Strasbourg Christmas Market

Visiting the Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France

If Christmas Markets are on your radar, then Strasbourg has certainly shown up on your list. It is called the Capital of Christmas, and I’m not arguing. This over-the-top display of holiday cheer is everywhere you look, done up in je ne sais quoi style.

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My visit to the Strasbourg Christmas Market with my long-suffering travel gal pal was at the later half of a week of market-hopping in Bavaria, Germany. The Strasbourg market was the only place we visited outside of Germany. But, being on the border, there was a great blend of both cultures.

An overview of our complete 6-Day Christmas Market itinerary can be found here.

We traveled from Nuremberg to Strasbourg via train. Easy peasy, but it was a long trip at roughly 4.5 hours station-to-station. Since we had been go-go-go for several days, it was rather nice to be forced to sit comfortably for a while.

While in Strasbourg, we stayed at Hôtel Cour du Corbeau. This boutique hotel will give you Beauty & the Beast vibes from the outside, but wonderful modern conveniences on the inside (hello, USB plug!). Location was always paramount, as we were traveling without a car and needed to be close to the entrance to the market. The Hôtel Cour du Corbeau felt a bit removed from the crowds, yet it was a mere 7 minute walk to Cathédrale Square.

Above photos: Hôtel Cour du Corbeau, Strasbourg

We had a gorgeous, blue sky Sunday in Strasbourg! The market was crowded, so we didn’t do much shopping at the stalls. But, we did make our way around to see it all while admiring the spires of the Cathédrale and stopping to listen to carolers perform.

Above photos: Strasbourg Christmas Market

The Christmas Spirit is swathed over the entire city of Strasbourg. Past the hustle and bustle of the Christkindelsmärik, Rue des Grande Arcades is lined with decorations leading into Place Kléber, a central square lined with shops, cafes, and a few more Christmas Market stalls.

Above photos: Strasbourg Christmas Market

While we still had daylight, we strolled over to La Petit France, a touristy photo spot with half-timbered homes lining the river banks. Located on the western end of Grande Île, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was the corner of fisherman, tanners and millers. Later, a hospital was established here and the residents started referring to the area as “Petit France” – and well, it kinda stuck.

Above photos: Petit France, Strasbourg

On the walk back to Place Kléber, dusk started to reveal the glitteratzi of Christmas lights. The Christmas light displays in Strasbourg were second to none. The whole city was illuminated. A realm of angels light up the intersection of Rue Mercière leading up to Cathedral Square while sheets of white twinkling lights and giant chandeliers canopy other pedestrian walkways and side streets.

Above photos: Lights at Strasbourg Christmas Market

What a gorgeous night! Like everyone will tell you, the pictures can’t do it justice. All I can say is, Strasbourg understood the assignment!

We had the following morning in Strasbourg before our final train to Frankfurt. The weekenders had returned home and the next wave of day trippers had yet to arrive, leaving the streets and shops quiet and perfect for window shopping (ok, not just window shopping). But first, we headed over to visit the inside of the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

Above photos: Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg

We decided to visit in the morning for the benefit of the light coming through the stained glass windows. During the Advent season, the Cathédrale displays an 18-meter nativity, which dates from 1907. Being of the Christian faith, I found so much peace walking the length of the Biblical scenes and the creche. What a lovely time to pause, reflect, and pray.

Above photos: Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg

We spent our remaining time in Strasbourg walking through the shopping neighborhood along Rue des Orfèvres and Rue des Hallebardes. The shops and cafes throughout the city spare no expense with elaborate decorations that you have to see to believe. The decorations are whimsical, cheery, and bright. It is a mecca of decorating inspiration. I couldn’t wait to try out the ideas back home – on a slightly smaller scale:)