Are you thinking about visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Market? I have all the information you need to organize your vacation!
Strasbourg is extremely festive during the Christmas season.
Strasbourg Christmas Market looked to be one big, wonderful Christmas playground, with lights hanging throughout the streets connecting the many markets. This is unlike most other European cities with Christmas markets, where the markets seemed to be the main attraction.
It is so fun to go around the city at night. The streets were decorated with lights and decorations, giving the impression that each had its own theme and lighting design.
Three hundred chalets (stalls) in more than 12 markets are dispersed across the city, a record of any town we visited on our tour of European Christmas markets!
This post will explain what to expect when visiting the Strasbourg Christmas Market in France. I’ll cover what foods are available and what kinds of things can be bought and ought, and I’ll give an overview of the many sorts of markets!
What are the Dates of the Strasbourg Christmas Market in 2024?
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is open from Wednesday, November 27, 2024, until Friday, December 27, 2024.
In 2023, the markets were open from 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. every day of the week, except opening and closing days and Christmas Day. The opening hours for the markets in 2024 have not yet been published. In my opinion, the hours in 2024 should be comparable. I’ll update this site as soon as the new hours are declared.
Where to Stay in Strasbourg
Near the quaint Petite France area, in a historic building, is the Hotel de l’Europe.
Beautiful, contemporary rooms at Hotel D in Strasbourg, a short distance from the old city centre.
The lovely, luxurious Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel is in the city’s heart and offers many services.
Drinks at the Strasbourg Christmas Market
Drink stalls selling hot chocolate, non-alcoholic hot cider, and vin chaud (hot, mulled wine) can be found all over the city. You pay a small deposit for the cup your drink is provided in, along with the purchase of your beverage.
In Strasbourg Christmas Market, the deposit was one euro for plastic cups and almost five euros for ceramic mugs.
Note: Plastic cups were not used in the markets in Germany, Luxembourg, or Switzerland; only mugs were used. Although plastic cups were far more popular in France, mugs were also available at one or two stands in the city.
Once you have finished drinking it, return the cup or mug to where you purchased it to receive your deposit back.
As a final option, you can save the mug or cup as a memento. These adorable mugs and glasses have unique patterns for each location. You can also request a clean cup to go with you instead of your now-dirty one; we frequently do this in the markets.
A Full Breakdown of the 12 Strasbourg Christmas Markets
Let’s get into the many Christmas markets to explore in Strasbourg!
Market 1: Christkindelsmarik at Hotel de Ville
It’s difficult to go wrong when you begin a tour with the designation “#1,” we believe this tour fully merited the title. It was the biggest (or nearly the largest)Strasbourg Christmas Market, with the widest selection of items. The other markets were less official than this one, with its name and sign on the front!
The market is long and narrow, ending in the shadow of the Hotel de Ville (city hall) and lined with lit trees along Place Broglie.
The city hall serves as a significant backdrop for the market, and it was frequently the site of a projection display that told Christmas stories on the building’s exterior. It was in English, German, and French at different times.
Although many of the stalls’ decorations were still adorable, the theme wasn’t cohesive, and the goods were remarkably varied.
For instance, kiosks were dedicated to gingerbread, Alsace speciality cookies, and speciality gingerbread shapes (widespread in Germany but rare in France).
In addition to numerous enormous stands filled with models for crèche villages and non-Christmas towns, there were mountain Christmas villages.
There was a leather bookstore, a large, colourful stand filled with coloured candies, nougat, chocolate-covered marshmallow puffs, and many decoration stands! There were even stands with paper stars and honey candles!
This place also had the widest variety of meal options. There were numerous options for baguette flambée (topped with cheese, cream, and other toppings, then toasted). I chose the raclette baguette flambée, which was extremely delicious!
There were also pretzels available. You could select between a “regular” pretzel, a sugared pretzel, or a cheese-covered pretzel! Naturally, certain pastries like kougelhopf and manele were also available.
Other possibilities included fermented cabbage (choucroute), creamy potatoes, spaetzle (a little noodle dish prepared with raw eggs), creamy mushrooms, and curry sausages. These dishes were excellent because they used a lot of cream, bacon, and onions!
This market was home to one of the few stands in the city that served drinks in mugs; customers could choose between a transparent, silvery mug and a red boot mug.
Market 2: Le Grand Sapin
The market’s most striking feature was the enormous Christmas tree that bravely stood in the plaza. This market was also popular because of the gigantic Christmas tree (Le Grand Sapin).
This market, situated on the enormous Place Kléber plaza, was around the same size as the Christkindelsmarik, if not bigger. It was so colourful!
The massive Christmas tree is beautifully decorated, with lights timed to change and twinkle regularly. At the top of the hour, the tree performs a brief light and music performance.
If you would like a picture with the most decorated tree in Europe, there is a little platform in front of the tree with the words “Strasbourg, Capitale de Noel” displayed.
This market has several excellent food options, but the soup stand run by chefs with Michelin stars is the best. Flambéed baguettes were also very favoured in this place.
We also purchased our Strasbourg mugs from this location; a booth selling adorable mugs was on the square’s northern edge.
Products we observed in Market 2 included paper stars (which are more common in Germany than in France), pieces of an alpine village, vibrant boxes, an extensive assortment of food and drink options, a vast array of Christmas decorations, Alsace cookies, gingerbread, large, vibrant speciality candy stores, stuffed animals, animal hats, wreaths, lights, and candles.
Only Market 1 surpassed the diversity.
Market 3: Le Carré d’Or
This market is located near a protestant temple at Place du Temple Neuf. With wood stalls bearing the Carré d’Or logo and a lovely net of lights strung over the plaza, it was a comparatively small market.
The beautiful avenue from the market toward the Cathedrale market’s high point.
Every street seemed to have its lighting motif, and Rue des Orfevre was alive with beautiful light strands decorated with golden and red stars. The impact was captivating.
Stuffed animals, town pieces, paper stars, Alsace biscuits, and other market goods were available. A stand offering coffee and tea was also present, which was unusual considering that most beverages offered were wine, juice, and hot chocolate.
Market 4: Place de la Cathédrale
Having seen several Christmas markets, I must admit that a tall church is the perfect setting for one. Furthermore, the Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral is a breathtaking setting!
There are certainly obvious distinctions between these two marketplaces, even though they blend. Market 4 is positioned in front of the CathedrCathedral west face and extends around to its north side or the left if facing front.
This market had a wide range of products. Among the things we observed were, for instance:
Tea, gingerbread, macarons, toys, candles, light carousels, paintings, Christmas alpine cottages for incense or candles, biscuits, figurines, specialized pens, and speciality decorations (such as handcrafted woodland miniatures) are some of the items available for purchase.
Other stands offered pastries, kougelhopf, pretzels, and drinks. Although there wasn’t a single “theme” for the stalls, some were highly decorated. Matthew’s favourites were the ones that integrated the theme with the products.
Cathedral
You have to visit the church while you are at this market. We were halted when we first saw the Cathedral round the curve into the square where it stood. The magnificent Cathed intricate carvings and minute details loom over the city and its markets.
Various distinctive elements existed inside the Cathedral. A lengthy area where most of the chairs are located—was lined with enormous tapestries depicting events from the life of the Virgin Mary.
In the church’s nave was a splendidly elaborate organ, a big mechanical clock featuring moving figures, and a solar system model. The astronomy parts thrilled Matthew a lot.
Market 5: Place du Chateau
Although close to Market 4, it is located in the c Cathedral and has its own identity.
This was the classic Christmas market. It is perfectly balanced, kid-friendly, and fanciful, with a gorgeous carousel, the backdrop, and a sizable Christmas tree. There was excellent cuisine, a wide selection of stores, and even some common decor amongst the booths. The absence of a Christmas pyramid was its only notable aspect.
This market had a “Toyland” theme, and the vendors had amusing decorations. Christmas decorations were undoubtedly the main focus of the merchandise. Numerous booths featuring vibrant, eye-catching decorations, cookware and Christmas ceramics, cuddly animals, nativities, and other decorations were visible to us. There were also culinary items like mousse balls and chocolates.
Market 6: Marché des Délices d’Alsace
The cathedrCathedralth of Market 6. After leaving Place du Chateau, the most direct route is along Rue de Rohan. However, Rue du Maroquin was wonderfully ornamented, so it could be worth wandering down and walking back toward Market 4. It’s also the location of this adorable teddy bear Christmas structure!
When you arrive, you’ll discover a tiny but quite charming market directly against the canal. The charming Palais Rohan flanks the market and has grand, wrought iron gates at either end.
Tiny garlands are affixed to wooden homes. The “stars” hung in the trees above are lovely during the day, but when they are lit up and glowing at night, they are breathtaking.
The entire market is devoted to food products, such as baked delicacies or utensils. There are refreshments, many different Alsacian cookie vendors, a rolling pin and cookie cutter stand, and nougat and candy stalls. Expect to drool a lot.
Market 7: Place du Marché aux Poissons
Like Market 6, Market 7 is entirely focused on food and is located directly outside Market 6’s entrance. But the fare in Market 7 is gourmet; consider foie gras, finely cured meats, and wine bottles.
The same brilliant stars that fill the trees at night give this market its lovely, ethereal atmosphere.
Workshops and other events are also held here. On Wednesdays, kids can participate in a baking and tasting class.
Market 8: Rue Gutenberg
Market 8 is in the centre of Place Gutenberg, a large plaza. (That Gutenberg, indeed. He created the printing press at Strasbourg.) The lanes leading up to the market are its best feature, but the square is well-lit with trees and other decorations (you can even see a statue of Johannes himself there).
Each outgoing street has unique, exquisite lighting. Angels lead the way along Rue Mercier, which leads back to the CathedrCathedrales Grandes Arcades gleams with balls and curtains, leading to the enormous Christmas tree at Place Kleber.
In addition to kegs, candy canes, and other items pointing in all directions, Petite France signs on another street point toward Market 6.
There were few food alternatives in the market itself. The lights, not the stalls, draw people to this market.
Market 9: Place St Thomas
This market is medium-sized and located adjacent to a lovely church. The market’s décor lacked flair, and the booths were quite basic. Nonetheless, the booths’ bottoms had adorable pictures.
Market 10: Place Benjamin Zix
This market is located in Strasbourg’s incredibly charming Petite France area. The market’s precinct had charming and entertaining lights. Rue des Dentelles had very beautiful lights. Nearby, at the Grande Rue and Rue des Fossé-des-Tanneurs intersection, is an absurdly cute “light fixture” resembling a gingerbread chandelier.
Still, the market was depressing—we thought it was among the worst. There were only five stands and a short strand of lights covering them. Visiting in the daytime to admire the charming buildings and again at night to admire the illumination of the surrounding streets is still well worth the trip.
Market 11: Place Grimmeissen – Marché Off
Place Grimmeissen – Marché Off is the place to go if you’re searching for unique products and suppliers who care about sustainability. This market focuses on handmade items, local businesses, recycling, and conservation. In addition to enjoying regular concerts and workshops, you can go antiquing. It also has a rather distinctive Christmas tree!
Market 12: Square Louise Weiss – Village de l’Advent
The Advent Village is situated in a recently renovated Petite France park. The room’s focal point is an adorned pillar with light strings hanging from it. Classes, craft-themed stalls, and regular theatrical shows, dances, and concerts are also held here. This one is ideal for families.
Strasbourg Christmas Markets by Size
Exact Locations of the 12 Strasbourg Markets
Foods To Eat at the Strasbourg Christmas Market
Strasbourg Christmas Market featured traditional delicacies from Alsace, Germany, and France, and the combination was quite tasty! Here’s a summary of the main dishes you can eat while perusing the stalls and enjoying the festive lighting!
Pretzels
Called “bretzels,” they include traditional salted pretzels, sugared pretzels (pictured here), and pretzels with melted cheese!
Cost: 2-4 euros, depending on the variety
Tarte Flambée
Reminiscent of pizza or flatbread, this “tart” has a thin, crispy crust and is topped with cream, onions, bacon, and cheese. Delicious!
Cost: about 5 euro
Baguette Flambée
We saw these all over the Strasbourg Christmas market. I’d go as far as to say this is the food to get from Strasbourg Christmas Market.
This baguette is topped with cream and cheese (raclette cheese in the picture) and then toasted. You can choose from many varieties of baguette flambée in the case, and then it is toasted fresh for you. Don’t miss it!
Cost: 5-7 euro
Kougelhopf
A traditional German/French cake made in a bundt pan, sometimes with different flavours. Mini (like the one pictured here) are 4 euro, whereas big ones can be 9-10 euro and are BIG.
Cost: 4-10 euro
Manele
These are essentially brioche buns shaped into a little man. They are traditionally eaten in the Alsace region to celebrate St. Nicholas Day on December 6, but you can buy them from the markets all season long.
Cost: about 1.50 euro
Bratwurst in Sauerkraut
We saw this heavily German-influenced dish several times throughout the markets.
Cost: 9 euros.
Left Side: Creamy Potatoes, Right Side: Spaetzle in Cream Sauce
Choose from either potatoes or spaetzle (an egg noodle); both are fantastic and served in creamy sauces!
Cost: 7 euro
Left side: Sausages in curry sauce, Right side: Mushrooms in cream sauce
This was another set of popular (and German-influenced) dishes – choose from either the sausages in curry sauce or the mushrooms in cream sauce (have you noticed that Alsatians go heavy on the cream?!)
Cost: 6-9 euro
Crepes
A favourite French food, crepes with a variety of fillings are available in many of the markets.
Cost: 3-6 euro
Hot Drinks
Hot, mulled wine, hot chocolate, and non-alcoholic cider are the most common drinks at the Strasbourg Christmas market. As noted above, you pay a deposit on the cup, which is refunded after you return it after finishing your drink (or you can keep it as a souvenir!).
Cost for the drinks themselves: 3-4 euro
Other Things to Know About the Christmas Markets in Strasbourg:
- The Christmas markets do not charge an admission fee.
- It’s important to reiterate what I mentioned in the market descriptions above: you must stroll the streets at night. The decorations and lighting were amazing!
- Most people in Strasbourg speak German, but many also speak French. You will also discover that most locals conversing with visitors know at least a little English.
- While many shops only accept cash, other stands will take cards. Finding a location to take out some euros is relatively easy because ATMs are all around the city.
- Situated about one hour south of Strasbourg, the Colmar Christmas Market is the most charming Christmas village you have ever seen.
- Choose a weekday visit if you can, as weekends are usually busy.
FAQs: Christmas Markets in Strasbourg
Is the Strasbourg Christmas Market worth it?
Wonderful, unique, and special encounter! Everywhere you look in the heart of Strasbourg Christmas Market, marketplaces offer various festive merchandise and delectable food. The town’s fantastic evenings are enhanced by the pine and teddy bear decorations found in most residences. Not to be overlooked!
Why is the Strasbourg Christmas market famous?
It is considered one of the most famous Christmas markets throughout Europe. The city is estimated to benefit from a 16 million Euros profit from this 38-day-long tradition. It is mostly famous for its fragrance of mulled wine (French: vin chaud; German: Glühwein)
Is Strasbourg cheap or expensive?
Strasbourg is reasonably priced compared to other European destinations, recognized as expensive continents. Travel expenses are reasonable overall for the area and on par with Kiel or Aix-en-Provence.
Does it snow in Strasbourg at Christmas?
In Strasbourg in December, there’s a 36% chance of rain or snow on an average day. On an average day, it rains or snows, and we get 0.34 in (8.6 mm) precipitation.
What Christmas town is near Strasbourg?
In addition to Strasbourg, many villages and cities hold Christmas markets, most often in enchanting settings. Ribeauvillé, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Colmar, Eguisheim, Mulhouse, Obernai and Haguenau markets are among the most visited.
Why is Strasbourg so famous?
Strasbourg is a significant hub for commerce, business, and culture. Strasbourg is home to several European institutions and entities, such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, in addition to its historical function as the principal city of Alsace.
Is Strasbourg a walkable city?
Strasbourg is incredibly walkable! Walking is the best way to explore the city, especially since you can see most of its architectural and cultural landmarks in a very compact area. There are also lots of beautiful places to stop and relax.
Is English spoken in Strasbourg?
Strasbourg now is, of course, a French city. French is spoken there. The city is the second-biggest river port in France and the seventh-largest in terms of population.
Final Thoughts on the Strasbourg Christmas Market
We had a great time at the Strasbourg Christmas Market during the Christmas season! The city envelops you in the Christmas atmosphere, from the numerous markets to the enormous Christmas tree to the colourful lights and decorations around it.