Christmas markets have been enjoying increasing popularity over recent years, with a reach that now extends beyond their Central European roots. Strasbourg Christmas market, however, lays claim to being one of the oldest and biggest Christmas markets in Europe. It has traditions dating all the way back all the way to the 16th century. One cold day in December, we took ourselves off to investigate whether the “Capital of Christmas” lives up to its name and whether it is one of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
The historic city of Strasbourg
Although we both visited the city some time ago, we had somehow forgotten that Strasbourg France is a stunningly attractive city. It has so much to offer even without its famous Christmas market. Strasbourg city centre, called the Grande Île (“large island”), is a UNESCO World Heritage site, dominated by the vast Gothic sandstone cathedral that is also home to an astrological clock. The Grande Île is a genuine island, set on the river Ill. In the summer, you can take slow river cruises along the river, taking in the gorgeous black and white timbered architecture that is a feature of the city centre. Strasbourg is also the seat of the European Parliament, as well as home to a number of other key European institution making it one of the capitals of the European Union.
Strasbourg Christmas market dates and opening hours:
The Strasbourg Christmas market opens its doors on the 24th of November 2018 and closes on the 30th of December.
- 24th of November – 23rd of December: Open from 2 pm to 9 pm.
- 24th of December: Open from 11 am to 6 pm.
- 25th of December: Closed
- 26th – 30th of December: Open from 11 am to 8 pm
The market is open longer on Fridays (until 9 pm) and on Saturdays (until 10 pm).
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Gift ideas galore at Strasbourg Christmas market
When we first arrived at the Strasbourg France Christmas market, we made our way to the Place Kleber to admire the giant Christmas tree there and started our walk with a hot Glühwein. It may not be widely known, but there is an ancient law involving this festive beverage. It states that Christmas markets must only be attended once the traditional opening Glühwein has been consumed (true story. Honest!).
Having paid due respect to the customs of our ancestors, we wandered around some of the 300 stalls at the different areas of the Strasbourg Christmas market. This is one of the things we really liked about this market as opposed to those in other European cities. It is actually spread out over 11 different areas across the city centre, so in exploring Strasbourg Christmas market you get to wander all over the beautiful Strasbourg winter city centre and take in the sights.
The goods of local artisans
Strasbourg Christmas market has many stalls and traditions that are closely related to its Alsatian roots. You will see traditional Advent wreaths, and lots of stalls selling Bredle, which are the local version of Christmas cookies and come in different varieties. The most traditional stalls are located around Place Broglie. You can find so many Christmas market ideas there.
Alongside, there are also stalls selling quirky gifts, like the stall we saw that was selling soaps that looked good enough to eat! All in all, it is a perfect place for your Christmas shopping!
They look delicious, but they’re made of soap
International guests at the Strasbourg Christmas market
Each year the Place Gutenberg section of the Strasbourg Christmas market plays host to the Christmas traditions of another European country. When we visited, this area had stalls and shows that were dedicated to Portugal. For Christmas 2017, Place Gutenberg is housing an Icelandic Christmas market. As each country in Europe has its own special local traditions, this is a lovely way to learn how other cultures celebrate the festive season. This detail makes the Strasbourg Christmas market one of the top Christmas markets!
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Wandering the paths of the river Ill
The paths that run alongside the river Ill are a tranquil escape from the bustle of the Christmas markets. Walking around, you can take in the views of the incredibly picturesque buildings of the old city.
We headed back into the city towards the Cathedral. On our way, we decided to stop for another Glühwein, this time because there was a small queue forming outside a tiny and very cute little deli/bakery. They were advertising their house recipe Glühwein made with mandarins. Although it was not the traditional recipe, it was absolutely delicious -sweet and citrus, and very warming.
We walked on to the cathedral and took a few pictures. By this time it was getting dark so we walked around some more to look at the illuminations warming the streets.
You’d like to see more Alsatian Christmas markets?
Then what do you think about an Alsace Christmas Markets Tour with Local Winery Visit?
About the tree
The Christmas tree towers over the Place Kleber, 30m tall. The tree is installed as an annual labour of the National Forestry office of France. They start this task in March each year with the sourcing of the tree itself. From deep in the forests of France, the tree must be felled and transported without damage to Strasbourg city centre. A spectacular display of lights and decorations are added to create the final glorious spectacle.
So ended our day out in beautiful Strasbourg in December. We had a great day there and can seriously recommend it for anyone who enjoys traditional European Christmas markets. There is a calendar of events that take place over the time that the markets are open, so you can even choose to visit when your favourite concerts or events are happening. Wrap up in your warmest clothes and prepare to be dazzled!
You can enjoy the magical Xmas markets so many other European cities as well as Strasbourg. Many cities have other festive celebrations happening around the winter months too. Also, read this great post about the Best Christmas Destinations Around the World if you want to know what happens around Christmas in other parts of the world.
Click here to read about a variety of the best Christmas hotels in Europe if you are considering a stay. We do have to admit, that for us, the Strasbourg Christmas market is definitely one of the best Christmas markets in France, maybe even one of the best Xmas markets in Europe. If your appetite for France is awakened, then also have a look at the France Bucket List. You will find there a lot of inspiration for your next France trip.
Would you like to get an impression of another French Christmas market?
Annecy in winter
Then check out our post about Annecy and its Christmas market.
Would you like to experience the Strasbourg Christmas Market? Then check Booking.com which has some of the best hotel deals for Strasbourg:
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23 comments
Gluhwein, bredle, 300 stalls in 11 sections. Everything sounds so heartwarming but I still do not see myself braving the cold. I know I am missing a lot but 69 years of tropical Christmas can’t be undone!
Hi Carol, there are really a lot of different stalls. And it’s so pretty to just walk from section to section as well. The good thing about the cold is, that the mulled wine tastes even better 😀 Thank you for your comment.
Have a fantastic day
I love France but I’ve never been to Strasbourg. The Christmas Market sounds like the perfect time to be there – it’s charming that they have an area devoted to another Country’s Christmas traditions too. I’d just like to have some bredle biscuits with a cup of Glühwein right now – and start my own Christmas celebrations
Hi Fiona, thank you for visiting our page. I think it fits the spirit of Christmas to share and show some other traditions as well 🙂 We are in Asia at the moment, but my inner clock starts to crave Glühwein as well 😀
Have a fantastic day
I I can see that even without Xmas, this is a charming town. With the X’mas decor, it really seems fun. The X’mas markets are so colorful and I bet I would swell up after tasting all those sweets. I love the cute little Santa ones.
Hi Ami, Strasbourg really is a beautiful city, even without the Market, but the market makes it even more magical. Oh, and you need a really good will to not eat too many of the sweets 😀
Have a fantastic day
Strasbourg looks absolutely beautiful! I would like to make a trip there in the summer. The Christmas market looks so fun and I would like to try the hot Glühwein! Is it like mulled wine?
Hi Lucy and thank you for the comment. We actually never been in Strasbourg in summer, but it must be really pretty with all the trees. Oh, and yes, It’s mulled wine 🙂
Have a great day
I…. have apparently never seen a picture of Strasbourg before, because I’m pretty sure I’d remember a city this lovely. What a gorgeous place, and what a rich-looking market! Traveling at Christmas is tough for us because of family obligations, but this is serious inspo 🙂
Hi Luke and Meagan, thank you for your comment. For us the Christmas Market in Strasbourg was only about an hour away, so it was a perfect day out. I wish you a happy pre Christmas time with your family
I am German and have grown up with Christmas markets. My hometown Dortmund every year has the tallest Christmas tree in the world (it’s actually a whole bunch of trees stacked on top of each other to create the illusion). Strassburg has been on my radar for a long time now and your pictures prove that it must be such a charming city. The pre-Christmas season must be the perfect time to visit when you can combine the charms of the market with the beauty of the oldtown and the cathedral. As for the Glühwein, I would definitely try the mandarine version myself, it sounds very tempting! Of course it’s the first thing you need to do when visiting, otherwise it’s only half the fun!
Hallo Silke, danke Dir vielmals für deinen Kommentar 🙂 I’d love to see that tree in Dortmund! It sounds really spectacular. Strasbourg has a really nice atmosphere, even if there is no Christmas Market, but the whole market makes it a lot better 🙂 The mandarine version of the Glühwein was super delicious and I’d buy it again instantly!
Have a fantastic day and a great pre Christmas time 🙂
I love the gothic cathedrals and buildings, especially along the river front, It’s places like this that really bring out that Christmas feel that you seems to go missing a bit in bigger cities. What is actually in a Glühwein – I’d be very curious to try it 😀
Hi Amit, thank you for reading our post. The buildings are really pretty in Strasbourg and you feel like you’re set back in history. It definitely helps the Christmas atmosphere a lot. Glühwein is mulled wine and so delicious 😀
Wow 300 stalls to see at the market sounds amazing! That’s super coo that the market play host to another country’s Christmas traditions and funny that the soaps look good enough to eat. It looks so dreamy walking around. I definitely will have to visit sometime during the Christmas season!
Hi there and thank you so much for your comment. The soap relly looked too delicious. I’m glad I didn’t try to eat it 😀 I hope you’ll make it to this wonderful Christmas Market.
Have a fantastic day
It’s been my dream to go to France around Christmas! I’d love to try some bredle and see what other French specialities there are.
Hi Marissa, thank you for visiting this post. The French food at the Christmas Market is definitely ver recommendable.
Have a great day
I’ve heard wonderful things about the Christmas Market in Srasbourg and i love that they feature the traditions of another nation. I better drunk my gleuwein so I can start exploring!
Hi Brianna, we can really recommend the Christmas Market in Strasbourg and you better get startet on the Glühwein 😀 Thank you for reading our post.
Have a nice day
Strasbourg does look like the Queen of Christmas Markets – and I am impressed that the prices don’t look unreasonable. It’s such a beautiful place isn’t it!
Hi and thank you for your comment. For us Strasbourg is definitely the most beautifully Christmas Market we’ve seen so far. But then again, Strasbourg is even wonderful without the market <3
Have a fantastic day
[…] Alsace has a lot to offer, especially for food and wine lovers. Check out our other posts about the annual Agrogast Festival in August, or if you are visiting Alsace during the festive season then be sure not to miss the magical Strasbourg Christmas market. […]