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Strasbourg, France at Christmas feels like stepping into a holiday fairytale. It’s no wonder the city is called the “Capital of Christmas.” Situated in France’s Alsace region, it’s unlike anywhere else I’ve experienced during the holidays.
Every corner of the city feels festive, from is it’s enchanting Christmas markets to the beautifully decorated facades and twinkling lights.
But Strasbourg’s Christmas Market is more than just beautiful, it’s also historic. First held in 1570, it’s one of the oldest in Europe and continues to be one of the most enchanting, drawing visitors from around the world.
Having experienced it firsthand last year, I’ll share the highlights, traditions, and tips in this Ultimate Guide to Strasbourg, France at Christmas—a must-visit destination during the holiday season.
Christmas In Strasbourg France
Visiting Strasbourg in December is an unforgettable holiday experience. The city comes alive with festive markets, beautifully decorated streets, and glowing lights that wind through the old town.
I visited in early December, just as the season kicked off. In 2025 the markets begin at 2pm on November 26th then daily from 11:30am-9pm until December 24th. There’s plenty of time to explore and soak in the holiday spirit!
Seeing it all in person made me understand why Strasbourg, France at Christmas is a must-visit destination for holiday lovers.
Things To Do In Strasbourg At Christmas
Strasbourg at Christmas is packed with festive activities during the holiday season, and there’s something for everyone. Whether you love wandering markets, admiring lights, tasting seasonal treats, or enjoying a holiday performance, here are some must-do experiences to make the most of your visit.
1. Explore the Christmas Markets
Strasbourg’s Christmas markets are the highlight of the season. There are more than 300 stalls, “chalets” as they’re called in France, each offering mulled wine, spiced cookies, handcrafted ornaments, and gifts.
The markets are scattered across the city, yet many flow seamlessly into one another, making it hard to tell where one ends and the next begins.
The markets are free and open daily from 11:30am-9pm.
🎄Starting Your Visit: Just a 10-minute walk from the train station, begin at Place de la Cathédrale, in front of Strasbourg’s cathedral. It’s easy to find and is home to one of the city’s most popular Christmas markets.
This route takes you straight into the heart of the old town. Maps are conveniently posted along the way to help you navigate the markets throughout the historic district.
On the south side of the square is a Christmas carousel and additional market stalls.
Other Must-See Markets: As you wander through the old town, be sure to include these additional favorites on your itinerary.
- 🎄The Christmas Market at Place Kléber – The largest market in Strasbourg and home to the iconic Grand Sapin, a towering Christmas tree with a nightly light show from 4–9 p.m.
- 🎄The Christmas Market at Place Broglie, – Known as the Christkindelsmärik, this market dates back to 1871. Don’t miss the light show on City Hall and the festive performances throughout the season.
- Snap a photo under the iconic illuminated arch for the perfect holiday memory.
- 🎄The OFF Market at Place Grimmeissen – Focused on sustainability, this market features vintage furniture, books, organic foods, and weekly children’s activities. Best of all it’s inside a cozy pavilion!
- 🎄The Dock of Delights – Rohan Terrace, Fish market square – Perfect for gourmet food lovers, with views of twinkling lights along the canal.
- 🎄The Carré Or Market at Place du Temple Neuf – Festive decorations, handmade jewelry, fragrant candles, and treats. Nearby streets feature local artisans. A walk along the beautifully lit and decorated Rue de Orfèvres leads you back to the cathedral.
- 🎄Square Louise Weiss – Home to local producers from Alsace, featuring an Advent Village with family-friendly workshops, performances, and festive activities.
- 🎄The Petite France – Several small markets set along charming canals and half-timbered homes. Don’t miss the lock by Place Benjamin Zix for a perfect holiday photo.
If you’d prefer someone else to lead the way, you can join a guided tour instead of exploring on your own.
👇Click below for a highly recommended option.👇
2. Stroll Through the Old Town
Wander the narrow streets of the old town and admire the half-timbered houses decked out for the holiday season. Festive lights hang between the buildings, making every corner glow with holiday charm.
Known as the Grande Île, or “Large Island,” the charming old town district is bordered by the river on one side and a canal on the other. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
I was completely awed by the façades! Many feature intricate, carefully crafted decorations that locals have perfected over decades. This just adds to Strasbourg’s reputation as one of Europe’s most magical holiday destinations.
One building decorated with teddy bears caught my eye while researching my trip, and I knew I had to see it in person! It did not disappoint! It’s located just past the Cathedral, near Place du Château and is actually a French restaurant called Le Tire-Bouchon. If you have trouble finding it, simply pop the restaurant into your GPS.
A few other buildings really stood out to me as I wandered through the streets. Each seemed to have its own personality, with intricate decorations, sparkling lights, and festive touches that made them feel uniquely magical.
It’s clear that locals put a lot of care and tradition into these displays. Seeing them up close made me appreciate the artistry and history behind Strasbourg’s holiday charm even more.
3. Sip Mulled Wine and Taste Seasonal Treats
No visit to Strasbourg at Christmas is complete without indulging in the city’s festive flavors.
Sip on classic vin chaud (mulled wine) while strolling the Christmas markets. Try white vin chaud, a regional specialty highlighting Alsace’s famous white wines.
If you prefer something non-alcoholic – rich, creamy hot chocolate is also widely available and often topped with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
The Strasbourg Christmas Market is famous for its collectible market mugs, and this one quickly became a favorite of mine. When you order a warm beverage, a small deposit is added for the mug. You can either keep it as a souvenir or return it for a refund.
Alsace is also known for craft beers (bière artisanale) – a blending of its French and German roots! At Christmas, you’ll often find special holiday brews spiced with cinnamon, clove, or honey.
For sweet treats, try Bredele cookies, traditional Alsatian cookies in flavors like cinnamon, almond, or chocolate. Gingerbread (Pain d’Épices), a spiced holiday bread, is another popular option for a sweet treat.
💡Pro Tip: For children ages 4 to 10, there is a Bredele – Christmas Cookie – workshop in a pop-up bakery located at the Quai des Délices on Place du Marché-aux-Poissons. Registration required on 03 88 15 24 00.
Other festive favorites include candied almonds, roasted chestnuts, chocolates, and marzipan, perfect for snacking or gifting.
For savory bites, don’t miss flammekueche (Tarte Flambée), a thin Alsatian-style pizza with cream, onions, and bacon. Hearty local Alsatian specialties like sausages, meats, potatoes, and savory pies are also great for warming up during your stroll.
4. Visit Strasbourg’s Iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral
The Strasbourg Cathedral, with its striking Gothic architecture, is the iconic symbol of Strasbourg. The cathedral took nearly three centuries to complete; a fact that becomes clear when you admire its delicate pink-limestone lacework and the spire soaring 142 meters into the sky.
Admission is free to enter the cathedral. During the Christmas market season it’s open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 5:45pm.
Every day at 12:30 p.m., Strasbourg Cathedral’s astronomical clock comes to life. The apostles parade before Christ alongside scenes from His life and death. A separate ticket is required for this viewing, available at the South Portal for €4 per adult.
While this isn’t as much of an issue at Christmas, since we wear warm clothing – it’s important to note that the Cathedral does have a dress code. Shoulders must be covered, men’s hats removed, and shorts/skirts must not be too short.
5. Climb Up To The Cathedral Viewing Platform
If you see a long line on the south side of Strasbourg Cathedral, it’s probably for the viewing platform. To manage the holiday crowds, access is only available at set times. Be sure to arrive early if you want to take in the incredible panoramic views.
The climb is 330 steps up a narrow spiral staircase (no elevator), so you’ll need to be in good physical condition. Once you start, you can’t really turn back, as the staircase is one-way and full of people behind you.
A ticket is required and cost €8 for adults and €5 for children over six.
At the top, you’re treated to sweeping views of the city and the Christmas markets below. You’ll also find the Guardians’ House, featuring a mechanical clock, two 15th-century winches, and informative panels about the church and spire’s history.
While the views are spectacular, I personally found the climb crowded and not worth the reward, especially when compared to my visit to Munich’s city hall tower. The city hall tower in Munich, though not as high, still offered beautiful views of the city and market, plus the convenience of an elevator.
6. Visit Petite France Historic District Along The Canal
Just a 15-minute walk south from the train station lies the charming district of Petite France. Along the way, you’ll stroll past several other Christmas markets before arriving in this picturesque area.
Petite France is Strasbourg’s storybook quarter of cobblestone streets, canals, and half-timbered houses. Once home to tanners and millers, it’s now full of cozy cafés, Alsatian restaurants, and picture-perfect views along the water.
At Christmas, Petite France feels especially magical, with festive lights strung along the canals and decorations that make the area glow at night. It’s a must-visit for anyone wanting to soak up Strasbourg’s storybook charm.
💡Pro Tip: For the best views and photos, head to the Ponts Couverts or Barrage Vauban, where you’ll get stunning panoramas of Petite France and its canals.
7. Take a Canal Boat Ride
After exploring Petite France, hop on a canal boat to see Strasbourg from the water. Guided tours float along the Ill River and historic canals, offering panoramic views of half-timbered houses, the Cathedral, and the Ponts Couverts.
It’s a relaxing way to enjoy Strasbourg’s architecture and history, with commentary on landmarks, old mills, and Petite France’s story. Tours last about an hour and depart from the landing near Palais Rohan. Just a 5–10 minute walk from Petite France, making it easy to fit into your day.
💡 Pro Tip: For a magical experience, try an evening ride when the lights from the Christmas markets reflect off the water.
💰 Cost: Around €14 for adults and €7 for children (prices vary by company).
📅 Booking: You don’t usually need to book in advance, but during peak seasons—especially at Christmas—it’s a good idea to reserve a spot to guarantee a seat.
8. Attend Holiday Performances
Many churches and theaters host Christmas concerts and performances that bring the festive spirit to life. A few annual favorites include:
- The Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg hosts an annual Christmas concert at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès. You can find tickets and performances online at the Philharmonic website.
- The opera regularly hosts holiday performances. You can find holiday programming at the Opéra national du Rhin.
- Many of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets feature free performances of special holiday music on evenings and weekends. Performances usually start in the late afternoon, adding extra festive cheer to your market strolls.
- Several churches, like Saint-Thomas, host beautiful Christmas carol concerts throughout the season. Be sure to check the official listings closer to Christmas for dates and times at Saint-Thomas.
9. Shop for Handcrafted Gifts
Browse the artisan stalls for unique decorations, handmade toys, and gifts to bring home a piece of Strasbourg. In addition to the market mugs (my favorite souvenir 😊 ) and sweet treats like chocolate and marzipan, there are lots of handmade goods to discover at the Christmas markets.
Some things you’ll find at the Christmas markets:
- Handcrafted Ornaments – Glass baubles, wood carvings, and hand-painted decorations made by Alsatian artisans.
- Handmade Candles & Soap – Often infused with wintery scents like cinnamon, orange, or pine.
- Wooden Toys & Nutcrackers – Classic Christmas gifts with Germanic influence.
- Textiles – Table linens, embroidered fabrics, or scarves showcasing Alsace’s patterns.
- Cozy winter wear—think wool scarves, mittens, slippers, and hats, usually crafted by local artisans. These are not only practical for staying warm but also make charming, regionally inspired souvenirs.
💡Insider Tip: Some market stalls sell mass-produced or imported items, while others feature unique, locally made products. A good way to spot the mass-produced items is if they appear in bulk or show up at multiple stalls. Both have their charm. I personally enjoyed a mix of both!
What to Wear While You’re There
Best tip: Dress warmly in layers. Wear a good coat, gloves, and a cozy scarf, since you’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors at the markets. Comfortable walking shoes are a must. I swear by merino wool socks to keep my feet warm.
Temperatures usually range from 32–41°F, and days are short, with darkness falling around 4:30 pm. Personally, I love the early evenings! It just means more time to enjoy the festive lights!
Snow is possible, but so are mist and cold rain, so pack some wet-weather gear like a waterproof coat or umbrella.
Locals tend to dress practically yet stylishly, with cozy knits, boots, and warm coats. Follow their lead and you’ll stay comfortable while blending right in with the festive crowd.
Where To Stay
Staying in Strasbourg at Christmastime feels truly magical! You can enjoy the festive decorations and Christmas markets, especially when they sparkle at night, without feeling rushed.
Whether you’re on a budget, looking for a cozy mid-range find, or ready to splurge for pure seasonal luxury, these 3 hotels are all great options.
Snag your spot early! These hotels sell out fast, and prices only go up as Christmas gets closer!
📍Budget Option: Hotel Suisse, located right by Strasbourg Cathedral and the Christmas markets, offers cozy rooms and a hearty breakfast with local Alsatian treats.
📍Mid-Range Option: Hôtel Hannong, just steps from the Christmas markets, is a great choice in the heart of Strasbourg. After wandering the Christmas markets all day, unwind at the hotel’s wine bar for the perfect end to your evening.
📍Luxury Option: Hôtel & Spa Régent Petite France In the heart of Petite France, this five-star hotel is steps from the markets and cathedral. With a spa, fine dining, and river views, it’s the perfect retreat after a festive day in Strasbourg.
FAQs
I’ve rounded up the answers to the questions I’m asked most about what makes a Strasbourg France Christmas so memorable including how long to stay, why the city feels so magical, what makes it the ultimate holiday destination, and how to get there.
Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting for Christmas?
YES! Strasbourg at Christmas is pure magic. Wandering the old town feels like stepping into a holiday card, and the Christmas markets are a must-see.
I loved exploring hundreds of chalets, sipping mulled wine, and discovering sweet treats and handmade gifts.
Strasbourg really is unlike any other place I’ve visited during the holidays.
What Is The Most Christmassy Place In France?
The most Christmassy place in France is widely considered to be Strasbourg, and I’d have to agree. I’ll admit I’ve only experienced Christmas in Strasbourg and Colmar, but it’s hard to imagine any place in France topping Strasbourg’s festive magic.
How Many Days Do You Need In Strasbourg For Christmas?
For Christmas, 2 to 3 days in Strasbourg is ideal. That’s enough time to explore the main Christmas markets, wander the charming old town and La Petite France, visit Strasbourg Cathedral, enjoy festive food and drinks, and attend holiday performances.
If you want to fully soak in the lights, concerts, and holiday atmosphere, 2-3 days is perfect.
How To Get To Strasbourg
Strasbourg is easy to get to by train, car, or air.
We arrived in Strasbourg by train from Basel, about 1.5 hours away. Paris is a bit longer at 1 hour 46 minutes.
Driving is also an option, but it’s best to park on the outskirts and use the city’s convenient park-and-ride system to reach the center. Strasbourg also has an airport, making it accessible for travelers flying in from other regions or countries.
Are There Nearby Cities With Markets For Quick Day Trips?
Yes! Nearby Alsace cities like Colmar, Riquewihr, and Mulhouse are easy to reach and offer their own festive Christmas markets, perfect for a day trip from Strasbourg.
If you have the time, I highly recommend exploring other markets across Alsace. It’s an easy and a great way to see more of the region.
💡 Inside Tip: We used the Alsa + Pass for unlimited travel within Alsace. You can buy a 24 hour pass for a single rider and ride the regional trains as much as you want during that time. On the weekends they offer a 24 hour pass for 2-5 people. We bought the pass at a Kiosk in the French side of the Basel train station. It should be available at any train station in Alsace.
We visited the Colmar Christmas Market with our Alsa+ Pass, and it was absolutely worth the stop.
If you’d rather skip the planning, this highly rated small-group tour includes transportation and is limited to just 8 people. It’s a relaxed, personalized way to discover nearby Christmas markets.
Final Thoughts
Strasbourg, France at Christmas truly feels like stepping into a winter fairytale. From the Christmas markets and festive performances to the yummy Alsatian food and charming half-timbered streets, it’s no wonder Strasbourg is called the “Capital of Christmas.”
Whether you’re wandering Petite France, sipping vin chaud under the twinkling lights, or climbing the Cathedral platform for sweeping views, the city offers something magical for every traveler.
If you’re dreaming of a European Christmas that combines tradition, beauty, and magic, a Strasbourg France Christmas should be at the very top of your list in 2025.
I hope you found this Ultimate Guide to A Magical Strasbourg France Christmas helpful for planning your trip in 2025 or whenever you go! Drop me an email if you have any questions. TravelandTinsel@gmail.com I love to hear from readers.
