Issues to Do in Strasbourg, France at Christmas

Strasbourg at Christmas time appears to be like 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 the air, and Christmas music drifts by the picturesque city.

I’ve created a information of issues to do Strasbourg at Christmas in addition to a information to the Christmas Markets if you go to this magical city.

Strasbourg Christmas Market 2024: November twenty seventh by 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 convey tears to your eyes. The Alsace space of France simply could 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 crucial memorable and magical ones ever.

Strasbourg is on the border of France and Germany and honestly, its switched fingers quite a lot of instances by the years. Although it is now a French metropolis, it nonetheless has a lot of German affect. Do not be stunned to listen to German being spoken as you move by 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 the most effective Christmas markets in Europe right here!

Christmas Markets

The usually are 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 avenue to avenue 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 sometimes 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 December twenty seventh, 2024. After Christmas there are a couple of markets which can be nonetheless open.

In fact, there are a lot 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 street journey itinerary right here!

In whole, there are over 300 stalls all through the town so that you’re certain to seek out one as you stroll alongside. On the backside of this put up, I record out all of the markets that happen.

Take a look at the Cathedral

The Cathédral Notre-Dame is among the most grand constructions I’ve ever seen. From the fifteenth by 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 among the finest representations of Gothic artwork. Head inside to see the gorgeous construction up shut and take a look at the astronomical clock. Remember to go up the tower for commanding views of the town.

In fact, there’s a Christmas market exterior of the cathedral and is among the most historic. You’ll be able to 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 excellent place to be for gastronomic functions. There are two eating places that even have three Michelin stars (Au Crocodile and Buerehiesel). In fact, with all this mixture of German and French affect it produced some very tasty meals. One in every of my favorites is the Flammkucken often known 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 selection of choices and toppings so yow 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 bushes that instills a childlike surprise 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 bushes in Strasbourg they’ve determined that larger 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. Positioned at Place Kléber it is among the most stunning I’ve ever seen, and annually brings a unique theme.

On the weekend nights and nearer to Christmas you’ll be able to see stay music proper subsequent to the tree. There’s additionally ample procuring 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 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. In fact, throughout Christmas it lights up much more. Stroll by the canals to absorb the 14th century towers and amble by the cobblestone streets for conventional eating places and outlets. Remember to cease and take an image at Quartier des Tanneurs, among the finest place for images in Strasbourg.

Probably the greatest elements of strolling round Petite France is the truth that it is so nicely preserved. In fact, 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’ll be able to’t assist however really feel romantic.

Christmas Markets At a Look:

Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie is probably 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 – Exterior of the Palace Rohan and recognized for Christmas treats.

Place Benjamin-Zix often known as the “Three Kings” Market and is positioned in Petite France.

Place des Meuniers for a smaller market.

See my Christmas market street journey itinerary right here!

Discover the most effective Christmas Markets in Europe right here!