Strasbourg Christmas Market: The Complete Guide
Strasbourg is a beautiful city in Eastern France. The historic center of Strasbourg is on an island surrounded by the Ill River which gives the medieval city a stunning natural landscape.
The vibrant city comes to life every holiday season and is even nicknamed the "Capital of Christmas" which is why you can find some of the best European Christmas markets here! Once the weather gets colder and a light covering of snow dusts the city streets, you know that winter is coming.
Every year from late November to the end of December, you'll see the city come to life with twinkling light-filled trees and decorations. It's truly a magical season.
You should explore the many fun and colorful markets while you are in town. But first, leave your suitcases with Bounce luggage storage in Strasbourg so you have room to carry all of the gifts that you buy!
Place de la Cathédrale
Hop off at Strasbourg Station and visit the market here. The Strasbourg Christmas Market at Place de la Cathédrale is one of the biggest (and busiest) and often a favorite for most people who visit the city during the holidays. Every year from November to the end of December the market takes over the space by the beautiful Strasbourg Cathedral and it is also where you will find the largest Christmas tree in the city which towers over you at 30m high!
The giant Christmas tree will definitely be the most impressive that you have ever seen and gets decorated with nearly 7km of lights, stars and baubles. There used to be a tradition where locals would leave Christmas gifts under the tree for the poor, and this has inspired nearly 60 stalls to set up and sell delicious food (like knack sausage, for example) or souvenirs. The best part is that the proceeds go to charity!
What to do near Place de la Cathédrale
While you are already right next to the incredible Strasbourg Cathedral, you just have to step inside for a closer look. The cathedral is beautiful at all times of the year and around Christmas time they set up a nativity scene inside the building. There is also a sprawling skating rink set up in the area, so bring your skates!
Carré d'Or Christmas Market
This is another one of the many Strasbourg Christmas markets where you can go to do some shopping or just enjoy the Christmas spirit. It is usually open for about a month starting in late November and closing after Christmas day so don't miss your chance to visit! It is a fairly small Christmas market that takes over the Place du Temple Neuf by Saint Thomas Church.
Because of its smaller size, it doesn't get as much traffic as some of the other Christmas markets which makes it feel calmer and more laid-back. There are a handful of stalls selling unique gifts including toys like stuffed animals and ornaments or even food like cookies and foie gras. Buy a glass of vin chaude to keep you warm while you browse the stalls.
What to do near Carré d'Or Christmas Market
One of the highlights of this Strasbourg Christmas market is that the streets leading up to it are completely decked out with Christmas decorations and strings of Christmas lights connecting the roofs of the buildings. It is the optimal spot for a romantic walk with your loved one!
Christkindelsmärik
Once called Saint Nicolas Market, Christkindelsmärik is the oldest Christmas market in Strasbourg and first opened in 1570. As the first market to ever make an appearance in the city and one of the biggest today, you can expect it to be busy. We suggest you arrive early so you can take your time shopping around the 100 market stalls selling all sorts of gifts and decorations like handmade toys, figurines, candles, jewelry, pottery and ornaments!
Aside from the fantastic shopping opportunities, lots of locals and tourists flock to the market to enjoy the festive atmosphere and also to eat the incredible Christmas market food. You might as well join in on the fun and snack on some fresh pretzels, gingerbread or mulled wine from the food stalls while you are here.
What to do near Christkindelsmärik
Place Broglie is an important square in the city and you will find lots of things to do nearby other than this famous Christmas market. If you have some extra time before going to the market why not do some sightseeing at the Town Hall (also called L'Hôtel de Ville), or see if there are any shows happening at L'Opéra national du Rhin?
OFF Christmas Market
Head to Place Grimmeissen to visit another one of the best Christmas markets in the city! The OFF Market made its first appearance in 2015 and since then it has gathered the support of nearly 30 local companies. They come together to create a unique experience where you can taste local delicacies and do some shopping.
Some of the things that you can buy here include vintage furniture, local craft beer and handmade objects. The theme here is to reuse items instead of buying new things every year, which is why the vendors sell their wares out of repurposed shipping containers. The dazzling LED tree in the heart of the market gives it just the right amount of Christmas cheer.
What to do near OFF Christmas Market
Place Grimmeissen is a relatively quiet space and doesn't get much action aside from the Christmas market. However, if you go to the Grand Rue you will find lots of stores and boutiques. Browse through the shop windows or go pick up any gifts that you are missing.
Small Producers of Alsace Christmas Market
Situated in the heart of Place des Meuniers, this place is one of the top Christmas markets to visit for shopping and for tasting local food products. The stalls set up here sell delicious holiday treats and it is one of the best Strasbourg Christmas markets for foodies!
Come try the tasty food, craft beers and local wines that are for sale, or pick up something yummy to gift to a friend. There are festive garlands and stars hanging from the trees above the market and it is a beautiful place to spend the evening. If you want a similar market to check out, head to the Alsatian Delicacies Market.
What to do near Small Producers of Alsace Christmas Market
If you haven't shopped enough at the market you can find some other nice stores lining the streets around Place des Meuniers, including a unique comic book store called Ça va buller. It's a great spot to find gifts for any kids in your life!
Visit Strasbourg for Christmas Market Season
All the Christmas markets found in the city's historic center and the Alsace region beyond are guaranteed to get you excited for the festive season. Most Christmas markets are free to visit, meaning that you can browse at no extra cost. You can easily visit several of Strasbourg's Christmas markets in the city center if you make a day trip out of it, so start planning your trip before Christmas eve!
Now you are ready to enjoy the Christmas markets in Strasbourg. For more things to do in Strasbourg, check out these other guides:
Wine Tasting in Strasbourg: 10 Places You Have to Try