Strasbourg, particularly during Christmas, enjoys remarkable renown. Annually, close to two million visitors flock to this Alsatian capital, eager to unearth the city’s enchanting offerings. Over a month, the air is saturated with an unparalleled festive ambiance. Here, we’ll divulge all you need to know about experiencing Christmas in Strasbourg, a flawless destination to revel in this time of year’s magic.
Why spend Christmas in Strasbourg?
During the four weeks of the Strasbourg Christmas market, as night falls, the entire city sparkles with magnificent illuminations, creating an enchanting and magical atmosphere. Dominating the scene is the towering thirty-meter-high fir tree adorning Place Kléber. Adorned annually in stunning decoration, it captivates with both its majestic presence and vibrant colors. This iconic symbol of Alsatian tradition has stood for five centuries, resonating deeply within the city’s heritage.
Moreover, when opting for a Christmas sojourn in Strasbourg, one cannot overlook Place Broglie, nestled at the Opera’s base, adorned with plane trees pruned into charming parasol shapes, meticulously aligned. This locale hosts the historical Christkindelsmärik, dating back to 1570, colloquially known as the market of the Christ child. Here, amidst the stalls brimming with Christmas decorations, one can indulge in the aroma of traditional mulled wine infused with cloves, cinnamon, and citrus fruit.It’s a unique corner exuding timeless festive charm.
Additionally, for those keen on exploring and visiting places of worship, Strasbourg during this season offers an opportunity to discover Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox places of worship, all open to the public.
If you’re seeking to bask in the enchantment of Christmas in Strasbourg, we recommend the Hotel les Haras as an accommodation choice. Nestled within a meticulously restored heritage building in the heart of the city, bordering the historic district of Petite France, this hotel seamlessly blends contemporary design elements and materials with historic architectural features. Its restoration has resulted in spectacular rooms and public spaces, offering guests an exquisite experience.
Based on the aforementioned, during Christmas time in Strasbourg, you have the opportunity to explore France’s oldest Christmas market, boasting an impressive history spanning almost 450 years. Renowned as one of Europe’s largest Christmas markets, it hosts a staggering 300 stalls dispersed across over a dozen diverse locations within the city center. Given its scattered nature, it’s not merely a singular market but a collection of several. As a result, the top Christmas markets to explore in Strasbourg are as follows:
Place Kléber flea market
This market is where the iconic giant fir tree, symbolizing Christmas in Strasbourg, stands.
Place Broglie flea market
This market, mentioned earlier, has been established at this location since 1570, featuring over 70 craft and food stalls.
Cathédrale Flea Market
Today, this market undoubtedly ranks among the busiest, boasting nearly 50 food and craft stalls. It’s common to find a temporary store of one of Germany’s most renowned Christmas decoration brands here.
Place des Meuniers flea market
This spot serves as a hub for local Alsace producers to showcase their goods.
Place Benjamin Zix flea market
Lastly, it’s a smaller market housing a dozen craft stalls.
Another recommended accommodation is Appartements le 32. Notable for its tranquil setting in a pedestrian area, a mere three-minute stroll from the Strasbourg Cathedral, this establishment operates within a recently restored single-family house. These boutique apartments provide comfortable, independent lodging while maintaining a central location. Proximity to numerous key tourist attractions adds to its appeal.
What is the Christmas schedule in Strasbourg?
To aid in your trip planning and to savor the marvels of Christmas in Strasbourg, here’s an overview of the markets’ operations and schedules. This year, they are set to open from Friday, November 24th, until Sunday, December 24th. The published opening hours (subject to change) are as follows:
- Friday, November 24: from 2 pm to 9 pm.
- From November 25 to December 23: from 11 am to 8 pm, Friday from 11 am to 9 pm and Saturday from 11 am to 10 pm.
- Sunday, December 24: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Finally, we’d like to recommend the Cour du Corbeau Hotel. This esteemed hotel stands as an exemplary representation of late medieval architecture, nestled near the banks of the Ill river. Notably, as the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg boasts a stunning historic city center, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. The hotel is situated opposite Gutenberg Square and Strasbourg Cathedral, occupying a former 16th-century inn. It’s a half-timbered mansion that has welcomed numerous distinguished guests throughout the years.
