Issues to Do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas

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, ample, dare I say, loopy, Christmas decorations on each window, the scent of mulled wine wafting by way of the air, and Christmas music drifts by way 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 once you go to this magical city.

Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024: November twenty seventh by way 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. may simply carry tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply may be one of many prettiest in Europe however Strasbourg takes the cake relating to 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 palms quite a lot of occasions by way of the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has plenty of German affect. Do not be shocked to listen to German being spoken as you cross by way of 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 usually 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 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 simplest ways potential. This metropolis is adorned from road to road 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 by way of December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are a number of markets which are nonetheless open.

After all, there are numerous 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 signify 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 may discover essentially the most well-known is Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie which dates again to 1570 which is likely one of 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 record out all of the markets that happen.

Try the Cathedral

The Cathédral Notre-Dame is likely one of the most grand buildings I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth by way of the seventeenth century it was the tallest constructing on the 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 go up the tower for commanding views of town.

After all, there’s a Christmas market exterior of the cathedral and is likely one of the most historic. You possibly can 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 are providing Christmas ornaments, sheepskins, gloves, heat drinks, and scrumptious meals.

Eat a German – French Fusion

Strasbourg is unquestionably an awesome 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. One in all my favorites is the Flammkucken also called 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 selection of choices and toppings so you will discover one which fits your style. An ideal place to take a look at is L’Ancienne Douane which is well-known for his or her Alsace delicacies.

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. Relating to Christmas timber in Strasbourg they’ve determined that greater is healthier. 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 likely one of the most lovely I’ve ever seen, and annually brings a unique theme.

On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you may see dwell music proper subsequent to the tree. There’s additionally ample buying round and close to the sq., in case you want any Christmas presents. Simply watching the lights illuminate because the sky darkens is the star of the Christmas present in Strasbourg.

Petite France

This is likely 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. After all, throughout Christmas it lights up much more. Stroll by way of the canals to soak up the 14th century towers and amble by way 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 images in Strasbourg.

The most effective elements of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so effectively preserved. After all, 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 may’t assist however really feel romantic.

Christmas Markets At a Look:

Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is essentially the most well-known.

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 called the “Three Kings” Market and is positioned in Petite France.

Place des Meuniers for a smaller market.

See my Christmas market highway journey itinerary right here!

Discover one of the best Christmas Markets in Europe right here!