This week, I’m taking you to visit Strasbourg at Christmas! Strasbourg becomes the “Christmas Capital” of France at the end of November… And it must be said that the Alsatian capital is a master in this field! Home to the very first Christmas market nearly 500 years ago, the festivities take on a special significance here, as they do throughout Alsace. Nearly 300 chalets are set up in the heart of several Christmas markets. Each market is different and much more authentic than they were a few years ago, thanks to a rigorous selection process for exhibitors. All the more reason to (re)visit Strasbourg for Christmas!
But Strasbourg is also a delightful place to visit in all seasons, exploring its pretty streets, canals, and traditions. As Le Corbusier so beautifully put it, “In Strasbourg, the eye is never bored!” So why not spend two days in Strasbourg to visit its Christmas markets and other must-see attractions? Come on, let’s go!
See also:
The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Colmar and the surrounding area – a 2025 Local’s Guide
Discover the medieval Christmas market in Ribeauvillé
PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT STRASBOURG AT CHRISTMAS
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How to get to Strasbourg?
Strasbourg is located 1 hour 15 minutes from Mulhouse, 2 hours from Nancy, and 5 hours from Paris by car. During the Christmas markets, avoid driving at all costs; it’s easier to take the train. It takes 1 hour 50 minutes from Paris and 3 hours 30 minutes from Lyon. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the city center and the Christmas markets.
And if you want to visit other Christmas markets in Alsace (Colmar, Sélestat, etc.), the train will save you time!
By plane, Strasbourg airport is 20 minutes from the city center. Direct flights from Marseille, Lyon, Montpellier, Bordeaux, etc. serve Strasbourg daily.
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Where to stay in Strasbourg for Chrismas market ?
Here are several accommodation suggestions. Do not hesitate to book in advance, as prices skyrocket at Christmas time !
3 recommended accommodation to visit Strasbourg at Christmas
HÔTEL GUTENBERG
- Contemporary rooms
- In the historical center
- From €200
HÔTEL TANDEM
- Nice boutique hotel
- In the city center
- From €130
HÔTEL MONTAGNE VERTE
- Calm setting
- Close to the water
- From €105
Find your accommodation in Strasbourg at the best price!
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Where to eat in Strasbourg?
No visit to Strasbourg would be complete without sampling the local specialties! I particularly recommend trying the restaurants Binstub for delicious tarte flambée made with tasty local ingredients. For a wider range of Alsatian specialties, head to La Fignette and the restaurant Au Pont Corbeau right next to the Alsatian Museum. These are sure-fire hits with the locals!
Another local specialty not to be missed: pretzels! If you want to discover the culinary tradition of Alsace, I recommend taking part in a pretzel-making workshop with an artisan baker! A guaranteed treat for food lovers!
Book your workshop to make your own pretzels!
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Getting around Strasbourg
The city center of Strasbourg is usually easy to get around on foot, but also by bike. To do as the locals do, explore the city by bike! However, the Grande Île is difficult to navigate on two wheels during the Christmas market, so be prepared to walk. Remember to wear good, warm, comfortable shoes, as there are many cobblestones in Strasbourg.
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Organize your time
One day is enough to discover the Christmas markets and the historic center, or to explore Strasbourg outside of December. But two days are perfect to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and also discover the city. Try to spend at least one evening there, as the markets are particularly magical after dark.
However, be aware that Strasbourg is very crowded in December, and on weekends, you should allow more time than usual to visit the city. If possible, avoid weekends at all costs and opt for a weekday visit.
In terms of sightseeing, allow 1 hour for the cathedral, 1-1.5 hours for the Alsatian Museum, and 1.25 hours for the boat trip.
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Practical info to visit Strasbourg at Christmas
Christmas market: every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (details of opening hours on public holidays here) – free admission – Map of Strasbourg’s Christmas markets
OFF Christmas market: every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on Fridays and 10 p.m. on Saturdays) – free admission. Place Grimmeissen (Petite France) – discover the detailed program for the OFF market here.
Strasbourg Cathedral: the cathedral is generally open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. – check the opening hours for mass times and exceptional closures. €8 to go up to the terrace, €3 for the astronomical clock show at 12:30 p.m.
Alsatian Museum: every day except Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – €6.50 (free for under 18s)
Boat trip: the most comprehensive tour, which takes you to the European Quarter, lasts 1 hour and 10 minutes – book at the Batorama shop on Place de la Cathédrale or online – €13.50 (€7.80 for children under 12, free for children under 4)
Pass Alsace: if you plan to visit several museums in Strasbourg or continue your visit by exploring castles, parks, etc. in the rest of Alsace, the Pass Alsace may be of interest. Passes are available for 24 hours, 48 hours or 3 days, starting at €25. A “Batorama” option is available for an additional €5.
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What to bring back from Strasbourg?
The Christmas market stalls are full of delicacies, Christmas decorations, and potential Christmas gifts. You’re sure to find something to treat yourself!
For those with a sweet tooth, gingerbread and kougelhopfs (a type of raisin brioche with a distinctive shape and decorated with almonds) are regional specialties. You’ll also find bredalas, small Christmas cookies. Tradition has it that people make packages with several kinds of homemade cookies to give to their loved ones. Cookie cutters are sold everywhere in the markets and also make nice gifts!
Alsatian foie gras and Munster cheese are the winners in the savory category, along with Christmas beers brewed in Alsace and, of course, Alsatian wine to accompany it all!
VISIT STRASBOURG AT CHRISTMAS : THE CATHEDRAL MARKET
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Christmas market on the cathedral square
Let’s start near the cathedral to visit Strasbourg at Christmas !
The first Christmas market, and the most central, takes us to the foot of the majestic pink sandstone cathedral, famous for its unique spire. You can get there via the unmissable Rue Mercière, which is always richly decorated and offers a superb view of the cathedral before you get close to it. Take time to admire the facades of this street: it is one of the prettiest in Strasbourg, with its bears, angels and lights… Just to the right, Rue du Maroquin is also worth a visit for its superb decorations…
The Christmas market extends on both sides of the cathedral. Don’t forget to take a look around the Palais Rohan, where there are more stalls. The palace now houses the archaeological museum, the museum of decorative arts and the museum of fine arts of Strasbourg. This is also where you will find the entrance to the top of the cathedral and the astronomical clock show.
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Visit the cathedral
The facade of Strasbourg Cathedral gives visitors a glimpse of what to expect inside. The facade’s ornate decorations and sculptures are stunning, and its distinctive pink color shines brightly in the sunlight. Now step inside the building. The interior is just as spectacular, with the astronomical clock as the highlight. You can see it all day except between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., when there is an admission fee. This is the famous ballet of automatons that come to life at 12:30 p.m.
To get a better view of the cathedral’s interior and enjoy the city of Strasbourg from above, I suggest you climb to the top, at the base of the spire. The 330 steps allow you to gradually gain height and contemplate the roofs, alleys, and monuments in the surrounding area. I highly recommend this visit when the weather is nice! Imagine that in the 18th and 19th centuries, the people of Strasbourg would gather here regularly for picnics, for example!
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The cathedral district
All around the cathedral, the typical Alsatian streets are lavishly decorated. Take a look at the unmissable Maison Kammerzell, which celebrated its 592nd birthday this year! – and stroll through the small streets nearby, such as Rue du Sanglier. The main shopping streets, such as Rue des Juifs and Rue Brûlée, are where all the Christmas magic happens! Garlands and musicians bring the neighborhood to life, making it even more beautiful after dark.
Right next door, take a stroll around Place Gutenberg to discover a Christmas market paying tribute to the guest country. Each year, a different nation is honored, and in 2019, we’re celebrating Christmas Lebanese style!
VISIT STRASBOURG AT CHRISTMAS, FROM PLACE KLÉBER TO PLACE BROGLIE
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Visit Strasbourg at Christmas : the Christmas tree
Continue from Place Gutenberg to discover Place Kléber! This is where the famous Christmas tree stands, whose lighting marks the start of the Christmas festivities in Strasbourg every year. Standing 30 meters high, it proudly dominates the entire square with its Christmas ice rink and the “village of sharing.” It’s a must-see at night!
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Christmas market at Place Broglie and Neustadt
Next, head to Place Broglie via the charming market at Place du Temple Neuf. Nestled on this small half-moon-shaped square, it is more intimate than the others. The market at Place Broglie is much larger! It is also home to the Christkindelsmärik, Strasbourg’s very first Christmas market, which has been held here since 1570!
Place Broglie is also the starting point for exploring another part of Strasbourg, the Neustadt district. Less popular with tourists, it offers a glimpse into Strasbourg’s history when it was part of Germany. The emperor wanted to make it a model city, and the buildings have retained all their splendor. Take a tour of the Palais du Rhin, the national theater, and the university library, with their typical Rhine architecture.
VISIT STRASBOURG AT CHRISTMAS : THE PETITE FRANCE
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The pretty streets of Petite France
If you come to visit Strasbourg at Christmas, there is one place not to be missed ! So let’s discover Strasbourg’s most famous and picturesque neighborhood: Petite France! Despite their popularity, these postcard-perfect streets have retained their timeless charm. The pretty half-timbered houses, some of which date back to the 16th century, are reflected in the calm waters of the canalized Ill River. Head to Petite France early in the morning to enjoy it in all its glory before the tourists arrive…
Stroll along the banks of the Ill River and visit the old mills. It’s hard to imagine that these three mills were in operation until the mid-20th century, grinding spices, chocolate, and wheat… There was even a factory here that made artificial ice in bars! The district has a very rich history, as it was once the river gateway to Strasbourg. Imagine tanneries and metalworking warehouses here until the end of the Second World War!
Opposite the mills, don’t miss the covered bridges and the Vauban dam. The roof of the dam is open to the public and offers a magnificent view of Strasbourg’s old town and, in the distance, the cathedral!
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The OFF market
La Petite France also has its Christmas markets! And they’re not to be missed, as you’ll find the market of the die-hard small producers of Alsace on Place des Meuniers and the OFF market on Place Grimmeissen. A little further away from the hustle and bustle, these two markets are definitely worth a visit. You can taste and buy regional specialities made by the producers at the market.
The OFF market is a little different. Designed more for Strasbourg residents who aren’t necessarily fond of crowded markets, it aims to be more eco-friendly, social, and community-minded. To find it, follow the reindeer tracks scattered all over the cobblestones of Strasbourg! The decorations are surprising, with large bubbles, stalls hidden in containers, and a Christmas tree made of wood and neon lights. But this is a different take on the Christmas market, less traditional but more ethical, with lots of entertainment throughout the season. I really liked this socially conscious version, which perfectly complements the variety of Christmas markets in Strasbourg!
VISIT STRASBOURG BY THE WATER
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Boat trip on the Ill river
If you come to visit Strasbourg at Christmas, don’t miss the boat trip on the Ill river ! Strasbourg would be nothing without its canals, which give it part of its charm… So to discover the city in a different way, I suggest a boat trip with Batorama. I’m not usually a big fan of tourist boat trips, which are often expensive (check out the Pass’Alsace, which includes Batorama for an extra €5—see the “Practical tips” section). But I have to admit that the one in Strasbourg really lets you see the city from a different angle. And it’s a great way to explore the European Quarter, which is otherwise too far out of the way!
The commentary is particularly interesting and teaches you about the history of Strasbourg and the neighborhoods you pass through. What a pleasure to glide peacefully along the water and through the locks, on the canals of Petite France, around the Grande Île, and then on to the European Parliament. Because we sometimes forget that Strasbourg is also a European capital, with the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights…
At the end of the trip, take the opportunity to explore the Christmas markets at Place du Marché aux Cochons and Place du Marché aux Poissons!
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The Alsatian Museum
Created in 1902, the Alsatian Museum was intended to preserve Alsatian culture in a region that had become German thirty years earlier. Today, it still traces the history and unique characteristics of Alsatian traditions, especially those related to Christmas!
You’ll learn about the history of the Advent wreath, the first calendars (which were nothing more than simple chalk marks on a board, a far cry from today’s chocolate-filled calendars), Christmas cookies, and of course, the Christmas tree!
The origin of the Christmas tree, mentioned as early as 1492 in Strasbourg, is disputed with the town of Sélestat, which claims to have decorated a tree especially for Christmas a few years later. Once covered with apples, now replaced by baubles, it has become popular thanks to American Christmas traditions.
The museum’s tour is truly fascinating, both for Alsatians who may discover the origins of certain traditions and for curious visitors who will gain a better understanding of the Christmas craze in our beautiful region… It’s also worth a visit for its setting: a veritable maze of passageways and staircases in the heart of authentic half-timbered houses!
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The historic cellars of the hospices
One last stop to visit Strasbourg at Christmas: I’ll take you to an unusual place… Often overlooked, the historic cellars of the hospices of Strasbourg date back to 1395. It’s an unusual place that takes us back in time! At the time, wine was widely used for medical purposes and was produced on site. Alsatian winegrowers brought the cellars back to life in 1997 to continue the tradition of aging their finest wines here. Today, carefully selected wines age in the magnificent—and huge!—vats that you will see in the cellars. But they also contain the oldest white wine in a barrel in the world, dating back to 1572!
You can, of course, enjoy a tasting and buy wine if you wish, and even borrow a “souterrain”! This is an old vaulted passageway that once connected the fourteen towers of the city (including the hospital tower) and was used in case of attack.
VISIT STRASBOURG AT CHRISTMAS : WHAT TO DO AROUND?
If you come to visit Strasbourg at Christmas, do not hesitate to also visit the surroundings ! There are plenty of beautiful places in Alsace !
Obernai (30 minutes away): a pretty little Alsatian town, Obernai also has a warm and intimate Christmas market focused on food and crafts.
Sélestat (40 minutes away): Sélestat is a bit of a hidden gem in Alsace, which I mentioned in a previous article. At Christmas, the town pulls out all the stops, as it is also the birthplace of the Christmas tree. A Christmas market not to be missed, just 15 minutes by train from Strasbourg.
Mont-Sainte-Odile (40 minutes away): a spiritual hotspot, Mont-Sainte-Odile is an important historical and pilgrimage center for Alsatians. You’ll also enjoy incredible views of the surrounding area from the top.
Colmar (55 minutes away): for me, this is the prettiest town in Alsace, a real picture postcard! Here are 6 Places to Visit in Colmar in one day, which is also one of The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Colmar and the surrounding area – a 2025 Local’s Guide.
Mulhouse (1 hour 15 minutes away): the Christmas market pays tribute to the town’s industrial past, with a special focus on Christmas fabrics. The Christmas market is well worth a visit, as is the street art in the city and the automobile and railway museums, which house one of the largest collections in the world! Check out my dedicated article with 6 Ideas to Visit Mulhouse, France!