Strasbourg at Christmas time seems to me what Dr. Seuss had in thoughts when he was setting up “Whoville” in How The Grinch Stole Christmas. It is actually such as you’re stepping right into a magical city of lights, considerable, dare I say, loopy, Christmas decorations on each window, the odor of mulled wine wafting by means of the air, and Christmas music drifts by means of the picturesque city.
I’ve created a information of issues to do Strasbourg at Christmas in addition to a information to the Christmas Markets whenever you go to this magical city.
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024: November twenty seventh by means of December twenty seventh, 2024.
They do not name it the Capital de Noël (The Capital of Christmas) for no motive. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are world well-known, and the gargantuan Christmas tree within the city sq. would possibly simply convey tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply is perhaps one of many prettiest in Europe however Strasbourg takes the cake on the subject of Christmas. I’ve put collectively an inventory of issues to do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas that can make it one of the memorable and magical ones ever.
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and honestly, its switched palms a lot of instances by means of the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has a lot of German affect. Do not be stunned to listen to German being spoken as you cross by means of the Christmas stalls. Attending to Strasbourg is simple because it has the second largest railway station simply after Paris. You may as well fly into the Karlsruhe, Germany airport which is about 45 minutes away . I typically drive or take the bus from my city of Heidelberg, Germany, solely about an hour away.
See my picks for the very best Christmas markets in Europe right here!
Do you know we beloved Christmas Markets a lot we chartered our personal river cruise ship to take our followers to Christmas markets in Europe!? Sure, to Strasbourg! Get the data right here:
Christmas Markets
The should not one, two, and even seven Christmas markets in Strasbourg. There are ten. For a metropolis of this measurement, that is downright superfluous, however in one of the best ways potential. This metropolis is adorned from road to road with lights, wreaths, and ornaments. It is simple to stroll across the metropolis to see all of the markets in a day or two. The Christmas Markets sometimes begin the final week of November (the twenty second) and finish on Christmas Eve (December twenty fourth).
The Christmas market dates for Strasbourg for 2024 are November twenty seventh by means of December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are just a few markets which are nonetheless open.
After all, there are lots of Christmas markets world wide, and notably in Germany, however the Strasbourg Christmas market appears to have an additional twinkle in its eye. The markets symbolize a time of the previous, with households coming collectively to have fun, indulge, and share. It is distinctive that Christmas markets are right here and echoes again to the truth that Germany as soon as dominated over this space.
The Christmas market custom is markedly German, so it is particular that this custom nonetheless remained in France. You may discover probably the most well-known is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates again to 1570 which is without doubt one of the oldest markets in Europe.
See my full Christmas market street journey itinerary right here!
In complete, there are over 300 stalls all through town so that you’re sure to search out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this submit, I listing out all of the markets that happen.
Take a look at the Cathedral
The Cathédral Notre-Dame is without doubt one of the most grand constructions I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth by means of the seventeenth century it was the tallest constructing on the planet. Holding on to that rating for that time period means it was an architectural mastery and among the best representations of Gothic artwork. Head inside to see the gorgeous construction up shut and take a look at the astronomical clock. Do not forget to go up the tower for commanding views of town.
After all, there’s a Christmas market outdoors of the cathedral and is without doubt one of the most historic. You’ll be able to sip on mulled wine because the bells of the cathedral sometimes ring. Right here there are over 100 chalets (these are stalls or cubicles) which are providing Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, heat drinks, and scrumptious meals.
Eat a German – French Fusion
Strasbourg is unquestionably a terrific place to be for gastronomic functions. There are two eating places that even have three Michelin stars (Au Crocodile and Buerehiesel). After all, with all this mixture of German and French affect it produced some very tasty meals. One among my favorites is the Flammkucken also referred to as tarte flambée. It is a very skinny pizza topped with creme fraiche, delicately sliced onions, and ham.
The intoxicating odor of the scorching onions will tempt anybody to strive it. There are a selection of choices and toppings so you’ll find one which fits your style. A fantastic place to take a look at is L’Ancienne Douane which is well-known for his or her Alsace delicacies.
❄️ Europe Packing Should Haves! ❄️
🧥 Coat – Vital for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These hold you comfortable and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– hold your toes heat and dry
🧤 Cellphone Appropriate gloves – These work so you may nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Greatest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – The most effective for holding you palms free and your stuff protected
☃️ Beanie – A should for holding heat (and searching cute!)
🔥 Hand heaters – The key to by no means being chilly!
🧣 Scarf – So key to packing much less is to have equipment like scarves to change it up!
Get my full packing listing right here!
Admire the Christmas Tree
What’s it about Christmas timber that instills a childlike surprise in all of us? There’s one thing simply so magical concerning the mixture of evergreens, lights, and ornaments that at all times fills me with pleasure. In terms of Christmas timber in Strasbourg they’ve determined that greater is healthier. Required to be a minimal of 30 meters tall, the tree towers above the sq. and is lit up with 7 kilometers of twinkling lights. Situated at Place Kléber it is without doubt one of the most lovely I’ve ever seen, and annually brings a special theme.
On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you may see stay music proper subsequent to the tree. There’s additionally ample purchasing round and close to the sq., in case you want any Christmas presents. Simply watching the lights illuminate because the sky darkens is the star of the Christmas present in Strasbourg.
Petite France
This is without doubt one of the most charming areas to see in all of Europe. It is a historic quarter in Strasbourg lined with half-timbered homes that flank the river. After all, throughout Christmas it lights up much more. Stroll by means of the canals to soak up the 14th century towers and amble by means of the cobblestone streets for conventional eating places and outlets. Do not forget to cease and take an image at Quartier des Tanneurs, among the best place for photographs in Strasbourg.
Among the best elements of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so effectively preserved. After all, you may additionally discover a Christmas market held right here. You actually really feel such as you’re strolling again in time. Because the bridges illuminate and glow above the water you may’t assist however really feel romantic.
Christmas Markets At a Look:
Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is probably the most well-known.
Place de la Cathédrale – the Strasbourg Cathedral Market.
Place Kléber or “Sharing Market” with the Nice Christmas tree
Place du marché-aux-Poissons, terrasse du Palais rohan et rue rohan – Outdoors of the Palace Rohan and identified for Christmas treats.
Place Benjamin-Zix also referred to as the “Three Kings” Market and is positioned in Petite France.
Place du Temple-Neuf going down on the Carré d’or.
Place des Meuniers for a smaller market.
Place Gutenberg is commonly the place one other nation is featured and their Christmas traditions are celebrated.
To seek out out occasions throughout Christmas in Strasbourg try this calendar.
The place to remain in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a comparatively small metropolis, so you may’t actually go improper with right here you keep. Nonetheless, I counsel staying within the Grande Île, town’s historic heart. Right here, all of the Christmas markets are inside strolling distance. I counsel Resort Gutenburg – extraordinarily good opinions and a good worth!
Take a look at much more lodges right here:
See my Christmas market street journey itinerary right here!
Discover the very best Christmas Markets in Europe right here!
