Strasbourg Christmas Market

Visiting the Christmas Market in Strasbourg, France

If you are planning a trip to the European Christmas Markets, then Strasbourg has certainly shown up on your radar. It is called the Capital of Christmas, and the claim seems legit. The Alsace region is well-known for over-the-top displays of holiday cheer, and Strasbourg has led the way since 1570.

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Our visit to the Strasbourg Christmas Market was one of the stops during a week of market-hopping in Germany. The Strasbourg market was the only place we visited outside of Germany for this particular itinerary. But, being on the border, it was reasonable to include it with other markets in Bavaria.

A couple years after we made this trip, we returned to Alsace for the Colmar and Ribeauville markets. Given the proximity, it would also make sense to include Strasbourg in an itinerary for Alsace, especially if coming from Paris.

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

We were in Strasbourg for 1-night, and it was sufficient to see the highlights and explore the Christmas Market. If you have time so stay longer, there are some wonderful museums here and great day trips out to the Alsace wine region.

• Where we stayed
• Top things to see in Strasbourg
• The Strasbourg Christmas Market
• Other Tips & Information

Where we stayed

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

Check rates & availability for Hôtel Cour du Corbeau below:

I also recommend the Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel and Spa located next to Kléber Square. The is the best hotel in the heart of Old Town. The popularity of the Strasbourg Christmas Market means that accommodations will fill up! Book well in advance. There is a concentration of hotel properties close to the train station that are still only a short walk into Old Town – and convenient if you will be taking day trips via rail.

Check rates & availability for other Hotels in Strasbourg below:

Top things to see in Strasbourg

If your time in Strasbourg is limited, I would recommend prioritizing a walk over to La Petite France and seeing the inside of the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. En route to these places, you’ll inevitably walk up and down the decorated streets and find yourself seeing many of the city’s public squares and historical buildings.

• Palais Rohan
• Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg
• Place du Château
• Place Gutenberg
• La Petite France
• Strasbourg Covered Bridges
• Barrage Vauban
• Place Kléber

La Petite France

After our arrival in Strasbourg and first pass through the Christmas Market, we made our way 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 “Petite France” – and well, it kinda stuck.

Above photos: La Petit France

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg

We decided to visit the inside of Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg in the morning on our second day 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

The Strasbourg Christmas Market

The main Christmas market in Strasbourg is Chrìstkìndelsmärik, which takes place around the Cathedral and in Place du Château, Place Kléber, and numerous other squares in the historic center of the city.

We had a gorgeous, blue sky Sunday for our visit. The market was crowded, and you should expect the same. Wednesdays through the weekends are always busier. So, if you would like a more peaceful atmosphere, it is best to come on a Monday or Tuesday.

If you don’t mind the busier periods, you’ll better your chances of catching one of the many live street performances. Local choral groups, instrumental ensembles, and craft demonstrations are part of the annual schedule.

Above photos: Christkindelsmärik Arch

Walking Route Tip: Start out at the Alsatian Museum and cross over Pont du Corbeau. Stop under the Christkindelsmärik Arch for a photo before making your way to Place du Château and the Cathedral forecourt. When you are ready, follow Rue des Grandes Arcades to Place Kléber. From Place Kleber, head over to La Petite France and Place Benjamin Zix 14 for some wonderful stalls.

Above photos: Strasbourg Christmas Market in Cathedral Square

Grand Sapin in Place Kléber

The Christmas spirit is swathed over the entire city of Strasbourg. Past the congested area around the cathedral, Rue des Grande Arcades is lined with decorations leading into Place Kléber, a central square lined with shops, cafes, more market stalls, and the Grand Sapin (The Great Christmas Tree).

Above photos: Grand Sapin, Place Kléber

Christmas in La Petite France

La Petite France is utterly charming in any season, but is especially unforgettable when it is transformed with holiday lights and decorations. It can get a little busy here, but the crowds come and go in waves. Consider walking down to Place Benjamin Zix where there are some really wonderful stalls with home goods, candles, and herbal teas.

There are also couple restaurants in La Petite France where you can enjoy authentic Altasian food while soaking up all that festive atmosphere canal-side, the best of which is La Maison des Tanneurs. This iconic restaurant is located in a 16th-century half-timbered house that was once used for the tanning industry. You’ll want to call ahead for reservations.

Above photos: Christmas lights in Le Petit France

Christmas Lights

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.

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!

Above photo: Place Kléber

Above photos: Lights at Strasbourg Christmas Market

Christmas Around Strasbourg

We had a morning 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 browsing the shops 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:)

Above photos: Christmas around Strasbourg

More Tips & Info

Tours

There is so much more to see and do in Strasbourg. If you are staying for a couple days, consider a walking tour or a private guide to show you around or arrange for a private daytrip out to the other towns in Alsace!

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