When you think of European festive markets, those held in Germany and Austria tend to spring to mind—but Strasbourg Christmas markets are just as old, and date back to the 16th century. In November and December, Strasbourg is transformed into a winter wonderland with lavishly decorated streets and more than 300 stalls decked out in twinkling lights selling food, toys, local crafts, and gifts throughout the city.
Strasbourg, on the border of eastern France and Germany, was once part of Germany and is the capital of Alsace. Also famous as the seat of the European Parliament, it has a fascinating dual personality, with culture and cuisine influenced by both countries, and is a particularly wonderful destination to visit during the Christmas market season.
Christkindelsmärik
Christkindelsmärik
Founded in 1570, the city’s oldest and most historic market can be found at Place Broglie. One of the city’s main squares, which grew out of a medieval marketplace, it is surrounded by notable historic buildings including the City Hall, Governor’s Palace, and Strasbourg Opera House. It is the busiest Christmas market in Strasbourg and the atmosphere is always buzzing at any time of the day and night.
In addition to all the wooden Christmas shopping chalets, this is an excellent market for food and drink. Browse around, and you’ll find fresh pretzels—called bretzels in Strasbourg—gingerbread, sausages, crêpes with sweet and savory fillings, and, of course, spice-infused mulled wine.
Place de la Cathédrale
Place de la Cathédrale
A few blocks away from the Christkindelsmärik, and around a five-minute walk, is another traditional market held against the backdrop of Strasbourg’s highest and most unusual landmark. Between 1647 and 1874, the 466-foot Notre Dame Cathedral held the record as the tallest building in the world until it was topped by St. Nikolai’s Church in Hamburg, Germany.
Constructed over several centuries in different architectural styles, the cathedral’s standout feature is the fact it only has one tower. This is because money ran out to build the second one and it was never completed. It continues to dominate Strasbourg’s UNESCO-listed old town and creates a memorable setting for a market.
The Small Producers of Alsace Christmas Market
Food-lovers won’t want to miss this small market in Place des Meuniers, where irresistible aromas fill the winter air and sparkling, decorative stars hang from the trees. Organized by the Petits Producteurs d’Alsace, a group of local farmers and food producers, the market showcases delicious local products made in Strasbourg and the surrounding region.
Bredele
Stallholders selling craft beers, regional wine, truffles, bredele cookies, and other specialties offer samples to try before you buy. It’s also the place to find local crafts, such as beautiful hand-blown Meisenthal Christmas baubles which were first made in 1858 and are known for their jewel-bright colors.
Read: Best Things to Do in Strasbourg
International Christmas Market
Place Gutenberg Photo by Gzen92 on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
So named because it sells international festive gifts and food alongside customary Christmas market favorites, there’s another reason to head to this market in Place Gutenberg.
In the middle of the square is an old-style carousel which children—and the young at heart—will love to ride. Alongside the horses and exotic animals, such as a giraffe and elephant, you can’t miss the bright pink model car. Reckoned to be more than 90 years old, it was found in a local flea market and given a new lease of life on the merry-go-round.
Advent Village
Soak up more festive ambience in the charming waterside Village de l’Avent, or Advent Village, held in Louise Weiss and Suzanne Lacore squares, which are right next to one of the city’s canals and overlooked by a medieval tower.
The village showcases the food and traditions of Alsace, and you’ll likely get to hear some live music as you look around the different stalls.
Carré d’Or Christmas Market
Once you’ve admired the famous Christmas tree in Place Kléber, make a small detour to visit this small market in Place du Temple Neuf which is only a block away.
Christmas souvenirs
Here you’ll find vendors selling upscale hand-crafted gifts, including jewelry, purses, and gold-plated bookmarks alongside regional food.
Marché OFF
This eco-friendly Christmas market, in Place Grimmeisen close to La Petite France, started in 2016 and is one of the newest in the city. With a focus on sustainability, the market stalls have been created from repurposed shipping containers. As you walk around, you’ll discover gifts made from recycled materials, ethically produced Fairtrade items from overseas, and artisan crafts.
There’s also a program of events such as gift-making activities and workshops, live jazz and musical brunches, plus stands selling organic food.
FAQs
When do the Strasbourg Christmas markets start and end?
Christkindelsmärik
Strasbourg’s Christmas markets run from November 26 until Christmas Eve, December 24. They open at 11:30 a.m. and close around 9 p.m.
Where are the main Christmas markets in Strasbourg?
Christkindelsmärik
The biggest and best-known market Strasbourg is known for is the Chrìstkìndelsmärik. However, Strasbourg is a very walkable and compact city and several of the markets are situated close by and almost run into each other, so it’s very easy to see more than one during your visit.
To help plan your day, and find your way around, pick up a copy of the Strasbourg Christmas Capital map, which is available from visitor information points at Place de la Gare and Place Kléber.
Is Strasbourg really the “Capital of Christmas”?
Place Kléber
The city justifiably deserves the title as it is home to the oldest market in France and “le grand sapin”—the giant Christmas tree—in Place Kléber. Standing nearly 100 feet tall, it is the largest decorated tree in Europe and is an impressive sight.
The locals also enter into the spirit of things, transforming Strasbourg into one of the most illuminated cities in Europe with streets, houses, windows, and balconies adorned with imaginative decorations and glowing lights.
What should I eat at the Strasbourg Christmas markets?
Christmas treats
The first thing to remember is not to eat too much before you go, and definitely opt for a light breakfast so you can savor the tempting offerings being offered in Strasbourg’s Christmas markets.
Alsatian cuisine is a delicious combination of filling German comfort food and dishes created with French flair. You’ll find all the typical, tasty food and drinks associated with European Christmas markets, such as sausages, gingerbread, and warming, mulled wine, which also comes in many different flavors such as raspberry, orange, cherry, and apple.
Be sure to try out festive and regional specialties from the Alsace region. Bite-sized cookies called bredele, in the shape of stars and fir trees, are only baked at Christmas and you can choose from flavors such as almond and honey.
Bretzels
For a salty snack that goes particularly well with the local Kronenbourg beer, pick up a bretzel. The Alsatian version of pretzel, the large, soft bretzels can also be loaded with cheese and bacon.
Also not to be missed is the savory tarte flambée, which you’ll also find on Christmas market food stands throughout the city. The Alsatian version of pizza comprises a thin and crispy dough base that’s topped with melted cheese and bacon cubes. It’s a great snack to eat on the go while you’re wandering around the markets.
Kougelhopf
For another sweet treat, look out for kougelhopf, also called gugelhupf, which is a local ring-shaped cake laced with raspberry brandy. If you need something more substantial, take a bowl of spätzle, egg noodles, covered with creamy mushroom sauce.
Are the markets family-friendly?
Teddy bear street
Strasbourg is a very safe and friendly city and this extends to the markets. During the festive season the markets resemble a living fairy-tale and children—and adults—can’t fail to be captivated.
A must-see for travelers with families, and the young at heart, is Rue du Maroquin, which is right next to the Christmas market held in front of the cathedral. It’s also known as “teddy bear street”, because during the festive season many of the black and white half-timbered houses are even more enchanting as they are decorated with illuminated bears.
What kind of items are sold at the markets?
Christmas decorations
From traditional wooden toys and Christmas decorations, to cozy clothes, crafts, and locally-made jewelry, you will be spoiled for choice so leave plenty of room in your suitcase for all the extra items you’re sure to buy.
Some of the best things to purchase are items you won’t find in other Christmas markets, such as the bredele cookies which are sold in assorted gift packages of different sizes and will last until you get home, if you can resist the temptation to eat them beforehand.
Chocolates
Chocolate is also made just outside Strasbourg at the Schaal factory, which also has its own museum if you have time to visit. Popular products include dragées, sugar-coated candies, which are on sale in the markets.
If you buy a bottle of fruity Alsatian wine then pair it with the special glasses it’s served in. The design of these wide, squat glasses with green stems is said to bring out the wine’s floral notes and enhance its golden color. When you’re back home, the glasses will always remind you of your time at Strasbourg’s Christmas markets.
Souvenirs
You will also find souvenirs, such as plates, aprons, toys, and chocolates featuring storks. The large black and white birds are the emblem of Strasbourg and symbolize good luck and fertility. While they migrate south for the winter, you will be able to spot their huge nests on top of buildings.
Similarly, really cute keepsakes are the colorful pottery mugs used to serve glühwein. They change each year and often have the name Strasbourg and the year incorporated in the design.
Glühwein
When buying a drink you automatically pay a deposit for the mug–typically around five Euros–which you get back when you return it to the stand. If not, you get to keep the mug. They’re a really fun memento.
How cold is it during the Strasbourg Christmas market season?
Strasbourg
If you’re lucky, there may be a sprinkling of snow during your visit which adds to the atmosphere. In November and December you can expect temperatures of between 37°F to 41°F, so take warm clothes. And of course, when you visit the Christmas markets you will find plenty of hats, scarves, and gloves on sale.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s Christmas markets blend the magical atmosphere and festive traditions of France with fascinating culture and sightseeing opportunities. Browse Celebrity’s river cruises to Strasbourg and book your seasonal yuletide sailing.
