🎄✨ Strasbourg Christmas Market Guide — “The Capital of Christmas”
⭐ Overview
Strasbourg, in northeastern France near the German border, hosts one of Europe’s oldest and most famous Christmas markets, dating back to 1570.
Every December, the whole city becomes a fairytale — warm lights, wooden chalets, mulled wine, Christmas music, and a gigantic Christmas tree at Place Kléber.
Market Dates:
Usually late November to December 24 (varies slightly each year).
📍 Main Christmas Market Areas
1. Place Kléber – The Giant Christmas Tree
The heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas spirit.
Huge Christmas tree (30m!), light shows, festive decorations.
Great spot for evening photos.
2. Cathedral Square (Place de la Cathédrale)
One of the oldest and busiest areas.
Surrounded by the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral.
Perfect for handmade crafts, candles, wooden toys.
3. Place Broglie – Christkindelsmärik
The historic Christmas market from 1570.
Traditional Alsatian decorations and local souvenirs.
Great food stalls!
4. Petite France
The most charming district — medieval houses, canals, fairy lights.
Romantic evening stroll + local pastries.
Best photo locations in the city during Christmas.
🍽️ Must-Try Christmas Market Food
🇫🇷 Alsatian specialties
Flammekueche (Tarte Flambée) — thin pizza-style bread with cheese & onions
Choucroute — sauerkraut with sausages
Pain d’épices — spiced gingerbread
🍷 Drinks
Vin chaud — mulled wine
Hot apple cider
Hot chocolate (rich and thick!)
🍬 Snacks
Bredele — Alsatian Christmas cookies
Pretzels
Roasted chestnuts
🎁 What to Shop For
Handmade Christmas ornaments
Local ceramics
Scented candles & soaps
Wool scarves / hats
Nativity scene figures
Wooden crafts
Perfect small gifts to bring home!
🚆 How to Get There
From Paris:
TGV high-speed train
1h45 mins
Arrives at Strasbourg Station (10 mins walk to city center)
From Germany (Black Forest area):
30–60 mins by regional train
🏨 Where to Stay
Best areas during Christmas:
Petite France – romantic & scenic
Near Strasbourg Cathedral – right in the festive zone
Grand Île – central + close to all markets
Hotels fill up early — book 2–3 months in advance.
💡 Pro Tips
Go on weekdays — weekends are very crowded.
Visit after sunset for the full Christmas lights experience.
Bring cash, as some stalls don’t take card.
Wear warm clothes — temps can drop below 0°C.
Try early morning if you want clear photos without crowds.
Keep an eye on your belongings — pickpockets can appear in crowded areas.
🎅✨ Why You’ll Love It
Strasbourg’s Christmas Market isn’t just a market — it’s a whole-city celebration with warm lights, magical winter vibes, and delicious food everywhere.
If you want a European Christmas fairytale, this is it.
#christmasmarket
