place de la Cathédrale, the 'Marché des Délices' on Place de la Grande Boucherie for food, and the 'Village du Partage' on Place Grimmeissen. The grand Christmas tree is at Place Kléber.
Prepare for a culinary adventure! Popular choices include vin chaud (mulled wine), tartes flambées (Alsatian pizza), raclette, gingerbread (pain d'épices), and various regional pastries and sausages. +1
Yes, the market often features a dedicated children's area, including carousels, a small train, and the popular Teddy Bear House. +1
You'll find a wide array of handcrafted items, including Christmas ornaments, wooden toys, local pottery, textiles, and regional food products.
Yes, it can get very crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings. Visiting on weekdays or earlier in the season can offer a less congested experience.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Capture the magic from Place de la Cathédrale with the illuminated cathedral, the grand Christmas tree at Place Kléber, and the charming streets of Petite France. The twinkling lights create a fairy-tale atmosphere.
The 'golden hour' just after sunset, when the lights begin to twinkle and the sky is still a bit light, offers magical photo opportunities. Nighttime is also spectacular with the full illumination.
Use a tripod for stability in low light, a wider aperture (lower f-number) to capture bokeh from the lights, and consider shooting in RAW for better editing flexibility. A fast lens is also beneficial.
Drone usage is generally restricted in crowded public areas and over historical sites like Strasbourg's Christmas markets for safety and privacy reasons. Always check local regulations.
Focus on details like the twinkling lights, people enjoying mulled wine, the decorated stalls, and the iconic half-timbered houses. Wide shots of the main squares are also essential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
+1💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 Wander hand-in-hand through the charming streets, share a cup of vin chaud from a cozy stall, and find unique handcrafted gifts for each other. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Strasbourg's Christmas Market
The market's growth and popularity have led to its expansion across multiple squares in the city, each with its own unique theme and atmosphere. This allows visitors to experience a diverse range of festive offerings, from traditional crafts and decorations to delicious Alsatian specialties. The sheer scale and historical depth contribute to its status as a must-visit European Christmas market.
+1Navigating the Eleven Christmas Markets
Each market offers a unique ambiance and selection of goods, ensuring there's something for everyone. From the traditional 'Christkindelsmärik' on Place de la Cathédrale, which is the oldest and most famous, to the 'Marché des Délices' on Place de la Grande Boucherie dedicated to culinary delights, exploring these markets is an adventure in itself. Other notable markets include the 'Village du Partage' on Place Grimmeissen, which focuses on charitable causes, and the 'Marché des Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d'Alsace' on Place du Marché-Neuf, showcasing local artisanal products. The sheer variety means you can spend days discovering new treasures, from handcrafted ornaments and regional delicacies to unique gifts. Planning your route can help you experience the best of each market, but spontaneous exploration also leads to delightful discoveries.
Experiencing the Magic of Alsace in Winter
Visitors can easily combine a trip to Strasbourg with excursions to these nearby gems, creating a comprehensive Alsatian Christmas experience. Imagine strolling through cobblestone streets adorned with twinkling lights, sipping on warm mulled wine, and soaking in the cozy, festive atmosphere. The region's commitment to Christmas spirit is palpable, making it a truly magical place to visit during the holiday season.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit