Christmas in Strasbourg | European stripes
Strasbourg is one of the most picturesque villages in Europe. When the holidays arrive, the city transforms into a magical wonderland filled with cheerful lights, Christmas music, and delicious food. Strasbourg’s “Christkindelsmärik” is the one everyone should add and mark their to-do list for the Christmas market.
Why Strasbourg is unique
Strasbourg is a charming city located near the Franco-German border in the Alsace region. For a city of its size, two or three markets would suffice, but not for the so-called Capital of Christmas. Strasbourg has 11 markets that extend into the streets of its city. Everywhere you turn, you’ll see kiosks filled with treats, crafts, and hot beverages.
These markets have a long tradition, dating back to 1570. Before that, they were called “Klausenmärik” (St. Nicholas Market), which started in the 12th century. Then the markets were only three days long and for last minute shoppers to buy bread, sweets, candles, trees and gifts. Markets have come a long way. In 2018, there were over 300 stalls offering German and French cuisine, handmade gifts and decorations.
Sites not to be missed
Whether you’re there for a day trip or spending the weekend, there’s so much to see, but you’ll want to make it a priority. The Grand Christmas Tree in Place Kléber is a magnificent site and not hard to miss. Last year’s tree was nearly 100 feet tall! Just to give you an idea, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in New York was only 72 feet tall last year. It took 300 hours of work to prepare the Strasbourg tree and hang the nearly 1,300 twinkling lights and luminous ornaments. Each year there is a new theme for the tree. Last year, it was “Christmas of yesteryear” with decorations inspired by local traditions such as apples, candles and Christmas cookies.
The Nativity Scene Tour is one that both adults and children will want to see. There are dozens of scenes in all kinds of styles. You will see the traditional wooden scenes, the creative scenes and of course, the living nativity scenes. Stalls are spread across markets in shop windows, the Episcopal Palace and Strasbourg Cathedral.
The Promenade des Etoiles at the Docks is visible from the “quay of the boatmen”. You will have a breathtaking view of the lights, the cathedral, the illuminated half-timbered houses and the Palais Rohan. It’s definitely the perfect place to snap photos of the lights and maybe snap a selfie or two.
What to eat and drink
Like all Christmas markets, mulled wines with various flavors will be there. You can order it in German, Glühwein, or in French, “mulled wine”. Children can have a cup of “Kinderpunsch”, the non-alcoholic version.
If you are hungry and cold, the best thing to order is the hearty Alsatian dish served during the holidays, “Sauerkraut”, shredded cabbage, marinated in wine and served with sausages and other charcuterie. This is a dish that will both fill you up and warm you up.
You will also see many stalls selling “Flammekueche”, a favorite of Alsatians. It’s a wood-fired French pizza topped with cream, bacon and onion.
For a snack on something sweet, look for ‘bredele’, bite-sized Christmas cookies with unlimited flavors ranging from citrus and cinnamon to anise. Children will love a “mannele”, a brioche bread in the shape of Saint-Nicolas filled with chocolate or raisins.
You can also grab a paper cone of chestnuts, literally roasted over an open fire.
Fun for kids
Strasbourg has a special Christmas market for children! The Saint Thomas Children’s Village offers arts and crafts activities for the little ones. They can decorate Christmas cookies, make paper stars and Christmas cards. There’s also a play area for children under six, where Pere Noel (Santa Claus) pays regular visits when he takes a break from organizing his naughty and nice list.
On Place Kléber, an ice rink for all ages, with a special area for children to skate.
How to get there
Strasbourg is easily accessible by train from almost anywhere in Germany. This honestly might be the best way to get there as parking can be hard to come by during the Christmas markets.
If you’re driving from Germany, it’s about a two-hour drive from KMC and the Stuttgart area, and a five-hour drive from southern Bavaria. There are park-and-ride car parks that connect to the city’s tram system that can be found here. Your tram ticket is included in the price for parking.
Where to stay
Hotels will be expensive for the markets. The closer to the city center, the higher the price and prices rise closer to December. You can stay near Illkirch-Graffenstaden for half the price. Illkirch-Graffenstaden is only 30 minutes by tram from Strasbourg. Across the river in the German town of Kehl, hotels cost around a third of the price and you can get to Strasbourg in 40 minutes by public transport.
Strasbourg is one of the most magical cities in Europe any day of the year, but at Christmas it truly turns into a fairy tale you won’t see anywhere else. If you can only visit one Christmas market this year, Strasbourg is the place. For more information on dates, events and parking go to the Strasbourg Christmas market website.