Strasbourg Christmas Market: The Oldest and Most Magical in France

Step into a winter wonderland as Strasbourg transforms into the Capitale de Noël—the Capital of Christmas. With its twinkling lights, charming half-timbered houses, and over 300 market stalls spread across the historic city center, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is a must-see for anyone craving an unforgettable European holiday experience.

In December of 2019, my husband and I decided it was time to experience the magic for ourselves. Little did we know that those memories would keep us warm for over a year to follow!

Why Visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market?

Dating back to 1570, Strasbourg’s market is considered the oldest Christmas market in France, and one of the most iconic in all of Europe. Held in the heart of the Alsace region, the city fully embraces the festive season with a magical atmosphere that draws visitors from around the world.

Strasbourg is beautiful any time of year, with its towering cathedral and storybook half-timbered houses—but come December, something truly magical happens. It’s as if a whisper of wind from the North Pole swept through the streets, scattering twinkling lights, festive scents, and just the right amount of wonder in its wake.

Where is the Strasbourg Christmas Market?

The Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmärik) unfolds across several charming squares in the city’s historic center, each more enchanting than the last. Place Broglie hosts the original Christkindelsmärik, rich with tradition and festive charm, while the true soul of the season beats in Place Kléber, where the nearly 100-foot-tall Great Christmas Tree glows with holiday magic.

Nestled beneath its twinkling branches is the Village of Sharing (Village du Partage)—a warm and welcoming space devoted to generosity, connection, and community spirit. It’s here that the magic of Christmas feels most meaningful, inviting visitors to embrace the joy of giving.

Village of Sharing

Nearly 90 local and international nonprofits (humanitarian aid, social welfare, animal protection, anti-discrimination groups, and more) host chalets where they promote their missions, share stories, and sell handcrafted goods and festive treats Every item sold—whether artisanal gifts, local specialties, or a steaming bowl of “Starry Soup”—helps fund important charitable projects like hygiene kits, warm clothing, or community outreach.

Place de la Cathédrale

The Strasbourg Cathedral, or Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, is truly one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks in all of Europe.I ts pink sandstone façade from the nearby Vosges mountains gives it a warm glow that shifts with the light, from soft rose to fiery orange at sunset. The rose window alone is worth the visit—32 feet in diameter and a masterpiece of medieval art. One of the cathedral’s most unique features is its 16th-century astronomical clock, a marvel of Renaissance engineering.

Every day at 12:30 p.m., figures of the apostles parade before Christ, while other parts of the clock track the phases of the moon, solar time, and even planetary movements. At night, it’s beautifully lit, creating a dreamlike backdrop for festive strolls and mulled wine under the stars.

What can you buy at the Strasbourg Christmas Market?

One of the true joys of the Strasbourg Christmas Market is simply wandering—letting the scent of spiced wine and roasted chestnuts guide you from one twinkling stall to the next. Tucked beneath garlands and fairy lights, you’ll discover treasures made with love: delicate handblown glass ornaments that catch the light just so, wooden toys that feel like heirlooms, cozy scarves and slippers spun from soft wool, and jars of local honey or fragrant spice blends that capture the taste of Alsace. Don’t rush—linger, browse, touch.

And if you’re looking for something truly special, make your way to the Village of Alsatian Artisans on Place des Meuniers. Here, you can meet the creators themselves, watch their hands work magic, and take home a piece of their passion. It’s more than shopping—it’s a celebration of craftsmanship, of stories, of beauty made by hand.

What to Eat and Drink

The Strasbourg Christmas Market is a food-lover’s dream! Warm up with:

• Vin chaud (mulled wine) – red or white, spiced and served steaming hot
• Bretzels (pretzels) – from savory to sweet
• Tarte flambée – Alsace’s answer to pizza
• Pain d’épices (spiced gingerbread) – in all shapes and flavors
• Bredele cookies – traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies
• Choucroute garnie – sauerkraut and sausages

Don’t forget to try Männele, a brioche shaped like a little man, especially popular on St. Nicholas Day.

Dates and Opening Hours for 2025

• Dates: November 28 to December 31, 2025 (subject to official confirmation)
• Opening Hours:
  • Sunday to Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
  • Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
  • December 24: closes early
  • Closed on December 25

Note: The market gradually winds down after Christmas Eve, though decorations remain through New Year’s.

Where to Stay in Strasbourg for Christmas

Book early—hotels fill up quickly during the holidays! Top locations include:

Maison Rouge Strasbourg – stylish and festive, close to Place Kléber

Hotel BOMA – modern and centrally located

Hotel Cour du Corbeau – historic charm and Alsatian character

How to Get to the Strasbourg Christmas Market

• By Train: Direct high-speed TGV trains from Paris (~1h50), Colmar (~30 min), and Frankfurt
• By Air: Strasbourg-Entzheim Airport is 10 km from the city center
• On Foot: The entire city center is walkable and beautifully decorated

Tip: The old town becomes pedestrian-only during peak market timesWe—wear comfortable shoes!

Insider Tips for Visiting Strasbourg’s Christmas Market

• Go early in the season or on weekday mornings to avoid crowds
• Bring cash – some stalls don’t accept cards
• Buy a souvenir mug with your mulled wine—it’s a tradition!
• Don’t miss the light projections on the cathedral and city hall
• Check the official Strasbourg Noël website for event schedules and updates

Ready to go?

There’s a reason why millions of people visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market each year—it’s simply magical. Whether you’re sipping mulled wine under twinkling lights, browsing handcrafted ornaments, or marveling at the cathedral by night, this experience will leave you with memories to treasure (and maybe a suitcase full of gingerbread and gifts!). We have got your entire Christmas Market Itinerary ready to go!