A trip to Strasbourg during the Christmas Markets

The birth of a tradition

The first Christkindelsmärik (Christ Child Market) was held on Place Broglie in 1570. Since then, not a year has gone by (apart from the disruptions caused by the health crisis) without the European capital becoming the centre of attraction for all those who want to experience Christmas in the grandest tradition.

Attracting millions of visitors every year, Strasbourg's Christmas market is a veritable institution, with over 500 events taking place during the period, making it the undisputed capital of Christmas.

The old Saint-Nicolas market

The beginnings of this market can be traced back to its ancestor, the Saint-Nicolas market, which appeared in the Middle Ages. It was banned after the Reformation put an end to religious worship. From 1570, it returned under a different name, Christkindelsmärik, which grew from year to year, culminating in the title of Christmas Capital in 1991. Strasbourg's reputation has spread far beyond its borders, with visitors coming from all over Europe to discover not one but 12 Christmas markets spread throughout the city.

Place Kléber and the king of the forests

One of the highlights of the Christmas market is undoubtedly the Grand sapin on Place Kléber, where the glittering ornaments create a magical atmosphere. It stands over 30 metres tall and weighs in at over 6 tonnes. To support this behemoth, its trunk can measure up to 1.20 metres in diameter. It's a rare pearl that takes pride of place in the forests of Alsace, Moselle and the Vosges, and is a must-see every year.

Place Broglie and the Christkindelsmärik

This square is located between the Place de la République and the Place Kléber, and is lined with a number of 18th-century houses and three rows of plane trees. The Opera House and Town Hall can be seen to the east. It is the centre of Strasbourg's Christmas market tradition. The Christkindelsmärik has been held here since 1871, making it the city's oldest Christmas market.

From the last weekend in November, the chalets are set up in a row along the promenade, forming a corridor of culinary stalls that smell of Alsace. In the evening, the façade of the Town Hall comes to life and glows with a thousand lights. With a pretzel in hand, you can stroll along the alleyways lined with Christmas chalets.

The market at the foot of Notre-Dame Cathedral

The forecourt of Strasbourg's Notre-Dame cathedral is not spared the festivities. Stalls are set up in front of the monument's huge entrance, overlooked by one of the most beautiful rose windows in the 13th century. The market stretches along the two side façades. On the programme: mulled wine, hot fruit juice, Alsatian crafts and of course... lots of people!

In all, around fifty chalets are set out on either side of the religious building, making for an enchanting event. When night falls, the magic of Christmas is heightened by the lights that illuminate the whole area and the fragrant smoke coming out of the little wooden huts. You push open the huge entrance door to peek inside and admire the large Christmas cot. It dates from 1907 and measures almost 18 metres.

Place Gutenberg

Smaller than the big tree, but just as magical, the 10-metre blue tree that adorns Place Gutenberg is also one of the stars of this market. Each year, the town council puts a country in the spotlight, with the exception of 2022, when a snowflake-shaped attraction was installed on the square, which you had to pedal to light up.

The Palais Rohan Christmas Market

The best place to sample Alsatian specialities is undoubtedly this market on the terrace of the Palais Rohan. The market of delights features traditional local pastries (bredele or mannele). We recommend you try the mulled white wine.

The OFF Market, responsible and committed, Place Grimmeissen

Far from the hustle and bustle of the tourist markets in the city centre and not far from picturesque Petite France, Strasbourg's Marché OFF offers a different take on the event. Here, the wooden chalets have been replaced by containers and a giant igloo. In terms of products, you'll find recycled, second-hand and reconditioned items.

Square Louise Weiss and its regional products

This is the place to be for small local producers. The stallholders are also organising workshops to make Christmas decorations and greetings cards, as well as musical entertainment.

Place Benjamin Zix, the little market in Petite France

In the heart of Petite France, around ten chalets are set up on the esplanade alongside the river. It's a far cry from the glitz and glamour of the big Christmas markets in the capital, but the friendly atmosphere of this historic district is a real treat, especially for Mireille Oster's fabulous gingerbread, sold at the market or directly in her shop, just a few metres away.

Place du château

As an extension of the cathedral square, on the right-hand side, there is a small square with a few wooden sheds, one of which seems to be causing a stir. Käthe Wohlfahrt's Christmas Fair returns every year to sell her prestigious Christmas decorations. Of course, you can also enter just for the pleasure of your eyes.

Place du Temple Neuf and its famous delicatessen

At the foot of the Temple-Neuf church, with its foie-gras, marrons glacés and other typical French delicacies, the Place du Temple Neuf also has its own Christmas village. The main reason for visiting this esplanade is to admire the façade of the Porcus shop, which has been selling charcuterie specialities for over 80 years. You can also take the opportunity to visit the Carré d'Or district and its beautifully decorated streets.

Place du Marché aux Poissons

Between the city's historic museum and the Palais Rohan, and facing the River Ill, lies the Place du Marché aux Poissons, which is home to the Porte des Lumières during the festivities. The illuminated archway marks the entrance to the Christmas market and makes headlines throughout December.

Place Saint-Thomas

The last place to visit during your summer holiday in Strasbourg (which is quite a challenge), this market sells gingerbread from the famous Fortwenger brand and socks from Labonal.

🚌 How do I get there?

On foot: pedestrian access is possible 24 hours a day, with no restrictions.

By bike: cyclists can travel 24 hours a day with no special restrictions. To facilitate the flow of traffic, specific routes are provided for bicycles.

By public transport: the public transport network will continue to operate during the period, with a few exceptions. Broglie station is temporarily closed. The tram will not stop at Langstross Grand'Rue and Alt Winmärik from 11am to 8pm. Bus routes may be diverted due to pedestrianised streets.

👉 Accessibility: All the information you need can be found on the Compagnie des transports strasbourgeois (CTS) website.

All the information can be consulted on the event website.

An interactive map has been created for the event to find all the Christmas markets scattered around the city and their exhibitors.

👉 Opening dates:

Usually, the Christmas market is held every year from the last weekend in November until January 1 of the following year. The huts all over the city open their doors from 11am to 8pm (with the exception of Christmas Eve, when they close at 6pm).

Chez Yvonne

This is the place to go for a hearty sauerkraut or black pudding with homemade mash. The different floors of the house have been converted into restaurants, but this old Alsatian house has kept its warm soul, with its old-fashioned tablecloths and generous plates. Sitting by the windows, you can enjoy the bustle and decorations of the street. On the ground floor, you can soak up the family atmosphere with a view over the counter and the conversations of the staff.

Brasserie des Haras

A prestigious restaurant rooted in a historic site on the outskirts of Petite France, the city's emblematic district. The former National Stud in Strasbourg has been refurbished in a chic style using noble materials such as the huge wooden staircase, a real work of art. The chefs give pride of place to regional products with a few modern touches.

La Hache

Since 1257, this address has been home to Strasbourg's oldest winsturb, whose name has remained unchanged ever since. It is now home to a renowned bistronomic restaurant inspired by local traditions. The renovation blends rustic materials with softer colours to create a charming contrast between the past and present. Dark wood tables, unfinished parquet flooring and weathered leather benches. A sharp, refined aesthetic.