Strasbourg at Christmas time appears to be like to me what Dr. Seuss had in thoughts when he was developing “Whoville” in How The Grinch Stole Christmas. It is actually such as you’re stepping right into a magical city of lights, plentiful, dare I say, loopy, Christmas decorations on each window, the scent of mulled wine wafting by the air, and Christmas music drifts by the picturesque city.
I’ve created a information of issues to do Strasbourg at Christmas in addition to a information to the Christmas Markets if you go to this magical city.
Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024: November twenty seventh by December twenty seventh, 2024.
They do not name it the Capital de Noël (The Capital of Christmas) for no motive. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are world well-known, and the gargantuan Christmas tree within the city sq. may simply convey tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply may be one of many prettiest in Europe however Strasbourg takes the cake in the case of Christmas. I’ve put collectively an inventory of issues to do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas that may make it probably the most memorable and magical ones ever.
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and honestly, its switched palms quite a few occasions by the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has a lot of German affect. Do not be stunned to listen to German being spoken as you move by the Christmas stalls. Attending to Strasbourg is straightforward because it has the second largest railway station simply after Paris. It’s also possible to fly into the Karlsruhe, Germany airport which is about 45 minutes away . I usually drive or take the bus from my city of Heidelberg, Germany, solely about an hour away.
See my picks for the very best Christmas markets in Europe right here!
Christmas Markets
The usually are not one, two, and even seven Christmas markets in Strasbourg. There are ten. For a metropolis of this measurement, that is downright superfluous, however in one of the simplest ways attainable. This metropolis is adorned from avenue to avenue with lights, wreaths, and ornaments. It is simple to stroll across the metropolis to see all of the markets in a day or two. The Christmas Markets usually begin the final week of November (the twenty second) and finish on Christmas Eve (December twenty fourth).
The Christmas market dates for Strasbourg for 2024 are November twenty seventh by December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are a number of markets which are nonetheless open.
In fact, there are a lot of Christmas markets all over the world, and notably in Germany, however the Strasbourg Christmas market appears to have an additional twinkle in its eye. The markets characterize a time of the previous, with households coming collectively to have fun, indulge, and share. It is distinctive that Christmas markets are right here and echoes again to the truth that Germany as soon as dominated over this space.
The Christmas market custom is markedly German, so it is particular that this custom nonetheless remained in France. You will discover probably the most well-known is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates again to 1570 which is likely one of the oldest markets in Europe.
See my full Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!
In complete, there are over 300 stalls all through town so that you’re sure to search out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this submit, I checklist out all of the markets that happen.
Try the Cathedral
The Cathédral Notre-Dame is likely one of the most grand buildings I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth by the seventeenth century it was the tallest constructing on this planet. Holding on to that rating for that time period means it was an architectural mastery and top-of-the-line representations of Gothic artwork. Head inside to see the gorgeous construction up shut and take a look at the astronomical clock. Do not forget to go up the tower for commanding views of town.
In fact, there’s a Christmas market outdoors of the cathedral and is likely one of the most historic. You’ll be able to sip on mulled wine because the bells of the cathedral sometimes ring. Right here there are over 100 chalets (these are stalls or cubicles) which are providing Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, heat drinks, and scrumptious meals.
Eat a German – French Fusion
Strasbourg is certainly an amazing place to be for gastronomic functions. There are two eating places that even have three Michelin stars (Au Crocodile and Buerehiesel). In fact, with all this mixture of German and French affect it produced some very tasty meals. One in every of my favorites is the Flammkucken also called tarte flambée. It is a very skinny pizza topped with creme fraiche, delicately sliced onions, and ham.
The intoxicating scent of the scorching onions will tempt anybody to attempt it. There are a number of choices and toppings so you will discover one which fits your style. An excellent place to take a look at is L’Ancienne Douane which is well-known for his or her Alsace delicacies.
❄️ Europe Packing Should Haves! ❄️
🧥 Coat – Vital for any winter journey! This one doesn’t disappoint
👖 Thermal Leggings – Retains you heat all day.
👕 Thermal Undershirt – Added Heat
🥾 Boots– These preserve you cozy and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– preserve your ft heat and dry
🧤 Cellphone Appropriate gloves – These work so you’ll be able to nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Greatest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – The very best for maintaining you palms free and your stuff protected
☃️ Beanie – A should for maintaining heat (and looking out cute!)
🔥 Hand heaters – The key to by no means being chilly!
🧣 Scarf – So key to packing much less is to have equipment like scarves to modify it up!
Get my full packing checklist right here!
Admire the Christmas Tree
What’s it about Christmas bushes that instills a childlike marvel in all of us? There’s one thing simply so magical concerning the mixture of evergreens, lights, and ornaments that at all times fills me with pleasure. In terms of Christmas bushes in Strasbourg they’ve determined that greater is healthier. Required to be a minimal of 30 meters tall, the tree towers above the sq. and is lit up with 7 kilometers of twinkling lights. Situated at Place Kléber it is likely one of the most lovely I’ve ever seen, and every year brings a special theme.
On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you’ll be able to see dwell music proper subsequent to the tree. There’s additionally ample procuring round and close to the sq., in case you want any Christmas presents. Simply watching the lights illuminate because the sky darkens is the star of the Christmas present in Strasbourg.
Petite France
This is likely one of the most charming areas to see in all of Europe. It is a historic quarter in Strasbourg lined with half-timbered homes that flank the river. In fact, throughout Christmas it lights up much more. Stroll by the canals to soak up the 14th century towers and amble by the cobblestone streets for conventional eating places and outlets. Do not forget to cease and take an image at Quartier des Tanneurs, top-of-the-line place for pictures in Strasbourg.
Top-of-the-line elements of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so effectively preserved. In fact, you will additionally discover a Christmas market held right here. You really really feel such as you’re strolling again in time. Because the bridges illuminate and glow above the water you’ll be able to’t assist however really feel romantic.
Christmas Markets At a Look:
Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is probably the most well-known.
Place de la Cathédrale – the Strasbourg Cathedral Market.
Place Kléber or “Sharing Market” with the Nice Christmas tree
Place du marché-aux-Poissons, terrasse du Palais rohan et rue rohan – Outdoors of the Palace Rohan and recognized for Christmas treats.
Place Benjamin-Zix also called the “Three Kings” Market and is situated in Petite France.
Place du Temple-Neuf happening on the Carré d’or.
Place des Meuniers for a smaller market.
Place Gutenberg is commonly the place one other nation is featured and their Christmas traditions are celebrated.
To seek out out occasions throughout Christmas in Strasbourg take a look at this calendar.
The place to remain in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a comparatively small metropolis, so you’ll be able to’t actually go fallacious with right here you keep. Nevertheless, I counsel staying within the Grande Île, town’s historic heart. Right here, all of the Christmas markets are inside strolling distance. I counsel Lodge Gutenburg – extraordinarily good evaluations and a good value!
Try much more lodges right here:
See my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!
Discover the very best Christmas Markets in Europe right here!
