Strasbourg at Christmas time appears to me what Dr. Seuss had in thoughts when he was establishing “Whoville” in How The Grinch Stole Christmas. It is actually such as you’re stepping right into a magical city of lights, ample, dare I say, loopy, Christmas decorations on each window, the scent of mulled wine wafting by way of the air, and Christmas music drifts by way of the picturesque city.
I’ve created a information of issues to do Strasbourg at Christmas in addition to a information to the Christmas Markets while you go to this magical city.
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2026: November twenty seventh by way of December twenty fourth, 2026.
They do not name it the Capital de Noël (The Capital of Christmas) for no motive. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are world well-known, and the gargantuan Christmas tree within the city sq. would possibly simply carry tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply could be one of many prettiest in Europe however Strasbourg takes the cake relating to Christmas. I’ve put collectively an inventory of issues to do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas that may make it some of the memorable and magical ones ever.
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and in truth, its switched palms numerous instances by way of the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has a lot of German affect. Do not be shocked to listen to German being spoken as you cross by way of the Christmas stalls. Attending to Strasbourg is straightforward since it is a main rail hub, and the high-speed TGV from Paris will get you there in underneath two hours. You can even fly into the Karlsruhe, Germany airport which is about 45 minutes away . I typically drive or take the bus from my city of Heidelberg, Germany, solely about an hour away.
See my picks for the perfect Christmas markets in Europe right here!
See the perfect Christmas Markets within the Alsace!
Do you know we beloved Christmas Markets a lot we chartered our personal river cruise ship to take our followers to Christmas markets in Europe!? Sure, to Strasbourg! Get the information right here:
See the perfect Christmas Markets within the Alsace right here!
Christmas Markets
The usually are not one, two, and even seven Christmas markets in Strasbourg. There are ten. For a metropolis of this dimension, that is downright superfluous, however in one of the best ways potential. This metropolis is adorned from road to road with lights, wreaths, and ornaments. It is easy to stroll across the metropolis to see all of the markets in a day or two. The Christmas Markets sometimes begin the final week of November and finish on Christmas Eve (December twenty fourth).
The Christmas market dates for Strasbourg for 2026 are Friday, November twenty seventh by way of Thursday, December twenty fourth, 2026. The markets are usually open day by day from about 11 AM to 9 PM, opening at 2 PM on the primary day and shutting early (round 6 PM) on Christmas Eve. The stalls shut down after Christmas Eve, however the big Christmas tree and town lights keep up into early January.
In fact, there are lots of Christmas markets all over the world, and significantly in Germany, however the Strasbourg Christmas market appears to have an additional twinkle in its eye. The markets signify a time of the previous, with households coming collectively to have a good time, indulge, and share. It is distinctive that Christmas markets are right here and echoes again to the truth that Germany as soon as dominated over this space.
The Christmas market custom is markedly German, so it is particular that this custom nonetheless remained in France. You will discover probably the most well-known is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates again to 1570 which is without doubt one of the oldest markets in Europe.
See my full Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!
In complete, there are over 300 stalls all through town so that you’re certain to search out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this publish, I checklist out all of the markets that happen.
Try the Cathedral
The Cathédral Notre-Dame is without doubt one of the most grand constructions I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth by way of the seventeenth century it was the tallest constructing on this planet. Holding on to that rating for that time frame means it was an architectural mastery and among the best representations of Gothic artwork. Head inside to see the gorgeous construction up shut and take a look at the astronomical clock. Remember to move up the tower for commanding views of town.
In fact, there’s a Christmas market outdoors of the cathedral and is without doubt one of the most historic. You possibly can sip on mulled wine because the bells of the cathedral sometimes ring. Right here there are over 100 chalets (these are stalls or cubicles) which can be providing Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, heat drinks, and scrumptious meals.
Eat a German – French Fusion
Strasbourg is certainly an awesome place to be for gastronomic functions. The town is residence to a number of Michelin-starred eating places if you wish to splurge. In fact, with all this mixture of German and French affect it produced some very tasty meals. One among my favorites is the Flammkucken also called tarte flambée. It is a very skinny pizza topped with creme fraiche, delicately sliced onions, and ham.
The intoxicating scent of the scorching onions will tempt anybody to attempt it. There are a selection of choices and toppings so you could find one which fits your style. An excellent place to take a look at is L’Ancienne Douane which is well-known for his or her Alsace delicacies.
❄️ Europe Packing Should Haves! ❄️
🧥 Coat – A must have for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These hold you comfortable and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– hold your toes heat and dry
🧤 Telephone Suitable gloves – These work so you may nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Greatest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – One of the best for preserving you palms free and your stuff secure
☃️ Beanie – A should for preserving heat (and searching cute!)
🔥 Hand heaters – The key to by no means being chilly!
🧣 Scarf – So key to packing much less is to have equipment like scarves to modify it up!
Get my full packing checklist right here!
Admire the Christmas Tree
What’s it about Christmas timber that instills a childlike marvel in all of us? There’s one thing simply so magical concerning the mixture of evergreens, lights, and ornaments that all the time fills me with pleasure. On the subject of Christmas timber in Strasbourg they’ve determined that greater is best. Required to be a minimal of 30 meters tall, the tree towers above the sq. and is lit up with 7 kilometers of twinkling lights. Positioned at Place Kléber it is without doubt one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen, and annually brings a special theme.
On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you may see stay music proper subsequent to the tree. There’s additionally ample purchasing round and close to the sq., in case you want any Christmas presents. Simply watching the lights illuminate because the sky darkens is the star of the Christmas present in Strasbourg.
Petite France
This is without doubt one of the most charming areas to see in all of Europe. It is a historic quarter in Strasbourg lined with half-timbered homes that flank the river. In fact, throughout Christmas it lights up much more. Stroll by way of the canals to absorb the 14th century towers and amble by way of the cobblestone streets for conventional eating places and retailers. Remember to cease and take an image at Quartier des Tanneurs, among the best place for pictures in Strasbourg.
Among the best components of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so properly preserved. In fact, you may additionally discover a Christmas market held right here. You really really feel such as you’re strolling again in time. Because the bridges illuminate and glow above the water you may’t assist however really feel romantic.
Christmas Markets At a Look:
Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is probably the most well-known.
Place de la Cathédrale – the Strasbourg Cathedral Market.
Place Kléber or “Sharing Market” with the Nice Christmas tree
Place du marché-aux-Poissons, terrasse du Palais rohan et rue rohan – Exterior of the Palace Rohan and recognized for Christmas treats.
Place Benjamin-Zix also called the “Three Kings” Market and is situated in Petite France.
Place du Temple-Neuf going down on the Carré d’or.
Place des Meuniers for a smaller market.
Place Gutenberg is usually the place one other nation is featured and their Christmas traditions are celebrated.
To search out out occasions throughout Christmas in Strasbourg try this calendar.
The place to remain in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a comparatively small metropolis, so you may’t actually go improper with right here you keep. Nonetheless, I counsel staying within the Grande Île, town’s historic heart. Right here, all of the Christmas markets are inside strolling distance. I counsel Lodge Gutenberg – extraordinarily good critiques and a good worth!
Try much more inns right here:
See my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!
Discover the perfect Christmas Markets in Europe right here!
