The Ultimate Travel Guide to Visiting Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets
Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg is home to one of the oldest and most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe. This historic French city, located near the border with Germany, transforms into a magical wonderland during the holiday season, making it a top destination for Christmas market lovers. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring Strasbourg’s festive streets as part of a custom land package or as a stop on a Christmas market river cruise, our guide will ensure you make the most of your time in this magical city.
As experts in holiday travel, we’re here to help you plan your unforgettable trip to Strasbourg’s world-famous Christmas markets.
Why Visit Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets?
Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are steeped in tradition, dating back to 1570, making them some of the oldest and most authentic markets in Europe. The city’s rich history, beautiful half-timbered houses, and the grand Strasbourg Cathedral create a picturesque backdrop for the holiday season. Known for its “Christkindelsmärik,” Strasbourg is home to several markets, each offering unique festive experiences, from handcrafted gifts and local delicacies to holiday decorations and live entertainment.
Whether you’re visiting as part of a river cruise or staying on a land package, Strasbourg’s markets promise an unforgettable holiday experience.
Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Strasbourg
1. Christkindelsmärik (Place Broglie)
As one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, the Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is a must-see. The market is the heart of Strasbourg’s holiday celebrations, offering visitors the chance to shop for traditional Alsatian crafts, handmade ornaments, and delicious holiday treats. The atmosphere is lively and festive, with wooden stalls decorated with twinkling lights and the smell of warm mulled wine (vin chaud) filling the air.
What to Try: Don’t miss out on traditional Alsatian delicacies like bredele (Christmas cookies) and tarte flambée (a savory flatbread similar to pizza). Pair these with a cup of vin chaud to keep warm as you explore.
Why We Love It: The Christkindelsmärik embodies the true spirit of Strasbourg’s Christmas traditions, offering a warm and welcoming atmosphere steeped in centuries of holiday history.
2. Place de la Cathédrale Christmas Market
Located in front of the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, this market is as picturesque as it gets. With the towering spires of the cathedral as a backdrop, this market is perfect for those looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a truly stunning setting. Stroll through the beautifully decorated stalls, where you can find handcrafted gifts, wooden toys, and a wide variety of Christmas decorations.
What to Try: Warm up with some local Alsatian cuisine, such as choucroute (sauerkraut with sausage), or sample sweet pastries like kougelhopf, a traditional Alsatian cake.
Why We Love It: The majestic Strasbourg Cathedral adds a sense of grandeur to this market, making it an ideal stop for anyone looking to soak in the holiday spirit while admiring one of Europe’s most famous Gothic landmarks.
3. Place Kléber Christmas Market
Home to Strasbourg’s giant Christmas tree, Place Kléber is where the city’s festive magic truly comes alive. The towering Christmas tree is a beloved symbol of the season, and the square itself is filled with stalls offering holiday gifts, crafts, and delicious food. This market is also known for its “Sharing Village,” where visitors are encouraged to donate gifts and participate in charitable holiday initiatives.
What to Try: Sample local wines from the Alsace region, or treat yourself to roasted chestnuts and pain d’épices (gingerbread).
Why We Love It: The Christmas tree at Place Kléber is one of the tallest in Europe, and the market’s focus on giving back adds a heartwarming touch to the festive celebrations.
4. Place Gutenberg Christmas Market
Each year, Place Gutenberg invites a different country to showcase its holiday traditions, offering visitors a unique cultural experience. This market is a fantastic opportunity to discover how other nations celebrate Christmas, from crafts and gifts to traditional foods and beverages. Combined with Strasbourg’s own festive flair, this market is a global holiday celebration not to be missed.
What to Try: Explore the international food stalls for a taste of different holiday traditions. You might find Swiss fondue, Belgian waffles, or Italian panettone, depending on the year’s theme.
Why We Love It: The international focus of Place Gutenberg’s market provides a fresh and diverse experience, giving visitors the chance to enjoy Christmas traditions from around the world while still indulging in Strasbourg’s local charm.
5. Petite France Christmas Market
Strasbourg’s Petite France district is a postcard-perfect area filled with cobblestone streets, canals, and half-timbered houses. During the holiday season, this picturesque neighborhood becomes a winter wonderland with its own Christmas market. This smaller, more intimate market is ideal for visitors looking for a romantic or quiet holiday experience. The beautifully lit streets and charming stalls create a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping into a storybook.
What to Try: Petite France is a great place to try flammekueche, a thin-crust pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions, and bacon, paired with a cup of hot cider.
Why We Love It: The idyllic setting of Petite France, combined with twinkling holiday lights and peaceful canals, creates an unforgettable Christmas market experience for those seeking a quieter, more romantic setting.
Tips for Visiting Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets
- Book Early: Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most popular Christmas market destinations, and hotels fill up fast. Booking early ensures you’ll have the best accommodations for your holiday stay. We recommend the Maison Rouge Hotel & Spa, an Autograph Collection by Marriott Bonvoy.
- Dress for the Weather: Strasbourg can be quite chilly in December, so pack warm clothing, including scarves, gloves, and layers to stay comfortable while exploring the markets.
- Bring Reusable Mugs: Many Christmas markets in Strasbourg offer drinks like mulled wine in reusable souvenir mugs, which you can keep or return for a small deposit refund. Bring your own or be prepared to collect a few festive mugs along the way.
- Explore On Foot: The markets are spread throughout the city, but Strasbourg’s compact layout makes it easy to explore on foot. Take your time to wander through the streets, admire the holiday lights, and discover new markets as you go.
- Visit During the Week: Weekends can be busy at Strasbourg’s Christmas markets, so plan to visit on weekdays if you prefer a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds.
Planning Your Christmas Market Trip to Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s Christmas markets offer a magical holiday experience like no other. Whether you’re visiting as part of a river cruise or a custom land package, we’re here to help you plan your perfect trip. From arranging accommodations to crafting your itinerary, we’ll take care of all the details so you can focus on enjoying the festive magic of Strasbourg. Contact us today to start planning your Christmas market adventure! [email protected] or visit our agency website.
