The best Christmas market – Strasbourg

Strasbourg is undoubtedly one of the most charming towns in France. It’s a city you should definitely visit while traveling to France. The enchanting town, located on the border of Germany, is the capital of the famous Alsace region, but more importantly, the world capital of Christmas, and the place of the best Christmas market in Europe.

There are many things to see all year long in Strasbourg such as the Pont Vauban, where you can admire the view over the Canal; La Petite France, the historical center of Strasbourg; the Cathedral –  a must-see from inside and outside; etc.

During the year, Strasbourg is already a really charming town. During the winter holidays, this beautiful town turns into a magical Christmas land and is a delight for both adults and kids. Christmas lights cover the walls, and there is an air of festivity throughout the city.

With about 300 stalls spread out over ten sites in the heart of the city, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the largest Christmas market in Europe. The market is open from November 25^th to December 24^th. If you want to take your time, you will need at least a day to explore the entire market.

A History of the Strasbourg Christmas Market in Europe:

Historically known as the town which held the very first Christmas Market in 1570 – making it the oldest market in Europe – Strasbourg is now the Capital of Christmas. In the Middle Ages, the “Klausenmärik”, or Saint Nicolas Market, was located around Notre-Dame Cathedral. It was held around the 6^th of December. In 1570, it became “Christkindelsmärik”, or Christ Child Market, which took place the three days before Christmas. As the years passed, the duration and area of the Strasbourg Christmas Markets became more and more extended. Now it lasts a month and extends almost everywhere in the heart of Strasbourg!

Strasbourg Christmas Market Food and Drink Chalets:

The culinary specialties of the region include sauerkraut, Alsatian pastries, foie gras and much more! If you get a little hungry visiting Strasbourg, it’s not a surprise! Every step you will make will be accompanied by the sweet smell of food. Thirsty? Do not be left out and try the famous “vin chaud” (mulled wine) with spices or the famous local beers. If you are still hungry, taste the macaroons or waffles that many stands offer! You also can visit the “Village Portugais”, where the craftsmen offer a wide range of Portuguese gastronomic specialties that will delight your tastebuds!

Children and the Strasbourg Christmas Market:

Since its creation, the Christmas Market has been dedicated to children and imagination. With all the Christmas lights and decorations, Strasbourg allows children to travel in a magical universe.

In the Capital of Christmas, everything is planned to make dreams come true. Workshops, stories and animations will allow you to share this special period with your family.

How to get to the Strasbourg Christmas Market in Europe:

By train: There are many direct connections from Paris and the biggest cities of France. You will find the information here. The Cathedral is only 15 minutes away from the Strasbourg TGV train station.

By plane: The international airport of Strasbourg-Entzheim is located 10km from the city center (highway A35, exit 8). There is a shuttle train that connects the airport to the Strasbourg train station in 9 minutes (4 times per hour).

By car: There is often a lot of traffic during the Strasbourg Christmas Market, so we recommend stopping at parking lots at the border of the city.

Handmade objects at the Strasbourg Christmas Market:

Besides the food, you will find at the different stands of the Christmas market a plethora of handmade objects that you can bring home as a souvenir of your stay in Strasbourg! Among these are the famous Christmas crib figures of Provence, jewelry, clothing, t-shirts, postcards, pens, household linen in the colors of Strasbourg and Alsace, and more!

There are many other things to discover in the Strasbourg Christmas Market. These include the Village of Sharing, sponsored by humanitarian organizations, and the OFF Market, which runs alongside the traditional Christmas market and is an opportunity to celebrate the festivities from the angle of responsible consumption. These are additional reasons for visiting the best Christmas market in Europe

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