Strasbourg at Christmas time seems 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, considerable, dare I say, loopy, Christmas decorations on each window, the scent of mulled wine wafting by means of the air, and Christmas music drifts by means of 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 by means of December twenty seventh, 2024.
They do not name it the Capital de Noël (The Capital of Christmas) for no motive. Christmas markets in Strasbourg are world well-known, and the gargantuan Christmas tree within the city sq. would possibly simply deliver tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply is likely to be one of many prettiest in Europe however Strasbourg takes the cake in terms of Christmas. I’ve put collectively a listing of issues to do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas that can make it one of the memorable and magical ones ever.
Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and in truth, its switched arms quite a few instances by means of the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has a lot of German affect. Do not be shocked to listen to German being spoken as you move by means of the Christmas stalls. Attending to Strasbourg is simple because it has the second largest railway station simply after Paris. You can even fly into the Karlsruhe, Germany airport which is about 45 minutes away . I usually drive or take the bus from my city of Heidelberg, Germany, solely about an hour away.
See my picks for the very best Christmas markets in Europe right here!
Christmas Markets
The should 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 best ways attainable. This metropolis is adorned from road to road with lights, wreaths, and ornaments. It is simple 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 by means of December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are a couple of markets which can be nonetheless open.
After all, there are lots of Christmas markets world wide, and significantly in Germany, however the Strasbourg Christmas market appears to have an additional twinkle in its eye. The markets signify a time of the previous, with households coming collectively to have fun, 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 may discover probably the most well-known is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates again to 1570 which is among the oldest markets in Europe.
See my full Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!
In complete, there are over 300 stalls all through town so that you’re sure to seek out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this publish, I checklist out all of the markets that happen.
Try the Cathedral
The Cathédral Notre-Dame is among the most grand constructions I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth by means of the seventeenth century it was the tallest constructing on this planet. Holding on to that rating for that time frame means it was an architectural mastery and the most effective representations of Gothic artwork. Head inside to see the gorgeous construction up shut and take a look at the astronomical clock. Do not forget to move up the tower for commanding views of town.
After all, there’s a Christmas market outdoors of the cathedral and is among the most historic. You may sip on mulled wine because the bells of the cathedral sometimes ring. Right here there are over 100 chalets (these are stalls or cubicles) which can be providing Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, heat drinks, and scrumptious meals.
Eat a German – French Fusion
Strasbourg is unquestionably an incredible place to be for gastronomic functions. There are two eating places that even have three Michelin stars (Au Crocodile and Buerehiesel). After all, with all this mixture of German and French affect it produced some very tasty meals. Considered one of my favorites is the Flammkucken also referred to as tarte flambée. It is a very skinny pizza topped with creme fraiche, delicately sliced onions, and ham.
The intoxicating scent of the scorching onions will tempt anybody to attempt it. There are a number of choices and toppings so you’ll find one which fits your style. A fantastic 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 hold you comfortable and are sturdy sufficient to put on within the snow
🧦 Wool Socks– hold your toes heat and dry
🧤 Cellphone Suitable gloves – These work so you may nonetheless take footage of the Christmas lights!
🧳 Baggage – That is my go-to carry-on!
🔌 Common Adapter – Finest for nation hopping
👜 Crossbody Bag – One of the best for retaining you arms free and your stuff secure
☃️ Beanie – A should for retaining 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 checklist 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 at all times fills me with pleasure. With regards to Christmas timber in Strasbourg they’ve determined that larger 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 among the most lovely I’ve ever seen, and annually brings a unique theme.
On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you may see stay 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 among 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. After all, throughout Christmas it lights up much more. Stroll by means of the canals to soak up the 14th century towers and amble by means of the cobblestone streets for conventional eating places and retailers. Do not forget to cease and take an image at Quartier des Tanneurs, the most effective place for photographs in Strasbourg.
Top-of-the-line components of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so nicely preserved. After all, you may additionally discover a Christmas market held right here. You really really feel such as you’re strolling again in time. Because the bridges illuminate and glow above the water you may’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 identified for Christmas treats.
Place Benjamin-Zix also referred to as the “Three Kings” Market and is situated 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 take a look at this calendar.
The place to remain in Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a comparatively small metropolis, so you may’t actually go fallacious with right here you keep. Nonetheless, I recommend staying within the Grande Île, town’s historic heart. Right here, all of the Christmas markets are inside strolling distance. I recommend Resort Gutenburg – extraordinarily good evaluations and a good value!
Try much more motels right here:
See my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!
Discover the very best Christmas Markets in Europe right here!
