Imagine a place where Christmas isn’t just a day but an entire magical experience. Welcome to Strasbourg, the self-proclaimed “Capital of Christmas” in Europe! This isn’t just marketing – the city has been hosting Christmas markets since 1570, making it one of the oldest and most authentic festive destinations in Europe. Strasbourg lies on the border of France and Germany, the two top destinations (in my opinion) for European Christmas markets. Strasbourg combines it all into one fantastic market!
Nestled in the heart of Alsace, Strasbourg transforms into a winter wonderland that will make your holiday dreams come true. With over 300 chalets spread across multiple squares, twinkling lights, and centuries-old traditions, this market is more than just shopping – it’s an immersive cultural experience that captures the true spirit of Christmas.
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Strasbourg transforms into a holiday haven from the last two weeks of November through December 24, 2024, with the main Christmas Market opening on November 27, 2024. While the markets themselves are a major draw, the city’s Christmas decor is a spectacle in its own right and stays up through early January.
The charming streets alone are worth visiting this town, no matter the time of year. Add some tinsel and lights, and it’s even more magical.
Pro Tip: To avoid crowds, plan your visit on weekday mornings right after the market opens (around 11:30 AM). Weekends and evenings can be bustling, especially in December. It can also be very chilly. Use lots of layers and bring hats, gloves, and even hand warmers!
Hours:
By Train
Strasbourg’s TGV station is a convenient 10-minute walk from the city center and the Christmas Markets. It is well-connected by French and European rail lines:
You can book your train tickets via Trainline. Once in the city, local TER trains and trams can take you to nearby towns and attractions.
By Car
If you’re driving, key routes include:
Important tips for drivers:
Cost: Parking + tram/bus fare starts at €4.20. For rental options, check RentalCars or EuropCars (They usually have deals throughout the year).
We drove from Paris to Strasbourg and stayed in a local hotel. We then walked into the market. This will be your easiest option with kids, but seasonal pricing can be high!
Driving was easy and straightforward. Freeways in Europe are well maintained but do have plenty of tolls, so expect to shell out some money for this. The tolls accept cash or contactless card payments.
Getting Around Strasbourg
Recommended: Verify exact current pricing and child age ranges directly with CTS, as rates can change annually.
Note: Certain stops may close during peak market times (e.g., Homme de Fer, Broglie).
Remember, this is a great place to get Christmas gifts! The markets are spread across various squares and feature over 300 chalets, offering Alsatian specialties, wooden gifts, handmade crafts, and festive decor. We bought some last-minute gifts for family and friends.
Sadly, you’ll find repetitive wares in Christmas markets around Europe, so it can be hard to find unique items. When we visited nearly 10 markets in one season, Strasbourg was one of the best.
This is the heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas tradition, hosting the market since 1871. The iconic Chrìstkìndelsmärik arch welcomes visitors into a world of festive magic. Dating back to 1570, this is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe. As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the scent of cinnamon and Alsatian specialties.
Highlights:
Family Tip: Take a photo under the arch and explore the nearby City Hall exhibition to learn about the market’s rich history.
Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, this square is a visual masterpiece. Surrounded by stunning pink sandstone buildings, it offers more than just a market. The area is steeped in medieval history and architectural beauty.
Highlights:
Family Tip: Challenge the kids to climb the 332 steps to the Cathedral platform for an unforgettable view. The free exhibition at 5e Lieu offers interactive activities for curious children.
The beating heart of Strasbourg’s Christmas celebrations, Place Kléber is a vibrant meeting point. Home to the massive Christmas tree and the Village du Partage, this square embodies the spirit of Christmas through community and solidarity. When you come to Alsace, the Great Christmas Tree is an absolute must-see. Historically, fir tree sellers would gather in this square, and, today, the tree keeps watch over the city throughout the festive period. Standing at an impressive 30 metres, it is one of the tallest decorated natural Christmas trees in Europe – a true Star of the Alsatian Christmas that creates a moment of pure wonder for first-time visitors!
Highlights:
Family Tip: Don’t miss the hourly musical illuminations between 4-9 pm. Kids will be mesmerized by the twinkling lights and magical atmosphere.
A postcard-perfect district transformed by holiday magic, La Petite France (located directly within Strasbourg’s historic city center) offers a festive experience that blends historic beauty with Christmas cheer. Half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and the River Ill create a backdrop straight out of a holiday fairy tale.
Personally, I feel like I am Belle from Beauty and the Beast when I walk these streets. Can’t you feel her singing and visiting the bookstore?
Family Tip: Explore the magical streets, watch artisans at work, and wander through the most photogenic district of Strasbourg’s Christmas Market, where every corner tells a story and every view is a potential postcard moment.
A haven for artisan crafts and unique gifts, this market is perfect for those looking for special souvenirs. Surrounded by boutiques and specialty shops, it offers a mix of traditional and contemporary craftsmanship.
Highlights:
Family Tip: Great spot for picking up unique Christmas gifts. Children will enjoy exploring the diverse stalls and watching artisans at work. If they get cold, grab them a hot chocolate (you might want to sample the spiced wine or “kinder wine”, an alcohol-free version we enjoyed). It also goes well with a chocolate crepe! We earned more shopping time this way!
Dedicated to local producers, this market showcases the best of Alsatian food and crafts. The Irréductibles Petits Producteurs d’Alsace bring authentic, locally-made products.
Louise Weiss Square is located in the European Quarter of Strasbourg, near the European Parliament. It’s in the modern part of the city, northwest of the historic city center (Grande Île). The square is named after Louise Weiss, a French journalist and feminist politician, and it’s situated in an area prominent for European institutions.
Highlights:
Family Tip: An excellent spot for food-loving families. Kids can taste local specialties and learn about regional produce.
Advent Village is a magical space dedicated to Christmas traditions and family activities. Located in Square Louise Weiss, it offers workshops, shows, and cultural experiences.
Highlights:
Family Tip: Check the online calendar for specific activities. Workshops include Christmas decoration making, storytelling, and cultural performances from different regions.
Dive deep into Strasbourg’s holiday heart with an authentic local guide who breathes life into the city’s festive spirit. This isn’t just a tour—it’s a personal journey through generations of Christmas traditions, hidden market gems, and insider stories that only a true Strasbourg native knows.
Transform your holiday memories into stunning visual stories! Professional photographers capture the enchanting Strasbourg Christmas Market backdrop, creating timeless images that will transport you back to this magical moment for years to come.
What Makes These Experiences Unique
Bonus: Book both experiences for an immersive Strasbourg Christmas adventure that goes beyond typical tourist experiences!
Budget-Friendly Choices
Upscale Choices
Must-Try Foods
Drinks
Pro Tip for Families: Visit Louise Weiss Square to sample homemade jams and local chocolates with free tastings for kids.
Brave the Alsatian winter like true adventurers! Pack these must-haves:
Pro Tip: Think theme park preparedness meets European charm. Layers are your best friend!
Make your Strasbourg adventure smooth and magical:
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Strasbourg’s Christmas Market isn’t just a market – it’s a magical journey into the heart of European Christmas traditions. Whether you’re a couple, a family, or a solo traveler, this destination promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Happy Holidays,
Leslie
Travel Tip: This Charles Schwab Debit Card refunds ALL ATM fees globally! You can save a fortune on foreign fees! How cool is that? Perfect for your next family trip.
Booking your flight to France? Catch great fare deals from Booking.com, Skyscanner, Kiwi.com, or Expedia, and get some budget-friendly tickets.
Find a family-friendly hotel in Strasbourg from Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo, (we also love Tripadvisor and Hotels.com).
Discover more about Strasbourg through fun activities from GetYourGuide, Airbnb Experiences, or Viator .
Need to rent a car? Visit Rentalcars.com. / Europcar
Get your family’s travel insurance from World Nomads / SafetyWing / TraveleEx
Want to have a photo shoot while traveling? Check out flytographer!
Capture your best travel memories in Strasbourg as we do with a GoPro, Sony camera, or our favorite drones: DJI FPV, Air, and Mini.
Check out your travel necessities from a comprehensive list of all the 7Wayfinders Travel Must-Haves. Click Here!
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