Christmas in Strasbourg: Markets, Food, What to Do [2024]

The first time I went Strasbourg and did the Christmas market I was stunned . Not only the city is beautiful, with some German influences and those cobblestone streets, but the atmosphere is incredible . The strasbourg’s christmas market, the great christmas tree and all those areas are a perfect place if you want to feel the magic of Christmas

HOWEVER : Don’t stay only in Strasbourg

Try the smaller towns of colmar with “la petite france” . It is a must visit

Try the villages of Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé . You will feel like in the middle age

Holiday season is one of the most magical times of the year for me. Although there are times I always spend my holidays at home, I absolutely love spending the Christmas time in Europe’s top Christmas markets. Austria and Germany are always the favorite countries with Nuremberg and Vienna being the leading cities when it comes to Christmas markets. However, visiting Strasbourg in France did make me have a soft spot as a top Christmas market.

If you are in France and want to visit the country, check our list of the best cities in France

PLAN OF THE ARTICLE :

• About Strasbourg France
• Strasbourg Christmas Market: Getting There and Where to Stay
• What to Eat and Drink at Strasbourg Christmas Market

Christmas in Strasbourg in France

About Strasbourg France

Strasbourg France is a beautiful city situated in Alsace region and is widely considered to be a fairytale town. Despite most of the images of the French city showing the colorful homes that are well covered in flowers during the summer and spring months, Strasbourg is always at its magical during the Christmas season. In fact, Strasbourg is considered to be the capital of Christmas. It is an old town with many considering it as probably the oldest Christmas market town in Europe.

Today, Strasbourg is a wonderland and a must visit for any person who wants to experience the real holiday spirit.

Facts about Strasbourg in France :

1. Metropolitan Area Population: The population of the Strasbourg metropolitan area, which includes the city and its surrounding suburbs, is over 800,000 people.

2. Area: The city of Strasbourg covers an area of approximately 78 square kilometers (30 square miles).

3. Languages: In Strasbourg, French is the official language. However, due to its proximity to Germany and historical influences, Alsatian, a German dialect, is also spoken by some residents.

4. Universities: Strasbourg is known for its universities, including the University of Strasbourg, which is one of the largest universities in France and is renowned for its research and academic programs.

5. Transportation: Strasbourg has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses, which make it easy to get around the city and its surrounding areas.

6. European Institutions: Strasbourg is an important center for European institutions. In addition to the European Parliament, the city is also home to the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe.

Strasbourg Christmas Market: Getting There and Where to Stay

As you already know, Strasbourg is situated closer to the Germany border. Getting there by train ride from other regions in France is quite easier. The Christmas markets are located in the old Strasbourg which is situated in an island in the middle of the city. It is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from the train station.

Staying in any of the hotels in place kléber Square or Strasbourg cathedral means you will be in the busiest and a great place for tourists. Despite this being fine with some people, there are some who find it a bit chaotic.

Strasbourg Christmas Market Locations

There are Christmas markets scattered throughout the Strasbourg city center.

Here are some of the best Christmas markets you cannot miss out on:

1. Place de la Cathédrale Christmas Market

Place de la Cathédrale is among the visited Strasbourg Christmas market. The great backdrop together with the buzzing atmosphere makes Place de la Cathédrale worth a visit. It features a couple of clusters of stalls that surround the memorable Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

When in Place de la Cathédrale, you will be able to throw your coins at the usual suspects of every Christmas market haul that comprises of Christmas decorations, cookies and mulled wine.

2. The Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie

Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is a very old Christmas market in Strasbourg. Despite being the oldest market, it is among the liveliest Christmas markets ever. It is a beautiful central location. However, fame comes with one consequence, a painfully large crowd. Despite being in love with the food options, it is not an excellent place for relaxing and shopping since most of the market stalls here sell mass produced goods.

3. The OFF Christmas Market at Place Grimmeisen

If you are in need of an alternative Christmas market in Strasbourg, then do not hesitate visiting Grimmeisen. Here, you will find the off Christmas market. There is the highest decorated Christmas tree in the corners with vendors all around. Wares are displayed in the wooden chalets, transparent igloos and repurposed shipping containers. It is a nice and unique place with a wide variety of local products like wines, chutneys and art on sale.

4. Alsace Christmas Market Place des Meuniers

There are Christmas markets in Strasbourg that mainly revolve around local food. In case you are interested in supporting local producers and stocking up great traditional foods, then Alsace Christmas Market Place des Meuniers is the best place for you.

There are twinkly colorful stars suspended above the market making it a must visit at night. Here, you will come across mushrooms, truffles, award winning bredele cookies and local craft beer.

5. Alsatian Delicacies at Patio of Palais Rohan and Place du Marché-des-Poissons

Alsatian Christmas markets Market is an excellent Strasbourg Christmas market to stock up gifts from local producers. In fact, it is a top favorite amongst many people who visit Strasbourg during the Christmas holidays. This small town is situated along the water with a line of chalets selling local goods with focus on craft beers and local wines.

6. Place Gutenberg International Guest Christmas Market

One unique feature of Strasbourg Christmas market is that they welcome a guest country to host their own market every year. After guest stints from Iceland and Finland, I did visit Lebanon. There are several stalls selling Lebanese food and handicrafts.

7. Place du Temple-Neuf Carré d’Or Christmas Market

Carré d or Christmas Market is situated in the shadow of the protestant church of Temple Neuf Strasbourg. Be sure you will love the vibe of this cozy market. There are a handful of little stalls that sell unique gifts with actual mugs and vin chaud instead of the plastic cups.

8. Place Saint Thomas Small Christmas Market

Do not forget to visit the cozy and small Christmas market at Place Saint Thomas. Despite it not being that huge, this Christmas market is relatively crowd less and peaceful when compared to the other larger Christmas markets. Ensure you pass by at the fun stall that sells creative bike bells.

What to Eat and Drink at Strasbourg Christmas Market

Here are some of the top ideas of what to eat and drink during your visit at the Strasbourg Christmas markets.

Wondering what French people eat at Christmas Eve ? Check our guide HERE

1. Flavoured Vin Chaud:

Also referred to as the hot wine mulled with spices is a must drink when visiting the streets of Strasbourg. There are several different flavors you can get at Strasbourg.

2. Alsatian wine:

Alsace region of France is a renowned win location in France. Ensure you treat yourself to some Alsatian wine glasses during your visit to the Strasbourg Christmas markets. Enjoying some wine at Place du Marché-aux-Poissons will enable you have an unforgettable experience.

3. Grumbeere kiechle with Munster Cheese:

These are among the favorite German Christmas market foods. You can enjoy these crispy hash browns with apple sauce.

4. Spätzle:

This was among one of my favorite and comfort foods. It is a bouncy type of dumpling/noodle majorly served with cheese. It is mainly served in giant pans around different markets.

5. Tarte/Baguette Flambée:

Tarte flambée is among the most favorite dishes to eat in the Christmas capital. They are basically thin crispy flatbreads that are well topped off with creme fraiche and a wide variety of toppings.

6. Choucroute garnie:

Choucroute is mainly served as a heap of sauerkraut with a wide array of steamed meats on top. Despite not being my favorite, it is among the most typically Alastian dishes you can try.

7. Knack d’Alsace:

Do you love sausages? If yes, then you can try out the local sausages popularly referred to as the Knack d’Alsace.

8. Noodles at La Mian:

Whenever you get tired of stuffing yourself with sugar and cheese and intend to experience a real food, you can try the Noodles at La Mian.

Conclusion

Are you planning to visit the Strasbourg Christmas markets? Great choice, but it is important that you always try come during the week instead of weekend. During the weekend, the markets are fully packed. During the week it is much quieter hence you will have time to explore the stalls. For sure, the Strasbourg Christmas markets are some of the best you will come across in the world.

⚠️ Don’t forget our complete guides about France

✅Best cities in France 

✅What food do they eat for Christmas in France ?

✅Famous rivers in France

✅Christmas in Strasbourg

✅Nightlife in Paris 

☝🏻 And way more

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