Strasbourg at Christmas time appears 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 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 purpose. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are world well-known, and the gargantuan Christmas tree within the city sq. may simply deliver tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply may be one of many prettiest in Europe however Strasbourg takes the cake on the subject of Christmas. I’ve put collectively a listing of issues to do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas that can make it some of the memorable and magical ones ever.
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and honestly, its switched palms quite a lot of instances via 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 go via the Christmas stalls. Attending to Strasbourg is simple because it has the second largest railway station simply after Paris. You may as well 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 are usually not one, two, and even seven Christmas markets in Strasbourg. There are ten. For a metropolis of this dimension, that is downright superfluous, however in one of the simplest ways potential. This metropolis is adorned from avenue to avenue with lights, wreaths, and ornaments. It is easy 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 via December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are just a few markets which might be nonetheless open.
In fact, there are various 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 will 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 the town so that you’re sure to seek out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this submit, I record out all of the markets that happen.
Try the Cathedral
The Cathédral Notre-Dame is without doubt one of the most grand buildings 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 frame means it was an architectural mastery and top-of-the-line representations of Gothic artwork. Head inside to see the attractive construction up shut and take a look at the astronomical clock. Remember to move up the tower for commanding views of the town.
In fact, there’s a Christmas market outdoors of the cathedral and is without doubt one of the most historic. You may 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 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 all my favorites is the Flammkucken often known 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 number of choices and toppings so you will discover one which fits your style. An important 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 comfortable and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– preserve your ft heat and dry
🧤 Telephone Appropriate gloves – These work so you possibly can nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Finest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – The very best for holding you palms free and your stuff protected
☃️ Beanie – A should for holding 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 record right here!
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. On the subject of Christmas timber in Strasbourg they’ve determined that greater 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 stunning I’ve ever seen, and every year brings a unique theme.
On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you possibly can 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 retailers. Remember to cease and take an image at Quartier des Tanneurs, top-of-the-line place for pictures in Strasbourg.
Among the best elements 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 actually really feel such as you’re strolling again in time. Because the bridges illuminate and glow above the water you possibly can’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 often known as the “Three Kings” Market and is positioned in Petite France.
Place du Temple-Neuf going down 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 search out out occasions throughout Christmas in Strasbourg try this calendar.
The place to remain in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a comparatively small metropolis, so you possibly can’t actually go flawed with right here you keep. Nonetheless, I recommend staying within the Grande Île, the town’s historic middle. Right here, all of the Christmas markets are inside strolling distance. I recommend Lodge Gutenburg – extraordinarily good critiques and a good worth!
Try much more accommodations right here:
See my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!
Discover one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe right here!
