Christmas is our favorite holiday and, after summer, also our most beloved time of the year. One of our favorite things about Christmas is undoubtedly the beautiful Christmas markets. They bring us so much joy, happiness, and Christmas spirit that we can’t imagine going a year without experiencing them. Especially for Dominika (who comes from Slovakia, where Christmas markets are very popular), it’s been a cherished tradition since childhood.
We decided to visit one of the oldest and most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe—Strasbourg, also known as the capital of Christmas. Dating back to 1570, it boasts a nearly 500-year-old tradition. Although Christmas markets are not a typical French tradition, the Alsace region, located near the border with Germany (and having once been part of Germany), reflects influences from both countries, particularly in its culture, cuisine, and architecture.
Around 2 million people visit these incredibly charming markets every year. Kilometres of fairy lights, more than 300 wooden stalls, where you can buy mulled wine, traditional food, delicious sweets, wooden figurines, delicate porcelain, Christmas decorations, handmade toys, jewellery and many other handcrafted pieces.
Strasbourg boasts a total of 11 Christmas markets spread across the old town (Grande Île). To reach the markets you have to enter through one of the security checkpoints, where they search your belongings as an anti terrorism measure.
Some of the largest and most popular markets are held at the main squares: Place Broglie (home to landmarks such as the Opera House, City Hall, Governor’s Palace, and Prefect’s Palace), Place Kléber (featuring the giant Christmas tree and an ice-skating rink), and Place de la Cathédrale (dominated by the stunning Cathédrale Notre-Dame with its historical astronomical clock). Other notable markets include those at Place Gutenberg and Place du Château (famous for half-timbered houses adorned with teddy bears). Additionally, smaller but charming markets can be found at Place du Marché aux Poissons, Place du Temple Neuf, Place Saint Thomas, Place des Meuniers, Place Benjamin-Zix, and Place Grimmeissen.
GASTRONOMY
Strasbourg’s cuisine and gastronomy reflect its unique blend of French and German influences. The Christmas markets are a feast for the senses, with delicious aromas, an array of Alsatian specialties and festive flavours that perfectly complement the holiday spirit. A few things you can’t miss on trying:
Tarte flambée – this is one of the most famous dishes in Strasbourg. It is kind of a flatbread/pizza base with sour cream, bacon and onion
Spätzle – dense pasta made with fresh eggs (typical also for Germany, Austria and Switzerland) with munster cheese, ham or lardons
Choucroute garnie – a dish made of sausage, sour cabbage, potatoes and cuts of pork
Bredele – traditional Alsatian Christmas cookies, baked in various shapes and flavours such as almond, cinnamon, and jam-filled varieties
Pain d’épices – spiced gingerbread made with honey, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Vin Chaud – or mulled wine, is a warm and fragrant drink made by simmering red wine with spices like cinnamon, star anise, and orange peel
Kougelhopf – a kind of pastry (similar to brioche) with dried fruit and almonds
Bretzel – same thing as German pretzels (again, the influence of Germany). It is a kind of savoury pastry snack
To be honest, we weren’t the biggest fans of Alsatian cuisine overall. Instead, we found that eating at the Christmas markets was a better option for us. The markets offer a wide variety of food, so there’s something for everyone’s taste. Plus, you can try different small, shareable dishes, which is a great way to sample more options. It’s also the most budget-friendly way to eat while enjoying the festive atmosphere.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
La Petite France
Our favorite part of Strasbourg, aside from the Christmas markets, was the historic quarter of “La Petite France”. This picturesque neighborhood, with its beautiful half-timbered houses set along the River Ill, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. To delve deeper into the history of Strasbourg and the Alsace region, consider visiting the Musée Historique de Strasbourg. Don’t miss a stroll across the stunning Ponts Couverts, a series of three bridges and four towers originally built as defensive structures. La Petite France is also brimming with charming shops, bars, cafés, and restaurants, making it the perfect spot to warm up with a cozy cup of hot chocolate or tea after a day of exploring.
Guided Walking Tour
A guided walking tour in Strasbourg is one of the best ways to explore the city’s rich history and stunning architecture. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours take you through iconic landmarks such as the Cathédrale Notre-Dame, the picturesque La Petite France district, and the charming squares of the old town. You’ll learn about Strasbourg’s unique blend of French and German influences, its role as the seat of European institutions, and fascinating stories behind its UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s an engaging and insightful way to experience the city’s cultural and historical essence.
Colmar
We had planned to visit the Christmas markets in Colmar as well, but due to a public transport strike, we couldn’t take the train there. However, we highly recommend visiting Colmar too, as we’ve heard it’s incredibly beautiful and magical. We’re definitely planning to go there another time!
Here are the tours that take you to visit Colmar and other beautiful places in the Alsace region
ACCOMMODATION
Strasbourg is a popular destination during this time of year, making it the most expensive season to visit. We highly recommend booking your accommodation well in advance. The most affordable option we found last minute was €120 per night. Since all the Christmas markets are located in the old town (Grande Île), staying in a hotel within this area is ideal if your budget permits, as it offers maximum convenience. However, if staying in the old town isn’t feasible, there’s no need to worry—Strasbourg has excellent public transportation. As long as your accommodation is near a tram or bus stop, getting around the city will be easy.
Luxury Hotels in Strasbourg:
- Hotel & Spa Régent Petite France – Located in the heart of the picturesque Petite France district, this 5-star hotel offers elegant rooms with a spa, indoor pool, and stunning views of the canals.
- Hôtel & Spa Le Bouclier d’Or – A luxurious 5-star hotel situated in a 16th-century building, offering contemporary rooms with a traditional Alsace flair, plus a wellness centre and a central location.
- Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection – A stylish 5-star property near Place Kléber, blending modern amenities with classic Alsatian charm, featuring a gourmet restaurant and a sophisticated atmosphere.
- Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile – This elegant 5-star hotel offers a blend of French refinement and modern comfort, with a renowned restaurant, luxurious rooms, and prime location near Strasbourg’s main attractions.
- Hotel Cour du Corbeau Strasbourg – A beautifully restored 16th-century mansion, this luxury hotel combines historic charm with modern luxury, offering a high-end experience in the city center.
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Boutique Hotels in Strasbourg:
- Hotel Les Haras – Set in a former royal stables, this chic boutique hotel offers a blend of contemporary design and historic architecture, with a cozy vibe and a great restaurant.
- Hotel Beaucour – A boutique hotel with a modern and intimate atmosphere, offering a combination of contemporary design and Alsatian charm, located near Strasbourg Cathedral.
- Best Western Plus Hotel Villa D’Est – A charming and elegant boutique hotel offering modern rooms, a beautiful garden, and a peaceful location just outside the city center.
- Le Kléber Hôtel – A cozy and intimate boutique hotel with a contemporary design, located near Strasbourg’s central square and offering comfortable rooms and attentive service.
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Budget Hotels in Strasbourg
- Hôtel F1 Strasbourg Sud La Vigie – A budget-friendly hotel offering basic accommodations located just outside the city centre and with easy access to public transport.
- B&B Hotel Strasbourg Sud Geispolsheim – This affordable option offers basic rooms with modern amenities, located a short drive from the city centre
- Ibis Budget Strasbourg La Vigie – A budget-friendly chain hotel offering simple rooms with essential amenities. It’s located a little outside the city centre but is well-connected by public transport
- Auberge de Jeunesse HI Strasbourg – If you’re traveling on an even tighter budget, this youth hostel offers affordable dormitory-style accommodation as well as private rooms and it’s well located near the centre.
TRANSPORTATION
Strasbourg is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. The city is well-connected by train, with the Strasbourg train station offering direct connections to major French cities and neighboring countries like Germany and Switzerland. The nearest airport is Strasbourg International Airport (SXB), just 10 km from the city center, offering both domestic and international flights. Alternatively, the larger airports of Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (around 130 km away) and Frankfurt Airport (about 200 km away) are also good options, with shuttle services and trains connecting them to Strasbourg. Public transportation within the city is efficient, with trams, buses, and bike rentals available for easy navigation. You can book your bus/train tickets online at 12go. If you would like to explore more of the Alsace region at your own pace, it is a good idea to rent a car. You can book a car online at RentalCars.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The Strasbourg Christmas markets are open from 27 November from 2:00 PM to 27 December until 9:00 PM.
During the festive period, Christmas markets remain open with some adaptations due to public holidays in Alsace
Christmas markets opening hours for the period 24-27.December:
- Tuesday 24 December: 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Wednesday 25 December: 11:30 AM to 6:00 PM*
- Thursday 26 December: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM*
- Friday 27 December: 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM
*Note: As Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 December are public holidays in Alsace, some stalls may be closed, with opening left to the discretion of the vendors.
Exceptional Closures
- OFF Market (Place Grimmeissen) closes on 24 December at 6:00 PM.
- Advent Village and the Market of the Irreducible Small Producers of Alsace, Square Louise Weiss are closed on 25 December.
- Sharing Village (Place Kléber) is closed on 25 and 26 December.
CURRENCY
France uses the Euro (€) as its official currency.
1 USD = 0,98 EUR
1 GBP = 1,19 EUR
We recommend you to carry cash with you everywhere, as you won’t always be able to pay with card.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend to book a travel insurance for every trip as you never know what could happen. It’s not easy to deal with any kind of problems when you are abroad, so it’s definitely worth it to be covered and travel with peace of mind.
We use IATI travel insurance and you can book yours through our link and receive 5% discount.
BOOK HERE IF YOU ARE FROM THE EU
BOOK HERE IF YOU ARE FROM OUTSIDE THE EU (REST OF THE WORLD)
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We hope this blog post was helpful to you and you are gonna have a great time while exploring Strasbourg. For more pictures and videos check out our IG story highlight (Strasbourg) and our reels/feed posts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to comment bellow or contact us via email or even better via Instagram @borntotraveldiaries. Thank you for your time and stay tuned for our next diary page 🙂.
