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When you think of the most idyllic Christmas scene, your mind can't help but wander to the Strasbourg Christmas Market in France. Located in stunning Alsace, this picturesque French city hosts several Christmas markets each year that each offer something different including the following:
- Christkindelsmärik Christmas Market
- Strasbourg Cathedral Christmas Market
- Place Kléber Christmas Market
- Quai des Délices Christmas Market
- Carré d'Or Christmas Market
- Louise Weiss Square Christmas Market
- Petite France Christmas Market
- OFF Christmas Market
In this blog, we'll share all our tips and tricks for visiting the best Strasbourg Christmas markets so keep reading to find out more!
What You Need To Know About The Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Where is Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is located in the Alsace region of northeastern France, close to the German border. This picturesque city is well-known for its unique blend of French and German culture, evident in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.
Is Strasbourg Christmas Market worth visiting?
Absolutely! The Strasbourg Christmas Market, known as the Christkindelsmärik, is one of the oldest and most renowned in Europe.
When do the Strasbourg Christmas Markets 2024 open?
The Strasbourg Christmas markets are open from November 27 to December 27, 2024 and light up Strasbourg for over 4 weeks.
How do you get to Strasbourg from the UK?
Travelling to Strasbourg from the UK is quite straightforward. The most common route is to fly from London to Strasbourg Airport, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar from London to Paris and then transfer to a high-speed TGV train to Strasbourg. The entire journey by train usually takes around 5-6 hours.
Which Christmas Market is better: Colmar or Strasbourg?
Both Colmar and Strasbourg offer enchanting Christmas markets, each with its own charm. Strasbourg's market is larger and more historic, often considered the "Capital of Christmas," offering a grand and bustling festive experience. Colmar, on the other hand, is smaller and more intimate, with its market spread across the town's beautiful medieval streets and canals. If you have the time, visiting both would provide a delightful comparison.
How many days are enough for Strasbourg?
To fully enjoy Strasbourg and its Christmas markets, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal. This allows you to explore the different Strasbourg Christmas markets, visit the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, and perhaps take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque Petite France district. If you're planning to visit nearby towns like Colmar, consider adding an extra day or two to your itinerary.
Is Strasbourg cheap or expensive?
Strasbourg can be moderately expensive, particularly during the festive season when accommodation prices can rise. Dining out and shopping at the Christmas markets might also add to the costs. However, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city on a budget, such as opting for local restaurants, staying in budget-friendly hotels, and simply soaking in the festive atmosphere without spending excessively.
The 8 Best Strasbourg Chirstmas Markets 2024
1. Christkindelsmärik Christmas Market
Strasbourg's Christkindelsmärik Christmas Market is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. Founded in 1570, for a long time it was the only Christmas market in France! Pass through the famous arch at the front of the Christmas market square and wander among the various festive stalls. You'll find not only small-scale designers but also stalls selling mulled wine and Alsatian specialities such as sauerkraut. After dark, you can admire the illuminations on the façade.
Don't miss: Just opposite the Christkindelsmärik Christmas market you can check out the window displays on the Galeries Lafayette which are always beautifully decorated at Christmas.
- What we love: the illuminations on the Hôtel de Ville
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
- Where : Place Broglie
2. Strasbourg Cathedral Christmas Market
Next on our list of the best Strasbourg Christmas markets is the Strasbourg Cathedral Christmas Market which is made up of 4 smaller markets around Strasbourg's iconic Cathedral.
At the Place de la Cathédrale market, we highly recommend trying the pretzels and Manele (brioche in the shape of men) and grabbing a hot chocolate to warm up. The Place du Château market features a small carousel for children that adds a touch of enchantment to this market.
A little further afield, the Rue des Hallebardes market and the Rue Gutenberg market offer local Alsatian produce, as well as a host of handcrafted products so you'll be sure to find the perfect Christmas gift.
Don't miss: The Christmas bauble designer Käthe Wohlfahrt has a chalet at the Place du Château market. Don't miss out on a tour to find an extra special decoration for your tree.
- What we love: Wandering Rue Mercière in the evening to enjoy the illuminations and view of the cathedral.
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
- Where :
Place de la Cathédrale
Place du Château
Rue des Hallebardes
Rue Gutenberg
3. Place Kléber Christmas Market
The Place Kléber Christmas Market is Strasbourg's biggest Christmas market. On this square, you can admire the beautiful Strasbourg fir tree, over 30m high, which is decorated in a special theme each year. Make sure to take a photo of the illuminated stage at the foot of the tree which is one of the city's most beautiful spots to immortalise your visit to Strasbourg's Christmas market.
At the heart of the Christmas market, you can wander through the Village de Partage where over 90 associations are on hand to help you make eco-friendly and ethical purchases, donate to charity and bring the true spirit of Christmas to life.
Don't miss: Don't forget to sample the Soupe Étoilée on Place Kléber. This solidarity soup is prepared by renowned chefs and supports associative projects throughout the year.
- What we love: Finding Christmas decorations from another era at the Aubette market.
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
- Where : Place Kléber.
4. Quai des Délices Christmas Market
Strasbourg's Christmas market Quai des délices is a Strasbourg Christmas market for the foodies. Under a promenade decorated with beautiful sparkling stars, you can enjoy tasty meals and delicious produce from all over the Alsace region.
This is the perfect Christmas market in Strasbourg if you're looking for something to eat during your visit. And don't forget to pick up a dessert from one of the artisan bakers on site. The Bredle are by far our favourite!
- What we love: Strolling between the Corbeau Bridge and Saint Guillaume while taking in the starry sky.
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
- Where : Terrasse Rohan.
5. The Carré d'Or Christmas Market in Strasbourg
The Carré d'Or Christmas market is great if you're desperately looking for a Christmas gift for your loved ones. On the Place du Temple Neuf, you'll find many jewellery, candles, chocolatiers and watchmaker stalls where you can pick up handmade Christmas gifts. The narrow streets surrounding the square are also full of boutiques if you still haven't found the perfect Christmas gift at the market.
- What we love: Walking up Rue des Orfèvres, one of Strasbourg's most beautiful streets.
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
- Where: Place du Temple Neuf.
6. Louise Weiss Square Christmas Market
Close to the charming Petite France district, you can find the Louise Weiss Square Christmas Market. Here you can taste and admire the creations of local Alsatian producers. Apple juice, wine, Bredle, chocolate and other local products will be offered by passionate craftsmen and you can even sample a few for free!
If you're coming with the family, don't miss the various creative workshops on offer at the Advent Village. Decorate Christmas trees, make Christmas cards or bake biscuits with your children. And don't miss the different shows staged in the square that will make your children's eyes sparkle;
- What we love: enjoying the shows in the heart of the Advent Village.
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.
- Where: Square Louise-Weiss
7. Petite France Christmas Market
The Marché de Noël de la Petite France consists of 2 small Christmas markets: one on Place Saint-Thomas and one on Place Benjamin Zix. What we love most about this Strasbourg Christmas market is the magical setting. Between the authentic carefully decorated half-timbered houses, the swinging bridges from another time and the charming cobbled streets, you'll feel like you're diving into a real Christmas fairytale.
At the Christmas market on Place Benjamin Zix, you'll find small chalets with a wealth of unique Christmas crafts. From Christmas table decorations to Christmas herbal teas and scented candles, you won't leave empty-handed!
The Christmas market on Place Saint-Thomas is more for those with a sweet tooth. You'll find several stands selling confectionery, hot drinks and pastries.
- What we love: the magical setting of the Petite France district.
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
- Where :
Place Benjamin Zix
Place Saint-Thomas
8. OFF Christmas Market
Created in 2016, the OFF Christmas Market is the most recent Christmas market in Strasbourg. Located on Place Grimmeissen, this is an eco-friendly Strasbourg Christmas market that brings together you'll find many planet-friendly treasures including:
- Vintage clothes
- Second-hand toys
- Second-hand books
- Organic Alsatian specialities
You'll also find plenty of Strasbourg locals enjoying the Christmas market's friendly atmosphere over a glass of organic mulled wine.
- What we love: the friendly atmosphere.
- Opening hours: open from 11:30 am to 9 pm every day.
- Where : Place Grimmeissen.
Where to Eat in Strasbourg at Christmas
If you want to make the most of Strasbourg's Christmas markets, we highly recommend trying the food at either the Christmas market on Quai des Délices or the Christmas market on Place Kléber.
But if you'd rather escape the cold and enjoy a warm meal inside, we recommend you book a table at one of these incredible Strasbourg restaurants:
- Au Pont Corbeau: book a dinner at the table of an authentic winstub in a typically Alsatian setting.
- Restaurant Fink Stuebel: with its generous cuisine and friendly atmosphere, you'll be charmed by this small Alsatian restaurant.
- Bistrot et Chocolat: perfect for a romantic meal. Discover the chef's innovative cuisine and enjoy one of his many homemade hot chocolates.
- Caupona Taverne: enjoy one of the best tarte flambées in the city.
The Best Christmas Gift? A Trip To Strasbourg
If one of your loved ones is an undisputed fan of Christmas markets or just Christmas in general, you can gift a flight or hotel in one of the best festive destinations with our experience gift cards. Valid for 2 years and delivered for free worldwide, our gift cards for experiences can reach even the furthest family members so that distance doesn't need to come between giving incredible Christmas gifts. You can even personalise your gift voucher by adding your own image and writing a special Christmas message.
