Last Updated on December 18, 2024 by Leslie Stroud <!– %AUTHOR_NAME% –>
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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Table of Contents
When To Visit Strasbourg for Christmas
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:
- Daily: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- December 24 & 25: 11:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Getting to Strasbourg
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:
- Paris to Strasbourg: 1h46
- Lille to Strasbourg: 3h
- Munich to Strasbourg: 4h
- London to Strasbourg: 6h15
- Berlin to Strasbourg: 7h
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:
- A35 and M35 from Mulhouse and Basel
- A4 motorway from Paris and Metz
- N83 trunk road
Important tips for drivers:
- Crit’Air Sticker: Required for vehicles in Strasbourg. Order yours in advance. (Since January 1, 2022, a low emission zone has been in place in Strasbourg and the Eurometropolis, with the aim of reducing air pollution. To drive in this zone, you must have a Crit’Air sticker on your windscreen. Remember to get this environmental sticker before you get here!
- Park & Ride (P+R): To avoid heavy traffic near the city center, use P+R facilities like:
- Clinique Rhéna (Tram D)
- Zénith (CTS shuttles)
- Hoschule Läger (Kehl) (Tram D)
- Vendenheim TER Station: Train connection to the city center.
- Entzheim Airport: Park and take a 9-minute TER train or use Flex’Hop.
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.
Moving Around the Strasbourg Christmas Market
Getting Around Strasbourg
- Trams & Buses:
- Park at P+R facilities and ride trams into the city.
- Ticket Types & Pricing:
- Children under 4 ride free
- Children 4-11 get reduced fares
- Single ticket: Around €1.70
- Multi-day passes available:
- 24-hour pass: €4.30
- 72-hour pass: €9.80
- Weekly pass: Around €15.50
- Ticket can be bought at:
- Tram/bus stations
- Ticket machines
- Online via CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois) website
- Mobile app
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).
- Cycling: Rent bicycles from Velhop for an eco-friendly way to explore. They offer self-service stations throughout and adorable family bikes with seatbelts, perfect for safely accommodating up to three kids.
- Parking: Find live updates on free/paid parking spots at StrasMap Parking.
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.
Top 7 Must-Visit Spots at Strasbourg Christmas Market
1. Place Broglie – The Historic Market
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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:
- Authentic historic location
- City Hall archives exhibition
- Traditional Alsatian Christmas atmosphere
- Stunning Christmas decorations
Family Tip: Take a photo under the arch and explore the nearby City Hall exhibition to learn about the market’s rich history.
2. Cathedral Square
Source: Unsplash
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:
- Panoramic city views from the Cathedral platform
- 5e Lieu free exhibition
- Vosges pink sandstone architecture
- Historical museum nearby
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.
3. Place Kléber – The Central Square
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:
- Enormous Christmas tree (30 meters high)
- Solidarity market with 90 charities
- Musical illuminations every hour
- Festive gathering space
- Ice skating rink. My kids had some fun trying this and falling on their behinds A LOT.
Family Tip: Don’t miss the hourly musical illuminations between 4-9 pm. Kids will be mesmerized by the twinkling lights and magical atmosphere.
4. La Petite France
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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.
5. Place du Temple Neuf
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:
- Handmade decorations
- Jewelry and crafts
- Local artisan products
- Surrounding boutiques
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!
6. Louise Weiss Square
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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:
- 100% Alsatian products
- Homemade jams
- Local wines
- Chocolate and condiments
- Free samples
Family Tip: An excellent spot for food-loving families. Kids can taste local specialties and learn about regional produce.
7. Advent Village
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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:
- Creative workshops
- Storytelling sessions
- Shows in multiple languages
- Cultural exchange programs
- Reading corners
Family Tip: Check the online calendar for specific activities. Workshops include Christmas decoration making, storytelling, and cultural performances from different regions.
Best Tours
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
- Authentic insights beyond typical tourist routes
- Deep cultural understanding of Alsatian holiday traditions
- Personalized storytelling that brings the market to life
- Professional-quality digital photos
- Iconic Christmas market locations
- Capture genuine family moments and festive spirit
Bonus: Book both experiences for an immersive Strasbourg Christmas adventure that goes beyond typical tourist experiences!
Where To Stay
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Budget-Friendly Choices
- Hotel Roses (5-minute walk to Cathedral): Affordable with classic Alsatian charm.
- Ibis Strasbourg Centre Historique (10-minute walk): Great for modern simplicity on a budget.
Upscale Choices
- Hôtel Cour du Corbeau – MGallery (2-minute walk): A luxury boutique hotel with historic flair.
- Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Île (5-minute walk): For a sophisticated experience with Michelin-star dining.
What To Eat and Drink
Must-Try Foods
- Bredele biscuits: Traditional Christmas cookies (tiny, delicious Alsatian cookies)
- Tartes Flambée: Alsace’s answer to pizza
- Artisan chocolates and cheeses
- Roasted chestnuts that smell like pure Christmas joy
Drinks
- Alsatian mulled wine (vin chaud)
- Hot apple juice (kid-friendly!)
- Local biodynamic wines
Pro Tip for Families: Visit Louise Weiss Square to sample homemade jams and local chocolates with free tastings for kids.
Source: UnSplash
Pro Tips for Families
What To Wear & Pack: Winter Warrior Essentials
Brave the Alsatian winter like true adventurers! Pack these must-haves:
- Cozy layers that’ll keep you toastier than hot cocoa
- Waterproof walking shoes (no soggy socks allowed!)
- Thermal tops and a fleece that’ll make you feel like you’re wrapped in a warm hug
- Pro-level hack. Adhesive heat stickers! Stick ’em on your clothes for instant warmth
Pro Tip: Think theme park preparedness meets European charm. Layers are your best friend!
Insider Family Travel Tricks
Make your Strasbourg adventure smooth and magical:
- Visit on Mondays or Tuesdays for smaller crowds (hello stress-free family time!)
- Free children’s workshops? Yes, please!
- Use the P+Tram system like a local transportation pro
- Grab a Christmas Capital Map at Place de la Gare or Place Kléber
- Keep the kids warm! This was our biggest challenge when visiting European markets at night. It’s gorgeous but bitterly cold!
- If taking a stroller, be prepared for the cobbled streets and sidewalks.
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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
Additional Reading
11 French Châteaus In The Loire Valley You Must Visit With Kids During The Holidays
Christmas Markets in Europe: Germany and France
10 Best Things To Do During Your Day Trip To Chartres, France with Kids
