Issues to Do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas

Strasbourg at Christmas time seems 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, ample, dare I say, loopy, Christmas decorations on each window, the odor of mulled wine wafting via the air, and Christmas music drifts via the picturesque city.

I’ve created a information of issues to do Strasbourg at Christmas in addition to a information to the Christmas Markets while you go to this magical city.

Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024: November twenty seventh via December twenty seventh, 2024. 

They do not name it the Capital de Noël (The Capital of Christmas) for no cause. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are world well-known, and the gargantuan Christmas tree within the city sq. would possibly simply deliver tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply could be one of many prettiest in Europe however Strasbourg takes the cake with regards to Christmas. I’ve put collectively a listing of issues to do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas that may make it one of the vital memorable and magical ones ever.

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and honestly, its switched fingers a lot of occasions via the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has numerous German affect. Do not be stunned to listen to German being spoken as you cross via the Christmas stalls. Attending to Strasbourg is straightforward because it has the second largest railway station simply after Paris. You can even fly into the Karlsruhe, Germany airport which is about 45 minutes away . I typically drive or take the bus from my city of Heidelberg, Germany, solely about an hour away.

See my picks for one of the best Christmas markets in Europe right here!

Christmas Markets

The aren’t 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 best ways potential. 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 sometimes 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 via December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are just a few markets which might be nonetheless open.

In fact, there are numerous 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 symbolize a time of the previous, with households coming collectively to rejoice, 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 may discover probably the most well-known is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates again to 1570 which is without doubt one of the oldest markets in Europe.

See my full Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!

In whole, there are over 300 stalls all through town so that you’re sure to seek out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this publish, I listing out all of the markets that happen.

Take a look at the Cathedral

The Cathédral Notre-Dame is without doubt one of the most grand constructions I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth via the seventeenth century it was the tallest constructing on the earth. 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 move up the tower for commanding views of town.

In fact, there’s a Christmas market exterior of the cathedral and is without doubt one of the most historic. You’ll be able to sip on mulled wine because the bells of the cathedral often ring. Right here there are over 100 chalets (these are stalls or cubicles) which might be providing Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, heat drinks, and scrumptious meals.

Eat a German – French Fusion

Strasbourg is certainly an excellent 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 among my favorites is the Flammkucken also referred to as tarte flambée. It is a very skinny pizza topped with creme fraiche, delicately sliced onions, and ham.

The intoxicating odor of the scorching onions will tempt anybody to strive it. There are a selection of choices and toppings so you could find one which fits your style. An amazing place to take a look at is L’Ancienne Douane which is well-known for his or her Alsace delicacies.

Admire the Christmas Tree

What’s it about Christmas timber that instills a childlike marvel in all of us? There’s one thing simply so magical in regards to the mixture of evergreens, lights, and ornaments that all the time fills me with pleasure. With regards to Christmas timber in Strasbourg they’ve determined that larger is best. 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 without doubt 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 may see reside music proper subsequent to the tree. There’s additionally ample buying round and close to the sq., in case you want any Christmas items. Simply watching the lights illuminate because the sky darkens is the star of the Christmas present in Strasbourg.

Petite France

This is without doubt 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 via the canals to absorb the 14th century towers and amble via 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 images in Strasbourg.

Among the best components of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so properly 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 may’t assist however really feel romantic.

Christmas Markets At a Look:

Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is probably the most well-known.

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 identified for Christmas treats.

Place Benjamin-Zix also referred to as the “Three Kings” Market and is positioned in Petite France.

Place des Meuniers for a smaller market.

See my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!

Discover one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe right here!