Welcome to the Christmas capital: Strasbourg. The Christmas markets in Strasbourg, France, are among the oldest in Europe and attract millions of visitors every year for good reason. Twinkling lights, life-size teddy bears, and the scent of mulled wine make it feel as if you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland. Want to celebrate Christmas in Strasbourg? In this travel guide, you’ll find everything you need to know: the dates of the Strasbourg Christmas market, the best stalls, how to get there, and what to do and eat!
How to visit Strasbourg in France
Strasbourg is located in the Alsace region in northeastern France, on the border with Germany. Thanks to its location, Strasbourg is easily accessible from major cities in France and Germany. A popular way to visit Strasbourg is by train. From Paris, you can take the TGV (high-speed train), which will get you to Strasbourg in less than three hours. You can also take a direct train from German cities such as Stuttgart and Karlsruhe, as well as from Basel, Switzerland, or take the Flixbus.
Another way to visit Strasbourg is by car. There are plenty of Park & Ride facilities around Strasbourg where you can park your car at an affordable rate. From there, you can take the tram to the city center. The advantage of traveling to Strasbourg by car is that you can also visit other Christmas markets in the area. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find the Christmas markets in Colmar, Eguisheim, and Riquewihr. It’s the perfect way to turn it into a unforgettable Christmas market road trip!
How to get Around in Strasbourg
The historic center of Strasbourg isn’t very large. That’s why it’s easy to get around on foot, since all the Christmas markets are within walking distance of each other. For longer distances in Strasbourg, especially if you’re staying outside the city center, you can rely on the city’s extensive bus and tram network.
Strasbourg Christmas Market Hours
The Strasbourg Christmas Market takes place annually from November through December.
- Strasbourg Christmas Market Dates for 2026: November 26 through December 24, 2026
- Monday through Thursday: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- December 24: 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The Christmas stalls and markets in Strasbourg are all outdoors. From November through December, temperatures in Strasbourg range from 5°C to 10°C, so be sure to dress warmly!
Best things to do at the Strasbourg Christmas market
There are a total of 13 Christmas markets in Strasbourg, spread throughout the city with more than 300 stalls. Some Christmas markets are so close together that it seems as if they form a single Christmas market. Below, we list the main Christmas markets that are definitely worth a visit.
1) Place de la Cathédrale & Place du Château
The Christmas market on the Place de la Cathédrale is located at the foot of the imposing Our Lady Cathedral in Strasbourg. At 142 meters, the cathedral has one of the tallest church towers in the world. You can visit the cathedral for free and climb the tower for €5, where you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of Strasbourg. The grandeur of this Gothic cathedral contrasts beautifully with the many wooden chalets adorned with twinkling lights all around, giving the square a magical atmosphere. Here you’ll also find Le Grand Carrousel, a traditional carousel that has been in operation since 1900. This photogenic carousel is a treat for young and old alike!
Strasbourg Cathedral hours: Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and 12:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. – Sundays and holidays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
2) Christkindelsmärik at Place Broglie
The Christkindelsmärik has been held since 1570, making it the oldest Christmas market in France and one of the oldest in Europe! With more than 100 stalls, it is also the largest Christmas market in Strasbourg. Here you’ll find the famous Christkindelsmärik arch, countless food stalls serving Alsatian dishes such as choucroute and munstiflette, and many stalls selling Christmas decorations.
3) Place Kléber & Le Grand Sapin
Place Kléber is located in the heart of Strasbourg and is dominated by the Grand Sapin. This gigantic Christmas tree is the symbol of the Strasbourg Christmas markets and is one of the largest decorated Christmas trees in Europe. The Christmas tree, which is at least 30 meters tall, is carefully selected each year and decorated according to a specific theme. At the base of the tree, you’ll find beautiful decorations where you can take great photos. The Christmas market is already very festive during the day, but be sure to visit it after dark when the Christmas decorations really come alive!
Every day, between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., the Grand Sapin comes to life with a light show. The Christmas tree seems to dance to the music, adorned with stars, lights, and garlands in every color. Surrounding the giant Christmas tree, you’ll find the Village du Partage. This “village of sharing” is all about solidarity, and you’ll find various stalls there where you can support charitable organizations. If you’re looking for a meaningful gift or want to support a good cause, you’ve come to the right place.
4) Carré d’Or Market
The Carré d’Or Market isn’t really a Christmas market, but rather a few streets around the cathedral that are beautifully decorated. The stores transform their windows into true works of art, and the streets themselves are beautifully decorated with lots of Christmas garlands, stars, and teddy bears. Walking through these streets really feels a bit like walking through a fairy tale, especially after dark.
5) Petit France
You can’t come to Strasbourg without visiting Petit France. This historic part of Strasbourg, with its medieval streets and half-timbered houses, is rightfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Petit France neighborhood is a delight to stroll through, with its canals and many cozy restaurants. During the Christmas season, you’ll also find a small Christmas market here at Place Benjamin Zix and Place Saint-Thomas, and all the houses are beautifully decorated.
6) Dock of Delights at Place du Marché Aux Poissons
The “Dock of Delights” Christmas market takes its name from the many delicacies you can sample here on one of the banks of the Rhine as it winds through Strasbourg. There, you’ll find the terrace of the Palais Rohan, where you can taste local wines from the Alsace region. If you walk a little further, you’ll arrive at Place du Marché Aux Poissons, where you can sample various dishes, such as traditional Bredele, Christmas cookies from Alsace. Are you a true foodie? Then this is the Christmas market for you!
7) Other Christmas markets in Strasbourg
The Christmas markets listed above are the most popular and most beautiful ones to visit in Strasbourg. But if you can’t get enough of them, be sure to check out the smaller and more unique Christmas markets that Strasbourg has to offer:
- Teddy Bear House: This isn’t really a Christmas market, but it is one of the most popular attractions in Strasbourg during the Christmas season. The facade of the Le Tire-Bouchon Restaurant is adorned with several giant teddy bears, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Strasbourg. You’ll find teddy bears on various buildings throughout Strasbourg, but this is undoubtedly the most iconic facade.
- The OFF Market: The OFF Christmas Market is a little different. Instead of wooden chalets, you’ll find recycled shipping containers where you can buy secondhand clothing, vintage furniture, books, and all kinds of eco-friendly items. Want to shop sustainably? Then head to Place Grimmeisen, where you’ll find the OFF Market.
- Place du Temple Neuf: A smaller but cozy Christmas market near Place Kléber, perfect if you want to get away from the crowds for a bit.
What to eat and drink at the Strasbourg Christmas market
The food and drinks at the Strasbourg Christmas market appeal to us just as much as the beautiful decorations. When you stroll through the city, you’re truly on a culinary journey, going from one local delicacy to the next. Here are a few dishes you absolutely must try at the Strasbourg Christmas market:
- Choucroute: The pride of the Alsace region. Choucroute is the French version of sauerkraut mixed with sausage and bacon, and it is served hot.
- Tarte flambée: A type of pizza, but much thinner, topped with crème fraîche, bacon bits, and onion. Another name for this dish is Flammkuchen.
- Munstiflette: This was our favorite dish! Munstiflette is a tartiflette (potatoes with cream and bacon) but made with Munster cheese, which is typical of the Alsace region.
- Spätzle: This is true comfort food, consisting of soft egg noodles topped with a creamy sauce.
- Alsatian sausage: Also known as “Saucisse d’Alsace,” the Alsatian sausage is a juicy bratwurst served in a baguette with ketchup or mustard.
- Bredele: These traditional Christmas cookies from Alsace are the perfect little dessert after all those savory dishes, and they come in various shapes and sizes.
- Vin chaud: The most classic drink at any Christmas market. This is mulled wine (glühwein) with spices such as cinnamon, star anise, and cloves, and in Strasbourg you’ll find both white and red vin chaud.
DID YOU KNOW: Strasbourg was once part of Germany. That’s why you’ll find many names that refer to both French and German, such as Tarte Flambée and Flammkuchen, or Strasbourg and Straatsburg.
Where to stay in Strasbourg, France
The Christmas season is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Strasbourg. As a result, accommodations often fill up quickly, or prices rise sharply. That’s why we recommend booking your accommodations well in advance. Stay in the historic center of Strasbourg so you’re right in the middle of the Christmas festivities! Here are some great hotels near the Strasbourg Christmas market:
- Budget (€): Ibis Strasbourg Centre Gare
- Comfort (€€): Hotel Gutenberg
- Luxury (€€€): Hotel Les Haras
Best time to visit the Strasbourg Christmas Market
The best time to visit Strasbourg, France, for the Christmas markets and festivities is from late November through late December. That’s when the main Christmas markets are open, all the Christmas lights are on, and there’s that cozy Christmas atmosphere. The Strasbourg Christmas market runs from November 26 through December 24, 2026. So be sure to be in Strasbourg during this time! Try to avoid the weekends, though, because it can get incredibly crowded in the Capital of Christmas.
Do you have any questions about what to do at the Strasbourg Christmas market? Let us know in the comments below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Don’t hesitate to contact us or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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