Strasbourg at Christmas time appears to be like 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 scent of mulled wine wafting by way of the air, and Christmas music drifts by way 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 if you go to this magical city.
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024: November twenty seventh by way 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 likely to be 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 probably the most memorable and magical ones ever.
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and honestly, its switched palms a lot of occasions by way of the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has plenty of German affect. Do not be stunned to listen to German being spoken as you move by way of the Christmas stalls. Attending to Strasbourg is straightforward because it has the second largest railway station simply after Paris. You can even fly into the Karlsruhe, Germany airport which is about 45 minutes away . I usually drive or take the bus from my city of Heidelberg, Germany, solely about an hour away.
See my picks for the perfect Christmas markets in Europe right here!
Christmas Markets
The usually are not one, two, and even seven Christmas markets in Strasbourg. There are ten. For a metropolis of this dimension, that is downright superfluous, however in one of the simplest ways doable. This metropolis is adorned from avenue to avenue with lights, wreaths, and ornaments. It is easy to stroll across the metropolis to see all of the markets in a day or two. The Christmas Markets usually 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 way of December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are a couple of markets which can be nonetheless open.
After all, there are various Christmas markets world wide, and notably in Germany, however the Strasbourg Christmas market appears to have an additional twinkle in its eye. The markets signify a time of the previous, with households coming collectively to rejoice, 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 will discover probably the most well-known is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates again to 1570 which is likely one of the oldest markets in Europe.
See my full Christmas market street journey itinerary right here!
In whole, there are over 300 stalls all through town so that you’re certain to search out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this publish, I checklist out all of the markets that happen.
Take a look at the Cathedral
The Cathédral Notre-Dame is likely one of the most grand constructions I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth by way of the seventeenth century it was the tallest constructing on this planet. Holding on to that rating for that time period means it was an architectural mastery and the most effective representations of Gothic artwork. Head inside to see the attractive construction up shut and take a look at the astronomical clock. Remember to go up the tower for commanding views of town.
After all, there’s a Christmas market outdoors of the cathedral and is likely 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 can be providing Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, heat drinks, and scrumptious meals.
Eat a German – French Fusion
Strasbourg is certainly an ideal 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. Considered one of my favorites is the Flammkucken also called tarte flambée. It is a very skinny pizza topped with creme fraiche, delicately sliced onions, and ham.
The intoxicating scent of the scorching onions will tempt anybody to strive it. There are a selection of choices and toppings so you will discover one which fits your style. A terrific 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 – Essential for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These preserve you comfortable and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– preserve your toes heat and dry
🧤 Telephone Appropriate gloves – These work so you’ll be able to nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Greatest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – One of the best for protecting you palms free and your stuff secure
☃️ Beanie – A should for protecting 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 checklist right here!
Admire the Christmas Tree
What’s it about Christmas bushes 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 all the time fills me with pleasure. In terms of Christmas bushes in Strasbourg they’ve determined that greater is best. 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 likely one of the most stunning I’ve ever seen, and every year brings a special theme.
On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you’ll be able to see reside music proper subsequent to the tree. There’s additionally ample buying round and close to the sq., in case you want any Christmas items. Simply watching the lights illuminate because the sky darkens is the star of the Christmas present in Strasbourg.
Petite France
This is likely 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 way of the canals to soak up the 14th century towers and amble by way of the cobblestone streets for conventional eating places and retailers. Remember to cease and take an image at Quartier des Tanneurs, the most effective place for images in Strasbourg.
Among the best components of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so properly preserved. After all, you may additionally discover a Christmas market held right here. You really really feel such as you’re strolling again in time. Because the bridges illuminate and glow above the water you’ll be able to’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 – Exterior of the Palace Rohan and identified for Christmas treats.
Place Benjamin-Zix also called 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 usually 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’ll be able to’t actually go mistaken with right here you keep. Nevertheless, I recommend staying within the Grande Île, town’s historic middle. Right here, all of the Christmas markets are inside strolling distance. I recommend Lodge Gutenburg – extraordinarily good evaluations and a good worth!
Take a look at much more accommodations right here:
See my Christmas market street journey itinerary right here!
Discover the perfect Christmas Markets in Europe right here!
